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Hello fellow travellers!
Are you ready to explore one of England’s most enchanting cities? York is a destination where medieval magic meets modern charm, where cobbled streets whisper tales of Vikings and Romans, and where every corner reveals another layer of fascinating history.
Whether you’re planning a weekend break, a family holiday, or simply seeking inspiration for your next adventure, our comprehensive guide will walk you through everything this remarkable city has to offer. From iconic landmarks and world-class museums to hidden gems and culinary delights, let’s embark on a journey through York’s treasures that will help you create memories to last a lifetime.
Imagine walking through streets where Romans once marched, Vikings traded, and medieval merchants haggled—that’s the everyday experience in York. This magnificent walled city is a living museum where every cobblestone tells a story spanning nearly 2,000 years of fascinating history.
York is a city where history comes alive at every corner, and its landmarks are among the top attractions in England. Start your adventure at York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, famed for its towering spires and intricate stained glass windows. Don’t miss the central tower climb for panoramic views of the city centre. As you wander through, notice the delicate stained glass artistry and the stories these windows tell.
Address: Deangate, York YO1 7HH
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am-4:30pm, Sun 12:45pm-3:15pm
Admission: Adults £12, Children under 16 free (with paying adult)
Tower climb: Additional £5
Tip: Join one of the free guided tours departing regularly from the main entrance
Continue your journey with a stroll along the ancient City Walls, a perfect way to enjoy a walking tour that offers incredible views and fascinating tales of York’s defences. These medieval walls stretch nearly 3.4 km around the city centre, making them the most complete example of medieval city walls in England.
Access points: Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar, Micklegate Bar
Opening hours: Daily 8am to dusk (closed during icy conditions)
Admission: Free
Walking time: Full circuit takes approximately 2 hours
Visit Clifford’s Tower, the last remaining piece of York Castle, where you’ll uncover centuries of history. Standing atop its mound, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views across York’s skyline.
Address: Tower Street, York YO1 9SA
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm (Apr-Oct), 10am-4pm (Nov-Mar)
Admission: Adults £7.90, Children (5-17) £5.10, Family tickets available
Historical note: Built by William the Conqueror, it has served as a royal mint, prison, and execution site
Close by, explore Bootham Bar, one of the city’s medieval gateways, and seek out Roman ruins scattered across York for a glimpse into its ancient past. A knowledgeable tour guide can make these sites even more engaging by revealing their hidden stories. For Roman enthusiasts, the Roman Bath pub on St. Sampson’s Square houses excavated remains of a caldarium (hot bath) in its basement.
Prepare to be transported through time as York’s exceptional museums bring history to vivid life. From thundering locomotives to Viking settlements and Roman treasures, these world-class institutions offer immersive experiences that will captivate visitors of all ages.
For history and culture enthusiasts, museums in York are unmissable. The National Railway Museum ranks among the world’s best, showcasing legendary locomotives and fascinating engineering feats. Don’t miss the royal carriages and the world’s fastest steam locomotive—the Mallard.
Address: Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
Highlights: The Mallard, the Flying Scotsman, and Queen Victoria’s royal carriage
Family friendly: “Little Play Station” for under 5s and regular science shows
Step back to the Viking Age at the Jorvik Viking Centre, where interactive exhibits and life-size reconstructions immerse you in the world of the Vikings. The time-travelling ride takes you through a recreated Viking settlement, complete with authentic sights, sounds and even smells!
Address: 19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm (last admission 4pm)
Admission: Adults £13.50, Children (5-16) £9.50, Family tickets available
Tip: Book in advance online to save on tickets and avoid queues
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible
Meanwhile, the Yorkshire Museum is perfect for discovering Roman treasures, medieval artifacts, and relics that narrate York’s captivating history. Set in the beautiful Museum Gardens, it houses five galleries covering biology, geology, archaeology, astronomy, and the natural world.
