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Must See & Do in York

If you're only in York for a short time, make sure to visit the must-see attractions that showcase the best of what the city has to offer. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the beauty and charm of our amazing city and surrounding areas!

Experience the grandeur of historic landmarks, marvel at world-class art exhibitions, or immerse yourself in the city's exciting cultural scene and rich history.

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In this Itinerary

Jorvik viking centre.

Experience the Viking Age by pre-booking your visit now!

With its world-famous ride taking visitors around the sights, sounds and smells of Viking-age York, and state-of-the art galleries showcasing our unique collection of 1,000 year old artefacts, visit JORVIK Viking Centre to discover York’s fascinating Viking legacy.

City Cruises York - Sightseeing Cruises

Step on-board and take a seat on the top deck or wrapped up warm in an enclosed saloon - wherever you sit you will have a great view to uncover the history of our ancient city and the immense impact the River Ouse has had on its development. From the impact of flooding over the centuries to its prosperity as an inland port, bringing precious goods from across the globe into York, including the humble cocoa bean, that super-charged York’s world-famous chocolate industry.

National Railway Museum

Not only does the museum feature icons of the railway, amazing rail vehicles on display, and thousands of railway-related objects, but it also boasts Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery – a special interactive experience designed for families. Additionally, there's the Flying Scotsman VR Experience, allowing visitors to witness the captivating story of the famous locomotive as it unfolds around them.

York Minster

Discover one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, a masterpiece in stained glass and stone and a sacred space which has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England since the 7th century.

The Minster was built for the glory of God and this is reflected in every aspect of this ancient building, from the exquisite handcrafted stone through to the unrivalled collection of medieval stained glass.

Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop

Welcome to the Visit York Visitor Information Centre, located at the very heart of the city. Our team of warm and knowledgeable assistants eagerly await to be your guides, imparting their expert insights on attractions, travel particulars, dining hotspots, shopping havens, and upcoming events, all tailored to make your visit truly exceptional.

Beyond our personable service, our shelves house an extensive collection of complimentary information leaflets and comprehensive guides.

The Visit York Pass

The Visit York Pass is an added value sightseeing card giving you the flexibility to visit top attractions in the city and beyond! Pick a pass duration that matches your visit and simply show your The Visit York Pass at any attraction included in the guidebook to enter for free. It's sightseeing made easy!

Available as a digital download to enable you to have your pass sent directly to your mobile device.

Shambles Market

Welcome to Shambles Market, your ultimate destination for a delightful shopping experience. Here, you'll find a diverse array of offerings to cater to all your shopping desires. From exquisite gifts and vibrant fresh flowers to artisan crafts and stylish handbags, we have curated a collection that speaks to you. Open every day!

Shambles Food Court

Nestled within the renowned and historically significant Shambles Market, the Shambles Food Court stands as a haven of gastronomic delight, beckoning visitors with its array of mouth-watering street food, available every single day of the week.

This culinary oasis is a haven for indulgence, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. With an extensive range of food choices presented by dedicated traders, even the most discerning palates will find their desires met.

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Pickersgill consultancy & planning ltd, work space hire & show space hire, spark:york cic, four brits book fest, york barbican.

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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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Finding the Universe

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A Weekend in York Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in York England

Last updated: October 30, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - Leave a Comment

The beautiful walled city of York, England is the perfect location for a weekend break. It’s easily accessible from most of the UK, there’s plenty to see and do, and it’s compact enough for walking around.

We’ve visited York many times, and in this guide we’re going to share with you how to spend the perfect weekend in York. From what to see and do, to where to stay to how to get around.

This guide can be used for any two-day trip to York of course, it doesn’t have to be over a weekend. You can also extend it easily for a longer stay, as there’s a lot to see both in the city and in the surrounding area!

Let’s get started with this York weekend itinerary.

Weekend in York Itinerary

Our weekend York itinerary has you visiting many of the main sights in the city. Of course, as with all our itineraries, it’s a starting point for you to plan from. So feel free to adjust it based on your interests and sightseeing pace.

We like to see a lot when we travel, but if you prefer a slower pace, just adjust the itinerary to see fewer things per day.

If you are visiting over a weekend, you can either arrive in York on the Saturday morning and depart on the Sunday evening, or extend your stay to arrive on the Friday evening and depart either on the Sunday or Monday. It’s up to you.

Day 1 in York

For your first day in York you’re going to learn about the history of the city, explore some of the medieval walls, and visit the UK’s largest railway museum.

Note that if you are arriving by train on your first day in the city, you might consider re-ordering this itinerary so you start in the railway museum as it’s next to the railway station. There are left luggage facilities just next to the railway station to save you carrying your bags.

For getting around, we have a section on getting around after the itinerary. York is very walkable, but you might also choose to take a Hop on Hop off bus. If you do the hop on hop off bus (included on the York City Pass ), you’ll likely want to set up your sightseeing so it follows the route of the bus.

