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The 20 best things to do in York

Need sightseeing inspiration? Here’s our pick of the best things to do in York right now, from ghost tours to world-class museums

It may be a bit of a travel cliché, but in York, old and new exist in rare harmony. A cultural hub since Roman times, this city maintains a lasting historical charm, with many of our ancient ancestors’ constructions still standing strong.

But if you’re after some more modern sights, there’s plenty here for the inquisitive visitor to get lost in, from sumptuous  restaurants  to buzzing bars and contemporary art galleries (and everything in between). Ready to get out there and explore? Here’s our pick of the best things to do in York right now.

RECOMMENDED: 🍝 The best restaurants in York 🍸 The best bars in York 🍺 The best pubs in York 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in York

Rory Buccheri is  a writer based in York. At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines .  This guide includes affiliate links. These have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

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York things to do

1.  Stroll down the Shambles

What is it?  Quite possibly York’s most famous street and a firm favourite with Harry Potter fans.

Why go?  Take a stroll down this winding road and you’ll be overcome by its quaintness. But wait: The Shambles has a darker past lurking behind its pretty façade. In fact, its very name is the Old English word for slaughterhouse. And those cute hooks on the front of the shops? Originally used for hanging meat. Yum. More fun facts? The wonky-looking timber-framed buildings, many of which date back to the fourteenth century, were built like that so the overhang would protect the ‘wattle and daub’ walls and help keep the meat from going rancid in the sunshine. Scone, anyone?

Don’t miss:  Grab a pint at   Ye Old Shambles Tavern   or visit   TikTok’s famous   Ghost Merchants   to find your unique fortune-bringing ghost figurine .

2.  Walk along the York city walls

What is it?   Roman fortifications that once protected the city.

Why go?   The Romans did a lot for us. They built roads, thermal baths and left York with the longest walls barrier in the country. Walking the full length of York’s city walls will take a couple of hours, especially if you stop to read the many plaques on the way.

Don’t miss:   You can enlist the help of a guide to save a bit of brainwork. Tailored tours ensure you only get the juicy tidbits, while private excursions cut out any possibility of stragglers.

3.  Cruise down the Ouse

What is it? The Ouse is York’s main river , which cuts a path through the city before winding up at the Humber Estuary. 

Why go?   The Ouse is a picturesque delight with riverside walking routes that are perfect for post-lunch strolls. Follow the river and you’ll catch some of York’s best sights, from the Millennium Bridge to Clifford’s Tower. You can also take regular boat tours or cruises down the river.

Don’t miss:   Take the early evening cruise and you’ll be treated to sunset views that’ll give you pause for thought (and photos). The boat comes with a fully stocked bar should you fancy an evening tipple and there’s lively onboard commentary. 

4.  Take in the views at York Museum Gardens

What is it?  Free botanic gardens in the city centre with splendid medieval ruins.

Why go?  To enjoy a stroll surrounded by beautiful views in a green space bang-on in the city centre. Visiting the Museum is a plus, but coming to the Museum Gardens is a must. The Gardens are populated by wildlife and adorned with plants and flowers on every path. Inside you can see the medieval ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, a dramatic and picture-worthy site against a spectacular backdrop, as well as various other cool buildings. Entry to the Gardens is free, and once you’re in you won’t want to leave. 

Don’t miss : There are historic gems all around, so look out for the Observatory (now a cosy café) and the Hospitium, used for housing guests back in the 12 th century.

5.  Climb up Clifford’s Tower

What is it? The ruined Norman keep forming part of York Castle.

Why go? Like lots of this city’s history, this tower’s name has rather gruesome roots: Roger de Clifford was hanged for treason on this site back in 1322. Today the tower offers some pretty spectacular views. At the hill’s summit, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled panoramas over York Minster and the city centre, and, on a clear day, you can see as far as the North York Moors National Park.

6.  Explore York Minster

What is it?  A stunning cathedral dating back to the seventh century.

Why go?  Pretty much everywhere you go in York, you can catch a glimpse of the splendid Minster soaring over the city. But make sure you go to see it close up. Step inside the cool interiors and admire medieval stained-glass windows, carved stone and sparkling artefacts.  Make sure to visit the Chapter House: this mesmerising octagonal room dating from the 13 th century has spectacular vaulting and intact carved quirky gargoyles, but it’s all the way to the back of the Minster (so it's an actual hidden gem).

Don’t miss:  Strap on some sensible shoes and climb all 275 steps to enjoy the view from the highest point in York. If you’re lucky you might just spot a peregrine falcon nesting peacefully next to a gargoyle.

7.  Time-travel through the streets of York Castle Museum

What is it?  An immersive display reproducing 400 years of York’s past.

Why go?  To live as a time traveller for a day, walking from York’s smoky Victorian streets to its kitchens and music-filled rooms in the 1960s. It doesn’t get more immersive than walking in the dim light of Kirkgate, York’s re-built Victorian street, hearing horse-carriage bells and smelling peculiar odours as you step into the real-life shops recreated from historic records: hat-makers, fudge-makers, tailors, chemists and more. York Castle Museum 's newly refurbished rooms have something for everyone’s taste, with plenty of interactive displays to bring history to life. To make it even cooler, you have actors playing real-life characters to help on your timey-wimey journey .

8.  Delve into York’s Scandi past at the Jorvik Viking Centre

What is it? A trip back in time to the days of York under Danish rule.

Why go? This is a chance to delve into York’s Scandi past – and no, we’re not talking hygge here. In 866 (yes, York really is that ancient) the city was invaded by the Danes; this attraction gives a snapshot of what Viking life would have been like. With its moving carriages, life-size dioramas and ancient artefacts, it’s a real trip back in time. Be warned: they even replicate the smells of the ninth century. We can confirm they’re pretty bad.

Don’t miss: Look out for an actual fossilised Viking poo on display. 

9.  Head down to the York Cold War Bunker

What is it? A relic of York history from the days of the Iron Curtain and the fear of the ever-ticking Doomsday Clock. 

Why go? If you’re tired of learning about Romans and Vikings, then lose yourself in another chapter of history. The semi-subterranean York Cold War Bunker was built in case of a Soviet nuclear attack and, with its blast-proof doors, perspex maps and decontamination areas is described by English Heritage as ‘the most modern and spine-chilling’ of their properties. Tours are led by friendly guides who know their stuff and begin every hour on the hour.   If visiting in autumn and winter, be sure to check their website for up-to-date openings.

10.  Enjoy award-winning afternoon tea at The Grand

What is it?  A luxurious afternoon tea in the city’s only 5-star hotel.

Why go?  To enjoy a proper treat in one of the most majestic venues in the city without breaking the bank. The Grand 's signature afternoon tea features 20 different types of teas from around the world, with savoury and sweet options stacked elegantly and made in-house by some of the best pastry chefs in the country. Don’t take our word for it: they were awarded Conde Nast’s best afternoon tea in the UK in 2023! During a warm summer day you can enjoy your scones, tea, and tipple on the terrace with lovely views of the city walls .

11.  Learn about York’s chocolate history

What is it? A guided tour through 3,000 years of chocolate history and, of course, York’s crucial role in it.

Why go? To get up to speed on some of the most beloved (and delicious) York-made sweeties. Expect to dive deep into the history of Terry’s, Rowntree’s and more. Oh, and obvs don’t forget to get your fair share of samples from the shop.

12.  Get spooked on a ghost tour

What is it?  York’s full of ghoulish stories, and a ghost tour’s the best way to find out about them.

Why go?  To set your heart racing and learn more about why York is so spooktacular . Wander along narrow passageways and dark streets to investigate bloodcurdling tales of scandal and death, or jump aboard the  Ghost Bus , on which the creepy conductor will fill you in on the city’s grimmest tales. There’s a wide variety of ghost tours running daily here, so if you’re after some scares, York’s the place for you.

13.  Soak up some tranquility at Breezy Knees Garden

Please note the gardens are open May-September only.

What is it? Spectacular (and award-winning) gardens on the edge of the city.

Why go? For the 20 acres of gardens packed with more than 7,000 varieties of flowers, shrubs and trees.

Don’t miss:  The adjoining specialist nursery, which stocks many rare plants you can buy and take home.

14.  Get cultured at the Barbican

What is it? The largest music and arts venue in York. 

Why go? To see everything from big-name bands to live comedy, as well as a variety of goings-on that span sports, children’s entertainment and community events. It’s a key venue and cultural hub in the city with a rich history of hosting amazing artists. The programme is always stacked, hosting more than 200 events a year and pulling in 130,000 visitors.

15.  Trainspot at The National Railway Museum

What is it? The perfect excuse to get in touch with your inner trainspotter.

Why go? Anyone with a passion for period dramas, history or design will revel in a trip to the National Railway Museum – the biggest railway museum in the UK, no less. Here you’ll find more than a million pieces of memorabilia, including actual trains, mock-up stations and perfectly (and stylishly) restored carriages.

Don’t miss: You can also take a ride on the miniature railway outside.

16.  Go on a brewery tour

What is it? A beer-filled tour of local brewery Brew York.

Why go? To sample a sumptuous range of local beers fresh from the place they’re actually brewed. 

Don’t miss: If you love the brew so much you want to take some home with you, then no problem: sign up for Brew York’s monthly subscription box.

17.  Stop for hot chocolate at Cocoa Joe’s

What is it? A choccy haven  in the heart of town

Why go? Fancy a hot choc? York’s famous history with chocolate keeps inspiring the city’s modern foodies and baristas. Inside this cosy café specialised in all things chocolate, you can indulge in hot or cold chocolate drinks sustainably sourced from all over the world, and enriched by dozens of flavours you can customise. Raspberry? Ginger? Marshmallows? Yes please. And it’s definitely a bonus that you can try as many chocolate samples as you wish, as the expert chocolatiers tell you all about their journey to the chocolate capital of the UK. 

18.  Nerd out at the Yorkshire Air Museum

Why go? You don’t have to be an aviation aficionado to fall in love with the  Yorkshire Air Museum . The museum boasts one of the largest collections   UK-wide, and each aircraft tells a different story – from early aviation gliders to real planes used during WW2 and the Cold War.

Don’t miss: the Handley Page Hangar and the Women’s Memorial, celebrating untold histories of the British heroines of WW2.

19.  Have a day out at York Racecourse

What is it? Award-winning modern racecourse and gig venue with grandstands and characterful listed buildings.

Why go?  For any of the 17 joyous race days between May and October. Not a racing fan? No problem – the racecourse also puts on concerts, fashion events and even a vintage clothes festival. There’s a decent car boot sale here on Saturday mornings, too.

Don’t miss:  The Yorkshire Ebor Festival and its smartly-dressed vibe is the season highlight.

20.  Enjoy a comedy show at the Grand Opera House

What is it? A Grade II-listed theatre that was lovingly restored in the ’80s.

Why go? As well as all its historic sights, York also boasts some pretty cool live entertainment venues. Following its ’80s revamp, which saw the theatre’s layout returned to its original period style, the Grand Opera House now puts on an excellent programme of live music, comedy and musicals. 

More great things to do in York

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36 Best Things to do in York (By a Local)

Best Things to do in York – York is a magnificent city to live in or visit, with so many things to do and see. We have sites of historical importance, beautiful streets, fun attractions, cracking theatres and fab restaurants .

As well as cool bars and a pub for almost every day of the year and amazing amounts of festivals !  We also have a list of things to do with kids in York.

For events, gigs and theatre listings, see our monthly guide to What’s on in York.

Many of the below attractions are included in the York Pass , I’ve pointed out which ones are .   Have a look at our review of the best way to see more for less money .

York Minster

York Minster is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, and towers above all the rest of the buildings in York.  It can be seen on the horizon for miles around.  It is a stunning building to visit.  You can also explore its undercroft or climb the high central tower for some magnificent views. 

Plus, your entrance ticket is valid from a full year from your first visit.  “York Minster is the second-largest Gothic cathedral of Northern Europe and clearly charts the development of English Gothic architecture from Early English through to the Perpendicular Period. The present building was begun in about 1230 and completed in 1472.”

York Minster is included in The York Pass.

Take a River Cruise

See York from a different perspective during a 45-minute or 1-hour cruise on the River Ouse . Relax during a leisurely sail, accompanied by commentary that details the history and culture of York, and enjoy unobstructed views of landmarks such as Clifford’s Tower and the Museum Gardens.

Choose from several departure times to suit your schedule. 45 minutes or 1-hour sightseeing cruise in York See the historic city of York from a different perspective during the cruise.

Clifford’s Tower

Clifford’s Tower is very central in York, and situated between the Castle Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre.  It’s looked after by English Heritage so will be included if you have an English Heritage card.   “The stunning panoramic views over Old York from the top of Clifford’s Tower, make it the ideal starting point for any visit to the city.

There’s plenty to discover at this imposing tower standing proud on its high mound. It is almost all that remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror, and has served as a prison and a royal mint in its time. Enjoy unrivalled views of York Minster and the city of York, with its medieval churches and buildings. In the distance you can see as far as the North York Moors.”

The Bloody Tour of York

Join Mad Alice on The Bloody Tour of York as you wander “the streets and snickleways to historic landmarks.  With 2000 years of history, York has fascinating stories of the macabre and the extraordinary.  Uncover the tales of the Romans, the Viking invasion and the Plague amongst tales of torture and execution.

The history of the city is brought to life in this award-winning  90 minute tour which is suitable for gruesome little ones.  Learn about the city’s most famous son Guy Fawkes and what really drove him to want to blow up the houses of Parliament in 1605.  Dick Turpin, the famous Highwayman was hanged at York in 1739 but he was caught by sheer luck.  Margaret Clitherow, martyr and Saint lived amongst the entrailed and blood-soaked Shambles in the 1580’s.”

Accessibility: Suitable for all ages and fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The walk takes a steady pace around the city. If there are any mobility issues, please talk to Mad Alice at the beginning of the tour who will tailor the tour to be more comfortable.  Accompanying carers are invited onto the tour free of charge.

Click here to book tickets for The Bloody Tour of York.

The york ghost bus.

The York Ghost Bus is a cross between a sightseeing bus tour and a ghost walk.  You get to see York from the comfort of your bus seat while being entertained by a live tour guide telling you spooky and gory tales of bygone York.  It’s definitely more comedy than horror though and the kids will enjoy it too.

Have a look at our review of the York Ghost Bus.

The Bar Walls

The Bar Walls are the thick stone walls that circle the city. They are not entirely complete but are a great (free!) activity to do with older children.

There are steps to climb and not all of the walls are fenced (meaning a drop to one side) so bear that in mind if there are accessibility issues or wild toddlers! You get a view of the city and The Minster from the walls that you just don’t get to see otherwise.

See our detailed post about and map of the Bar Walls here.

Take a Tour

There are lots of different tours to take in York from historic to quirky.  You can see York on the open top hop-on-hop-off bus , or take one of the many walking tours around York .  Explore York’s past through the buildings and the stories of people who lived here. 

How about joining one of our famous ghost walks in the evening (I’ve done many and they are brilliant fun!), we also have a Ghost Bus tour !  You can tour York on one of City Cruises’s boats and have lunch or afternoon tea on there.  Another tour that sounds great fun is the ‘Bloody York Gin Tour’ , which is a two-hour walking and gin-drinking tour – a boozy ghost walk if you will.  For more ideas check out What To Do In .

City Cruises and the Hop-on-Hop-off buses are included in The York Pass.

The Wizard Walk of York

Click here to book tickets for The Wizard Walk of York.

The Magic Hatter is bringing his award-winning entertainment to the streets, with his Wizard Walk of York.

“Magic, mystery, comedy and excitement plus a dash of York’s history…the ingredients for a truly unforgettable experience for all the family!”

Public tours are running on selected evenings, starting from the bottom of The Shambles opposite The Golden Fleece. Pre-booking required.  Private tours are available for birthdays, school groups, brownies, cubs and more. A wonderfully whimsical tour that wizard fans will go Potty for!

Wizard Wand Kits are also available, subject to availability. A handcrafted wand and instructions for seven tricks that young witches and wizards can learn at home. Plus a FREE printable certificate!  

** Note from Nikki: If you have younger kids with you, there is no better tour for you.  We have seen The Magic Hatter many, many times when the kids were little and wholeheartedly recommend him. ** 

York CitySightseeing Hop on Hop off Bus

Journey back in time on a hop-on hop-off bus tour of York . Your flexible 24-hour ticket enables you build a custom itinerary of York’s main attractions such as The Stonebow, Clifford’s Tower, Museum Gardens and more. With unobstructed views from the open-top viewing deck and 20 possible stops around town, you have the best of the city at your fingertips. City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off tour of York with audio commentary 

Book tickets for the York CitySightseeing Bus

Chocolate bar making .

10 Castlegate, York YO1 9RG

Book tickets to Make Your Own Chocolate Bar

How would you fancy making your own chocolate bar at York Cocoa Works ?  We recently visited and did their Manufactory Tour as well as making our own chocolate.  It was interesting, informative and great fun!

See our review of York Cocoa Works here.

The Shambles

The Shambles is one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. Although none of the original shop-fronts have survived from medieval times, some properties still have exterior wooden shelves, reminders of when cuts of meat were served from the open windows. 

