The 15 Best Things To Do In York, England

The 15 Best Things To Do In York, England

1. Visit the York Minster

The York Minster is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Dating back over 1,000 years, this iconic cathedral has played an important role in Christianity throughout the years, especially in northern England.

Although many people come to the York Minster for worship and prayer, it’s also a popular tourist attraction. Inside, you can appreciate the building’s medieval architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.

As well as visiting the cathedral itself, you can also head up the central tower. From the top, you’ll get panoramic city views as this tower is the highest point in York. Beneath the cathedral, you’ll find the Undercroft Museum, which showcases the cathedral’s connection to Viking York.

You can visit the York Minster independently or head on this historical walking tour. Your guide will teach you all about the cathedral’s history, from when it was founded up to the present day.

2. Explore the Shambles

Visiting the Shambles is one of the best things to do in York. This medieval street is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, with a history dating back over 900 years. Known for its cobbled streets and overhanging buildings, it’s one of the most well-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe.

As you wander down the Shambles, you may be reminded of a certain location from Harry Potter – Yep, it’s believed that this street was the inspiration for Diagon Alley! Naturally, you’ll find ‘The Shop That Must Not Be Named’ here, which is certainly worth a visit for Harry Potter fans.

Other must-visit stores include The York Ghost Merchants, The Potions Cauldron, Monk Bar Chocolatiers, and The Society of Alchemists.

We chose to get up early and explore the Shambles independently, as it can get really busy during the afternoon. Alternatively, you can hop on this character-led walking tour, where you’ll listen to spooky stories and historical tales as you explore.

3. Walk the City Walls

The York City Walls (also known as the ‘Bar Walls’) surround the city’s historic centre. Dating back to the 13th century, these walls encircle the city and offer an elevated view of York!

The York City Walls comprise 2 miles (3.4 km) in total, making them the most complete in all of England. If you choose to walk the entire route, which we’d highly recommend, the walk will take approximately two hours. However, there are plenty of fantastic viewpoints along the way too, so you won’t want to rush.

Walking the City Walls is one of the best things to do in York for free! To avoid the crowds, we’d recommend getting up early. Typically, the City Walls are open from 8 am and tend to close at dusk (this will change depending on the time of year).

Just be aware that the walls are sometimes closed in the winter due to ice, snow, and strong winds.

4. Visit Jorvik Viking Centre

There are so many incredible York attractions to visit, but the Jorvik Viking Centre is by far one of our favourites. It’s located above the Viking-age city of Jorvik, which was discovered in 1976 by archaeologists.

The Jorvik Viking Centre was built directly upon the excavation site, allowing people the chance to experience the city during the 10th century. You’ll hop on an immersive ride, which will take you through Viking-age York, where you’ll get to enjoy historic smells, sounds, and sights, as they would have been back then.

There are also state-of-the-art galleries which boast 1,000-year-old Viking artefacts, ranging from earrings and coins to shoes and even fossilised poo!

Opening hours for the Jorvik Viking Centre vary depending on the time of year. Typically, the centre is open from 9 am/10 am – 5 pm, and you need to pre-book to ensure you get a place.

5. Grab some street food at SPARK

SPARK is one of the best places in York for foodies. This independent food market is located just a 2-minute walk from the Jorvik Viking Centre and boasts some incredible food vendors and bars.

At SPARK, you can enjoy a variety of cuisines, ranging from Arabian and Indian dishes to delicious wood-fired pizzas and authentic Greek food. If you’re after good old comfort food, then we’d highly recommend Clucking Oinks. This place serves the most delicious buttermilk fried chicken burgers!

On-site, there are cocktail bars and a craft beer/natural wine bar where you can enjoy a few drinks. Events are also held in this market throughout the year, including vintage sales, art markets, and open-air cinemas.

SPARK is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 10:30 pm/11 pm (9 pm on Sundays). From 9 am, there’s a coffee and breakfast menu, while the main menu is served from 12 pm.

6. Go on a ghost tour

In our opinion, York is a fantastic city to visit during the spooky season. You’ll find plenty of Halloween-themed events throughout October, but there are also some fantastic ghost tours on offer throughout the year.

We opted for the ‘Original Ghost Walk of York‘ and had a fantastic time. This walking tour was established in 1973 (over 50 years ago) and runs every night from 8 pm at the King’s Arms Pub.

The tour lasts for approximately 75-90 minutes, and you don’t need to pre-book, which is always a bonus. As you wander through the city at night, you’ll learn all about York’s gruesome and haunted history.