• York Minster

The gorgeously Gothic York Minster is a highlight of a visit to the city, and the imposing construction is visible from around York.

Two large towers dominate the western side, with a large central tower in the middle. It’s actually the largest Gothic style cathedral in the UK (yes, it’s bigger than Westminster Abbey!), and the second largest in Europe.

A church has been in this location since at least 627 AD, however; the present building was largely built between the 13th and 15th centuries.

There is plenty to see if you visit inside the Minster, which we recommend you do. For example, there is a lovely chapter house, the beautiful Great East Window (the largest medieval stained glass window in the world), a tower you can climb, and there’s even a crypt you can visit.

A highlight has to be a trip up the tower. At 235ft, the Central Tower is the highest point in the city, meaning you get wonderful panoramic views of the city around you. It costs a bit more to climb the tower but we think it’s well worth it for the view. There are 275 steps to the top, and there’s no lift option.

York Minster is normally open every day except Tuesdays and there’s a fee to visit. At last check, you needed to book online or by phone in advance to visit due to COVID restrictions. You can see prices and opening hours on the website here . Entry is included on the York City Pass .

Expect to spend around 90 minutes here, although this will depend if you choose to climb the tower and how fit you are if so! From York Minster to the Yorkshire Museum it’s a 5 minute walk.

• Yorkshire Museum and Gardens

York was founded in 71AD, when a Roman fortress was built here. For a period of time, it was actually the capital of Roman Britannia, and over the years it’s been everything from a Roman garrison town, a Viking stronghold, a trading centre, a Victorian engineering hub and even a confectionary powerhouse!

That is a lot of history to learn about. For those of you who love learning about the history of an area, then a visit to the Yorkshire Museum is in order.

This is found in the York Museum Gardens, situated next to the River Ouse. The 19th century gardens have a number of interesting sights, including Roman ruins, an 11th century ruined abbey, a 14th century Hospitum, and a 19th century observatory. You can read more about the sights in the garden and opening hours here , and it’s well worth taking a bit of time to wander around before or after your museum visit. The gardens are free to visit.

Of course, the highlight is going to be the actual Yorkshire Museum . Here you’ll be able to learn about the history of the city, from prehistoric times through to the arrival of the Romans and Medieval times. There’s an entry fee to visit, and you can read more about opening times and prices here . It’s included on the York City Pass.

Medieval Wall Walk

One of my favourite free things to do in York is wander along the walls. These walls have surrounded the city since Roman times, although they’ve been restored and improved upon over the years. Today, the majority of the walls you can see and explore date from the 12th to the 14th century, with major restorations taking place in Victorian times.

The walls are the most complete set of city walls in the UK, encircling large parts of the city centre. You can walk along the top of them on the wall walk, which elevates you above the city streets and gives some lovely views across the city. If you were to follow the whole route, you’d be looking at around a 2 hour walk of around 2.6 miles.

Of course, you don’t have to do the whole route and there are many sections you can walk. If you are following this itinerary, from the Yorkshire Museum simply cross over the River Ouse and join the city wall trail to the south of the river. You can follow it around to Micklegate Bar, one of the medieval gateways in and out of the city. It was traditionally the gate that monarchs would use for entering York.

It is about a 15 minute walk from the Yorkshire Museum to Micklegate Bar via the city walls.

You can also go inside the gate at Micklegate Bar to visit an exhibition about the history of the city walls, and their evolution from Roman times to the present day. This is a new experience, opened in 2022, and it’s also included with the York City Pass .

There are a number of pubs, restaurants, and shops around Micklegate , so this can be a good place to have lunch or stop for coffee before heading to the next stop on the itinerary.

For those interested in religious history, The Bar Convent is located next to Micklegate and is the oldest living convent in England. It is a museum and living heritage center and you can visit the exhibition for a small fee (included as part of the York Pass). But there is also a cafe here that serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea Monday to Saturday. We visited here and found it really interesting.

From Micklegate Bar to the National Railway Museum is a 12 minute walk.

National Railway Museum

If you are into trains (and even if you’re not!) we can highly recommend a visit to the National Railway Museum in York. This free museum is found right next to York railway station.

The museum is the largest museum dedicated to all things rail in the UK. It’s home to some of the most significant locomotives in railway history, including the Mallard, which still holds the record for the fastest steam locomotive ever built. There are usually around 100 locomotives or rolling stock on display, which when we visited included a Japanese bullet train and a Eurostar train.

Having the museum in York makes a lot of sense from a historical standpoint. First, York was famous in the 19th century for the production of railway carriages. In addition, direct trains were running from York to London as early as 1840, and the railway essentially saved York from years of decline. York was firmly on the railway map, and mass tourism took off. Yes, people have been visiting York for the weekend for quite some time!

Note that if there is a particular train or object you are interested in seeing, you should definitely check their website to be sure it is on display. Sometimes trains or other items are sent on mobile exhibitions, or put in storage.