We have two Harry Potter shops and a Ghost Shop in The Shambles!

The Museum Gardens

Another free activity in the centre of York, the Museum Gardens are a lovely place to explore. On a summer’s day you can bring a picnic here and relax on a bench or the grass. You can also explore the ruins of the medieval St. Mary’s Abbey, or visit The Yorkshire Museum.

“There is so much to see and do including a chance to see inside Yorkshire’s oldest working observatory, wander round the gardens and see the vast botanical collection, spot some of the 40 species of bird within the gardens and visit the award winning Yorkshire Museum, which showcases some of Britain’s finest archaeological treasures and many rare animals, birds and fossils, in exciting new displays.”

York Castle Museum

The York Castle Museum is brilliant, interesting and fun with lots of things to look at and explore. They have Kirkgate, a Victorian street, as well as actual (historic!) prison cells.  They also have lovely Christmas events too.

Challenge Yourself with an Escape Room

Here is a fun idea to try something different.  York has several escape room companies now and each one has several different themed rooms you can try, from the fun sounding Ministry of Wizards to the spooky sounding Boneyard Cemetery.

Have a look at our list of Escape Rooms in York.

Best Things to do in York

Thor’s Tipi or Sol Ast

Every summer and Christmas time York hosts a unique pop-up Viking bar experience.  At Christmas, we see Thor’s Tipi in Parliament Street as an accompaniment to York Christmas Market ,  You can sip around a roaring fire drinking cocktails or laced hot chocolates. 

In the summer, the fun moves to SOL AST in the gardens of The Principal Hotel.  Here you can enjoy the alfresco vibe while lanterns swing lazily from the trees around you.

Original Harry Potter Locations Tour

Book tickets for The York Harry Potter Locations Tour.

“As well as being full of architectural treasures, York also has a strong association with the world’s most famous wizard. Get an intimate glimpse into the city while visiting places significant to J K Rowling and Harry Potter on a magical walking tour, ideal for fans of the books and movies.

Traveling on foot means you’ll avoid traffic and be able to stop at points of interest without the hassle of parking. Discover easy-to-miss places significant to J K Rowling and Harry Potter Get a more intimate glimpse into York on a walking tour Benefit from the insider knowledge of a guide Explore without the hassle of parking or traffic.

Read more about Original Harry Potter Locations Tour – York.”

See our post about finding Harry Potter in York here.

Van Gogh Immersive Experience

The Van Gogh Immersive Experience , located in York St Mary’s on Castlegate (adjacent to JORVIK Viking Centre) is currently open daily from 10am to 5pm (last admissions).  Prebooking is recommended, though walk-up visits are also welcome, including holders of York Pass. 

The Van Gogh Immersive Experience is included in The York Pass.

National Railway Museum, York

From steam rides to storytelling, the National Railway Museum has lots of hands-on fun for the whole family.  Entry to the National Railway Museum is free.

Beningbrough Hall

Beningbrough Hall is around a 15 mile drive from York.  It’s a magnificent country house and gardens run by the National Trust.  There is lots to do within the house itself, and gorgeous grounds to explore.  There is a very fine adventure playground for the kids, gift shop and cafes.

Beningbrough Hall is included in The York Pass.

The Yorkshire Museum

The Yorkshire Museum sits in the heart of York Museum Gardens, in the centre of York.  The museum was opened in 1830 by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society and was one of the first purpose-built museums in the country. 

Reopened on 1 August 2010 following a nine-month £2million refurbishment project the Museum houses five galleries showcasing some of Britain’s finest archaeological treasures and many rare animals, birds and fossils, in exciting displays.

York Art Gallery

York Art Gallery’s collection of paintings spans more than 600 years and works range from 14th century Italian panels and 17th century Dutch masterpieces to Victorian narrative paintings and 20th century works by LS Lowry and David Hockney.

The Mansion House

St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 9QL

The Mansion House is the home of the Lord Mayor of York.  “Following a period of extensive restoration, York Mansion House opened fully to the public for the first time in 2018, welcoming visitors from around the world to an inspiring, interactive experience, walking them through the story of York’s past and present.

Housing the city’s incredible civic treasures, and unique gold and silver collections, the dramatic interiors take the visitor on a journey from the grandeur of the State Room, to life below stairs in the restored Georgian kitchen.”

The Mansion House is included in The York Pass.

The York Dungeon

The York Dungeon brings together an amazing cast of historic characters, immersive sets and surprising special-effects.  It’s great fun, comedic, and occasionally a bit grim, but the acting and quality of the place is impressive.

The York Dungeon is included in The York Pass.

Ten Pin Bowling

We have two ten pin bowling alleys in York.  Ten Pin has been in place for many years whilst Hollywood Bowl has more recently opened.  As well as bowling both have a cafe and arcade.

See our review of Hollywood Bowl here.

Puttstars Mini Golf

Puttstars Mini Golf opened recently and the first time York has had a mini-golf of this size.  It’s very modern with great technological scoring and cool holes to play.  There are three 9 hole courses, an arcade and cafe bar.

See our review of Puttstars here.

Visit Dick Turpin’s Grave

The infamous highwayman Dick Turpin was tried and hanged in York for horse theft in 1739.  His body lies in St George’s Graveyard – the entrance to the graveyard is on the corner of Lead Mill Lane and George Street.

Visit the Theatre

There are several theatres in York. The biggest two are the Grand Opera House which has a varied programme of musicals, plays and tribute acts, as well as a pantomime at Christmas.

The York Theatre Royal has two stages, the main stage and a smaller, more intimate studio. The main stage tends to be plays and touring theatre companies while the studio often has done great children’s theatre. They also have a panto every Christmas.

There are four cinemas in York. There are two in York City Centre, the Everyman , and the City Screen which is in the city centre on Coney Street, overlooking the river.

There are also two out of town multiplexes. There is Vue at Clifton Moor with a modern foyer and all screens with recliner seats.

Cineworld at Monk’s Cross opened more recently and is very modern with a VIP room, IMAX and Screen X.

There are so many festivals in York – we are a big festival city! To name a few there is the Jorvik Viking Festival, York Christmas Festival, the York Festival of Food and Drink and the York Resident’s Festival.

See our list of all the great festivals in York here.

Dine in or out – York Restaurants

We have lots of fabulous restaurants in York from our humble but delicious fish and chips eaten from the paper on a park bench to fine dining in one of our many upmarket restaurants. 

Or you could go international with Chinese, Italian , Indian or even Korean food.  We have some amazing places for brunch or afternoon tea too.

Have a look at our post on the best restaurants in York here.

Pubs and Bars

York has a fabulous array of places to drink and socialise.  Famously, in our relatively small city you can drink in a different pub every day for a whole year! 

Whether you are looking for a wine bar, gin bar or a cosy, traditional pub, York has them all!

See our list of the best Bars in York here.

Wine Tasting, Gin Tasting or Cocktail Making

If you are looking for something different in the evening, why not check out our posts on where you can try wine tasting, gin experiences or cocktail making classes?

Have a look at our posts on  wine tasting , gin tasting or cocktail making in York

Cookery Classes in York

Why not have a bit of fun brushing up your culinary skills?  You can try artisan bread making, become a chocolatier for the day, try South East Asian cuisine or learn how to cooked a really good steak.

Have a look at our posts on Cookery Schools in (and near) York.

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The 15 best things to do in York

By Rachel Everett

As the American poet, Adrienne Rich, once said: “The moment of change is the only poem.” And, York’s evolution is in full swing. This means that a trip to the city can include Romans and Vikings, haunted happenings, Gothic spires and sullen snickets, yet also, cutting-edge galleries and museums, innovative independents, Michelin  restaurants , and hipster hangouts. And that’s exactly what makes it great for a  weekend – or longer.

York’s crowning glory, the mighty, honey-hued Minster is the city’s centrepiece and the medieval hotchpotch of The Shambles with its spooky ginnels has Harry Potter written all over it – but delve under the city’s skin to find its real pulse. There’s a thriving creative scene, thronging local neighbourhood pockets, and a mass of lesser-known things to do. If in doubt about what to see and do, just ask a resident, Yorkshire folk have a reputation for keeping it real.

One of the advantages of tripping to York is its proximity to the  Yorkshire countryside and coast – drive around an hour to get to more sensational rugged destinations such as the Runswick Bay or Sandsend, the Yorkshire Dales or Howardian Hills. It’s a more sustainable UK break with regular rail services from  London to York taking under two hours.

York and its surroundings are packed with history-rich sights, but the key is in knowing the best local tips. Read on for our insider picks on the best things to do in York, and if you're looking for more tips on where to stay then check out our guide to York .

1. See the best views atop York Minster

A visit to York’s crown jewel, the mighty  York Minster is a must. Northern Europe’s largest medieval Gothic cathedral, is a stunner and dates back to 1470 – the jaunty, golden architectural masterpiece is majestic even from the outside. Once inside, it’s hard not to be enamoured by all its compelling features like the intricate and ornate ceiling in the Chapter House, the lofty, hallowed corridors and one of the main fascinations — the beautifully-crafted stained glass windows like the Rose Window.

Book a  Hidden Minster Tour , where expert guides take visitors to hidden spaces – such as the Chapter House roof and old Mason’s Loft – that are normally closed to the public. Once above the terracotta rooftops, take in the wonderful 360 views of the city and beyond as far as the chalk White Horse of Kilburn — the trek up is so worth it. 

Insider tip: nearby, the lesser-known Treasurer's House is a treat, opt for a guided tour where knowledgeable staff reveal more about its residents and the storied history of the building.

Address:   York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH Website:   yorkminster.org

2. Join the queue at iconic Bettys

Bettys  is an absolute landmark in the city and there’s something wonderful about it. Get a prime table in the gloriously old-school main cafe, where monochrome-dressed staff serve up delicious food and confectionery, cakes and pastries to lucky guests. 

Highlights on the cafe menu include the signature swiss rosti – tip, try the breakfast version – and the homemade schnitzel, fish and chips and handmade burgers. Make sure to order coffee: it comes with all the niceties, in a silver pot with a side of cream. 

For those that only have time to swing by, some takeout patisserie will pimp up a day WFH — the vanilla slices are fluffy and crisp, vanilla-sweet, custard-cream pieces of pure patisserie joy. 

Insider tip: a popular feature, the seasonal window displays are second-to-none – kids will especially love the festive confections and the Easter bunny.

Address:   Bettys Café Tea Rooms, 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP Website:   bettys.co.uk

3. Visit The Shambles and Shambles Market

The most frequented street in York prize goes to  The Shambles . It would be remiss not to mention it – this perfectly imperfect, medieval, cobblestone street used to be the home to York’s butchers and now is a favourited sight. Try out the shops including  The Shop That Must Not Be Named ,  Monk Bar Chocolatiers and  Shambles Kitchen . In the adjoining  Shambles Market , there is a fishmonger, a butcher, a baker, food, flower and craft markets, indie shops and eats.

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In the compact market area, you can eat your way around the globe, snaffle some crafty trinkets and treat yourself to a bunch of your favourite blooms. Our picks for eats include  Stam and Maria Greek Street Food ,  Krep , and  Dough Eyed Pizza .

Insider tip: get to the long-established pie shop  The Shambles Sausage and Pie Company  before midday to bag the best pies.

4. Walk York’s “Bar Walls”

Start with a walk along  York’s City Walls , known as the “Bar Walls” – they’re a piece of history that’s truly unique to York. The ancient Roman walls that ring the city were originally built for defence and there are two miles (3.4km) of surviving masonry. Walking the historical walls, travellers can see the city from all the best angles: the whole route takes around two hours but with the various entrances and exit points, it’s possible to go for a brisk jaunt too.

Insider tip: one section to pick is the part overlooking  Grays Court Hotel and its beautiful gardens and York Minster’s gothic glory. Even better, stop by Grays for lunch en route to town – the gardens were made for lingering on a summer's day. Take the kids on an autumn tree watch and see the kaleidoscope of colours from above.

5. Take in York’s museums

York’s museum scene is stacked and it’s possible to have copious days out trekking around them. For a dose of art and culture, go to  York Art Gallery – try adjoined Sketch for a coffee pit stop after. For kids, try the  Yorkshire Museum for Yorkshire’s Jurassic World, and for everyone,  York Castle Museum showcases over 400 years of York’s past. Its neighbour, the recently renovated  Clifford’s Tower , the largest remaining part of York Castle and the former centre of the government for the north of England, has a wraparound panorama of the city from the viewing deck. 

Insider tip: the most impressive (and also free) museum has to be the  National Railway Museum . A trainspotter’s dream: wander the beautiful collection of locomotives, see the world’s fastest steam train, the Mallard, or  Shinkansen , the Japanese bullet train. February 2023 marks 100 years since the Flying Scotsman started service, and there will be a programme of events to celebrate.

6. Wander the gardens and parks

The  York’s Museum Gardens  are planted firmly in the city's heart and are an essential stop at any time of year — pack a picnic and go for some flower power. There’s plenty of space among the colour-bright flora and fauna, and sprawling old ruins and the gardens are dotted with benches. Kids love spotting the resident squirrels and peacocks in the gardens; adults love stopping by  The Star Inn the City  waterside terrace.

Side note: there are also local riverside  walks  and access to another York icon —  York Explore Library , York’s landmark public library and home of the city archive. Designed by Walter Brierley and opened in 1927 – its hushed archives on the top floor are reminiscent of ‘Trinners’ or Trinity College  Dublin . 

Other local parks and gardens to visit include the beautifully-kept  Homestead Park , or popular  Rowntree Park  – an incredible park close to the centre that has woodland walks, playgrounds, a skatepark, and a library cafe. 

Insider tip: visit the secret garden at  Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens  just outside the city, in the pretty village of Stillingfleet. It’s a labour of love by a local family – get lost in its maze of gardens and jungle of greenery – finishing in its flower-fringed tea shop. 

7. Learn about York’s chocolate dynasties

As the Chocolate City, York’s confectionary past spans chocolate dynasties such as Terry’s and Rowntree’s – let's not forget the iconic Chocolate Orange or Yorkie. Book tickets for  York’s Chocolate Story to get an overview of its sweet-toothed history and join a truffle-making class – a winning subject and class to excel in.

Pop by  York Cocoa Works for a custom-made hot chocolate from the menu (try the white chocolate), buy a gift of freshly-made fudge from York’s  Fudge Kitchen or swing by one of the old-fashioned sweet shops – a bag of rhubarb and custard, please. 

Insider tip: buy some milk chocolate salted caramels from local chocolatier  Andrew Thwaites – it is a life-changing event. His new culinary venture, a cookery school, will open in York in 2023.

8. Book a spa day

The spa and wellness scene in York is finally ramping up a notch. There are bespoke spa treatments, wellness sessions, and luxurious health suites: the options are growing – making York’s spa day game strong. 

Book a spa afternoon at  The Grand Hotel , York’s smartest hotel, the spa packages come with access to the glassy pool and steam room. For massages, go to  No.1 by Guest House — there’s a soothing menu of treatments. In the lavender-scented hotel basement spa, therapists offer a bespoke service – take home some  Pinks Boutique wild mint oil. On the outskirts of York, visit timeless  Middlethorpe Hall for a country retreat spa session and tea on the grounds straight out of Bridgerton . 

Insider tip: try a Finnish sauna in the wild at Pool Bridge Farm on the outskirts of York with  Whitby Well Being . Go for a cold plunge in the wild water swimming lake afterwards, depending on how brave you are.

9. Go on a spooky ghost walk or bus

Who you gonna call? York’s been called the “ Most haunted city in Europe ” and there have been many ghost stories and sightings such as the Grey Lady at York Theatre Royal. Many of York’s notable buildings have recorded eerie activities and, of course, there’s always a long queue for the little ghost souvenirs from  The York Ghost Merchants . 

Picks for tours and walks include  The Bloody Tour of York ,  The York Ghost Bus Tour ,  The Original Ghost Walk of York or  The Deathly Dark Tour .  

Insider tip: visit  The Golden Fleece pub which reportedly is the most haunted pub in York with 15 ghosts. Or, visit when the mesh ghosts are on display in  York Museum Gardens if all else fails – these pretty silver-mesh ghosts are dotted all over the Museum Gardens every year. 

10. Have tea at The Cat’s Whiskers

The York Cat Trail is a quirky local walking trail around York. In 1920, Sir Stephen Aitcheson put two cat sculptures on his building in Low Ousegate – possibly to scare away rats – and the idea caught on and other people followed suit, using little cat figures as lucky charms. In 1979, architect Tom Adams started to design buildings with little black cats planted on top to further the tradition. Now there’s quite the selection.

You can join the York Cat Trail at the  Cat Gallery Shop . The walking trail takes in all the fabulous felines around the city and its surroundings. 

Insider tip: end with a visit to York’s only cat cafe,  The Cat’s Whiskers . Have a cuppa with the kitties or just tag along for the purr-fest.