Alternatively, you can opt for this Deathly Dark Tour of York, which is another popular option. If you fancy something a bit different, there’s the York Ghost Bus Tour, where your spooky conductor will take you on a theatrical sightseeing tour of the city.

7. Visit the National Railway Museum

Visiting the National Railway Museum is another of the best things to do in York. This iconic museum is home to thousands of railway-related objects, including iconic steam locomotives and other rail vehicles!

Inside the National Railway Museum, you’ll find the fastest steam locomotive in the world (Mallard). During your visit, you can also hop inside a Japanese bullet train from the 1970s. You’ll find plenty of other rail vehicles in this museum too, each with a story of its own, so it’s the perfect place to visit for train spotters.

Although the Flying Scotsman is no longer based here (as it’s now been restored and returned to the tracks), there’s an incredible exhibition where you can learn all about this famous locomotive.

The National Railway Museum is open 7 days a week, from 10 am to 5 pm. Better yet, this museum is also free to visit, so it’s perfect for those on a budget.

8. Appreciate York’s Harry Potter scene

We are HUGE Harry Potter fans, which is one of the many reasons we fell in love with York.

The Shambles should be your first port of call, as you’ll feel like you’re wandering down Diagon Alley. Naturally, you should visit ‘The Shop That Must Not Be Named‘. This independent gift shop sells a variety of Harry Potter merchandise, ranging from clothing and books to collectables and sweets.

While visiting the Shambles, you can even brew an elixir at The Potion’s Cauldron. Afterwards, head to York Railway Station, which was a filming location in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. If you have time, you can even head out of York to visit Malham Cove and Goathland Station – other Harry Potter filming locations.

There’s also this Harry Potter walking tour, where you’ll learn all about the wizarding world as well as York’s history. As you explore the city, you’ll visit filming locations, play quizzes, and even get sorted into your Hogwarts house!

9. Have fun at the York Dungeon

Visiting the York Dungeon is one of the best things to do in York, UK. This spooky attraction covers 2000 years of the city’s history, through special effects, theatrical actors, and historic scenes.

As you wander around the York Dungeon, you’ll meet iconic characters including Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin. Live theatrical shows include the ‘Vengeance of the Vikings’, ‘The Plague Doctor’, and the ‘Torture Chamber’.

Expect plenty of loud noises, jump scares, flashing lights, and dark places as you take in the city’s history. You’ll also experience water springs, air blasts, and pungent smells for the full experience!

To secure your spot, it’s best to purchase an admission ticket in advance. The York Dungeon is open every day, typically between 11 am and 4 pm (although opening hours are often longer on the weekends). Just be aware that children under 5 aren’t permitted, and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

10. Head to York’s Chocolate Story

There are so many awesome places to go in York – especially for food lovers. Going on a guided tour of York’s Chocolate Story is one of the best things to do for those with a sweet tooth!

On this guided tour, you’ll discover the origins of chocolate and find out how cocoa is transformed from bean to bar. You’ll also learn about some of York’s most famous chocolate brands. In addition, you’ll learn how to taste chocolate like an expert, so get ready to sample some sweet treats.

After the tour, you can buy delicious sweet treats from the on-site shop. There’s even a cafe where you can purchase a variety of tasty treats, as well as hot and cold drinks (including the city’s finest hot chocolate).

York’s Chocolate Story is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, although opening hours are occasionally extended during peak periods and holidays.

11. Enjoy York’s food scene

York has an extremely diverse food scene, where you can enjoy everything from authentic street food to fine dining. There’s an abundance of bars, cafes, and restaurants to choose from, as well as some fantastic food markets, so you’ll have plenty of options.

Zaap Thai is one of our favourite spots in York. This quirky restaurant makes you feel like you’re right back in Southeast Asia, with its funky decor and delicious street food. Tricolor York is another fantastic spot! This Colombian restaurant is known for its traditional dishes, such as empanadas, arepas, and Arroz con pollo.

Other highly-rated restaurants in York include Rustique, The Cut & Craft York, and Lucia. If you’re looking for a quick bite, then SPARK and the Shambles Food Court are perfect for those on the go.

Whether you’re looking to indulge in Chinese, Italian, Mexican, or Indian cuisine, there’s something for everyone!

12. Admire the view from Clifford’s Tower

Clifford’s Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in York. It’s the largest surviving building of York Castle and dates back to the 13th century, making it a must-visit during your trip!

As you head up Clifford’s Tower, you’ll hear about historic characters and events as you learn about key periods of York’s history. This includes the massacre and mass suicide of the city’s Jewish community in 1190.

