The very best things to do in York, Yorkshire (with map)
Last Updated on August 13, 2023 by Lauren Allen
There are so many incredible things to do in York! So much so that you need at least a long weekend to do it all. From visiting the top attractions to unique tours of the city, here is a complete list of 30+ York activities to enjoy on your trip to this well-loved English city!
Table of Contents
How to get to York, England:
Flights: The closest airport to York is Leeds Bradford. From here, it takes around 50 minutes to get to York by car. However, there are other airports nearby. For example, flying into Manchester Airport is also worth considering.
Alternatively, if you are travelling to other popular UK destinations first, there are other methods of transportation. These will usually be cheaper and potentially allow you to get to the centre of York a lot quicker.
By car: If you are heading to York from elsewhere in the country, travelling by car is one of the most convenient methods of transportation. It allows you to make pit stops along the way. This is ideal if there are other locations you want to visit before arriving in the city. For example, stopping off in Knaresborough for a few hours is well worth doing!
Train travel: Alternatively, the UK is also well connected by train. Due to this, getting to York from most tourist hot spots across the country is super easy. Although you may need to change trains (depending on where you are travelling from), it is pretty straightforward.
By coach: Lastly, another option is to travel by coach. Although this is often not the most time-efficient route, it is sometimes the cheapest. It’s definitely worth considering, especially if you are on a budget.
Travelling to the United Kingdom? Please ensure you purchase travel insurance!
York, England Map:
Click here for the full interactive map.
The top 30+ things to do in York, Yorkshire:
Cold War Bunker
If you’re looking to visit a unique York attraction, book yourself on a tour of the cold war bunker. Back in the day, the bunker was used to track nuclear blasts. Nowadays, travellers can step inside on guided tours that share information about this fascinating historical site.
The Chocolate Story
Anyone with a sweet tooth should book a visit to The Chocolate Story. This museum offers an interesting insight into the world of chocolate on its interactive tour. Visitors will discover York’s past when it comes to making this sweet treat and have the chance to taste chocolate like a pro. What’s not to love?
York Minster
Quite frankly, you can’t visit the city without checking out York Minster. This magnificent gothic cathedral stands tall above the city which makes it very hard to miss (not that you would want to). If you do one thing during your trip, make sure it’s this!
Click here to find out more about visiting York Minster.
Jorvik Viking Centre
Back in 866AD, York became Jorvik after being invaded by Vikings. For the next one hundred years of Viking rulership, York flourished as a city. Nowadays, the Viking’s reign is still recognised as a great period within the history of the city.
Those interested in learning more can visit the Jorvik Viking Centre. Here you will gain a fantastic insight into all the Vikings did for the city during their years.
York Dungeon
Go back in time and uncover the city’s spooky past at York Dungeon. Travel through thousands of years as you discover York’s dark stories in this extremely quirky experience. Enjoy your immersive visit through actors, scary effects and much more. However, be warned… This is not for the faint-hearted!
Read more: 5 unusual things to do in York beyond the tourist hotspots!
Barley Hall
One of the city’s lesser-known attractions is Barley Hall. Despite the fact it isn’t as widely visited, the hall is 100% worth checking out. Constructed in 1360 and expanded many years later, this medieval gem is well-loved by those who do visit.
Travellers who chose to explore the hall will enjoy a truly charming experience wandering around this restored townhouse. As quite a romantic activity, this is without a doubt one of the best things to do in York for couples.
Clifford’s Tower
Clifford’s Tower is one of the most popular attractions to visit whilst sightseeing in York. In addition to being one of the best historical landmarks in Yorkshire, it’s also a great spot to check out some views. After reading all about the towers past, climb the stairs to the top. From there, you can admire 360 views of York (including the minster).
Read more: Day trips from York worth adding to your bucket list!
museums and galleries in York:
The National Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum is a great spot for lovers of trains or transport. The museum showcases a collection of famous trains from across the globe whilst also sharing the history of train travel in the UK.
Yorkshire Air Museum
Alternatively, those with a keen interest in aviation will want to head to Yorkshire Air Museum. As the biggest aviation museum in the country, air travel enthusiasts will be in their element. Boasting more than 60 exhibits, there is a lot to see at this impressive museum.
Yorkshire Museum
Want to discover more about York? Then head to the Yorkshire Museum. Here you will learn everything you need to know about the history of the city. The collections showcase a mix of exhibits including jewels, historical artefacts and much more.
York Art Gallery
Art lovers will want to make a visit to the York art gallery. The gallery houses a variety of works such as paintings, ceramics, watercolour pieces and contemporary. It’s a great spot to check out rain or shine so make sure you add it to your York itinerary!
Merchant’s Adventurers Hall
A Grade 1 listed building, Merchants Hall is open daily for visitors. Pay the hall a visit to discover the building’s unique past and admire its impressive interior. If you’re a massive history buff, make sure you take advantage of the audio guides as they share extensive details behind the hall!