The National Railway Museum is free to visit although donations are greatly appreciated. There’s also a shop and cafe on site, as well as a number of paid ride attractions including a fun Mallard simulator and miniature train rides. Lots of fun here for the whole family!

We’d recommend spending a couple of hours here. You can see more, including opening times and days, on the official website here . You should also check to see if you need to book tickets in advance.

From the National Railway Museum to city cruises departure is around a 15 – 20 minute walk, depending on which cruise you take.

• River Cruise

By now you have probably spent enough time on your feet and would like a bit of a break. Well, a popular option for visitors to York is to take some form of boat cruise. These usually run from April through to the end of October.

These will take you up and down the River Ouse which runs right through the centre of the city, affording you a unique view of the city from the water. Most cruises feature live commentary, and they also often have drinks available for purchase.

There are a variety of boat cruise options in York, from self-drive boat hire  through to short excursions , amd sunset cruises .

They vary in duration from 45 minutes up to 2.5 hours. You can see all the options and book in advance here . Note that a city cruise option is included with the York City Pass .

If you’re visiting from November through to March, most of the boat cruises are not operational. There are however a number of bus tour options to consider.

Evening Ghost Tour / Shambles Walk

As the day starts to fade to night, it’s the perfect time to learn a bit more about the darker past of the city. York is well known for its ghost tours, and the authentic medieval streets around the Shambles are an amazing backdrop to these tales and stories.

Of course, you can explore the area around the Shambles on your own. However, the ghost tours are a lot of fun, led by entertaining costumed guides who are going to shock, thrill, and humour you.

The two tours we suggest you check out are this 90 minute tour or this 90 minute tour , both are led by costumed guides. Both tours have excellent reviews and have won awards.

Of course there are also other tours, including this one and this one . So you have no shortage of choice.

We also recommend you spend a bit of time walking the streets around the Shambles at night, as it is remarkably pretty and photogenic. The actual street with the name “Shambles” is our favourite, with the leaning houses that look like they are straight out of a Harry Potter film set .

Out of all the streets in the UK that have been said to look like they are Diagon Alley out of Harry Potter (we’ve been to all of them), this is the one that looks most like it.

If you’d prefer a bus tour rather than a walking tour, there is also an evening ghost bus tour you might consider.

That wraps up your first day in York! Time for some food and rest, before heading on to your second day!

Day 2 in York

For your second day in York you’re going to do some more sightseeing, learn about York’s Viking and Victorian history, and even try some chocolate. Then there’ll be time for a bit of retail therapy before you wrap up your weekend in York.

Again, everything on our list today is easily walkable, or on the York Hop on Hop off bus route. Let’s get going!

• York Castle Museum

Despite the name, the York Castle Museum is not in a castle, nor is the museum about a castle. It is built on the former site of York Castle, which was largely rebuilt as a prison in the 18th century. The only really obvious remnant of the castle is Clifford’s Tower, which is found on the hill opposite the York Castle Museum.

So, now that your expectations around the lack of a castle have been managed, you might be wondering what this is a museum of.

Well, in the early 20th century, a Yorkshire physician by the name of John Kirk decided to start collecting objects that he felt reflected the time, in an effort to capture a glimpse of life in late 19th century Yorkshire. His collection grew prodigiously, and in 1931 he asked if anyone would want to display it.

In 1934, his collection was purchased by the city, and in 1938 the York Castle Museum opened to display the objects. A highlight of the museum on opening, and still a highlight today, is the recreated late Victorian street known as Kirkgate. This was a first of its kind in the UK, and is still popular with visitors today.

There’s lots more to see in the museum, which is maze-like and sprawling, and not laid out in any particularly logical order that we could discern. Exhibits include information on the prison, the Great War of 1914-1918, the Swinging Sixties, and fashion over the last 400 years. There is also a Victorian mill that is sometimes open to visitors.

It’s a lot of fun with a lot to see and do, and you could easily spend 2 to 3 hours exploring. There’s a fee to visit, and you can see opening times and prices here . Also included on the York City Pass.

• Clifford’s Tower

Directly opposite from the York Castle Museum sitting atop a large mound is Clifford’s Tower . This was the keep of York’s original castle.

A keep has been in this location since the time of William the Conqueror in the 11th century, but the present stone version dates from the mid 13th century. It’s the only really visibly obvious surviving part of York Castle that you can visit.

The tower itself is largely a shell, with the impressive walls surrounding a courtyard. A highlight of a visit is to go up to the top of the walls, from where you get good views across the rooftops of York and York Minster.

Clifford’s Tower is operated by English Heritage and there’s a fee to visit, although it’s free for English heritage members. You can see opening times and prices here . It’s also normally included on the York City Pass .

Note when we got our photos of Clifford’s Tower it was in the middle of a renovation project. The tower is open as of April 2022, and now has an interior structure and a new roof deck from where you can appreciate the views!

From Clifford’s Tower to Jorvik Viking Centre it’s a 4 minute walk.