Better yet, you’ll get 360° views of York from the tower’s timber roof platform. Not only will you get to spot some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, but you can see as far as the North York Moors on a clear day!

On this 2-hour walking tour, you’ll walk around the bottom of Clifford’s Tower, where your guide will tell you about the tower’s history. As you explore York on this tour, you’ll also visit other popular spots, including the York Minster and the York Castle Museum.

13. Go on a sightseeing river cruise

If you’re wondering what to do in York for a day, why not enjoy the views on a sightseeing river cruise? The city is located along the River Ouse, which flows for approximately 60 miles towards the River Humber.

This daytime sightseeing boat cruise is a popular option. Lasting between 45 and 60 minutes, this cruise will see you admire some of York’s most iconic sites, all while listening to informative live commentary. There’s even a fully stocked bar onboard, where you can grab beers, wine, hot drinks, and soft drinks.

Alternatively, there’s this 60-minute ‘Happy Hour’ Cruise where you can enjoy discounts on drinks!

Self-steer boat rentals are also available for those who’d prefer to skipper their own boat. These boats are suitable for up to five passengers, and you can bring along a picnic and non-alcoholic drinks. As you can see, there are plenty of fantastic options.

14. Grab a drink at Valhalla

York has an intriguing Viking history, dating back to 866 AD, which is when the city was renamed Jorvik. To get a feel for York’s history, why not head to Valhalla?

This Viking-themed bar is famous for its quirky decor, home-cooked food, and variety of craft beer and ale. It’s the perfect place to grab a drink or a bite to eat, especially as the bar’s design is fantastic!

You can enjoy a variety of Yorkshire tapas at Valhalla, including meatballs, pork sausages, and chicken wings. There are also some great share platters to choose from, which are perfect for couples. Whether you’re after a meat-feast platter, a local cheese board, or vegan options, there’s something for everyone.

While we’re on the topic of grabbing a drink, we’d also recommend heading to the Golden Fleece. Dating back to the early 1500s, it’s one of York’s oldest pubs and one of the city’s most haunted sites!

15. Visit York Castle Museum

The York Castle Museum is undoubtedly one of the best things to see in York! This award-winning museum offers visitors the chance to learn about 400 years of history.

The York Castle Museum offers thousands of historic objects, which are located in interactive and immersive galleries. There’s also Kirkgate, a Victorian street that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. You’ll see how people lived during the 19th century and will get to visit authentic shops!

Other popular exhibitions include the ‘Secrets of Dress’, ‘Moorland Cottages’, and ‘1914’. Temporary exhibitions are also held throughout the year, so it’s always worth checking to see what’s coming up.

York Castle Museum is open Monday (11 am – 5 pm) and Tuesday to Sunday (10 am – 5 pm). Opening times may vary slightly during the summer holidays, and pre-booking is advised on weekends.

Helpful Information For Visiting York

How to get to York

As we mentioned previously, York is located halfway between Edinburgh and London. This puts it in a central location, so you should have no issues getting here!

If you’re travelling by car, York is just 20 minutes from the M1/M62 motorway network, so you can easily travel from other destinations in the UK. Better yet, there are several Park & Ride sites where you can park for free, and then travel into the city centre by bus.

You can also travel to York by public transport, either by bus or train. Buses run from other destinations in the Northeast, including Hull, Whitby, and Scarborough. If you travel by train, you’ve got more options, with direct routes running from London, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Newcastle, and more.

Alternatively, you can fly to Leeds or Manchester if you’re an international visitor and travel onward from there.

How to get around York

York is a relatively compact city, and the best way to get around is on foot. You can get from one side of the city centre to the other in approximately 20 minutes, so York is extremely walkable. You can explore independently or hop on a small-group walking tour such as this one!

There’s also the option of hiring a bicycle if you want to get around quicker. Just be aware that much of the city is pedestrianised and consists of historic cobblestone streets, so it’s not always the easiest way to get around.

If you want to travel further outside of the city centre, then there are plenty of bus services available. There’s also this sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus, where you can enjoy unlimited travel for 24 hours. You can hop on and off at over 20 stops in the city, and an audio guide is available in 10 different languages.

Best time to visit York

No matter when you choose to visit York, you’re sure to have a fantastic time!

May to September is considered a popular time to visit. However, the summer months of July and August tend to be pretty busy. As such, we’d suggest visiting during the shoulder months, when you can enjoy mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

However, we can highly recommend visiting York during the autumn or winter, which is when we chose to visit. This way, you’ll get to enjoy the city’s spooky vibes (especially if you visit near Halloween) or take in York’s festive atmosphere thanks to its award-winning Christmas market.