Address:   The Cat’s Whiskers, 46 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF Websites:   thecatswhiskersyork.co.uk

11. Go to the races

The York Races mean the crowds land on the South Bank neighbourhood throughout the racing season – truth be told, for locals, there’s often a comedy sight or three – as previously suited and booted visitors leave the racecourse looking dishevelled. But it’s a bonus having easy access to York Racecourse and its annual line-up of events – there’s more than horse racing on offer.

The venue plays host to many established events, including concerts, conventions, fairs and shows.  The Music Showcase Weekend  includes racing and live music, and last year saw Madness hit the stage; the CAMRA Beer and Cider Festival is always a hit.

Insider tip: go for Comic-Con – a cool expo for anime fans.

Address:   York Racecourse, Racecourse Road, Knavesmire Road, York YO23 1EX Website: yorkracecourse.co.uk

12. Seek out the best old pubs

As a city packed with imbibing establishments (more than 365) – where do you start? There are plenty of cosy old pubs , sleek wine bars and cocktail spots. But really, York does old boozers best.

Notable pubs to mention are the  Guy Fawkes Inn for its marvellously wonky wooden floors and a history lesson on Yorkshire’s notorious plotter. For a more modern version, the beer garden at  The Fossgate Social is one of our favourites.

Insider tip: go to  The Blue Bell . York’s smallest pub should be high on your agenda – it’s a little wood-panelled Edwardian beauty dating back to 1798. Once inside, it feels a bit like your granny's living room – in a good way. Go for the local banter and impeccable service, this is a place where they’ll always remember your order. 

13. Go to a festival or shop the independents' 

York’s indie scene is what makes it so special –  the abundance of independents , makers and bakers makes it easy to support locals. Slap-bang in the centre,  Shambles Market is the place to swing by; or visit Goodramgate, Fossgate or the Fifth Quarter of Gillygate and Bootham just outside of the city belt, once in the burbs, it’s Bishopthorpe Road. 

The roster of festivals happening in York every year keeps growing and includes York Ice Trail , Jorvik Viking Festival , York Chocolate Festival , York Food and Drink Festival , York Festival of Ideas , Fossgate Festival, York Pride , York Christmas Festival , not forgetting York Fashion Week – the list goes on. It’s worth planning a visit around one of the big festivals to tap into the buzz. 

Insider tip: just outside the city in the  North York Moors National Park try the  Dark Skies Festival – go stargazing or join an astrophotography workshop in a ravishing countryside location.

14. Get tickets for a show or a community disco

York’s theatre scene is hopping but the main venues to look out for include York Theatre Royal ,  The Grand Opera House and  York Barbican – all hosting a stream of international events and performances. Formerly The Odeon,  Everyman York offers a deluxe film experience. It's the only place for movie night: the small screening rooms, luxe seating and in-cinema menu make for the best tickets in town – go for the latest releases or a true classic like It’s a Wonderful Life at Christmas.

Insider tip : a former working men’s club, The Crescent , is the coolest performance and live music venue with a comprehensive line-up including gigs, DJs, billiards, video games, pool – and local ales, of course. Go for The Escape Club, a big community disco for all.

15. Go green and cycle the planets

As York is ideally located within striking distance of rugged Yorkshire countryside it’s easy to access some pretty walks and cycle routes. Insider picks include cycling the planets – cycling from York to Naburn on the  York Solar System route . 

This local route is a scale model of the solar system (and 6.4 miles, 10km) running along the old East Coast mainline railway. There are models of all the planets dotted along the route (65), and it takes in the surrounding countryside from York Racecourse, allowing a stop at  Brunswick Organic Nursery and continuing on to the petite village of  Naburn and the locks – a beautiful enclave of York with a picturesque marina and several country loop walks. 

Insider tip: Other top rides include the riverside cycle from York city centre to  Beningbrough Hall and Home Farm or drive to Beningbrough Hall and do the circular walking route with the secret ‘beach’ for Constable-like scenes of the English countryside. 

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Why we love York

Small and mighty – York is the medieval walled city that really packs a punch. Its backdrop of medieval lanes, Snickelways, and even a shopping street that dates back to the Domesday Book, means this compact city is packed with stuff to see.  Check out the impressive 2,000-year-old Gothic halls of its cathedral which could fit in the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or the ridiculously pretty 13th century timbered streets of The Shambles. Take a punt on the horses at its world-famous race course, check out its masses of museums and sample a food scene that spans from Michelin stars to shipping containers. Wash it down with the world’s first carbon-negative gin, or escape to nearby sites as awesome as the city itself.

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Carbon-negative gin tour

Explore the world’s first carbon-negative gin distillery and take a tasting tour at York’s Cooper King .

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Bring out the train driver in you

See the world’s fastest steam locomotive, the Mallard. Discover how high-speed rail travel began and experience the tough life of a working station at York Railway Museum .   

Scare yourself silly at York Dungeon

Discover a grizzly 2000 Years of York’s darkest history as you see, hear and smell the cities murky past. Come face-to-face with Vikings and their Saxon enemies in an adult theatrical tours.

Things to do in York

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Jorvik Viking Centre

Journey through Viking past and discover what life was like in 10th century York at Jorvik Viking Centre.

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York Minster

Marvel at one of Britain’s most majestic cathedrals, York Minster, a medieval masterpiece.

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The Shambles

Walk around York’s famous Shambles, the medieval shopping street that looks like it’s straight out of Harry Potter.

National Railway Museum York

From steam locomotives to the dawn of diesel, interactive family-fun and more, discover how the railways shaped modern Britain.

York City Walls

Follow a trail along York’s famous Roman City Walls – the longest town walls in England and take in views of this historic city.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Roots, York

Tuck into a tasting menu from a twenty-acre farm.

York's Chocolate Story

See expert chocolatiers at work, and have a go at creating your own cocoa masterpieces too!

York Castle Museum

Covering 400 years of history, this living museum offers craft workshops, theatre shows and more.

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Unique York Walking Tours - Invisible Cities

This fantastic social initiative has transformed countless lives, and is a great way to get to know York.

The York Dungeon

With ten live-action shows, professional storytellers and atmospheric sets, this is like travelling through time!

Yorkshire Photo Walks

Sharpen your photography skills while exploring York’s history, nature and neighbourhoods on these expert-led workshops.

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McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York

Love designer fashions at discount prices? Browse Levi’s, Coach, Paul Smith, Ted Baker and more.

McArthur Glen York Designer Outlet

Antiques Centre York

This incredible emporium features more than 120 antiques dealers and traders – all under one roof.

Maybe you’ll climb the ‘Volcorno’, hit the ‘Cobstacle’ Course, or go climbing on the ‘Corn-wall’?

Rowntree Park

This picturesque city-centre park is ideal for picnics, and is free-of-charge to enjoy.

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York Racecourse

Horse racing highlights include the Dante Festival (May), John Smith’s Cup (July) and the season finale (October).

Holy Trinity Church

Look out for the plaque commemorating 19th-century diarist Anne Lister, who was known as “Gentleman Jack”.

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York Art Gallery

Maybe you’ll join a photography walk, give painting a go, or try a life-drawing workshop?

Merchant Adventurers' Hall

An atmospheric setting for live music and entertainment, which offers guided behind-the-scenes tours too.

Merchants Hall York

Hidden Gems Food Crawl

A must-try for all foodies, and a great way to get under the skin of this vibrant city.

Tours in a Dish

Raise a pint or two with friends, and check the website to see what’s on during your visit.

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Yorkshire Heart Vineyard & Brewery

Sip wines made from grapes grown in Yorkshire, and beers brewed from quality local hops and malts.

Yorkshire Heart Vineyard

Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York

Explore the real-life inspiration behind Diagon Alley, and visit a Potter-themed potion shop…

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The biggest LGBTQIA+ event in North Yorkshire, this annual festival takes place every June.

Grand Opera House York

From West End musicals and opera performances, to world-famous ballets: this historic theatre has it all.

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York Early Music Festival

Discover the sounds of days gone by, with soul-stirring historic concerts and choral ensembles.

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The Bloody Tour of York

With “Mad Alice” as your tour guide, you’ll learn all about York’s fascinating and ghoulish history.

Clifford’s Tower

Old meets new at this York heritage hotspot, with incredible rooftop views over the city skyline.

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The Ghost Bus Tours York

A horror-themed bus trip with plenty of laughs: this is one ghoulish city tour!

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Breezy Knees Gardens

Enjoy a walk in this spectacular garden, with its statuesque fountains, flowering borders and towering conifers.

Breezy Knees Garden

River Ouse Cruise

See York from a fresh perspective on a 45-minute sightseeing cruise along the peaceful River Ouse.

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Maybe you’ll catch an outdoor film screening, join a craft workshop, or try a reflexology treatment?

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Coppergate Shopping Centre

This central retail quarter features the likes of Primark, The Body Shop, Fenwick and Flying Tiger.

Goodramgate

Known as the “independent heart of York”, this vibrant quarter is home to boutique shops and quirky cafés.

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Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park

Meet meerkats, tortoises, alpacas, otters and more – and get even closer on a wildlife experience day.

Planet Food

Love food, but hate waste? So does this weekly community café, which offers a ‘Pay-As-You-Feel brunch / lunch.

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Featured things to do

Up to the heights

Discover the newly reopened Clifford’s Tower after its £5 million facelift to transform this 800-year-old landmark and drink in the 360-degree views of the city.

Whether you take a river boat cruise and enjoy afternoon tea or hop onboard a Red Boat and become the skipper of your own boat, the River Ouse is a pretty relaxing way to take in the city.

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Take a walking tour

Walking tours run by homeless people who literally know the streets inside out, means you can give something back. All money raised from Invisible York Tours helps support the homeless.

Discover the history of chocolate

Learn how three clever families of Rowntree’s, Terry’s and Cravens made York a chocolate capital, create a bar of your own at York’s Chocolate Story.

Places to stay in York

City centre.

This is the best part of town and the centre of York’s beauty, but you’ll have to compete with other visitors for a spot in this small and popular city.

Perfect for reaching the nearby attractions - and the best museums, landmarks and activities long with a good choice of pubs and places to eat are all here.

This is great for those on a budget, it’s largely residential area, and relatively quiet. You can easily walk to the centre from here - and more likely to experience the locals going about their everyday lives.

Explore nearby

A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.

VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

Yorkshire Dales

Proof that perfection can’t be rushed, the Yorkshire Dales was millions of years in-the-making.

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North York Moors

Rugged yet beautiful, wild yet welcoming – the North York Moors National Park is full of surprises.

Getting to York

Located in the heart of North Yorkshire, York’s nearest airport is Leeds-Bradford. Located 30 miles from the city centre, the airport operates flights to and from 70 destinations worldwide.

Getting around York

York is easily accessible from around Britain. Hop on a direct train from London, Manchester or Edinburgh, and be there in just two hours. It’s absolutely best explored on foot, or bike, but the city does have excellent public transport connections. Check out iTravelYork’s handy guide gives you all the information you need on travel within the city

It takes just 20 minutes to get from the outskirts to the city centre by bike, making cycling one of the easiest and most fun ways to access places to visit in York. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to the choice in bike tours. 

York’s winding cobbled streets are best explored by foot. In fact, it takes just 20 minutes to walk from one side of the city to the other – a small city with an eyeful of sites. There’s also lots tours and guided walks .

First Bus run regular services throughout York and offer a range of money-saving tickets in addition to accepting contactless payments on all routes, for fast and convenient travel.

Outside of York

Looking to visit attractions outside of York? Coastliner operates regular services to nearby destinations including bustling Leeds and the quirky coastal town of Whitby.

Want to know more?

Check out Visit York for top insider tips and travel inspiration.

16 Top-Rated Things to Do in York, England

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Although Yorkshire has long been divided into four counties, York is still considered the capital of this lovely corner of Northern England.

The city is filled with fun things to do and attractions that reveal the many layers of its long history. York boasts the country's longest circuit of medieval city walls , stretching over two miles and offering marvelous views of the city. It is also home to York Minster , the largest medieval church in England.

York is immensely walkable. Restrictions keep vehicles away from the major attractions that you'll most likely to want to visit, ensuring a safe, traffic-free experience as you wander.

For more great ideas about these and other things to do in this beautiful part of England, read through our list of the top attractions in York, England.

See also: Where to Stay in York

1. York Minster

2. national railway museum, 3. medieval york city walls, 4. ramble through the shambles, 5. york castle museum, 6. clifford's tower, 7. jorvik viking centre, 8. castle howard, 9. yorkshire museum and gardens, 10. stonegate and barley hall, 11. explore the river ouse by boat or on foot, 12. visit york's many churches, 13. head to beverley to see yorkshire's other minster, 14. yorkshire wolds way, 15. yorkshire air museum & allied air forces memorial, 16. york early music festival, where to stay in york for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to york, more must-see destinations near york.

Imposing York Minster, known in full as the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, is a must-visit. It was built to commemorate the monks who converted those living in the surrounding countryside to Christianity. You'll spot its spires from pretty much every corner of the city, making it an easy attraction to find.

Dedicated to St. Peter, York Minster's bishops even sat on the council at Arles in 314 CE. After this, little is known until 627 CE, when the oldest documented wooden church was built here for the baptism of King Edwin of Northumbria. Succeeding Saxon and Norman constructions were destroyed, and the present cathedral was built in the Gothic style in the 13th century.

A highlight of a tour is seeing the Minster's impressive stained-glass windows, most notably the Pilgrimage Window . Dating from about 1312 and positioned above a stunning golden dragon's head that stares up at it, the window depicts Peter surrounded by pilgrims along with a few unusual details, such as the funeral of a monkey.

Also of interest is the Cathedral Treasury, with its interactive galleries portraying the building's colorful history from its Roman roots to today. Displays include more than 2,000 years of remarkable artifacts found nearby that provide an insight into the cathedral's important role over the centuries.

And if you've got a head for heights, York Minster's spectacular medieval Central Tower , the highest point in the city, is a must-do. But be warned: it does involve a climb of 230 feet up 275 steps, so be prepared to expend some energy.

Along the way, you'll enjoy close-up views of some of the cathedral's most interesting decorative features, including its pinnacles and gargoyles. Once outside, all that hard work will be rewarded with superb views of York's historic city center, so have your camera ready.

Address: Deangate, York, England

Official site: https://yorkminster.org

• Read More: Exploring York Minster: A Visitor's Guide

Located just a short walk away from York railway station, the National Railway Museum has an impressive array of locomotives and carriages dating from 1820 to the present day. You'll want to begin your adventure exploring the many exhibits in the Great Hall. Here, you'll find displays and engines related to the early days of steam, from the famous Stephenson's Rocket , which pulled Britain's first passengers, to the exquisite Mallard , the world's fastest steam engine.

The Great Hall also houses an impressive collection of modern diesel and electric engines, including a Japanese bullet train. Other fun things to do here include climbing over a replica pedestrian bridge for a bird's-eye view of the engines, and taking a fast virtual ride aboard the Mallard Experience.

Over in Station Hall, preserved railway platforms and their parked engines offer an authentic peek into the workings of a Victorian-era train station. Highlights include a Victorian mail train from 1838, turn-of-the-century freight and steam trains, and luxurious Edwardian Pullman carriages.

Also on display is a collection of Royal Trains, including carriages once used by Queen Victoria . If possible, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the regular demonstrations of the facility's vintage turntable for an up-close look at how these massive machines were turned around (check the museum's official website below for details).

The museum also boasts more than a million artifacts. The collection includes everything from posters to paintings, along with more than 1,000 hours of unique recordings relating to Britain's rich railway history. A reference library, known as the "Search Engine," is also available for those wanting to dig a little deeper.

No-cost admission undoubtedly makes this attraction the best thing to do for free in York. Guided tours are available for a fee. A great York afternoon tea experience can also be enjoyed in the historic Countess of York carriage (advance bookings recommended).

Address: Leeman Road, York, England

Official site: www.nrm.org.uk

A walk along York's medieval city walls leaves a lasting impression of this beautiful city. Built mainly in the 14th century, the walls incorporate some of the city's original Roman structures and total over two miles (3.4 kilometers) in length.

Adding to the fun is the chance to explore four of the old gates , all of them well-preserved. These include Walmgate Bar, Monk Bar, and Bootham Bar, all with their original portcullis, and Micklegate Bar with its three knights.

If you've only got time to tackle part of the wall, the stretch of wall between Bootham Bar and Monk Bar offers excellent views of York Minster.

Location: Monk Bar and Micklegate Bar, York, England

Official site: www.york.gov.uk/CityWalls

One of York's biggest tourist attractions is the Shambles, a narrow 14th-century thoroughfare with lovely overhanging timber-framed buildings.

Once known as "The Great Flesh Shambles" for its numerous butcher shops and stalls, the area is now an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, tearooms, and boutiques. Look up as you stroll, and you can still spot the meat hooks outside many of these old shop fronts.

The Shambles is also where you'll find five of York's fascinating Snickelways . This collection of small streets and winding footpaths connects the old city and is a treat to explore. The area is especially fun to explore in early winter, when the streets are lit as part of the city's annual Christmas Festival.

Built on the site of the original castle, York Castle Museum offers a marvelous insight into the English way of life throughout the centuries. Highlights include Kirkgate , a perfect recreation of a Victorian street, complete with shops; Toy Stories , a history of children's toys; and a Victorian parlor and 17th-century dining room.