• Jorvik Viking Centre

In the 9th and 10th centuries, York and a large swathe of northern England was captured and ruled by the Vikings. They called the city Jórvík, and turned the city into an important centre of economy.

A fun way to learn about life in York during Viking times is to visit the popular Jorvik Viking Centre . This attraction consists of two parts.

First, there’s an ride which takes you through a reconstructed Viking village, where you’ll see many scenes of life in Viking times. This was created by the York Archaeological Trust, and based on excavations in the area. In addition, some of the mannequins are based on facial reconstruction technologies using skulls found from the time.

Following the informative and fun ride, there’s a museum area, which has many objects of interest and further explanations of life in Viking times. In addition, there are costumed staff who demonstrate crafts from the time, such as coin making.

A trip to Jorvik Viking Centre is definitely worth including on your visit to York, and it’s a very popular family attraction as well. Expect to spend around an hour to 90 minutes visiting. There’s an entry fee, and it’s also included on the York City Pass .

From the Jorvik Viking Centre to York Cocoa House is a 1 minute walk, and to York Chocolate Story it’s a 4 minute walk.

York Chocolate Story or York Cocoa Works

In the 19th century confectionary and cocoa making became major industries in York. The railway improved the ability to transport goods, and major producers like Rowntree’s produced their products in York. In fact, after the railways, cocoa manufacturers were the second largest employer in York at this time.

Chocolate is still very much an important part of life in the city. Nestlé’s UK confectionary business is based here, as is their global R&D centre for confectionary. Rowntree’s still make their iconic KitKat bar in York, over four million of them a day!

If you have a sweet tooth, or simply want to learn a bit more about the history of chocolate making in the city, then you have a couple of options. These are York’s Chocolate Story , or the York Cocoa Works . Both these locations feature shops where you can buy chocolate. However, more importantly, they also both an educational experience and you can do a tour at each for a fee.

York’s Chocolate Story takes you on a journey through the history of chocolate in York. You’ll learn about the people and companies that put York on the chocolate making map, as well as the process for how chocolate is made. You’ll also get to make your own chocolate and of course, eat some chocolate as you go!

York Cocoa Works focuses more on the chocolate product process. Whilst the tour does share the history of chocolate making in York, the experience is more about visiting a working chocolate factory and learning how chocolate is made from bean to bar. A variety of tours are available, with the standard tour included on the York City Pass .

So, which to choose? Well, if you’d like to get more into the history of chocolate in York, we’d probably recommend York’s Chocolate Story . If you want to learn more about chocolate making, flavours and so on, then we suggest the York Cocoa Works . Of course, you could also do both, although there is going to be some overlap!

If you have a York City Pass then the York Cocoa Works would probably make more sense as the tour is included.

From either of these attractions to the Shambles Market is less than five minutes walk.

Shambles Shopping

We’re going to finish up your last day in York with a bit of shopping in the Shambles. As well as lots of independent retailers in this area, you’ll also find the Shambles Market itself. This historic market has over 70 stalls to choose from, with everything from arts and crafts to clothes and food available to buy.

We’re pretty sure you’ll find something to buy in the Shambles Market and shopping area, be it a souvenir of your time in York or a gift for someone else. If you’re not into shopping, you’ll also find cafes and bars throughout, and the lovely medieval streets are well worth wandering around anyway.

If you are looking for something to do in the evening after dinner, there are of course a number of bars, clubs, and cinemas. But you could also check out what is playing at York’s performing arts venues, such as the York Theatre Royal , Joseph Rowentree Theatre , and Grand Opera House , as there is often theater shows, operas, concerts, pantomimes, etc.

York Weekend Itinerary Summary

Here’s a quick overview of this 2 day York itinerary.

• Day 1 – York Minster, Yorkshire Museum and Gardens, Medieval Wall Walk, National Railway Museum, River Cruise, Evening Ghost Tour / Shambles Walk
• Day 2 – York Castle Museum, Clifford’s Tower, Jorvik Viking Centre, York Cocoa Works, Shambles Shopping

Of course, there’s plenty more to see and do in York, so you could extend this itinerary to more days or swap some of these sights with others to suit your interests and time.

Map of 2 Day York Itinerary

Attractions Near York

If you’re planning on spending a bit more time in York, there is of course many more things to do in central York. But there is also a lot to do around York. Many of these attractions will definitely be easier to visit with a car.

• Castle Howard – one of the UK’s most impressive stately homes is just eight miles outside of York
• Harewood House – another spectacular country house, around 20 miles from York
• Yorkshire Dales – gorgeous countryside and plentiful walks can be found in this National Park,
• Harry Potter Filming Locations – there are two Harry Potter filming locations within 90 minutes drive of York. See our guide to find out which ones!
• Wentworth Woodhouse – one of the largest stately homes you can visit is around an hour from York. See our complete guide to visiting for more!

Of course, there’s plenty more to do in the area around York, but this should give you some ideas for what to see and do!