Address: Museum Gardens, York YO1 7FR
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults £8, Children under 16 free
Don’t miss: The Vale of York Viking Hoard and the Middleham Jewel
For those interested in York’s more recent past, the York Castle Museum offers fascinating insights into Victorian and Edwardian life, featuring a recreated Victorian street—Kirkgate—complete with shops you can enter.
For those interested in York’s more recent past, the York Castle Museum offers fascinating insights into Victorian and Edwardian life, featuring a recreated Victorian street—Kirkgate—complete with shops you can enter.
Address: Tower Street, York YO1 9RY
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults £13, Children (5-16) £6.50
Highlight: The recreated Victorian street with working shops and the 1960s exhibition
Beyond its historic buildings and museums, York offers delightful green spaces and scenic walking routes that showcase the city’s natural beauty. Whether you’re strolling along ancient walls, exploring lush gardens, or cruising down the River Ouse, York’s outdoor attractions provide perfect opportunities to relax and soak up the atmosphere of this enchanting city.
York is best explored on foot. Join a walking tour to uncover hidden streets, legends, and architectural gems. The Association of Voluntary Guides offers free daily walking tours departing from Exhibition Square.
Meeting point: Exhibition Square, outside York Art Gallery
Times: Daily at 10:15am and 2:15pm (additional 6:45pm tour May-August)
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Booking: No reservation required
Stroll through the picturesque Museum Gardens, where lush greenery meets historic ruins—a serene spot for relaxation and photography. This 10-acre botanical garden houses the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, a medieval hospital, and a Roman fortification.
Address: Museum Street, York YO1 7FR
Opening hours: Daily 7:30am-8pm (summer), 7:30am-6pm (winter)
Admission: Free
Highlights: St Mary’s Abbey ruins, Yorkshire Observatory, Roman Multangular Tower
For a different perspective, embark on a cruise along the River Ouse, an experience that blends scenic beauty with insights into York’s storied past.
Departure point: King’s Staith Landing or Lendal Bridge Landing
Operating hours: Daily from 10am (weather permitting)
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Prices: Adults from £12, Children from £6
Operators: City Cruises York and York Boat
Bird enthusiasts and families alike should not miss the National Centre for Birds of Prey, located just outside York in the beautiful grounds of Duncombe Park. Home to the largest collection of birds of prey in northern England, this centre offers spectacular flying demonstrations and up-close encounters with eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls.
Address: Duncombe Park, Helmsley, York YO62 5EB
Distance from York: 24 miles (40-minute drive)
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5:30pm (Mar-Oct), 10am-4:30pm (Nov-Feb)
Admission: Adults £12, Children (4-16) £9, Family tickets available
Flying demonstrations: Three times daily (weather permitting)
Tip: Combine with a visit to the market town of Helmsley for a full day out
If you love parks and nature, plan time in Rowntree Park or venture out to surrounding green spaces that offer peaceful escapes from the bustling city centre. Dean’s Park, adjacent to York Minster, provides a tranquil spot with magnificent views of the cathedral.
Yorkshire’s culinary reputation has soared in recent years, and York stands at the heart of this gastronomic renaissance. From elegant tea rooms to historic pubs and innovative restaurants, the city offers a feast of flavours that celebrate both traditional Yorkshire fare and international cuisine, all served with a warm northern welcome.
York’s culinary scene is a treat for food lovers. Begin with a traditional afternoon tea at Bettys Café Tea Rooms, one of York’s most iconic spots. Founded in 1919, this elegant establishment serves exquisite pastries, cakes, and speciality teas in a refined setting.
Address: 6-8 St Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm, Sun 9am-5pm
Price range: Afternoon tea £21.95-£32.95 per person
Tip: Queue early or book the Lady Betty Afternoon Tea experience in advance
Explore historic pubs and local bars, many of which date back centuries, to savor authentic Yorkshire ales and hearty dishes. Ye Olde Starre Inne, dating from 1644, claims to be the oldest pub in York, while The Golden Fleece is famous for being one of the most haunted.