Another fascinating exhibit is The Cells in the old Debtors Prison. A highlight of a visit is seeing the former Condemned Cell once occupied by highwayman Dick Turpin. The site has in fact been a place of incarceration for more than 1,000 years, with the York Crown Court still holding those accused of serious crimes.

Afterwards, be sure to check out the museum's database of former prisoners and victims going back hundreds of years for mention of any relatives! Picnic facilities are available, along with a gift shop.

Address: Tower Street, York, England

Official site: www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

Located between Fishergate and Skeldergate Bridge and overlooking York Castle Museum, Clifford's Tower was originally built of wood by the Normans in 1068. What you see towering above you today, however, was constructed in the 13th century as a replacement for the original wooden fortress, and is the oldest remaining part of York Castle.

Named after Roger de Clifford, who was executed here in 1322 as leader of the Lancastrian party, the tower was also infamous as the place where the king would put those he had executed on display.

Recently upgraded and renovated with large wood beams and steel stairways, the tower is popular today for its stunning panoramic views over the city.

Official site: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cliffords-tower-york/

The Jorvik Viking Centre in Coppergate documents the daily lives of the Vikings in 9th-century York, or "Jorvik." The site includes reconstructions of Viking dwellings and medieval workshops and is built above the remains of 1,000-year-old wooden houses.

The museum also hosts on- and off-site reenactments , as well as opportunities for young and old alike to dress up and play Vikings – without, of course, any of the pillaging. If possible, try to plan your visit to coincide with the center's annual Viking Festival, held each February.

Address: 19 Coppergate, York, England

An easy 30-minute drive northeast of York is majestic Castle Howard. Set amid 1,000 acres of parkland and richly furnished with antiquities and treasures, family-owned Castle Howard is undoubtedly one of England's most spectacular country estates.

This magnificent Palladian mansion, famous as the backdrop for acclaimed TV drama Brideshead Revisited , was built for the third Earl of Carlisle by dramatist-turned-architect John Vanbrugh. Its many elegant rooms contain paintings and carvings, period furniture, and costumes, as well as valuable vases and statues.

The grounds are on a scale to match the house, with an impressive family mausoleum, an obelisk, a pyramid, and the lovely Temple of the Four Winds . And, of course, there's the spectacular fountain at the front of the mansion, perfect for the ultimate "selfie."

Feeling peckish? There are no less than three great cafés on-site, each serving a wonderful afternoon tea, plus a coffee shop and ice-cream parlor. Be sure to check the official website for news of concerts and events, including the popular Festival of Dogs , a fun gathering of pet-owners from far and wide, with their pups, of course.

Address: The Estate Office, Castle Howard, York, England

Official site: www.castlehoward.co.uk

Along with its superb geological and natural history collections, the Yorkshire Museum contains many important Roman and Anglo-Saxon archaeological artifacts. It's also where you'll find the 1,000-year-old Cawood Sword , the best preserved such Viking weapon in the world. Medieval sculptures and utensils are exhibited in St. Mary's Abbey.

Be sure to spend time in the lovely, and free to enter, Museum Gardens . Extending across some 10 acres in the heart of the old city, this beautiful garden is home to more than 40 species of birds, as well as trees, shrubs, and flowers under the ruined walls and arches of the medieval St. Mary's Abbey.

Recently expanded, the gardens now include an Edible Wood and an Artists Garden, an outdoor gallery with rotating exhibits.

Address: Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York, England

Official site: www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk

The area between Coney Street and King's Square near York Minster is a bustling pedestrianized shopping quarter famous for its narrow cobbled streets and charming shops and cafés. It's where you'll find old St. Helen's Church, named in honor of the mother of Emperor Constantine, with its 15th-century stained glass windows.

It's also where you'll find the Mansion House, designed by Lord Burlington. Built in 1725, it's now the official residence of the Lord Mayor. Also worthy of a visit in Stonegate is Barley Hall , a 14th-century townhouse that aims to provide an authentic look at life during medieval times.

Address: 2 Coffee Yard, York, England

Official site: www.barleyhall.co.uk

Spend time exploring the banks of the River Ouse, which splits York in two. In addition to its numerous lovely gardens, you can see wonderful examples of riverside architecture, such as the majestic 15th-century Guildhall .

Another great view of York can be enjoyed from a cruise on the river, either on an all-weather passenger boat or on a self-drive motor boat. In the summer, cruises also go to Bishopthorpe Palace , the riverside residence of the Archbishop of York. And don't forget to stop for a sweet treat from the Solar Ice Cream Boat .

Two of York's prettiest churches are St. Martin-le-Grand in Coney Street, a charming mix of medieval and modern architecture, and St. Michael's in Spurriergate, with its 12th-century arcades, glass paintings, and impressive 18th-century altarpiece.

Other churches of note include St. Mary's in Bishophill Junior, with its Saxon tower and an altar by Temple Moore; St. Denys' in Walmgate, with 14th-century stained-glass windows; St. Margaret's (also in Walmgate) with its Roman doorway and tower; and attractive little Trinity Church (14th century) in Goodramgate, with its small garden.

The 15th-century All Saints Church in North Street is also worth visiting, and is notable for its stained-glass windows, and the Oratory Church of Saint Wilfrid, York, usually just called York Oratory, is known as the "Mother Church of the city of York."

Just 29 miles from York, the attractive old market town of Beverley lies in the foothills of the East Yorkshire Wolds. Its best-known landmark is the impressive Beverley Minster , a 334-foot-long cathedral made even more famous for its starring role as a stand-in for London's Westminster Abbey in the hit TV series, Queen Victoria .

Notable highlights include its lovely Romanesque marble font and the Maiden's Tomb . The choir is a magnificent example of Early English architecture, and its choir-stalls (1520) have the largest number of misericords in England (68).

Other fun things to do in Beverley include visiting St. Mary's , a cross-shaped church begun in the 12th century, and attending the Beverley Early Music Festival in May, which highlights both early music and the architectural heritage of the town.

Address: 38 Highgate, Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire

Part of the National Trail Network, Yorkshire Wolds Way passes through the delightful scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Wolds , which in places rises to heights of up to 800 feet.

This nearly 80-mile trail runs from Filey near Scarborough on the North East Coast south to Hull . Along the way, you can stop off at quaint B&Bs or well-equipped campsites (the full trail takes six days to complete), or simply tackle one or two highlights such as the deserted medieval village of Wharram Percy.

Official site: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/yorkshire-wolds-way

Just 20 minutes' drive east of historic downtown York, the Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial makes a pleasant outing for those interested in the machinery and the history of war. Established in RAF Elvington, a former WWII bomber base, the museum encompasses the largest independently owned collections of aircraft in the country.

Highlights include exhibits focusing on the history of flight, along with a variety of static displays of vintage aircraft and vehicles. Of the 50 planes owned by the museum, many are still operational and are put through their paces during special "Thunder Day" events held throughout the year.

Address: Halifax Way, Elvington, York, England

Official site: www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

The weeklong York Early Music Festival (NCEM) takes place each July and focuses on a different composer and theme each year. Events include choral and chamber concerts and recitals as well as larger symphonic performances in some of York's most popular music venues.

There are also lectures related to featured composers. Another annual event is the York Food Festival held in the autumn, an excellent chance to sample some of the best food and drink from the city and its surrounds.

Address: The National Centre for Early Music, St. Margaret's Church, Percy's Lane, York, England

Official site: www.ncem.co.uk

York's top tourist attractions lie within or just outside its irregular ring of ancient walls. Less than two kilometers across, this area is best explored on foot, so any address inside is a perfect location for sightseeing. This old city center is divided by the River Ouse, with most major sights on the northeast side. The rail station is just outside the walls on the west. Here are some highly-rated hotels in York:

Luxury Hotels :

• On the side of the old town near the rail station, The Grand Hotel & Spa has a pool, a restaurant, and superb service.
• Just outside the walls and only a two-minute walk from the station and boasting its own entrance from this transportation hub, the opulently restored The Principal York has a pool and rooms with lovely views over the gardens and York Minster, an easy 10-minute walk away.
• The well-located boutique The Parisi Hotel and Townhouse has characterful rooms, some overlooking the courtyard, along with complimentary breakfast and parking.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Close to several restaurants and a short walk from attractions, Hotel Indigo York has individually decorated rooms and an intimate boutique feel.
• Locations don't get any better than Dean Court Hotel, BW Premier Collection , overlooking York Minster, surrounded by restaurants and shops, and about one minute from the Shambles and three minutes from access to walking around the wall.
• Just across the river from York Castle Museum and Tower Gardens, Middletons York is set in well-kept grounds with a pool and gym.

Budget Hotels:

• Novotel York Centre overlooks the river near York Castle Museum and Tower Gardens and has an indoor pool.
• Also overlooking the river, Park Inn by Radisson York has rooms with views of York Minster, a short walk away.
• Just across the bridge from the old center and the Jorvik Viking Center, The Queens Hotel has on-site parking.

Sightseeing :

• If you're planning on cramming in as many places to see as you can, consider a handy City Sightseeing York Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour . This sightseeing bus takes in most of the major tourist attractions and is valid for 24 hours.
• The Best of York on Foot in a Small Group tour is another way to see the city while getting a little exercise. This allows you to see some of the major sites as you wander the streets with a guide. The tour takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Most tourists visiting York want to see a bit more of northern England, too. Several interesting choices are not far away. Leeds , a short distance to the southeast, is a cultural center known for annual events such as the Leeds Festival, the Leeds International Film Festival, and the Leeds International Concert Season.

To the southeast is the university town of Hull , named the UK City of Culture for 2017. North of York is Durham , with its magnificent cathedral, and not far beyond is Newcastle-upon-Tyne , with the Theatre Royal and City Hall, which make the city a magnet for rock and pop concert goers.

Those planning to visit the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park should consider traveling a bit farther into the Lake District , where another national park protects 16 glacial lakes surrounded by fells, moors, and mountains.

More on England

York in a Day: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary for York, England

Today we have a guest post from Kelsey from Sights Better Seen on the perfect one-day itinerary for York. Kelsey studied abroad in York, so she has lots of great travel tips and photos to share. Without further ado!

Anytime someone tells me they’re going to England, I tell them to head straight to York. Founded by the Romans in 71 AD, York is one of England’s oldest and most beautiful cities. Around every corner, you’ll find medieval architecture, half-timbered houses, or boxes of colorful flowers. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

Table of Contents

Why you should take a day trip to York

Here’s why I fell head over heels in love with this medieval English city and why you probably will, too:

• It’s super haunted – York is hailed as the most haunted city in Europe – some even argue it’s the most haunted city in the world . With 140 ghosts and more than 500 hauntings, they might be right.
• It’s easily walkable – York is a small city, so you don’t have to bother with public transportation. The city center is just a 15-minute walk from the train station.
• It’s safe – As a solo female traveler, I found York to be an extremely safe and welcoming place to visit.

P.S. You can also scroll to the bottom of this post for a free map of what to include in your one-day York itinerary, which you can download and use offline with an app like Google Maps.

Getting to York

York is located in Northern England; it’s 3.5 hours north of London by car . If you travel by train, it takes about 2 hours, making a day trip to York from London totally doable.

Your one day in York itinerary: What to do, see, eat, and drink

Have a full english breakfast at partisan.

Only a five-minute walk from the train station, Partisan is a great place to start your day trip to York. I recommend trying Partisan’s full English breakfast which consists of fried eggs, sausages, back bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, beans, and black pudding. It’s absolutely delicious. If you’re not a meat-eater, Partisan also offers vegetarian and vegan versions of the full English breakfast.

Walk the City Walls

Originally built by the Romans, York is encircled by medieval city walls (they’re actually the longest medieval town walls in England !). What’s neat is you can walk on top of the walls, which offer stunning views of the city. It takes an hour or so to walk the complete loop, which is about 2 miles long.

The walls can be a little crowded, so I recommend visiting them right when they open (8 a.m.) or just before they close (dusk). They’re free to visit, so I suggest hopping on and off the wall as you explore York. You can do a free self-guided tour — click here to read more . You can also do a private guided tour of the walls — check current prices here .

Marvel at the city’s gatehouses (known as “bars”)

The wall is punctuated by “bars”, meaning gatehouses, which were used in medieval times to collect tolls. There are four main bars meaning in York: Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar, and Micklegate Bar. I recommend seeing all of them!

See a museum (or five)

York is home to many excellent museums. My personal favorite is the York Castle Museum. Though it’s no longer a castle, it’s a former prison that has been converted into a quirky mixture of exhibits: You can walk down an old Victorian street, visit an 18th-century debtor’s prison, step back into the 1960s, and so much more.

Here are some other unique museums to see while in York:

• Vikings at JORVIK Viking Centre : A museum dedicated to all things Viking, featuring reconstructions of old Viking settlements. £12.50 for adults.
• National Railway Museum : If you love trains, you’ll be enamored with this museum. It’s also free!
• York’s Chocolate Story : Do I really have to convince you to go to a chocolate museum? You get to make your own chocolate bar and learn all about the history of this delicious sweet. £12.95 for adults.
• York Art Gallery : A public art gallery with a collection dating back to the 14th century. £7.27 for adults.

Enjoy afternoon tea at Betty’s

In operation since 1936, Betty’s is THE place to have afternoon tea in York. I recommend ordering the Traditional Afternoon Tea that comes with tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and a pot of tea. It costs £20 per person. If you’re on a budget, you can get the abbreviated version for £10 per person, which comes with tea and two scones.

Stroll through the Shambles

The Shambles is a small, narrow street that dates back to the Middle Ages. Walking down the street, you’ll wonder if you’ve just teleported straight into Hogwarts. Funnily enough, the Shambles is one of the locations that reportedly inspired Diagon Alley. You’ll even find several Harry Potter-themed stores there.

Along with the Harry Potter-themed stores, you’ll find all kinds of quirky and fun shops: chocolate shops, a cheese store, craft beer sellers, bakeries, to name a few. There’s a lot to do on the Shambles, so be sure to leave some time to explore.

Try a pasty at The Cornish Bakery

If you’re feeling peckish, stop by the Cornish Bakery for a pasty. A pasty is a traditional baked good that originated in the southwest of England; It’s basically a folded pie that’s filled with meat, cheese, and/or vegetables.

If you’re a vegetarian, I highly recommend trying the sweet potato and feta pasty at the Cornish Bakery — it’s amazing!

Visit the York Minster, York’s beautiful cathedral

Next, stop by the York Minster . Locally known as “The Minster”, this enormous Gothic cathedral is arguably York’s most famous landmark. I recommend paying to see inside the cathedral, as the interior is just as beautiful as the outside. An adult ticket costs £16.50, which includes both a church and a tower visit. The tower provides beautiful views of the city, so I highly recommend paying to go up.

Tip – if you visit an hour or two before the Minster closes, you’ll hear the choir singing the Evensong, which is the evening service. It’s also much less crowded at this time, which is always a plus in my book.

Have dinner at The Golden Fleece

The Golden Fleece is a traditional English pub that’s also the most haunted pub in York. Fifteen different ghosts “live” in the hotel! The most commonly seen ghost is Lady Alice Peckett, whose husband, John Peckett, owned the hotel and was mayor of York.

Foodwise, the Golden Fleece serves traditional pub food but offers vegetarian options, too. If you stay for dessert, be sure to get the sticky toffee pudding – it’s amazing!

Go on a ghost tour

If you stay later in the evening, you HAVE to go on a ghost tour in York. I recommend the Shadows of York Ghost Walk which costs £6 for adults. The Original Ghost Walk of York also comes highly recommended and costs £5 for adults. You can also book the York ghost bus tour here , which lasts 75 minutes and includes a comedy show.

Sip cocktails at Evil Eye

This quirky, dimly lit bar has a brightly painted interior that’s the perfect place to escape the rainy English weather. Evil Eye is known for its impressive selection of gin but serves an array of creative cocktails with many other spirits as well. You can even book a gin tasting or learn to make cocktails!

A map of the best things to do on a one-day itinerary in York:

When to visit York

November & December – In November and December, get into the Christmas spirit by visiting the York Christmas Festival, where you can enjoy warm cups of gluhwein, delicious baked goods, and fun activities.

February – In February, visit York to see the Yorvik Viking festival, which is an entire week of all things Viking. You’ll see reenactments (and even some battles!) and learn all about York’s Viking history.

March – In March, York hosts Restaurant Week, where you can dine at pricey restaurants at steeply discounted prices.

July – In July, York hosts the Great Yorkshire Fringe, which is ten days of theater, song, and dance productions. Similar to the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, this festival is fun and enjoyable for all.

August – On a weekend in August, stop by the York Walls Festival to discover York’s heritage related to the City Walls.

For a complete list of festivals in York, click here . There’s something fun happening almost every month!

Where to stay in York:

The Golden Fleece -Not only does this pub serve delicious food, but you can also stay the night. It’s also located in the city center, which is quite convenient. You’ll literally have The Shambles at your doorstep.

The Lawrence Luxury Aparthotel – At the Lawrence, you can have your own little apartment situated in the heart of York. If you like to cook, you’re in luck – these apartments come with fully equipped kitchens.