Where to Stay in York

York has a wide range of accommodation options ranging from hostels and apartments through to high end hotels, and everything in between.

Our recommendation for York is definitely to stay near to the centre so you are within easy walking distance of all the sights, restaurants and attractions. We’ve put together some recommendations for York across all budgets. These are approximately ordered by price, however do check for your dates as prices vary.

• Astor York Hostel – if you’re looking for a hostel, this is one of the best options in York. Set in a grade II listed building, the property features both shared and private accommodation. There’s also an on-site bar as well as kitchen, dining and lounge areas. It’s 15 minutes walk from the train station and 20 minutes to most city attractions.
• Gillygate Guesthouse – This very well reviewed and popular 4* guesthouse is found just 3 minutes walk from York Minster. Rooms are en-suite and a good value full English breakfast is available.
• The Bar Convent – how about staying in a working convent during your time in York? This quiet location features private and shared accommodation in an actual convent, which is also some to a fascinating living heritage centre which is well worth visiting. Breakfast is included, and it’s 15 minutes walk to the main sights, and only five minutes from the train station.
• Roomzzz York City – just to the south of the city centre, around a 15 minute walk from most attractions, this is a well reviewed aparthotel option. En-suite rooms have kitchenettes.
• 23 St Mary’s – we stayed at this luxury guesthouse on a recent visit to York and loved it. It was just 15 minutes walk from most attractions, and the rooms were wonderfully spacious with luxury amenities.
• The Grand – this five star hotel is found in York’s former railway headquarters, so as you might imagine it’s very close to the railway station. Rooms are spacious and en-suite, there’s on-site dining and a bar, as well as a spa and pool. If you’re looking for luxury in York, this is an excellent option, and you can get some great deals depending on when you stay as well.

If you’re looking for an apartment, we recommend the Plum Guide . They offer a selection of curated properties that have to meet a high standard to be listed, and we’ve always had a positive experience when we’ve stayed with them. See their listings for York here .

How to Get to York

York is a well-connected city which is easy get to from around the UK.

First, you can of course reach York by car. If you opt for this option, make sure to check the parking options at the hotel you choose, as parking can be tricky to come by. If the hotel doesn’t have parking, you might need to take advantage of the park and ride options into the city. Once you’re in York, you are unlikely to need a car.

York is around a 4-hour drive from London, 90 minutes from Manchester , 45 minutes from Leeds and four hours from Edinburgh.

Another excellent option for reaching York is to take a train. York is on the east coast mainline, with fast train services linking it with the rest of the country. London is just under 2 hours away by train, and Edinburgh is around 2.5 hours by train from York.

You can check train times and book tickets online in advance here . With rail tickets, booking in advance is nearly always going to land you the best deals.

You can also travel to York by long-distance bus, although this will take a bit longer and so might not be suitable for a weekend trip. From London to York is between 6 and 7 hours by coach for example. You can check times and prices on National Express here and Megabus here .

York doesn’t have an airport. If you want to fly to York, the closest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport, which is around 30 miles away. This offers domestic and some international flight connections.

How to Get Around York

York has a compact city centre which is very easy to get around on foot. Most attractions are within 20 minutes’ walk of each other in the city centre, so getting around on foot is usually our preferred option.

Of course, there are other options for getting around the city centre, including public buses and taxis. iTravel York is an excellent resource for route planning, with everything from walking maps to cycle maps to information on parking.

Another good option for getting around the attractions in York, as well as learning about the sights, is to take a hop on hop off bus tour. You can buy tickets for these individually here , and there are also Hop on Hop off bus tours included as part of the  York City Pass .

York Sightseeing Passes

When we visit a city, we always check if there’s some kind of sightseeing pass that includes the attractions we want to visit. If so, we will invest in the pass if it’s going to save us money, which is often the case.

For York, the only pass available that we were able to find is the York City Pass . This includes more than 40 attractions and activities in the city and beyond, as well as some discounts and even some food. The pass is available for one to six days.

To decide if a pass like this will save you money you need to look at the attractions you plan to visit, the costs of those, and then compare the total cost to the pass cost.

For our itinerary for example, the following attractions are currently covered by the York City pass. This covers nearly every attraction and activity we recommend (note that inclusions can change, see full list of attractions here ):

• City Walls Experience
• Bar Convent Museum (optional)
• Railway Museum Road Train
• York Cocoa Works
• 24 hour sightseeing bus ticket (optional)

If you paid individual adult entry to all these attractions, it would cost around £112.

If you did all the attractions but skipped the Sightseeing bus, you’re looking at around £96.

The pass also includes lots of other attractions as well.

A two-day York City pass costs £75 as of April 2023, although it can sometimes be found at a discount. So you are looking at good savings if you plan to visit a number of attractions. It’s also available for longer and shorter durations, as well as in a child version.

We recommend checking what the pass includes and comparing the inclusions to what you plan to visit. Then you can decide if the York City Pass is good value for your trip.

