5 unusual things to do in York beyond the tourist hotspots!

Last Updated on August 13, 2023 by Lauren Allen

Most tourists who visit York hit up The Shambles, stroll the city walls and admire the beauty of the city’s minster. However, there are some super cool attractions and activities that should also be on your bucket list! Here are the top five most unusual things to do in York, Yorkshire to enjoy on your next trip…

The most unusual things to do in York, Yorkshire:

1 | Tour the Cold War Bunker

Consider visiting the cold war bunker to experience one of the most unusual things to do in York! Here you will watch an informative film, receive a guided tour and check out the decontamination room. This will help you discover the history of the bunker which was once built to monitor nuclear blasts!

Please note: You can only access the bunker on a guided tour. Although there is no need to book ahead, make sure you arrive with enough time to purchase a ticket before the next tour starts. Otherwise, you may need to wait around for a while.

Read more: Day trips from York worth adding to your bucket list!

2 | Join a ghost tour

For those who enjoy spooky tours, York is a great place to visit. It’s said that the city is one of the most haunted in England. This makes it an ideal spot for ghost tours. There are a number of options available for travellers who wish to experience such tours, including:

• The Ghost Bus Tours, York: Ideal for travellers searching for ghost stories and a bit of a laugh! The Ghost Bus Tours share scary stories in a unique way. Due to this, they are one of the best companies to book your York ghost tour with.

Note: If you enjoy The Ghost Bus, they also run tours in Edinburgh and London.

• Ghost Trail of York: If you’d prefer a walking tour, the ghost trail of York is another option. Lasting over an hour, this tour runs daily and starts at 7.30 PM. Throughout your tour, you will discover tales of Yorks scary past and hear a number of ghost stories that are sure to leave you feeling spooked!

Read more: The Shambles, York | Everything you need to know

3 | Enjoy afternoon tea on The Countess of York

If you already plan on visiting the railway museum, you may want to book afternoon tea at The Countess of York. Located less than 10 minutes away from the main train station, it’s a convenient spot to grab some food on a York day trip.

Serving up sandwiches, sweet treats and freshly baked scones, you are bound to enjoy afternoon tea in this truly unique setting! Plus, it’s one of the most romantic things to do in York for couples.

4 | Check out the Cat Statues of York

Another one of the most unusual things to do in York is to hunt out the cat statues. Scattered across the city, York’s Lucky Cat Trail is a unique activity.

For approximately two hundred years, these cat statues have been left on York’s buildings. To begin with, they were left there to scare rodents carrying diseases. Furthermore, it was believed that they brought good luck and spooked off ungodly spirits.

These days, hunting out the cats is one of York’s most interesting pastimes. The quirky history of the city’s cat statues is fun for the whole family to discover! Why not give it a try?

Read more: Free things to do in York, Yorkshire

5 | Make some potions!

Located on The Shambles, The Potions Cauldron offers customers the opportunity to craft their own cocktails. At just £5, this 20-minute experience is well worth checking out. Especially if you enjoy a drink! Plus, the whole activity leaves you with a beverage and travel memory that is cheaper than most cocktails in York bars. I’d say that’s pretty cool!

Have you done any of these unusual things to do in York? Let me know your experiences in the comments below!

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