Moxy York – This is a mid-range modern hotel with a quirky feel. All rooms and common areas are accented with bright purple, giving it a funky vibe. While the Moxy isn’t directly in the city center, it’s only a 5-10 minute walk to the center of town.

Safestay York – Located in a 16th-century Georgian townhouse, this hostel has an elegant and funky vibe. They offer mixed bed dorms, female-only dorms, or private rooms. It’s located right next to the train station.

YHA York – YHA York is a budget hostel that offers female-only, male-only, and private group rooms. This hostel is about a 25-minute walk to the center but is located on the River Ouse, making for a pretty setting. I’d suggest walking along the river into town!

And there you have it – all my suggestions for spending one day in York! As you now know, it’s a fantastic city with tons to do. I’m already trying to plan my next visit – I’m thinking December as I’m a sucker for Christmas markets.

Have you ever been to York? What did you think?

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About Kelsey Frey

Kelsey is a blogger and freelance writer originally from California, but currently navigating her newfound digital nomad life in Europe. If you're curious about an honest account of life without a permanent address, you can follow her on Instagram @sightsbetterseen or pop over to her blog at Sights Better Seen for more about her (mis)adventures.

2 thoughts on “York in a Day: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary for York, England”

Love the details and breakdown. Never been to York but you really have me wanting to take a trip. Would you recommend this for a family trip? Bars etc aside. Seems like a great place for everyone.

I think it would be great for a family trip!

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 of the Best Historic Sites in York

Discover some of york's best historic sites, from the breathtaking york minster to the meandering medieval city walls. as one of the oldest cities in the uk, york's history spans everything from the romans to the cold war, leaving history fans of any era spoilt for choice.

Lily Johnson

19 feb 2021.

Located in North Yorkshire, York is one of the country’s most treasured historic cities. Walking its atmospheric streets, visitors are transported back through various eras of its history, past medieval churches, Victorian meeting houses and even a Roman ruin or two!

For this city brimming with history, we have compiled a list of the best sites to visit, featuring a range of York’s most famous attractions alongside its lesser-known hidden gems.

1. York Minster

York Minster – officially known as The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York – is a vast gothic cathedral that has towered over the historic city for hundreds of years, inspiring awe in its onlookers. One of the largest of its kind in northern Europe, York Minster is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore York’s medieval past, or simply take in one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the country.

The first church built on the site of York Minster was a small wooden structure completed in the 7th century for the baptism of the Anglo-Saxon monarch, King Edwin of Northumbria. From this era came the name ‘Minster’, a word used for ecclesiastic schooling institutions in the Anglo-Saxon period.

2. Clifford's Tower

Clifford’s Tower is one of York’s most iconic landmarks, and is largely all that remains of the eminent York Castle. Over its thousand year history, Clifford’s Tower has operated in a number of different functions, housing everything from kings to criminals, cannons to cows.

Constructed by William the Conqueror in 1086, the first Clifford’s Tower was a wooden structure placed high on the motte that still stands today. It was destroyed early in its life by rebellion, and subsequently rebuilt..

3. The Shambles

The Shambles is one of York’s oldest streets, and is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in history while visiting the city. Likely deriving its name from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘fleshammels’, meaning flesh-shelves, the Shambles was a key area for meat vendors and butchers to sell their wares for many years.

Today it hosts a number of other businesses, yet its medieval overhanging buildings and narrow passageways give the impression of being transported back in time.

4. Jorvik Viking Centre

The Jorvik Viking Centre is a historical visitor attraction in York displaying a reconstructed Viking city as it would have looked in approximately 975 AD. It features a selection of 40,000 well-preserved Viking items found by archaeologists between 1979 and 1981, and the remains of their city, once known as Jorvik.

Excavations were undertaken by the York Archaeological Trust across the area now occupied by the Viking centre, and uncovered a wealth of information about the settlement that used to be there. Timber buildings, wells, tools and pottery were unearthed, as well as less-durable materials such as wood, leather, human and animal remains and textiles.

5. York City Walls

The York City Walls are England’s most complete set of city walls and are an integral part of York’s history. With a wealth of interesting features, most notably the four main ornate stone gateways known as ‘bars’, these walls provide a scenic route around the city steeped in history.

The York City Walls were originally established in 71 AD during Roman times, built to protect the 9th Legion from locals. Very little of the Roman walls remain, except from the Multiangular Tower, an imposing 3rd-century ten-sided stone tower located in the York Museum Gardens.

6. King's Manor

King’s Manor is a stately house in York city centre that has played host to some of British history’s most important visitors. In the days before the Reformation, it was the home of the Abbot of St Mary’s, before becoming the headquarters of the Council of the North in Henry VIII’s time. The Tudor king himself stayed there, giving rise to its current name.

Built to house the abbots of the nearby St Mary’s Abbey, the site was likely occupied from the 11th century onwards, yet the current building dates to the 15th century.

7. York Castle Museum

Situated in the shadow of Clifford’s Tower, York Castle Museum is home to a wealth of exhibits surrounding the rich history of York and wider Great Britain, where historical sights from Georgian gowns to Dick Turpin’s prison cell may be found. Its standout exhibit however is a fully-recreated Victorian street, dubbed Kirkgate after the museum’s founder, complete with horse and cart, costumed guides and cobblestones.

Though opening as a museum in 1938, the site on which it stands holds an important place in York’s history. Originally part of the York Castle complex, the area was built upon by William the Conqueror in 1068 as a motte and bailey defence system, and sections of the medieval castle wall can still be seen today nestled amongst the newer buildings.

8. York Cold War Bunker

A mile outside of the city centre, York Cold War Bunker tells the story of a country on the brink of nuclear warfare. Designed to monitor nuclear fallout in the event of an attack in Yorkshire, the semi-submerged bunker affords visitors the chance to explore some of York’s more unusual history

Built in 1961, the bunker served as the regional headquarters for the Royal Observer Corps until 1991. During operation in the Cold War, it was home to 60 volunteer members of the ROC, including a 10-man scientific warning team.

9. St Mary's Abbey

St Mary’s Abbey is a picturesque ruined Benedictine abbey in York, located in York Museum Gardens. Once the richest abbey in the north of England, it now tells the story of York’s influential ecclesiastical past, and its degradation through Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries.

The first church on the site of St Mary’s was built in 1055 and dedicated to St Olaf of Norway, and following the Norman conquest was refounded by King William Rufus in 1088 during his visit to York. The following year it was rededicated to the Virgin Mary.

10. National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum in York is home to some of the country’s greatest feats of engineering, and tells the story of Britain’s railway innovation.

The museum was founded in 1975 on the site of the former North York locomotive depot, where it still stands today. In the early days of locomotive transport, York was revered as the heart of the rail networks of the north. York’s own ‘Railway King’, George Hudson, had a huge role in achieving this.

York Travel Guide (including essential travel tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2022

Our York Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for one of the most beautiful of England’s cities. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to York!

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO YORK

Located in the county of Yorkshire York is a popular city for visitors from around the globe. With a historical legacy from the Romans and Vikings and medieval streets of cobblestones, this walled city is the perfect place for a weekend visit or to break the journey by train from London to Edinburgh .

If you are visiting York you will find everything you need to plan your trip in this guide plus information about the county of Yorkshire.

What you will find in this complete York Travel Guide

Map of York

Things to do in York (and Yorkshire)

Discover the best things to see and do in York with my guide to the city, itinerary suggestions plus guide to the best day trips from York.

THINGS TO DO IN YORK

YORKSHIRE TRAVEL GUIDE

BEST DAY TRIPS & TOURS FROM YORK

Places to visit in York include

York Minster

The Shambles

National Railway Museum

JORVIK Viking Centre

Clifford’s Tower

York City Walls

York Castle Museum

York’s Chocolate Story

Bettys Tea Rooms

Listen to our Podcast about visiting York

Accommodation in york.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN YORK

Find more accommodation options in my Accommodation Guide for England.

How to get to York from London

York is easily accessible from London. If you are based in the capital there are a number of options to get to the city.

Option 1 – By car

York is located 200 miles to the north of London.

Plan at least 4 hours to drive between the 2 cities (this will vary depending on traffic but it can be a busy route). Other English cities you will pass along the way are Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield and Leeds.

Directions can be found here.

If you are planning a short day trip to York I recommend parking in one of the Park & Ride car parks and taking the free bus into the city.

Option 2: By train

York is easy to reach by train from any major city in the UK.

York train station is a 10 minute walk from the centre of the city.

The trip takes an average of 3 hours from London and 2 hours from Edinburgh

It is possible to take a direct train from London to York. Click here for train times and tickets.

Option 3: By bus

It is possible to take a bus from Victoria Coach Station to York. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.

This is the cheapest way to travel to York from London though so if you are on a budget this may be your best option. Click here for coach times and prices from National Express.

Read more – Complete transportation guide to the UK

Experiences, tickets and tours in York

With so many things to do and places to visit in York I recommend planning your itinerary and purchasing tours, tickets and experiences as soon as you can to avoid disappointment especially during the busy summer months.

A York city pass is a great option and includes entrance to 25 popular York attractions including the JORVIK Viking Centre, York Minster, York Castle Museum, York’s Chocolate Story. Click for more information about the York City Pass.

• River Ouse City Cruise – Spend a relaxing hour on the River Ouse and see the sights of York from a different perspective.
• York’s Chocolate Story: Guided Tour – Explore York’s chocolate history and learn about the origins of chocolate and about York’s founding confectionery families.
• York Minster and City Walking Tour – This 2-hour walking tour provides you with fantastic insights into the most historic and world-famous sites in York. Start with the Romans then explore the ‘Snickelways’ of York and complete your tour at the magical York Minster.

> Click here for more tickets and tours in York

Best Yorkshire day trips from York

York is the perfect base to explore the surrounding Yorkshire countryside, seaside towns along England’s eastern coast, areas of natural beauty and places of historical significance.

The Yorkshire Dales, the coastal town of Whitby, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Saltaire, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden are all easy day trips from York.

If you are considering hiring a car and taking a day trip from York these are my top 5 destinations to consider:

• Castle Howard
• Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Read more: 10 best places to visit in Yorkshire

If you prefer to join an organised day trip from York these are just some of the destinations you can explore. *

(*Find more suggestions in my article which focuses on ALL the best day trips and tours from York)

• The Yorkshire Dales day tour from York
• The Bronte’s Parsonage Tour
• Steam train, Whitby and North Yorkshire Moors

Where to eat in York

There are many wonderful teahouses, cafes, gastropubs and restaurants in York.

Betty’s Tea Rooms

No visit to York is complete without a visit to Bettys Tea Rooms. Open since 1936 the beautiful interiors are inspired by the Queen Mary liner.

Visit for afternoon tea and sample the delights of Bettys for yourself.

Where – 6-8 St. Helen’s Square York YO1 8QP

Shambles Market

Enjoy York’s growing street food scene at the Shambles Market. There are plenty of options to suit all tastes including Indian, Thai, Mexican.

Don’t miss the burritos from Smokehouse which are priced from just £6.50.

Where – The Shambles Market, 5 Silver St, York YO1 8RY

Tips for visiting York & Yorkshire

• If you want to see the highlights of York consider joining this best of York guided walking tour or take the hop-on hop-off bus around the city.
• If York is just one of the places you wish to visit in Yorkshire don’t underestimate the size of the county! It is England’s largest county and is roughly half the size of Belgium. It can be divided into 4 smaller areas – North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and South Yorkshire.
• There are are some large cities in Yorkshire such as York, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford and Ripon but also lots of charming towns and villages too.
• The Yorkshire Dales National Park covers thousands of square miles (in fact most of the county) and includes moors, valleys, hills, waterfalls and villages within its boundaries.
• There are numerous hiking trails in the park including the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Yorkshire Three Peaks and Malham Cove and Gordale Scar. If you are planning a hike ensure you prepare thoroughly.
• There are two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Yorkshire which are the Howardian Hills and Nidderdale.
• Our guide to 19 of the best day trips in Yorkshire has lots of great ideas too.

Tips for driving in Yorkshire

• If you are planning to hire a car and drive in Yorkshire it is important to pick the right rental car. In rural areas the roads may be single lane with no central line so don’t choose a large SUV or saloon car if there are only 2 of you.
• If you wish to stop to admire the views ensure it is safe to do so.
• In winter the weather conditions can change rapidly and snow can often make the roads impassable. There may also be no mobile signal in more isolated spots so ensure you share your travel plans before setting out.
• If you prefer to avoid driving there are a number of tours which you can join to enjoy the sights of the Yorkshire Dales.
• While there are 15 public car parks available around the city of York I recommend accessing one of the 6 Park & Ride services which allow you to park for free in a secure car park and complete your journey into the city by bus. You can find out more about this scheme here .

Books to read about York

More uk travel guides.

• 10 Places to visit in Yorkshire
• Things to do in Whitby
• Peak District Travel Guide
• Chester Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• Durham Travel Guide

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has loads of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

Away With Maja

21 of the best places to visit in the north york moors.

UPDATED FEBRUARY 2021! The North York Moors National Park is one of my favorite places in Yorkshire, in England, and in fact in all of the UK. It’s just under an hour’s drive from where I live in York , and somewhere that I’ve spent so many days and weekends exploring. There are some fantastic hikes in the area , too! The National Park is big though, and there’s a lot to see! What should you see when visiting the North York Moors and where should you go? Here are 21 of the BEST places to visit in the North York Moors!

1) Roseberry Topping

They don’t call Roseberry Topping “the Yorkshire Matterhorn” for nothing! This is the highest point in the North York Moors, at 320 meters. You’ve got lots of options for how to get to the top, but the most straightforward is from the parking right below on the A173. The lot can fill up on the weekend, and there is a charge for parking. The walk is short (just under 2 hours up and down) and it’s easy to follow. The views of the surrounding area are stunning though, and well worth the climb! You can also walk out along Newton Moor to the Captain Cook Monument.

Read More: Hiking Roseberry Topping and Newton Moor

2) Sutton Bank and Kilburn White Horse

One of the main National Park Centers is at Sutton Bank, with fantastic views over the moors and beyond. The sunset views are meant to be amazing! There is an easy walk down to see one of the big attractions in this area: the Kilburn White Horse. The Kilburn White Horse was made from limestone. It was created in 1857 and can be seen from several different views across Yorkshire. The loop walk from Sutton Bank is just under 2 miles, and took me about an hour and a half. There is a huge parking lot at Sutton Bank, but there is a charge (£2.50 for 2 hours, £4 for all-day parking). The lot at the bottom of the White Horse is free! Some of the best views of Kilburn White Horse are from the village of Kilburn itself, just a few minutes drive away.

Read More: The Best Hikes in the North York Moors

3) Mount Grace Priory

This priory is the best-preserved Carthusian Priory in England, and definitely one place you must visit in the North York Moors. There is a lot more to explore here than you might think! Mount Grace House has a few different exhibits on the history of the priory, as well as the people who lived in the house. The main highlight of the property is seeing a recreation of a Carthusian monks’ cell—complete with their own personal garden! There are lots of ruins to see and various remaining parts of the priory to explore. Don’t miss the gardens down by the pond! Mount Grace Priory is owned by National Trust, but operated by English Heritage.

4) Osmotherley

You can’t miss Osmotherley on a trip to the North York Moors. This is another stunning village, with a few shops, pubs, hotels/B&Bs, two churches, and a gorgeous village green with a unique stone table on the market cross. It’s on the Cleveland Way, and there are some great walks from the village. My favorite part was seeing Osmotherley’s village shop with all the Christmas decorations up—how festive and quaint does it look?!

5) Cod Beck Reservoir

Just outside of Osmotherley is Cod Beck Reservoir. This is a really popular place for walks, as you can do a short loop around the reservoir which is about 1.5 miles. Parking can be a huge issue here, as there’s just one car park and it fills up really fast. I recommend walking from Osmotherley, which is about 1 mile. Even better, combine both with a walk from Osmotherley along the Cleveland Way to Sheepwash for great views!

6) Rievaulx Abbey

Yorkshire is home to some of the best abbey ruins in the entire country. And one of the absolute best ruined abbeys is located inside the North York Moors itself! Rievaulx Abbey used to be one of the main ecclesiastical centers in the north, and was unfortunately damaged during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. Rievaulx Abbey today is run by English Heritage. There’s a charge for parking, but if you visit the abbey (and buy a ticket) they refund the parking costs.

Read More: Visiting Rievaulx Abbey and Helmsley in North Yorkshire

7) Helmsley

Only 3 miles away from Rievaulx Abbey is Helmsley, a charming little market town. Dominated by the ruins of Helmsley Castle (also run by English Heritage), this village perfectly complements a visit to Rievaulx Abbey. I’d definitely suggest visiting both in one day! The castle grounds and ruins are great for exploring, and if you’re looking for something more grand you can visit Duncombe Park. Make sure to pop by Hunters of Helmsley, which was voted one of the best village shops in the country!