You can buy the York City Pass on the official website for the pass here .

In addition, you can sometimes get the York City Pass with a discount. We recommend comparing the price on Tiqets here , GetYourGuide here and the official website here to see if there are any offers.

Further Reading

That’s it for our guide to spending two days in York, perhaps over a weekend or perhaps not. We hope you found it useful. Before you go, we wanted to share a few of our other guides to help you plan your trip to York as well as the rest of the UK, as well as some third party resources we think you’ll find useful.

• For wider UK trip planning, we have suggested  one week  and  two week UK itineraries
• York is close to Manchester, check out our guide to things to do in Manchester here .
• If you’re driving in the UK for the first time, check out my  tips for driving in the UK  for some advice. We also have a  guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK .
• We have guides to many other cities in England. See our guide to things to do in Stratford upon Avon ,   things to do in Bristol ,   things to do in Portsmouth , tips on Visiting Oxford on a Day Trip , and things to do in Cambridge
• If you’re heading to Scotland, check out our  2 day Edinburgh itinerary , our  Glasgow and Loch Lomond itinerary , our guide to the  best day trips from Glasgow , our guide to  things to do in Edinburgh , our  itinerary for Skye and the Highlands , our guide to the  best day trips from Aberdeen , and our guide to the best  day trips from Edinburgh  to get you started. We also have a guide to getting from  London to Edinburgh .
• We have a guide to  10 of the best Stately Homes in England

And that’s it! Have you ever visited York? Do you have anything you’d add to the above? Just let us know in the comments below!

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20 Cool Tourist Places to Visit and Fun Things to Do in York, England

York is a city in the North Yorkshire county of England, UK. It sits on the bank of river Ouse and Foss. The city has a rich history with roots in Viking, Roman, and Medieval English culture. The best things to do in York revolve around exploring the various periods of its history and experiencing its culture.

The city is home to some of the most renowned medieval structures including York Minster, Castle, and City Walls. These are the best places to visit in York that depict its medieval glory. However, its story dates back to the time of the Vikings. Back then it was called Jorvick and you can experience this period of York’s history at the Viking Centre.

Later it became a Roman province in 71 AD. The Roman rule saw the construction of many of York’s attractions that you can tour today. The best preserved among these is the City Wall. Post the Roman era, came the time of the Dukes of York and Lord Mayors. The majority of historical things to see in York were built during the medieval period and under the British Empire.

Finally, you can also find marvels of the modern age, especially from the World War and Cold War periods. The bunkers and military museums are the top York tourist attractions that tell you about wartime.

Besides history, the city is also popularly known for its classic Georgian and Victorian Britain vibe. Many of the places to see in York hail from the 19th and 20th centuries. There are also shops, confectionaries, tea rooms, and other establishments that date back to this period. The Shambles street was also famously featured in the Harry Potter movies. A themed tour of this street has become one of the most popular activities to do in York .

This Blog Post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything from that link then I may earn a small part of the commission and for that, you do not need to pay any extra amount.

Table of Contents

Top 20 Tourist Places to Visit in York, England

1. york shambles.

This cobbled street is considered the historic heart of York. It was once lined with butcher shops and was called The Great Flesh Shambles. However, today it is one of the best places to visit in York for shopping, dining, and history tours.

It is also popular for its medieval aesthetics. You will find 14th-century timber houses and rustic-style shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is considered the most picturesque street in Britain.

This street was further popularized when it was featured in the Harry Potter films. You can take a walking tour through parts of the street that were shown in the movies. It is among the most fun things to do in York city centre. You can easily spend an hour or more exploring all the wonders of this street.

2. Barley Hall

This townhouse was first built in 1360 by monks of the Nostel Priory. Then this place served as the home of the Lord Mayor of York in the 15th century. The building is restored with elements from different times.

The majority of the woodwork hails from its original construction. But the overall aesthetics reflect a 15th-century townhouse. This makes it one of the most interesting things to see in York. You will need about an hour or so to tour the place.

3. York Minster

This is one of the largest churches in Europe. It has a rich history of its own dating back to 627. The current structure was built in 1230. It incorporates several elements from the churches that stood here before it.

The blend of architectural styles from different periods makes it one of the most fascinating places to see in York, England. You will see the evolution of English Gothic architecture from the Early English period all the way to the Perpendicular period.

This cathedral is also renowned for the plethora of artworks that adorn its interiors. You will find stained glass windows, paintings, sculptures, intricate woodwork, and more. It is one of the most historical and culturally rich York tourist attractions. You will need about an hour or so to explore the cathedral.

4. York Art Gallery

This art gallery is home to both ancient and contemporary works of art. You will find watercolour art, ceramics, sculptures, oil paintings, pottery, glassware, gold carvings, and more. The historic pieces date from the 14th century onwards.

The collection includes works from renowned creators from England, Italy , France , the Netherlands , China, Korea, and so on. It is one of the top York attractions for art admirers. You will need about two hours to tour this art museum.