Ye Olde Starre Inne: 40 Stonegate, YO1 8AS
The Black Swan Inn: 23 Peasholme Green, YO1 7PR
The Golden Fleece: 16 Pavement, YO1 9UP
The House of Trembling Madness: 48 Stonegate, YO1 8AS
Pivni: 6 Patrick Pool, YO1 8BB
Local tip: Try Yorkshire Brewery beers like Black Sheep, Theakston’s Old Peculier, or York Brewery’s Centurion’s Ghost.
From fine dining to cozy cafés, the best places to eat in York feature both regional specialties and global flavors. Don’t forget to enjoy classic dishes like Yorkshire pudding for a true taste of the region. For an authentic Yorkshire dining experience, try a Sunday roast at Walmgate Ale House or The Whippet Inn.
For a sweet treat, visit York Cocoa House to taste handmade chocolates or The Pudding Stop for traditional British desserts including the famous Yorkshire curd tart.
While York’s historic landmarks and museums are undoubtedly impressive, it’s the city’s quirky, unusual, and immersive experiences that often create the most lasting memories. From magical wizarding tours and spine-tingling ghost walks to hands-on chocolate making, these unique activities showcase York’s playful side and reveal hidden dimensions of this multifaceted city.
York offers more than sightseeing—it’s about immersive experiences. Take a spooky evening ghost tour to learn about the city’s haunted history, or join the magical Wizard Walk, which brings Harry Potter vibes to life on cobbled streets reminiscent of Diagon Alley.
The Original Ghost Walk of York
Meeting point: The King’s Arms pub, Ouse Bridge
Times: Nightly at 8pm
Price: Adults £8, Children £5
Ghost Trail of York
Meeting point: York Minster West Door
Times: 7:30pm (Apr-Oct), 6:30pm (Nov-Mar)
Price: Adults £6, Children £4
The Spookologist’s Guide to Haunted York Tour
Meeting point: 4 Jubbergate, York, YO1 8RT
Times: 7pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
Price: £15 (free with York Pass)
Age restriction: 16+
Features: Blend of local history, infamous supernatural sightings and paranormal science
Perfect for: Fans of shows like Uncanny and Most Haunted
For those drawn to the mysterious and arcane, the Witches Walking Tour unveils York’s captivating connections to witchcraft and the occult through the centuries. This atmospheric tour winds through shadowy streets where supposed witches once lived and worked, revealing a hidden dimension of York’s history.
Meeting point: St. Helen’s Square (outside Bettys Tea Room)
Times: Thursday to Sunday at 6:30pm (additional tours during Halloween season)
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Price: Adults £12, Students £10
Focus: Explores York’s witch trials, folklore, and magical traditions
Highlights: Includes stories about local ‘wise women’, herbal remedies, and persecution during witch hunts
Suitable for: Adults and teenagers (some content may be unsuitable for young children)
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a waterproof jacket as the tour runs in all weather conditions
Families with children will delight in the award-winning Wizard Walk of York, a magical alternative to ghost tours that focuses on fun rather than frights.
Meeting point: Bottom of The Shambles
Features: Spellbinding magic, comedy, and a dash of York’s history
Awards: Winner of “Best Family Experience in the World 2025” (TripAdvisor), “Experience of the Year 2025” (Visit York), and “Best Tour 2023 to 2025” (Little Vikings Awards)
Family-friendly: No spooky ghosts or scary stories—perfect for children
Add-on: Wizard Wand Kit available with handcrafted wand and instructions for seven magic tricks
Booking: Selected days, check website for availability
Tip: Private tours available for birthdays, schools, and special occasions
Chocolate lovers shouldn’t miss York’s Chocolate Story, where you can discover York’s sweet legacy and even create your own treats. York has been home to iconic chocolate brands like Rowntree’s and Terry’s.