8) Byland Abbey

Byland Abbey is one of the smaller abbey ruins to visit in the North York Moors. But it’s still definitely worth a visit! A former Cistercian monastery, it was also closed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538. One of the abbey’s best features are the beautiful colored medieval floor tiles, in what would have been the remains of the church. The site is run by English Heritage, but there’s free entry. While you’re in the area, make sure to pop by the charming village of Coxwold! Just a few streets long, Coxwold has some gorgeous village architecture, as well as a really nice pub in the Fauconberg Arms.

9) Farndale

Farndale is a quiet area of the North York Moors, but comes alive in the springtime when the flowers bloom. The walk along the River Dove is one of the best places to see daffodils bloom in Yorkshire, and you can extend it by taking the alternate route back along the ridge. Make sure you visit the church in Church Houses—it’s full of daffodils in the spring. Up to 40,000 people visit Farndale during the daffodil season, so be prepared for the riverside walk to be fairly busy especially on weekends!

Read More: Farndale Daffodils: An Easy Spring Walk in the North York Moors

10) Chop Gate and the Wainstones

The Wainstones are the largest sandstone crags in the North York Moors National Park. There is a fantastic hike from the tiny village of Chop Gate that takes you in a loop out to the Wainstones, and back along Urra Moor (which is the highest part of the North York Moors). The views from the Wainstones are stunning, and it’s really popular with climbers!

Read More: North York Moors Hikes: Chop Gate to the Wainstones

11) Hutton-le-Hole

Hutton-le-Hole is another gorgeous little village in the Moors. It’s small, with a museum, a parish church, a babbling brook running through the village green, and an excellent pub. I’d highly recommend the the Crown for food or drinks or both—if you eat there, you also get free parking in the lot behind the pub! This is a great place to stop for an hour or two. There’s a nice 4-mile loop to Lastingham and back, too.

12) Rosedale and Rosedale Abbey

The area of Rosedale in the North York Moors is beautiful. Rosedale Abbey is a charming, beautiful village, with a café and a village shop. Funnily enough, there was never an actual abbey in Rosedale Abbey, but there was a Cistercian priory! I definitely recommend hiking out to see some of the industrial heritage around Rosedale. You can see the ironstone mines, kilns, and cottages, from the area’s mining heyday between the 1850s and the 1920s. Part of the hike follows the old mining railway line, and the views are stunning. Don’t miss this part of the North York Moors!

Read More: Hiking Around Rosedale in the North York Moors

Right before you turn to take the Chimney Bank road down to Rosedale Abbey, you can pull over and go explore the kilns at Rosedale Bank Top—leftover from the days when ironstone mining was prominent in the area. There are some pretty phenomenal views from the top! This isn’t far from Hutton-le-Hole.

13) Castleton Rigg

Castleton Rigg, along the road from Hutton-le-Hole to Castleton (Stepin Turn/Blakely Road), is a beautiful area in the heart of the North York Moors. This is definitely one of the best roads to drive in the Moors, and home to the Lion Inn pub. The Seated Man of Castleton, a giant statue of a man on the moors, used to be here, but unfortunately it was moved the other year to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

14) Danby and Danby Beacon

The village of Danby is home to one of the two North York Moors National Park Centers (the other is at Sutton Bank), quaint houses, and an ivy-covered pub that looks spectacular in the fall. But it’s really the views from Danby Beacon that are worth the visit here. You can see for miles once you’re at the top of Beacon Hill—while you can drive to Danby Beacon, it’s an easy walk from Danby and the park center. There was even an RAF radar station at Danby Beacon during World War II!

15) Lealholm

The North York Moors is full of charming villages, and Lealholm is another one to put on your list. There’s a pub, a few cafes and shops, and free parking—although I’d also recommend hiking here from Danby and Danby Beacon. As a bonus, Lealholm also has a picture-perfect set of stepping stones across the River Esk. I stayed at a really cozy Airbnb not far from Lealholm—and it really was like getting away from everything. We went out on short walks and drove around the Moors during the day, and then had a pub meal before going back and having a fire in the wood-burning stove every night. The perfect relaxing getaway!

16) Goathland

Another charming village in the North York Moors, Goathland is famous as a film location for two main things: Heartbeat, and as Hogsmeade train station in Harry Potter. It’s a small place, with a few pubs, a handful of shops and hotels, and (of course) the train station. One of the really popular walks is the 3-mile walk along the old railway track to Grosmont. You can also visit Mallyn Spout, a waterfall not far from the (aptly named) Mallyn Spout hotel. Goathland is also one of the main stops on the North York Moors Railway, which is definitely one of the top experiences in the North York Moors!

Read More: Goathland to Grosmont: A Classic Hike in the North York Moors

17) Thornton-le-Dale

Thornton-le-Dale is a popular place to visit in the region for the picturesque and beautiful Thatched Cottage and beck that run through the village. There’s a couple of pubs, lots of shops, cafes, tea rooms, and a few places to get ice cream as well. There are also loads of gorgeous houses here—I had so much fun running around photographing them, pretending I’d be buying one of them! When the weather is nice, everyone flocks to the beck to wade in the cool water. I did a short walk from Thornton-le-Dale to Ellerburn and Dalby Forest, which was just perfect!

Read More: Thornton-le-Dale: Why You Need to Visit This Charming Yorkshire Village

18) Hole of Horcum

The Hole of Horcum circular walk is one of my favorite walks in the North York Moors, and possibly even in the entire country. This gorgeous feat of nature was gradually formed over the years by “spring sapping,” where water would well up on the hills and then slope down. I definitely recommend starting the walk in the village of Levisham, where there’s free parking behind the pub (the Horseshoe Inn). Not only that, but you can have a well-deserved pint at the end of the hike! The full loop (starting and ending in Levisham) takes about 3 hours. Go at the end of August to see the gorgeous purple heather blanketing the Moors.

Read More: Hiking the Hole of Horcum in the North York Moors

19) Staithes

I visited Staithes for the first time in December 2018, and it was so gorgeous I couldn’t help but fall in love with it immediately. A charming fishing village, Staithes is located on the edge of the North York Moors along the coast. The viewpoint from the top of the hill is one of those classic Yorkshire shots, and the main street through town is beautiful (and blissfully quiet when I went!). I had amazing ice cream at Cobbles, and the Cod and Lobster is a very popular pub for (you guessed it) seafood. Parking is located at the top of the hill—there is no visitor parking at the bottom, so you’ll need to walk up and down!

One of Yorkshire’s most popular seaside towns, Whitby is one of my favorite places along the coast. It was also one of the first places in Yorkshire (and the North York Moors) that I visited when I moved to York over 4 years ago! There’s so much to see in Whitby. But you have to see the Whalebone Arch, the 199 Steps, and the magnificent Whitby Abbey. There’s also no better place to enjoy fish and chips than the seaside! Whitby can get busy in the summer months (especially on weekends) but it is definitely one of the best places to visit in the North York Moors. (And yes, it is technically located outside the national park limits but hey—my blog post, I can write what I like!)

Read More: A Perfect Day in Whitby

21) Robin Hood’s Bay

The last place in this post, and another gorgeous seaside location: Robin Hood’s Bay. The village used to be a smuggling haven, with everyone in town involved in the illegal trade. Now, it’s a charming village with beautiful views of the sea, quaint cottages, and a few nice pubs. The Bay Hotel is the traditional endpoint of the Coast to Coast hike—but I especially liked the walk from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay! Robin Hood’s Bay is also located down a steep hill, with parking at the top—so again, be prepared to walk. This is definitely one of my favorite places in the North York Moors!

Read More: Walking From Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay: One of My Favorite Walks in Yorkshire

How To Get Around the North York Moors

There’s no way around it: a rural area like the North York Moors requires a car. With your own transportation, simply put you can get to see more places. You may drive on lots of very narrow, single-lane roads. I always recommend to drive very cautiously, especially around corners and up/down blind hills. There are passing places on these roads where cars can safely pass one another, but keep in mind you might need to reverse into one!

While you do need a car to really get the most of the national park and this area, there are quite a few places accessible by public transport if you’re based around York. Whitby, Grosmont, Lealholm, Danby, Castleton, and others can be accessed by train through the Esk Valley railway (running from Middlesborough to Whitby). I always use Trainline for booking my trains. Goathland is a great stop if you’re taking the North York Moors Railway from Pickering to Whitby or vice versa. The 31X bus runs from York through Coxwold and Byland Abbey to Helmsley. Hutton-le-Hole is serviced by the 174 and 176 buses going from Pickering to Kirkbymoorside. Whitby can be easily accessed from Leeds or York by the Coastliner buses, and it’s easy to get from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay by bus X93. Looking for a day tour? Check out the options below!

If you’re flying to the UK, the nearest airports for the North York Moors National Park are Leeds-Bradford, Newcastle, and Doncaster Sheffield. Manchester is the largest nearby airport (and best for international flight options), with direct trains running to York and Middlesborough from the airport. I recommend using Skyscanner to book flights!

Where to Stay in the North York Moors

There is so much of the North York Moors to see. Where you want to stay and what kind of experience you want to have is really up to you! If you don’t have your own transportation, I’d strongly recommend visiting somewhere with good transport links, like Whitby. If you’re looking for a beachy seaside getaway, Staithes, Whitby, and Robin Hood’s Bay have huge numbers of holiday cottages you can rent for a weekend or a week! I loved staying in this rural Airbnb not far from Lealholm in Great Fryupdale. There are lots of YHA locations throughout the Moors which have both dorms and private rooms. You can find country hotels and B&Bs too. Basically, you’ve got lots of options! You can search for hostels on Hostelworld here , or look for hotels and apartments on Booking.com here ! You can also sign up to and search for accommodation on Airbnb here .

The North York Moors is one of my favorite national parks in the country, and has so much to see. I have loved exploring this amazing place, and can’t wait to see even more as time goes on! I hope you enjoy these best places to visit in the North York Moors!

Have you ever visited the North York Moors? Where were your favorite places?!

You might also like my posts on other places in Yorkshire:

The Ultimate Yorkshire Guide: 88 Incredible Places to Visit in Yorkshire

The Best Hikes in the North York Moors

Quintessential Yorkshire: The Best 4 Daytrips From York

The Best Walks In and Around York, England

The BEST Places to Visit in the Yorkshire Dales

18 Hidden Gems to See in York

All my Yorkshire posts and York posts !

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32 thoughts on “ 21 of the best places to visit in the north york moors ”.

[…] love most about living in York is the easy access to the outdoors. Within an hour, I can be in the North York Moors or the Yorkshire Dales. In two hours, I can be in the Peak District, and within three hours, I can […]

[…] has been exploring Yorkshire and the countryside around the city. I’ve written a lot about the North York Moors National Park, so I thought it only fair to take a day out to the Yorkshire Dales National Park […]

[…] 16 Of The BEST Places To Visit In The North York Moors […]

[…] More: 16 Of The BEST Places To Visit In The North York Moors, Hiking The Hole Of Horcum In The North York […]

[…] seem like a lifetime ago, but just earlier this year I went on a wonderful hike in Farndale in the North York Moors. Farndale is primarily popular for its daffodils—the Google Maps location even labels it as the […]

[…] I can get outside and discover! One of my favorite hikes so far has been in the Wainstones in the North York Moors. Here’s my guide to the hike from Chop Gate to the […]

[…] dales, forests, moors, peaks, lakes—you name it. One of my favorite places in the county is the North York Moors National Park, and one of my favorite hikes to date in Yorkshire has been the Hole of Horcum! And despite doing […]

[…] am completely spoiled living in York. It’s about an hours’ drive to the North York Moors or the Yorkshire Dales. The Peak District is less than two hours away, the Lake District is less […]

[…] Read More: 16 Of The BEST Places To Visit In The North York Moors […]

[…] Topping is one of the best places to visit in the North York Moors National Park. Thanks to its distinctive shape, it’s even known as the “Yorkshire Matterhorn” in the area! […]

[…] is so much to see and do in the North York Moors National Park! You can visit the coast at small towns like Staithes or Robin Hood’s Bay. Postcard-perfect […]

[…] I love most about living in Yorkshire is how many amazing places there are to explore here. The North York Moors National Park has so many fantastic places to visit and the area around Goathland is definitely one of them. Goathland’s main claim to fame is as a […]

[…] is so much to see and do in the North York Moors National Park! You can visit the coast at small towns like Staithes or Robin Hood’s Bay. Postcard-perfect […]

[…] of the best walks in the country is the Hole of Horcum in the North York Moors National Park. The traditional starting point for the walk is the Saltergate car park off the A169, but you can […]

[…] North York Moors National Park is a beautiful area to explore. One of the best things to do is to explore the seaside villages and […]

[…] Read More: 21 Of The BEST Places To Visit In The North York Moors […]

[…] the heather in bloom in August. As you drive over the A169 road and venture into the heart of the North York Moors National Park, you’ll catch a view of purple blanketing the moors as far as the eye can see. The walk around […]

[…] 21 Of The BEST Places To Visit In The North York Moors […]

[…] of the best things to do in North York Moors is to explore the pretty villages – Goathland, Robin Hood’s Bay, Thornton-le-Dale, and Helmsley […]

[…] I saw so much of Yorkshire, constantly ticking things off my Yorkshire bucket list. I hiked in the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales and across the entire country when I did Hadrian’s Wall. It’s been […]

[…] The Howardian Hills is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) just outside York, close to the North York Moors National Park. Here’s what you need to know about this walk from Kirkham Priory and along the River […]

[…] Park. Over the years, I’ve explored nearly every single corner of this area – there are so many incredible places to visit in the North York Moors. Planning a walk and wanting to get outside? Here’s my guide to the best hikes in the North York […]

[…] to get back to York in the evening after your walk. So this post does focus more on walks in the North York Moors, which are a bit more convenient from York. Here are the best car-free walks from […]

[…] ruins from the area’s mining heyday. This is definitely one of my new favorite places in the North York Moors, and a great place to go hiking! Here’s what you should know about this hike from Rosedale […]

[…] by being there. In addition, York’s location is fantastic. It’s about a 1-hour drive to the North York Moors or the Yorkshire Dales, two incredible national parks. I can get to the coast for some beachy […]

[…] Hills is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) just outside of York, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. One of my favorite walks outside of York is from Kirkham Priory and along the River Derwent in the […]

[…] I cheating with this one? Kind of. Do I care? Nope! The North York Moors is a beautiful National Park, and is located just north of the city of York. There is so much to […]

[…] was my savior – I craved the open air of the countryside I was so used to visiting (like the North York Moors or the Yorkshire Dales). The trails along the Foss offered me glimpses of the peace and quiet I can […]

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The best things and activities to do in york.

Table of Contents

York is an intriguing historic city as it’s gained many names over centuries; the Romans called it Eboracum; to the Saxons, it was known as Eoforwick while the Vikings called it Jorvik. It a no wonder why Old and New York exist together in harmony making it an exquisite historic city in England. If you are a student looking for the best things to do in York, then you have an innumerable list of attractions and activities to explore!    

Home to the University of York and York St John University , this is a student-friendly city with a great cultural scene for students to blend in with many others from around the world. The city is lively and offers students more than just academic life, but historical, cultural, outdoor, food and the best of entertainment!     

There are a diversity of attractions and activities available in York. Whether it’s the best free things to do in York or the best places to visit in York; you are in luck as we will list them categorically to find one as per your preferences:     

York Sights & Landmarks    

These are some of York’s Historic Sites & Districts to Visit:   

York Minster     

York Minster is the world’s most majestic cathedral and the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. It was built in the 7 century North England during the Anglo Saxon, and today remains an open church for the people to pray and worship. For more than 1000 years it has attracted people from across the world. It is Gothic in style and architecture with stained glass, being one of the church’s most distinctive features. The guided tours are free from Monday to Saturday if ever you want to visit the cathedral!   

Clifford’s Tower    

This is an iconic historic site that stands as a symbol of England’s medieval kings. The tower sits on the grassy motte of William the Conqueror. There are daffodils planted as a remembrance of the martyred Jews of 1190 surrounding this limestone tower. It was opened in the 20th century as a tourist destination attracting people to this ruin for its historic significance. It is £15.00 Entry – Free with a York Pass.     

Cultural Attractions in York    

Explore cultural attractions such as museums, cultural centers, galleries, etc.:   

The York Castle Museum    

The York Castle Museum showcases the city’s rich history in many forms of art and collections. Most of the displays are exhibitions of iconic objects in the form of art, history, fashion, military, astronomy, etc. That swept over the country in the 1960’s. The collections are outstanding here and tell a story of the history and tales of York. It is a family-friendly site with popular collections being a Lambretta scooter, a Dansette record player, Beatles singles and fashion by Mary Quant. The fee for adults is £16.00.       

Outdoor Activities   

You can try outdoor activities such as walking or cycling along the river Ouse. Then, there’s river and cruise boating too to enjoy the scenic beauty of York   

There are many parks and gardens like the Museum Gardens and Rowntree Park for relaxation and leisure.  

Shopping and Dining in York    

You can find shopping areas like Stonegate and the Coppergate Centre, offering a mix of independent shops and high-street brands.  

For the best dining experience as a student, you can try places like Wheldrakes, Melton’s, The Jackdaw, Corner Grill House, Robinsons Cafe, The White Horse Pub & Dining, Mannion & Co, etc.   