5. Yorkshire Museum and Gardens

This complex comprises four museums. These are dedicated to Geology, Archaeology, Biology, and Astronomy. Each of these museums houses an incredible specimen of their respective fields.

The biology collection boasts more than 200,000 specimens of plants and animals. The geology section has 112,000+ specimens of soils, rocks, fossils, and minerals. The archeology museum is home to more than a million objects discovered from excavations around the world. It is one of the most interesting places to go in York.

The gardens are spread over 10 acres and are home to a variety of plants and trees. They are best known for the county champion trees, one of which is 150 years old. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to explore these museums and gardens when you visit York.

6. York Castle

The original York Castle was built in 1068. It was expanded, renovated, and rebuilt several times in the next nine centuries. The castle is included among the best things to do in York, England for its history. It has played several roles, been under different rulers, and was the site of important historical events.

However, the castle lies in ruins now. Only a few of the pieces remain standing, the most prominent among these is the Clifford’s Tower. But, you can explore its history at the castle’s museum and learn about its former glory. You will need 2 hours or so from York travel to tour this entire place.

7. Jorvik Viking Centre

This centre traces the Viking roots of York. It sits on the location of Jorvik, the Viking-era city that thrived here a thousand years ago. It is one of the best places to begin York sightseeing as you learn about the origin of the city.

This center recreates a Viking village as it would have during its heyday. You will see how the people looked, dressed, worked, and lived at the time. It is also known for several fun activities to do in York that trace back to the Viking culture. The best among these is an animatronic ride with 15 characters narrating about history and culture. You will need about an hour to explore the Viking centre.

8. National Railway Museum

This museum traces the 300 years of British rail transport history and the impact it had on people. This one is spread over 20 acres and exhibits several historic locomotives. The museum also gives you a peek into life at a railway station and workshop.

Some of the most popular exhibits of the museum include Queen Victoria’s Saloon, Flying Scotsman, Shinkansen Bullet Train, and Hogwarts Express Train Engine. It is one of the top places to visit in York for families. The museum also has interactive exhibits and an activity area for children. You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the museum.

9. York Cold War Bunker

Built-in 1961, this bunker served as a control room to monitor nuclear explosions. It also served as the HQ for the Royal Observer Corps. There were 30 such bunkers in the UK, but this is the only one preserved in the original state.

The bunker is one of the top post-war tourist attractions in York. It even has the original furniture and equipment. It shows a unique side of the panic after the advent of nuclear weapons and the life in these bunkers. You will need an hour or so to explore the bunker.

10. York Dungeon

This dungeon is a theatric experience that recreates a gruesome part of the city’s history. It’s about a time when prisoners were kept in horrific conditions in such dungeons. These shows are among the top York attractions in their own right.

The shows are interactive theatre experiences with elements of horror. It is one of the top things to do in York at night. The actors recreate events from the dungeon’s history while the theatrics create an immersive experience. You will need an hour and a half for a show and there are ten such shows for choice.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to York Dungeon in advance.

11. Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial

The museum was created on a former WWII airfield which was used by Allied Bomber Planes. The museum has more than 60 aircrafts from the WWII and Cold War period. It is one of the best places to visit near York if you are interested in war history.

This includes zeppelins, fighter planes, bombers, and more. The museum also features 250,000 artifacts including weapons, uniforms, documents, photographs, and film footage. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

12. York Maze

This maze was built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. It was built using more than two million corn plants. It is perhaps the largest maze in the world and definitely the largest in Britain. If you are looking for fun things to do near York you will enjoy this place.

The maze is like a treasure hunt. You will have to solve clues to navigate through it. It is also like an amusement park with over 20 different rides. This includes crazy golf, jumping castles, a climbing zone, quad bikes, a cob cliff challenge, and so on. You can easily spend a couple of hours to enjoy this place when you travel to York.

13. Ghost Bus Tour

This tour is one of the most interesting ways to experience York sightseeing. It is a comedy, horror, and tour experience on a bus. Alongside tourist sites, this tour covers places of gruesome events and allegedly haunted ones.

The tour is led by a creepy conductor who gives a humorous spin on places to see in York. Some of the attractions included in the tour include Clifford’s Tower, Dick Turpin’s grave, York Minster, and a few others. You will need about an hour and a half for this tour.

I suggest you should book your Ghost Bust Tour in advance.

14. River Cruise

This cruise tour takes you on a journey through River Ouse to explore things to see in York that sit along the riverside. This guided cruise also covers parts of the city’s history from the Viking and Roman eras. You will need about an hour for this cruise experience.

I suggest you should book your Tour of River Cruise in advance.

15. York’s Chocolate Story

The city of York has a great entanglement with chocolate. The York’s Chocolate Story tells you about the founding families of York’s confectioneries. The guided tour also takes you through various chocolate maker and seller shops.