York also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the Jorvik Viking Festival. This festival takes place in February every year and offers evening entertainment, historical activities, and battle re-enactments. There’s also the popular Eboracum Roman Festival, which takes place in May/June.

Exploring York by tour

Many of York’s attractions can be visited independently. However, there are some fantastic tours on offer if you want to learn more about the city from an expert.

Here are some popular tours in York:

• Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – This 24-hour bus ticket offers unlimited travel across over 20 stops. An audioguide is also available in 10 different languages.

• Highlights Small Group Walking Tour – This 1.5-hour walking tour will see you visit some of York’s top attractions, including the Shambles, the York Minster, and the Museum Gardens.

• Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour – On this quirky character-led tour, you’ll learn all about the city’s history (including hauntings and witches) while taking in York’s main sights.

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Where to stay in York

There are so many awesome things to do in York, so you’ll want to stay central. Luckily, there are plenty of places to choose from, ranging from affordable hostels to 5* hotels.

Here are some popular accommodation options:

Budget: Vas’ York House

This budget-friendly property offers a homestay experience and is just a short walk from York Railway Station. You’ll be staying in a great central location and will benefit from a garden and an on-site washing machine.

There are various rooms to choose from, some of which offer a private bathroom. Alternatively, there’s a shared bathroom. Additional amenities include free WiFi and a hairdryer.

Mid-range: Clementine’s Guest House

Clementine’s Guest House is a beautiful property that’s just a short walk from the historic city centre. There’s a private walled garden to the rear where you can relax, or you can take advantage of the on-site bar.

This boutique guest house has 27 individually decorated bedrooms. As well as antique furniture, you’ll enjoy free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and an en-suite bathroom. Some rooms even have a balcony/outdoor area.

Luxury: Judge’s Lodging

The Judge’s Lodging is located in a grade I-listed townhouse, so the building is steeped in history. Located near the Museum Gardens, this property is one of the best places to stay in York if you’re after a luxury getaway.

There are a variety of rooms to choose from, some of which offer city views. Not only are the rooms beautiful, but you can also enjoy delicious home-cooked food, especially as breakfast is included.

Frequently Asked Questions About York

How many days do you need for York?

We’d recommend spending at least 2 days in York. There are so many amazing things to do in the city, so you don’t want to leave yourself short on time – especially as York has a fantastic food and nightlife scene.

If you have more than a weekend in York, there are plenty of day trip opportunities. You can visit the charming coastal town of Whitby, explore the Yorkshire Dales, or head to the North York Moors.

What is a good budget for York?

We’d recommend a budget of at least £50-£70 per person per day if you want to visit York. However, as with many cities in England, accommodation can be pricey, so having a higher budget will give you more flexibility.

Luckily, there are plenty of free things to do in York if you want to keep the costs down. This includes the City Walls, the Shambles, and the National Railway Museum. There are also lots of affordable eats in the city.

Is 2 days enough for York?

From our experience, 2 days is certainly enough time to explore York. You can take in the city’s major sights, visit some of York’s popular eateries, and even find some hidden gems!

Just be aware that there are so many amazing places to visit in York, so you’ll want to get up nice and early. To make the most of your trip, we’d recommend prioritising the sights you want to see first.

What is there to do in York for adults?

Going on a ghost tour, visiting JORVIK Viking Centre, and heading to the York Distillery are considered some of the best things to do in York for adults. The York Dungeon is another great place to visit.

While in York, you should also head to some of the city’s historic pubs and grab a drink. Additionally, there are tons of fantastic food options and bars in York, including Valhalla, SPARK, and Zaap Thai Street Food.

Final Thoughts On The Best Things To Do In York

Whether you’re planning a day out in York or you’re visiting for the weekend, you won’t run out of things to do. You can stick to the city’s main attractions or head off the beaten track and find some hidden gems.

No matter whether you’re interested in York’s history, food scene, or nightlife, there’s something for everyone – you just need to plan your trip accordingly. As there’s so much to see, you don’t want to rush your time in this amazing city, so we’d highly recommend spending a few days here.

If you have further questions about the best things to do in York, don’t hesitate to contact us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments below!

Here are some other UK guides that you may find helpful:

• Finding The Best Views Of Edinburgh Castle
• Ultimate Isle Of Skye Itinerary
• Visiting Llyn Padarn: North Wales

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