Nightlife In York   

York has a vibrant, lively and safe nightlife setting to party with a friendly atmosphere. If you are up for beer, stout, bitter or cider, you can enjoy the traditional pubs in York. But, if you are in the mood to party hard all night long, there are nightclubs where you can let off some steam such as Guy Fawkes Inn, Kuda, Flares York, Club Salvation, Popworld, Jalou York, Vudu Lounge York, Ziggy’s Bar & Nightclub, etc.  

Day Trips and Nearby Attractions in York    

If you have some spare time explore the nearby attractions in York worth visiting, such as Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York, The Yorkshire Dales of All Creatures Great & Small, North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York, Herriot and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York, etc. Or take a day trip from your student accommodation in York , UK to neighboring towns and cities like Harrogate or Leeds. Yorkshire Coast. Scarborough. Other nearby places to York are Yorkshire Dales. Bedale, Grassington, Ingleton, Leyburn, Skipton, Settle, North York Moors, Goathland, Helmsley, Malton, Pickering, etc.    

Student-Friendly Activities in York    

Here’s how you can leverage places that offer discounts for students studying in York.   

Turtle Bay – Happy peak hours on Friday and Saturday evenings; 2 for cocktails all through the week.  

Kennedy’s – Offer Prosecco on Friday @£15/ bottle.   

Golden Lion – Offers half-price Peroni every day from 4 pm – 7 pm  

Student Study Cafe in York   

Gatehouse Coffee: Affordable, quiet space to study with fast wi-fi speed.   

Plush Cafe: Another study cafe famous for its theme rooms, quiet space and great food.  

Top offers for student shopping discounts in York   

• 10% off at ASOS  
• 30% off at Boohoo via StudentBeans  
• 20% off at Size via StudentBeans  
• 20% off at H&M via UniDays, online and in-store  
• 20% off at Levi’s via UniDays, online and in-store  

Conclusion   

Choosing York as a student destination is a great choice as it is one of the best places to live in the UK. It offers students a wholesome package of living and experiencing life as a student. Try to find time to balance your study and social life to enjoy the activities, scenery and the city of York.   

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THINKING ABOUT VISITING YORK BUT NOT SURE WHEN TO GO? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

Historic walled York in North Yorkshire, England, is a popular tourist destination with rich history and cultural landmarks, including medieval walls, York Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre, and the National Railway Museum.

A friendly, year-round tourist destination, there’s no best month or perfect time to visit York. But the variation in the seasons is notable, and each brings different cultural attractions, festivals, and dramatically different weather!

If I’m pushed – I’d suggest that late Spring is the perfect time to visit York, although the city is absolutely fantastic during December, with one of the best Christmas markets in the UK!

Ultimately, the best time to visit York depends on what you want to see and do in the city and what type of weather you prefer!

From bustling festivals and “the great outdoors” in the summer to cosy winter days by a roaring fire in a friendly pub or browsing for bargains in York’s award-winning Christmas markets , there’s something for everyone in York – year-round.

This article shares the best time to visit York, shares information about the weather and average temperatures, and highlights some of the city’s most exciting events throughout the year.

Let’s get stuck in 🙂 because you are going to LOVE York, just like I do!

When Is The Best Time to Visit York?

I’ve lived in Yorkshire for over a decade and know York well! I know that York has four distinct seasons with dramatically different weather patterns and temperatures:

• 🐣 Spring (March-May) Shoulder Season
• 🌻 Summer (June-August) High Season
• ☂️ Autumn (Fall) (September-November) Shoulder Season
• ❄️ Winter (December-February) Low Season ( except Christmas )

The busiest tourist seasons in York are Easter, the UK school holidays (mid/late July to early September) and Christmas.

1. Visiting York in the Spring 🐣

• Great value time to visit
• Spring flowers in bloom
• Go to the races

York Literature Festival

• Easter celebrations
• Busy at Easter
• Busy over May public holidays
• Likely to rain

Spring in York is gorgeous, with average temperatures rising from 9°C in March to 17°C in May. April, however, is one of York’s wettest months of the year, with an average rainfall of 77 mm! 

☔️ Local Tip: If you plan to visit York in the spring, pack a windproof travel umbrella and light rain gear.

After a long, cold winter, York eagerly awaits the first signs of spring. As the days start to lengthen, it’s a great time to visit before the summer crowds descend.

York buzzes with tourists at Eastertime, and the wonderful Easter services at York Minster (York’s gothic cathedral) are particularly popular.

In early spring, hosts of cheery golden daffodils carpet the banks of the medieval York City Walls and Clifford’s Tower before the delicate pink and white cherry blossoms appear and make the city even more beautiful.

🌸 Find York’s most beautiful cherry tree blossoms between York Station and the city walls, or take a short train ride to see Harrogate’s glorious cherry trees on the Stray.

🌧 If the weather is cold and wet, you won’t run out of amazing places to explore indoors, and you can save money on entry charges to York’s key attractions with a York Pass .

🍺 When you get chilled, warm up by a roaring fire in one of York’s characterful old pubs and tuck into some hearty Yorkshire food while you wait for the sun to reappear.

Alternatively, you can dodge the raindrops in the Shambles – the best-preserved medieval street in Europe – where stalls sell everything from local produce to international delicacies.

Over the busy Easter weekend and during the UK public holidays at the start and end of May, expect accommodations to sell out fast!

➡️ Find the best deals on York’s hotels, B&Bs and private accommodations here .

events in York in the Spring

York chocolate festival.

The festival includes chocolate lollipop making, chocolate tastings, hands-on cookery workshops, and a chocolate walking trail. YUM!

Easter Celebrations

• Awe-inspiring services at York Minster
• Easter-themed gifts to buy in the Shambles market and in the beautiful Käthe Wohlfahrt store
• Edible Easter goodies at Betty’s Cafe & Tea Rooms (look out for the fabulous window display)

Live events celebrating the written and spoken word, with more than 20 events held throughout March at venues across the city centre.  

A day at the races is the perfect excuse to put your glad rags on, sip Champagne and have a flutter on your favourite horse. 

York Races run from April to September on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. They are easy to get to, even if you don’t have a car and a great opportunity to experience some of the city’s rich racing heritage

2. Visiting York in the Summer 🌻

• Warm weather
• Long days for exploring
• Boat trips & river cruises
• Al fresco dining
• Peak season prices
• Availability of accommodations

If you love warmer temperatures and like exploring without the hassle of a coat, summer is the best time to visit York. With the best weather of all seasons, summer is the perfect time to explore York’s atmospheric streets and outdoor attractions.

Average temperatures rarely become oppressive, even in high summer, so you’ll enjoy pleasant weather when you visit York in the summer.

Summertime is York’s busiest season, with the longest hours of sunshine and the warmest days. The city swells with tourists – especially during the UK summer holiday season (late July to early September).

August is typically the busiest month in the city , while early June to early July offers comfortable temperatures with fewer crowds.

If you don’t enjoy crowds,it’s easy to avoid the city centre and use your York Pass to focus on York’s quieter attractions, such as the Yorkshire Museum and Clifford’s Tower, or take a cruise on the River Ouse .

Alternatively, spend long sunny days on day trips from York to some of the best places in the surrounding area, including the vast and beautiful North York Moors.

York is in the far north of England! While summer is generally warm, don’t assume it won’t rain! June is the wettest month of the year in York, with an average rainfall of 3 inches (77 mm).

Events in York in the Summer

York early music festival.

This cultural festival will celebrate York’s many medieval churches, guildhalls and historic houses through historically informed music making.

Merchants Adventurer’s Beer Festival

New for 2023, this charity event – in the 665 year old, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall – will bring quality ales, tasty food, local entertainment and (hopefully) summer sunshine together!

York Festival of Ideas

York Festival of Ideas offers stimulating and diverse events for all ages and interests at venues throughout the city, including world-class speakers, films, guided walks, and family-friendly activities.

Summer might just be the best time to dress up and head to the races with friends!

READ NEXT : The Ultimate Packing List for Yorkshire . Discover the essential items you will need for your trip to York.

3. Visiting York in the Autumn ☂️

• Cheaper accommodations
• Awesome Christmas markets
• Atmospheric ghost tours
• Real fires in cosy pubs
• Short daylight hours
• It’s often VERY cold

Autumn is an excellent time to explore some of the city’s famous historical attractions. York Minster is a hot favourite (make sure to arrive early for the remarkable tower tour), or explore life as a Viking in York at the excellent Jorvik Viking Centre.

While there’s a good chance of rain at this time of year, September’s average high temperature is around 17°C. This drops to a chilly 7°C by November, so you’ll want to pack a warm jacket and waterproof shoes.

The days are getting shorter for sightseeing, with the sun setting as early as 4:30 pm in November, so you’ll want to maximise the daylight hours.

It’s still very pleasant to walk around the city in the autumn, to see all the trees wreathed in shades of russet and red. There are fewer tourists than in the summer, but you won’t feel like Billy No-Mates visiting the city – in fact, it’s a great city for solo travellers.

Events in York in the Autumn

Autumn is the best time to visit York for festivals – there’s a packed programme of cultural events to choose from!

York Food Festival

22nd Sept to 1st Oct  2023

York Beer Festival (CAMRA)

Wed 13 – Sun 17 Sept

Fossgate Festival

A unique way to experience city life in York and enjoy one of York’s oldest and most characterful streets, with independent shops, cafes, bars, and the beautiful Merchant Adventurers’ Hall. 

The street is closed to vehicles making it safe for everyone to browse and enjoy. The festival runs from ​12 noon to 7:30 pm; however, bars and restaurants remain open later, in line with their usual opening hours. 

As the most haunted city in Europe, York is a superb place to celebrate Halloween! ➡️ Check out the best ghost tours in York here >

Bonfire Night

Where better to celebrate the 5th of November than the city where Guy Fawkes plotted with others to blow up the Houses of Parliament?

If the organised events with bonfires, fireworks and hearty warming food don’t tempt you out into the cold, pop into the pub where Guy Fawkes was born for the evening instead!

October is your last chance for the year to attend the races.

4. Visiting York in the Winter ❄️

Despite its northern location, winter is a great time to visit York. With less chance of snow than in other parts of England, temperatures are relatively mild – but it can feel much colder when brutally cold winds blow in from the east coast – straight from the Balkans! 

February is typically the coldest month of the year, but it’s also the cheapest time to visit the city.

Top Tip:  Dress for the cold with a winter coat, sturdy shoes to keep out the worst of the weather, a warm hat and gloves, and a scarf.

Winter is a great time to enjoy the  Christmas markets or go ice skating at York’s Winter Wonderland . It’s also the best time of year to go on a spooky guided ghost tour around the medieval streets after dark.

Visit York before the Christmas market arrives, and you’ll have the luxury of exploring an uncrowded city. The local restaurants and pubs will welcome you with open arms at this time of year!

Events In The Winter in York

St nicholas fayre christmas market..

York’s St Nicholas Christmas market in the historic city centre is a gem. More than 80 Swiss-style chalets sell everything from hand-crafted Christmas decorations and gift ideas to delicious roast chestnuts, mince pies and mulled wine or cider. 

The market runs from late November until Christmas Eve, lighting up the medieval city walls and buildings and making the city feel even more atmospheric than usual!

York’s Winter Wonderland

Ice skating at York’s Winter Wonderland is sure to warm you up! The outdoor rink opens from late November until early January, making it ideal for active winter fun with loved ones. 

JORVIK Viking Festival (11th-19th February 2023.)

Vikings pitch their tents in central York in a city-wide celebration of York’s rich Norse heritage. This is Europe’s largest Viking festival and a fun way to ward off the winter chills.

Accommodations in York

York is exceptionally busy at Easter, in the summer, and in the month before Christmas: this is when you’ll find the highest prices. The best hotel room deals are quickly snapped up at these peak times.

T he best deals on hotel rooms in York are in early January and February 🙂

With so much to do in York, why not book a stay and enjoy more of what this exciting city offers?

Parking in York

Here’s the bad news! Parking in York is expensive – and driving around medieval city streets not designed for modern traffic is a nightmare!

If your accommodation has reserved parking, you’re onto a winner. Otherwise, it’s much easier, quicker and cheaper to use one of York’s excellent Park & Ride services or to travel to the city by train.

How To Get To York

York is located in Northern England, in the large, rural county of North Yorkshire. It’s well connected locally and nationally and easy to reach:

York is around 2 1/2 hours from London by train or 3 hours from Edinburgh. Manchester International Airport is 1 hour and 50 minutes by train.

From London and the South: Take the M1 motorway to Leeds, then the A1M to Junction 44. Take the A64 into York.

From Edinburgh : Take the A1M to Junction to Junction 47 and take the A59 into York.

Map of York in the UK

FAQs: the best time to visit York

Is january a good time to visit york.

January is a great time to visit York to shop for bargains, get great hotel deals and breeze through all of York’s tourist attractions without crowds!

Is York worth visiting in winter?

Definitely! York is very atmospheric in the winter, with plenty of things to do, an award-winning Christmas Market and wonderful cosy pubs to hunker down in after a chilly walk.

Does York have good weather?

Absolutely. York’s temperate climate makes it a great city to explore without getting too hot or cold!

Is York UK worth visiting?

I’ve written a whole post on this subject 🙂 Discover more about visiting York here .

What is the coldest month in York?

The coldest month overall is January, however, February typically sees the lowest minimum temperatures. Wrap up warm on those chilly days!

What is the hottest month in York?

Average temperatures peak in York in July, although August also sees warm, pleasant days.

Does it rain a lot in York?

York has a temperate climate and typically sees around 630 millimetres of rain yearly, with rain seen in most months. June is the wettest month of the year in York.

Is York nice at Christmas?

York is enchanting at Christmas. The medieval buildings look wonderful, bathed in the twinkling glow of the Christmas lights, and the award-winning York Christmas markets are a treat to visit.

How many tourists visit York each year?

York welcomes tourists, as they contribute over £760 million to York’s economy. Around 8.4 million people visit York each year.

Does it snow in York in January?

It can snow in York during winter, but this is unusual. It will be cold, so wearing warm clothes is advisable when visiting York in the winter.

What is the weather like in York at Christmas?

Expect single-digit temperatures in York for Christmas, with an average temperature of 5°C. Pack warm clothes, gloves, your cutest beanie and waterproof boots to keep the chills out.

What is the longest day in York?

The year’s longest day in York is the summer solstice in June.

What is the shortest day of the year in York?

The shortest day of the year in York is the mid-December winter solstice.

Is York good for a day trip?

York is the perfect city for a day trip, with a train journey from Leeds taking around 30 minutes, while direct trains from London take around 2 hours.

Final Thoughts On The Best Time To Visit York

York is a beautiful city to visit year-round. Each season offers its unique charm and attractions. However, the best time to visit York depends on your preferences and interests:

• Spring is the best time to visit York for good value, Easter celebrations, and to enjoy all the spring flowers
• Summer may be ideal for you if you enjoy warm weather, dining al fresco, and outdoor activities
• Autumn has mild weather, cool festivals and the chance to spend Halloween in Europe’s most haunted city !
• Winter could be the perfect season to experience all that York offers if you love traditional festive events and cosy indoor activities

These are the companies I use to book all of my trips. I only recommend companies I use and trust personally.

• ⭐️ Flight Deals : Wayaway or Expedia , or Skyscanner  
• ⭐️ Hotel Booking : Booking.com or Hotels.com
• ⭐️ Self-Catered Accommodation : VRBO
• ⭐️ Tours / Things To Do / Airport Transfers : Viator or Get Your Guide
• ⭐️ Travel Insurance : Travel Insurance Master  
• ⭐️ Car Rentals : Rentalcars.com

Like this post? Pin The Best Time To Visit York For Later!

Related Posts

• How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In York, England
• The Best Day Trips From York
• 14 Exciting Things To Do In York At Night
• What to Pack for Yorkshire – A Complete Packing List
• The Most Beautiful Towns in Yorkshire
• Mistletoe Magic: 16 Best Things To Do In York At Christmas 🎁

Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

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Attractions

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There’s something for all the family with a wide range of family friendly attractions and opportunities to explore the city’s greener side and embrace nature in one of York’s many gardens.

Be inspired by the options below or see all of our attractions and build your own itinerary.

Featured Attractions

Dalby forest.