Address: King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm (last tour 4pm)
Admission: Adults £14.95, Children (4-15) £12.50
Tour duration: 75 minutes
Includes: Chocolate making and tasting
For a more hands-on chocolate experience, visit York Cocoa Works, where you can see how chocolate is made from bean to bar in their working manufactory.
Address: 10 Castlegate, York YO1 9RG
Experience: Chocolate Manufactory Tasting Journey
Duration: 45 minutes
Price: £9.50 (free with York Pass)
What to expect: Learn how cocoa is transformed into chocolate, discover York’s chocolate-making history, watch chocolate being made, and enjoy a guided tasting experience
Bonus: Use your ticket for discounts in the Cocoa Café after your tour
Booking: Pre-booking recommended
If you’re looking for hands-on activities, try local craft workshops, such as medieval tile making at Barley Hall or traditional letterpress printing at Blueberry Academy. For a lively evening, enjoy live music performances in atmospheric venues across the city, such as The Crescent Community Venue or Fulford Arms.
For those seeking a different kind of challenge, York boasts several escape rooms, including GR8escape York, where teams must solve puzzles and riddles to “escape” within a set time limit—a perfect activity for friends and family working together.
Shopping in York is an experience unlike any other, combining retail therapy with a journey through architectural wonders. As you browse for souvenirs and treasures, you’ll find yourself wandering through medieval streets and historic marketplaces that have been centres of commerce for centuries, making every purchase a connection to York’s rich trading heritage.
Shopping in York is an experience in itself. Explore The Shambles, a medieval street often compared to Diagon Alley, lined with quirky shops and boutiques. Dating back to the 14th century, this narrow, cobbled lane once housed butchers’ shops but now offers everything from artisan chocolates to Harry Potter memorabilia.
Location: City Centre, York YO1 7LZ
Shopping hours: Most shops open 10am-5:30pm
Don’t miss: The Shop That Must Not Be Named, Monk Bar Chocolatiers, and The Potions Cauldron
Photo tip: Visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds
Stop by the Shambles Market to browse artisan products, local delicacies, and handmade crafts. This vibrant market hosts over 70 stalls selling everything from fresh produce to vintage clothing.
Address: Silver Street, York YO1 8RY
Opening hours: Daily 7am-5pm
Food court hours: 10am-6pm
Special events: Farmers’ market last Friday of the month
From traditional souvenirs to contemporary fashion, York offers something for every shopper. Stonegate and Petergate are home to upmarket boutiques, while Coney Street features high-street brands. For independent shops, explore Gillygate and Fossgate.
While York itself could keep you enthralled for days, the surrounding Yorkshire countryside offers an embarrassment of riches for day-trippers. From grand stately homes and wild moorland to charming fishing villages and dramatic coastlines, these excursions showcase the extraordinary diversity of England’s largest county, all within easy reach of York’s city walls.
York’s location makes it ideal for exciting day trips. Head into North Yorkshire, a region celebrated for its rolling hills and charming villages. Visit Castle Howard, a grand stately home surrounded by exquisite gardens—a must-see for architecture lovers.
Address: Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
Distance from York: 15 miles (30 minutes by car)
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm (house), 10am-6pm (gardens)
Admission: House & Gardens – Adults £23, Children (4-16) £12.50
Public transport: Bus service 181 from York Station
Tip: Allow at least 4 hours to fully explore the house and gardens
For coastal charm, take a trip to Whitby, a seaside town famous for its Abbey ruins, connections to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and excellent fish and chips.
Distance from York: 47 miles (1 hour 15 minutes by car)
By train: Change at Scarborough (2 hours 15 minutes total)
Must-see: Whitby Abbey, 199 Steps, Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Food recommendation: The Magpie Café for award-winning fish and chips
While in Whitby, don’t miss the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, housed in the 17th-century building where James Cook, the famous explorer, served his apprenticeship. The museum showcases fascinating exhibits about Cook’s voyages of discovery and life at sea during the 18th century.