Read more: How to spend a day in York
Unique tours to join in York, Yorkshire:
Guided cycling tour
Join this guided cycling tour of the city is a unique way to explore York. This interesting tour takes you to places that many tourists don’t see whilst exercising. It’s a win-win!
Evening walking tour
Alternatively, consider joining an evening walking tour to maximise your time visiting other attractions. Your guide on this tour will walk you through the city whilst sharing facts and stories of York’s history.
City Sightseeing: Hop on, hop off bus
Lastly, consider purchasing a ticket for the hop on hop off bus. This offers travellers unlimited journeys between the top tourist hotspots for 24 hours. Whilst they are not for everyone, these buses offer a fantastic way to see as much of the city as you can within a short period of time.
Outdoor activities in York:
If you are blessed with great weather during your trip to the city, you may want to take advantage of outdoor activities. Here are the best things to do outdoors in York.
Walk down The Shambles
You can’t visit York without checking out The Shambles. Located in the centre of the city, this popular medieval street is visited by thousands each day. With such unique architecture and interesting history, that is no surprise. Make sure you put this to the top of your York itinerary!
Drive a boat down the River Ouse
If you are travelling with friends or loved ones, consider driving a boat down the River Ouse. This will allow you to see York in a unique way from the water. Furthermore, hiring a self-drive boat gives you the privacy to enjoy the ride with your pals.
Alternatively, If you are travelling solo or fancy discovering more about the city, join a sightseeing cruise. These group tours share information about the city in a fun and informative way. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other travellers if you are exploring alone.
Head out to take some photos
Photography enthusiasts will be in their element in York. The city has so many cool photo spots which makes it hard to put down your camera. If you have enough time, schedule a full day for taking photos in York. That way, you can hit up all of the best Instagram spots in York and experiment with different styles.
Chill out in Rowntree Park
Fancy a picnic? Then head to Rowntree Park. On a sunny day, this is one of the best places to visit in York. After grabbing some food and drink from a local shop, find a spot to sit and appreciate your surroundings. Alternatively, it’s also a great place to enjoy a good book.
Check out St Mary’s Abbey
If you’d prefer, you can hit up the museum gardens instead. Here you can relax with some cool views of St. Mary’s Abbey. This Grade 1 Listed church also makes for a beautiful backdrop in photos.
Admire the sunset on Low Petergate
To admire one of the best sunset spots in York, walk over to Low Petergate. This location boasts one of the most beautiful views of the city. As the skies turn a lovely pink hue, you can watch nightfall over York Minster. It truly is worth checking out! Trust me…
Stroll along the city walls
From 8am until sunset, York’s city walls are open to the public. If you have approximately one hour to spare, you can walk through the historic walls and discover some great views of the city.
Top tip: Take your camera if you enjoy photography. There are some fab photo opportunities as you walk the walls.
Shop at the Shambles Market
Open daily, the popular Shambles markets are worth a stop. Offering up fresh produce, gifts, clothing and more, the markets are popular with locals and tourists alike. Additionally, there is also a food court with a range of options available including Greek dishes, Indian street food and delicious burgers. This makes the markets a fab place to spend an afternoon in York.
Enjoy a cupcake with views of the minster
If you enjoy a good cupcake (I mean, who doesn’t?), then make sure you pay a visit to Crumbs Cupcakery. Located on College Street, this dreamy cake shop is just a stone’s throw away from York Minster. That makes it the perfect spot to stop for tea and cake with a view. Especially if you are visiting York in the summer.
Get lost in York Maze
For a fun afternoon activity, allow yourself to get lost in the York maze. Visiting attractions like this are enjoyable for all types of travellers including families and groups.
Hunt out the cat statues
Alternatively, a great pass time is to hunt out York’s cat statues. These statues are situated across the city and make for a fab family-friendly activity. To make the most out of this York activity, print out this leaflet and take it with you on your trip!
Things to do in York at night:
After exploring all day, make the most of your time in York with the following activities…
Join a ghost tour
One of the best things to do in York at night is to join a ghost tour. It’s also one of the most unique experiences to enjoy in the city. After a long day of hitting up York attractions, spending an hour or two listening to ghost stories is a wonderful pass time. Especially if it’s something you have a big interest in!
Eat at one of the city’s best restaurants
Alternatively, consider booking a table at one of the city’s best restaurants. York is home to many great eateries including Skosh, Meltons and Le Cochon Aveugle. Make sure you take advantage of that whilst you are visiting!
Head out for cocktails!
Next up, it’s time to hit up some of Yorks best bars. Cocktail lovers will want to pay a visit to Evil Eye Lounge or Bobo Lobo. Both offer extensive menus of delicious cocktails!