Dalby Forest, in the heart of the North York Moors National Park offers the perfect place to escape, relax and adventur…

City Sightseeing York

The City Sightseeing York tour will capture the hearts of all ages! With so many things to do and attractions to see, Y…

Ampleforth Abbey

Ampleforth Abbey is home to a community of Benedictine monks who welcome visitors into the Abbey for services, and to e…

The York Dungeon

York Dungeon - Best Large Visitor Attraction at the Visit York Tourism Awards 2024! Get ready to journey back through 2…

National Railway Museum

Visit the National Railway Museum for a day out like no other! Not only do we have icons of the railway and thousands …

Beningbrough - National Trust

For garden lovers Relax in the walled garden or stroll among glorious borders with over 8 acres to explore, a beautiful…

Stump Cross Caverns

Welcome to Stump Cross Caverns where a visit is more than a family day out. It's a voyage back in time – a portal to a …

Clifford's Tower

Clifford’s Tower is the largest remaining building of York Castle, northern England’s greatest medieval royal fortress.…

York Minster

Discover one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, a masterpiece in stained glass and stone and a sacred space wh…

City Cruises York - Sightseeing Cruises

Enjoy York's No. 1 sightseeing tour; an entertaining and informative cruise on the River Ouse! Min. 45-Minute Sightseei…

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden - National Trust

Spend a whole day exploring North Yorkshire's World Heritage Site, less than 30 miles from the centre of York. A place …

JORVIK Viking Centre

Discover the Original Viking Encounter at JORVIK Viking Centre! With its world-famous ride taking visitors around the s…

York Castle Museum

YORK CASTLE MUSEUM - Read more Welcome to the award-winning York Castle Museum - come and immerse yourself in over 400 …

Treasurer's House - National Trust

Winner of the Travellers' Choice Award from TripAdviser in 2023 and 2022. A house of surprises Nestled behind York Min…

York's Chocolate Story

Welcome to York's Chocolate Story, the ultimate destination for families, chocolate lovers, and anyone seeking a truly …

Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop

Welcome to York, a city steeped in history, culture, and charm. Before you embark on your exploration, make sure to dro…

York Art Gallery

Spot the L.S. Lowry’s, Turner or Hockney and surround yourself with some of the best ceramic art in the world at one of…

Goddards - National Trust

Garden Visit the gardens of the former home of the Terry family, part of York’s chocolate heritage and now cared for by…

Yorkshire Museum & Gardens

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The Most Creative Way to Experience York! Solve The City brings our latest outdoor adventure game to York. Part treasur…

All Saints North Street

Rhs garden harlow carr, rainbows ceramics, york cat trail, helmsley walled garden, piglets adventure farm, kirkham priory, eden camp modern history museum, north york moors national park, north yorkshire water park, roxy ball room the stonebow, murton park, city cruises york - river bus, mother shipton’s cave, scampston hall & walled garden, friends of york walls, york footgolf, lost earth adventures, dig: an archaeological adventu….

Save money while sightseeing with a Visit York Pass! York's official sightseeing card which gives entry to top attractions in York, including York Minster, City Cruises York, JORVIK Viking Centre and more!

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14 Most Beautiful Places To See In New York City

• New York City offers a vibrant and diverse experience with its famous streets, iconic buildings, and beautiful parks and gardens.
• The High Line is a must-visit urban oasis with lush greenery, gardens, and stunning views of the cityscape and Hudson River.
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Washington Square Park, and Central Park are some of the most beautiful and culturally significant places to see in New York City.

New York City is one of the most vibrant destinations on the East Coast. Whether walking down its famous streets, visiting its iconic buildings, or discovering the beauty of New York City's parks and gardens - the city will have anything but a dull moment. New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and people from all over the world visit to immerse themselves in all that it has to offer.

With some of the most delicious world cuisine ( including some authentic Italian restaurants ), museums, a raging art and music scene, shopping, entertainment, and more - New York is the epitome of city life. Experiencing the city's hustle and bustle will be a lifetime trip. This city is home to some of the most beautiful and historical places in the United States. Choosing which sites to add to one's bucket list may be challenging with all the options. Here are ten of the most beautiful places to see in New York City.

UPDATE: 2023/09/28 22:43 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

More Beautiful Places To Visit In New York

New York is one of the world's biggest cities, and there are countless beautiful places that locals and tourists should visit. Therefore, this list has been expanded to include places such as the High Line, the Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, the Washington Square Park, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Have fun!

RELATED: 10 Things To Do In The Bronx: Complete Guide To NYC's Northernmost Borough

The High Line

The High Line in New York City is an urban oasis suspended above the bustling streets of Manhattan, and its tranquil ambiance and architectural ingenuity make it a must-visit destination, providing both locals and tourists a respite in the heart of the metropolis.

This elevated linear park, repurposed from a historic railway track, offers a serene escape amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

Lush greenery, vibrant gardens, and public art installations adorn the path, creating a harmonious blend of nature and urbanity. The High Line provides stunning views of the cityscape and Hudson River, offering a unique perspective of New York.

• Address : New York, NY 10011, United States
• Open hours: From 9 am to 10 pm

DUMBO, Brooklyn

DUMBO, short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a famous neighborhood in Brooklyn. Nestled along the East River, it boasts a distinctive blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy, thanks to its cobblestone streets, converted warehouses, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline characterize this waterfront enclave.

DUMBO is a hub for art, culture, and innovation, hosting numerous galleries, boutiques, and tech startups. Visitors can revel in the enchanting scenery of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, enjoy a scenic stroll along the waterfront, and savor culinary delights at trendy eateries. DUMBO encapsulates Brooklyn's dynamic spirit, making it a compelling destination to explore.

It's possible to reach DUMBO by crossing the Brooklyn Bridge walking or by bike

Washington Square Park

Locals and tourists looking for an urban oasis amidst America's most populous city can find it at Washington Square Park. The place is a cultural crossroads, offering a serene respite, captivating ambiance, and a front-row seat to the lively spirit of Greenwich Village.

Located in Manhattan, the Washington Square Park features the iconic Washington Arch, a historic landmark. Trees, gardens, and a central fountain surround visitors. The park's bohemian atmosphere, abuzz with musicians, artists, and locals, lends it a dynamic character. The stunning arch frames views of the surrounding cityscape, adding to its allure.

• Address : Washington Square, New York, NY 10012, United States

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is often referred to as "The Met" (Yes, the same place that hosts the famous Met Gala). The museum is an architectural and cultural masterpiece in New York City thanks to its grand Beaux-Arts façade.

Beyond its architecture, the Met features a worldwide collection representing 5,000 years of history. Visitors admire over two million works, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. The museum's diverse exhibits, including European paintings, Egyptian antiquities, and Asian art, offer a global journey through artistic expression.

• Address : 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
• Admission fees: $30 for adults, $22 for seniors, $17 for students
• Open hours: From Sunday to Thursday - 10 am to 5 pm; Friday and Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm

Central Park

Central Park is one of New York's most iconic attractions. People from all over the world visit to admire its beauty, and the best part - is that Central Park is free, and there are many ways to spend time there . This park is famous for its landscape design and is one of the city's most beautiful places. The park offers many things to do and see, where visitors can spend hours discovering different areas with some of the most picturesque views.

• The Central Park has 843 acres

Old City Hall Subway Station

With some of the most beautiful places in New York - Old City Hall Subway Station is a must-see when visiting the city. Initially opening in 1904, this hidden subway station has a mesmerizing architectural build and is a beautiful way to see New York's historical public transportation system. It is located at the end of the six-train line, and tours are available for guests who want to visit the old subway station.

• Admission fees: Between $35 and $50

Related: New York City's Springtime Waterways: Exploring The City's Rivers & Harbors On Boat Tours

Statue Of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a historical attraction in the city - a neoclassical structure that offers some of the most beautiful views in the city. People worldwide visit to witness the statue and all its beauty. With some of the prettiest parts of New York one can explore , a trip to the Statue of Liberty will show visitors the rich history of New York City. This is one of the best locations to take amazing pictures!

• Ferry fees: $12 (Children), $24.50 (Adult), $18 (Senior)
• Pedestal access: $12.30 (Children), $24.80 (Adult), $18.30 (Senior)

Prospect Park

New York City has some of the most beautiful parks, not just Central Park. Prospect Park is in Brooklyn, New York, and is home to a breathtaking green space in the city. From excellent trails, a botanical garden, waterfalls, and a zoo - Prospect Park is a must-visit when discovering beautiful areas in New York City. Whether walking in the park or having a picnic with family and friends, it's a lovely way to spend some time in the city's gorgeous outdoors.

• Famous events: Evening Under the Sphere, FallFur Picnic, Harvest Moon Circle

Brooklyn Bridge

Take a trip to Brooklyn Bridge to see one of the most iconic bridges in New York. Visiting New York's beautiful and historic attractions is one of the best parts of traveling in the city. Brooklyn Bridge’s stunning architectural build shows the city's vast history. It's a beautiful way to walk along the bridge, with many opportunities to take pictures and view the city's skyline.

It's possible to cross the Brooklyn Bridge using the pedestrian walkway.

Edge Observation Deck

Edge Observation Deck is an attraction in New York City that offers some of the most mesmerizing views of the city. It is 100 stories high and is a beautiful way to immerse in the city's beauty. It is one of the best ways to see the city's beauty from a high point. A trip to the Edge will be the experience of a lifetime with its glass floors, breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, and a bar for enjoyment.

• Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, United States

Related: Flavors Of New York State: Discovering 10 Must-Try Cuisines In New York City

New York is home to some of the most iconic neighborhoods. SoHo is a neighborhood worth visiting for those who want to experience New York's beautiful streets and breathtaking buildings. From art galleries, shops, street vendors, restaurants, a nightlife scene, and so much more - there is much to see and discover in this beautiful neighborhood in New York City.

• Things to do: Museum of Ice Cream, The Museum of Modern Art, Housing Works Bookstore

Madison Square Park

Home to some of the most beautiful parks - Madison Square Park is high on the list of New York's mesmerizing outdoor spaces. It is a fantastic place to visit to walk and enjoy New York in the spring. For nature lovers, the park offers various greenery to escape the busy city life. Whether taking a small snack or enjoying time with family or friends, it will be a beautiful and relaxing experience in the city.

• Address : 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010, United States

Times Square

Times Square is one of the most popular destinations in New York City. People worldwide travel to see its iconic lights, billboards, buildings, and so much more. It is a must-visit when touring the city to see the town's beauty and all it is known for. Offering many shops and restaurants, the area has much to do and see, with many opportunities for pictures. Times Square is one of New York's most busy and thrilling areas and is worth experiencing for those traveling to the city!

The most common and convenient way to reach Times Square is by subway. Multiple subway lines, including the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, and S lines, serve the Times Square-42nd Street station.

Related: 10 Top-Rated Museums In New York City That Should Be On Your List

New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Visit the New York City Public Library to get views of its stunning architecture and immerse in the city's history. This extensive library is a charming destination to discover New York's diverse beauty and experience all the city's spaces. With a fantastic collection of books and areas to discover inside and outside the library, it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in New York City.

• Address: 476 Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street

9 Best Destinations For Wildlife Spotting in New York

While New York might not be at the top of the list for most nature lovers, there are plenty of underrated and underappreciated places in New York State that are certainly worth a visit for those trying to get in better touch with nature. New York is brimming with stunning towns, rivers, and mountains that all serve as great places to spot local wildlife. Uncover the best destinations throughout the Empire State for wildlife spotting.

Lake Ontario

Sitting along the northern border of New York is the mighty Lake Ontario . One of the five Great Lakes . Lake Ontario is one of the best places to observe wildlife in New York. Migratory birds like Canadian Geese, loons, and ducks can be seen here regularly.

Birds of prey like hawks and eagles are not uncommon either. These predators often prey on the many fish that call the lake home. Seeing one of these birds in action is an experience like no other.

Oneida Lake

You can find Onedia Lake just a short drive north of Syracuse . Here you will encounter all manner of waterfowl such as ducks and swans. Taking a short walk around the perimeter of the lake will give you the chance to run into other animals as well.

Woodland creatures like squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits all live nearby as well. If you are lucky you might come across a group of deer. As long as you are quiet, the deer may not bolt, as the ones around Oneida Lake are generally accustomed to humans.

Lake George

Fish are not the only kinds of animals that are swimming around Lake George . Lake George is home to dozens of different types of reptiles and amphibians too. Frogs, salamanders, and snakes all tend to live on the shallow shores of the lake and are not too hard to spot.

Turtles are in apple supply as well. While most are harmless be careful you are not approaching a Snapping Turtle. They are known to be quite aggressive and can even sever a finger if you are not careful. It's best to appreciate these animals from afar.

Hudson River

The Hudson River is best known for being one of the main geographical features of New York City , but in Upstate New York, the river become almost unrecognizable. Turtles, birds of prey, and crabs all call the Hudson River home.

Unbeknownst to some, river otters can be a common sighting in the Hudson as well. Known to travel in groups called bevies or romps, if you are lucky enough you could come across a whole family of otters feasting on the crustaceans that live in the river.

Located between the towns of Plattsburgh and Ticonderoga is the famed Mt Marcy. The area surrounding the mountain is some of the best that New York has to offer. Those who decide to climb to the summit will be greeted with truly breathtaking views.

Tons of wildlife inhabit the region. Woodpeckers and white-winged crossbills live in the tall pine trees that cover the forests. Plenty of mammals can be seen too. Keep an eye out for pine martens and porcupines.

Adirondack Park

One of the most serene parts of New York, the Adirondack Park is teeming with all kinds of different animals. The small ponds and streams around the park are home to families of beavers. These critters are well known to block the flow of water in order to build their homes/dams.

Black bears are known to roam around the area. Always be careful of the surroundings and if you come across one give it plenty of space to go by. Black bears tend to be quite timid but will attack if they feel threatened or their cubs are in danger.

Finger Lakes National Forest

Sandwiched between Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake is the lovely Finger Lakes National Forest. All manner of woodland creatures and waterfowl call this region home. Wild turkeys are known to roam the area. They can usually be heard long after they are spotted thanks to the endless gobble noises they make.

Bobcats have also been reported in the area. Seeing one of these large cats is incredibly rare. Usually only seen on trail cameras, bobcats are famous for being elusive and staying as far away from people as possible.

Allegany State Park

Not far from the border with Pennsylvania lies the majestic Allegany State Park. The size of the park is truly massive. Allegany State Park covers an obscene 65,000 acres of land, most of which is covered in thick forests.

White-tailed deer and coyotes are probably the most numerous mammals that you will see in the park. Coyotes are generally not dangerous to humans but have been known to attack dogs and small children. If you take your canine friend with you, make sure they are on a leash.

Watkins Glen State Park

Just outside of the town of Watkins Glen , is the state park that bears the same name. Watkins Glen is famous for its abundance of streams and creeks that run through the park. These are home to dozens of various reptiles and lizards.

Newts, salamanders, and frogs are all over the wetlands that cover the parks. If you follow the creeks long enough you will also encounter the main attraction of the park, the series of waterfalls and rapids.

New York State is one of the most underrated places in the United States when it comes to wildlife spotting. Despite being known for the mass metropolis that is New York City, outside of that much of New York is untouched wilderness just waiting to be explored.

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Breaking news, lou lamoriello’s future and four other pressing questions facing islanders in critical offseason.

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If the Islanders are no longer content to keep on running it back, then who is the best person to move them forward?

That is the first and most important question facing the franchise after the season ended with a 6-3 loss to the Hurricanes on Wednesday and the only person who can answer it is owner Scott Malkin, in whose hands rests the fate of general manager Lou Lamoriello.

The 81-year-old Hall of Famer has presided over an immensely successful six-year run that started in 2018, but his refusal to make changes to the roster has left the Islanders too good to rebuild, but not good enough to compete for a Stanley Cup.

If ownership and Lamoriello are on the same page as to where to go from here, whether it is running it back again or retooling, then he will undoubtedly still be in place for next season.

But if not, then there is a real question around how the Islanders will proceed.

The Post looks at four more questions the franchise must address this offseason.

Do Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck return?

Martin and Clutterbuck are synonymous with the Islanders’ identity, and both will be free agents July 1.

Martin has yet to indicate whether he wants to play another season, while Clutterbuck sounded last month like he wanted to play another year, saying he still thinks he’s capable.

If one or both decide to play another year, the question becomes whether that will be with the Islanders or elsewhere.

What happens to the assistant coaches?

Other than Benoit Desrosiers, a midseason hire who worked with Patrick Roy in Quebec City, the entire staff of assistants was hired under Barry Trotz or Lane Lambert.

Doug Houda ran the penalty kill, which finished dead last in the league.

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John MacLean ran the power play, which improved from 2022-23, but still ended the year in the bottom half of the league and struggled badly for the last month of the season.

Director of goaltending Mitch Korn has worked with Trotz for most of the last 25 years and it’s fair to wonder whether Roy would want to bring in his own hire to coach goaltenders — Francois Allaire, anyone? — instead of Piero Greco.

Can Ilya Sorokin fix his game?

Let’s get this out of the way — Sorokin and Semyon Varlamov will be the goaltending tandem next season.

Even if the Islanders wanted otherwise, which they do not, Sorokin has an eight-year extension with a no-move clause kicking in July 1 and Varlamov is entering the second of a four-year deal signed last offseason under which he holds a full no-trade clause until 2025-26.

Great goalies have had subpar seasons before and history says they usually recover from it, so nobody is hitting the panic button here.

But a bad start to 2024-25 for Sorokin would start to set off alarm bells.

Will the Islanders keep their draft pick?

With their season finished, the Islanders are locked into the 18th pick in the first round, if they keep it.

The last time Lamoriello made a first-round pick was in 2019, a full presidential administration ago, and the effects on the Islanders’ farm system have been just as you would expect.

But Lamoriello sounded willing to deal away a first-rounder at the trade deadline if the right deal had come along, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him make a move ahead of the draft if he gets an offer he likes.

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