Address: Grape Lane, Whitby YO22 4BA
Opening hours: Daily 9:45am-5pm (Feb-Oct), closed Nov-Jan
Admission: Adults £7.50, Children (6-16) £4.50
Highlights: Original maps, ship models, and artefacts from Cook’s voyages
Tip: The attic room where Cook lodged as an apprentice is particularly evocative
Another gem near York is Goddard’s House and Garden, the former family home of Noel Terry (of Terry’s Chocolate fame). This Arts and Crafts house offers a glimpse into 1930s domestic life and features beautiful gardens designed by George Dillistone.
Address: 27 Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1GG
Distance from York city centre: 2 miles (10 minutes by car, 25 minutes by bus)
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 10:30am-5pm (house), daily 10am-5pm (garden)
Admission: House & Garden – Adults £8.50, Children free
National Trust property: Free for National Trust members
Garden highlights: Five acres of gardens including a terrace garden, bowling green, and wildflower areas
Explore the rugged beauty of the North York Moors, a national park offering breathtaking landscapes, ancient woodland, and quaint villages. Hutton-le-Hole and Goathland (which doubled as Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film) are particularly picturesque stops.
These outings offer fun and unforgettable experiences just a short distance from York, allowing visitors to experience both the historic city and the stunning North Yorkshire countryside.
Making the most of your York adventure begins with smart planning. With its compact size yet abundant attractions, York rewards visitors who come prepared. Whether you’re looking to beat the crowds, find the best value accommodation, or navigate the city like a local, these insider tips will help ensure your York experience is as seamless as it is memorable.
Before you visit York, plan your itinerary carefully. The best time to visit York is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and crowds are manageable. May and September offer mild temperatures and fewer tourists than the peak summer months.
Spring (March-May): Beautiful gardens, fewer crowds
Autumn (September-October): Stunning foliage, harvest festivals
Festivals to consider: York Food Festival (September), Jorvik Viking Festival (February), Christmas Markets (November-December)
Most attractions are within walking distance, but local buses are available for convenience. First York operates comprehensive services across the city, with day tickets costing around £4.50.
Park & Ride: Six locations around the city perimeter, £3.20 return
City Centre Parking: Limited and expensive (£2-£4 per hour)
York Pass: 1, 2 or 3-day passes including entry to major attractions and discounts
Bike hire: Available from Cycle Heaven at York Station (from £15 per day)
Consider purchasing a city pass or attraction tickets in advance to save money and skip lines at popular sites. The Visit York Pass grants access to over 25 attractions and is available for 1, 2, or 3 consecutive days.
City Centre: Dean Court Hotel and The Grand offer luxury near York Minster
Mid-range: Guy Fawkes Inn and Middletons Hotel provide character and comfort
Budget-friendly: YHA York hostel or Premier Inn York City Centre
Unique stay: Book a room above a historic pub like The Golden Fleece
Whether you’re planning a short break or an extended trip, York promises a rich blend of history, culture, and modern attractions that you won’t want to miss. With its walkable city centre, friendly locals, and wealth of things to see and do, York remains one of Britain’s most cherished destinations.
Pack your bags and start planning your adventure in one of England’s most fascinating destinations.
For a convenient and cost-effective way to explore York’s magnificent attractions, consider purchasing the Visit York Pass. This all-in-one sightseeing card grants you free entry to over 25 top attractions including York Minster, JORVIK Viking Centre, York’s Chocolate Story, and York Castle Museum. With options for 1, 2, or 3 consecutive days, the York Pass allows you to tailor your itinerary exactly as you wish, saving you both time and money.
The digital pass is delivered straight to your mobile device, letting you skip ticket queues and enjoy seamless access to York’s treasures. It also includes exclusive discounts at selected shops, restaurants, and experiences. It’s a brilliant investment for everyone looking to make the most of their time in this historic city without worrying about individual admission costs adding up.