Visit some of the city’s MANY pubs
If you prefer a traditional British pub, York has many options. In fact, it’s said that there are more than 365 pubs scattered across the city. Due to this, you will be spoilt for choice! However, some traveller’s favourites include The Blue Bell, House Of The Trembling Madness and Pivni.
FAQ about visiting York, Yorkshire:
What can you do for free in York?
With so many free activities on offer, visiting York on a budget is incredibly easy. Things such as admiring the Minster’s exterior, strolling down The Shambles and going on an Instagram mission don’t cost a single penny. Furthermore, there are also free museums, galleries and outdoor locations to enjoy. For a complete list, check out this post of the best free things to do in York.
What is York famous for?
The Shambles
York is recognised for a number of things. For example, The Shambles are world-renowned for being the inspiration behind Diagon Alley (a location in the Harry Potter series). Additionally, they are also one of the best-kept medieval shopping streets worldwide.
Read more: The Shambles, York | Everything you need to know
Chocolate
Furthermore, York is famous for chocolate. In the 20th Century, large factories were established in the city. They were opened by a number of big names, including Joseph Rowntree. These factories employed thousands of staff to manufacture chocolate at a crazy rate. These days, York is still known for chocolate. In fact, they have a whole museum dedicated to the delicious sweet treat in the centre of the city.
York Minster
Lastly, the biggest gothic cathedral in the north of Europe is also located in York. The minster is as impressive as it sounds standing almost 160 metres tall. Furthermore, it is also (in my opinion) the most beautiful building in the city. This makes it a must-see whilst visiting this popular Yorkshire gem.
When is the best time to visit York?
The best time to visit York will depend a lot on personal preferences. For example, the type of weather you enjoy most and how busy you want the city to be during your trip. Consider visiting in…
April – May: These months are the best to visit if you are hoping for decent weather and fewer tourists. Additionally, visiting during the week is likely to be less busy.
June, July and August: Visiting York in Summer is ideal if you want to take advantage of England’s best weather. However, it’s also one of the busiest times to go. Due to this, the streets will likely be very crowded. Consider that before booking your trip.
December: York at Christmas time is so magical. As a city with so much charm already, the festive season brings an amazing atmosphere. Plus, the city offers events and Christmas markets at this time of year which ensures York comes alive with joyful cheer. It truly is worth experiencing!
Is York worth visiting?
Absolutely! With so many activities on offer, there is something for everyone in this popular Yorkshire city. Additionally, York’s history is full of super unique stories that are well worth discovering. Whilst you can read about them (and admire photos) online, there is nothing quite like experiencing York for yourself!
Is the York Pass worth it?
This highly depends on personal preferences. If you like jam-packed itineraries, the York Pass could save you money. However, if you prefer to take things slow and enjoy free activities, it may not be worth it.
With the pass, you gain free entry into many of the city’s most visited attractions. This includes York Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre and much more. Additionally, the pass also gives discounts on other York activities. As such, it is worth checking out their full list of inclusions to debate whether or not you would save any cash!
Where to stay in York, Yorkshire:
York has a range of accommodation types on offer. For example, the city is home to several hostels which are ideal for budget travellers! Additionally, there are also some incredible luxury hotels scattered across the city. Lastly, there are some cool Air B&Bs if you are looking for a more local experience!
Elmbank Hotel and Lodge
If you appreciate the stunning decor, book a stay at Elmbank Hotel and Lodge. Despite not being centrally located, it’s 100% one of the best places to stay in the city. Click here to read my honest review about staying at this beautiful hotel!
The Principal
Situated next to the train station, The Principal is one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. Its gorgeous decor makes it incredibly photogenic and its excellent location makes it the perfect place to stay to hit up Yorks most popular attractions!
Astor York Hostel
Visiting York on a budget? Then book a stay at Astor Hostel. This highly-rated accommodation boasts friendly staff members, excellent facilities and a great location. Furthermore, with prices starting from £16 a night, it’s one of the cheapest places to stay in York.
Air BNB
Lastly, there are a number of really cool Air BNBS in York. Including The Smart 27 and The Old Maple Lodge.
Not only does staying in an Air BNB offer a more local experience, but you also have everything you need to ensure a comfortable stay. For example, you can cook up a storm in the kitchen, wash some clothes and relax in the garden. You can’t get that at most hotels!
Has this list of the best things to do in York helped you plan your ideal trip? Please let me know in the comments below!
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Kelly
What a great post. I had no idea there was this much to do in York. You had me at cupcakes, boat rides, mazes, and ghost tours. Thanks for a great post.
Lauren Allen
KellyNeither did I until I visited! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
cristinarm937
York is one of my favourite places in Northern England. I love visiting it a couple of times every year. I especially love the walls and The Shambles.
Lauren Allen
cristinarm937Me too, for sure! The Shambles are also my fave part of the city! 🙂