You will also get to see how different brands make their signature chocolate products. Along this journey, you will also get to taste a variety of treats and even make your own. It is one of the most fun activities to do in York, England. You will need about 2 hours for this tour.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of York’s Chocolate Story in advance.

16. Bettys Tea Room

This is one of the most well-known Tea Rooms in the UK. The traditional decor and delightful English delicacies make up for a wonderful experience. If you are visiting York from outside the UK, this is a great cultural experience.

You should make a booking a day or two in advance as this place is always in demand. Take an hour or so to enjoy tea and some snacks at Bettys when you visit York.

17. Harry Potter Tour

This tour covers various places to go in York that were featured in the Harry Potter films. The tour also covers themed shops and cafes that recreate the magical world of the films. Along the way, you will also get to enjoy games, quizzes, and trivia contests.

Some of the highlights of the tour include Diagon Alley, Hogwarts Express Platform, and The Shop that Must Not be Named. It is the most fun thing to do in the York city centre. Some of the tourists also come dressed in Harry Potter garbs for a wholesome experience. You will need about 2 hours for this tour.

I suggest you should book a Guided Walking Tour of Harry Potter in advance.

18. Dark Chronicles Tour

This tour focuses on the bloody history of York, haunted places, urban legends, folk tales, and horrific incidents. It is a walking tour through dark alleys, abandoned historic sites, and several York attractions.

The tour also focuses on local tales of beheadings, blood eagles, torture dungeons, horrors of plague, and even the death of Guy Fawkes. It is one of the top things to do in York at night. You will need 2 hours for this tour.

I suggest you should book a Guided Walking Tour of Dark Chronicles in advance.

19. History & Witches Tour

This is yet another horror and ghost-focused tour to explore York tourist attractions. While the previous one focused on events, this one focuses on the alleged wizards, mages, and witches that are part of York’s legends.

A character guide conducts this tour telling spooky tales of mysterious and supernatural nature. Incidentally, these tales are connected to famous places to visit in York. This includes Shambles, Stonegate, York Minster, Barley Hall, and so on. It is a great 2-hour tour for York sightseeing with an entertaining perspective.

I suggest you should book your Walking Tour of History and Witches in advance.

20. City Walls Tour

The old city walls of York date back to the Roman Empire. These structures have known and seen it all. They have stood against wars and sieges. They have also witnessed the evolution of the city.

You will walk alongside these walls to learn about their history and the stories that took place around them. The tour also covers several historical places to visit in York that stand close to the walls. You will need about 2 hours for this tour.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Tour of City Walls of York .

If you are looking for more things to see in York, then check out the sections below. We have compiled a complete list of attractions and activities that you can enjoy in York and near it.

Things to do in york, england, monuments, museums & historical places to visit in york, england.

• York City Walls
• York Castle Museum
• York Museum and Gardens
• Barley Hall
• Barker Tower
• The York Dungeon
• Merchant Adventure’s Hall
• National Railway Museum
• Pikeing Wall
• Roman Column
• Beningbrough Hall
• Yorkshire Museum
• Robin Hood Tour
• Fishergate Postern Tower
• Van Gogh Immersive Experience
• Clifford’s Tower
• Goddards Mansion
• York Minster
• York Mansion House
• National Trust Treasurer’s House
• Holgate Windmill
• Jorvick Viking Centre
• Abbey Church
• York Cold War Bunker
• Yorkshire Air Museum
• York Oratory
• St. Olave’s Church
• Holy Trinity Church
• Ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in York, England

• Fulford Ings
• New Earswick Nature Reserve
• Heworth Holme
• Moorslands Woodlands Nature Reserve
• Wheldrake Ings Nature Reserve

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in York, England

• Dean’s Park
• York’s Chocolate Story
• West Bank Park
• DIG: An Archeological Adventure
• Hull Road Park
• Rawcliffe Park
• Rowntree Park
• Grand Opera House
• York Racecourse
• Murton Park
• Breezy Knees Gardens

Shopping in York, England

• Parliament Street
• Vangarde Shopping Park
• Shambles Market
• Murton Sunday Market
• Coppergate Shopping Center
• York Designer Outlet
• Clifon Moor Retail Park
• Monks Cross Shopping Park

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in York, England

• Ghost Bus Tour
• Walking Tours
• Boat Cruise

Sightseeing in York, England

• Whip Ma Whop Ma Gate Sign
• York Cat Trail
• Foss Fairy Trail
• Bloody Tour
• Chocolate Tour
• Harry Potter Tour
• History & Witches Tour
• Dark Chronicles Tour
• City Walls Tour
• The Bloody Tour
• Tansy Beetle Mural
• St. Helen’s Square
• The Fisher of Dreams Sculpture
• Northeastern Railway War Memorial

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in York, England

• Bootham Bar
• Cocoa Joe’s
• 31 Castlegate
• Bill’s York
• Love Cheese
• Sara Danesin
• The Pig & Pastry
• Coconut Lagoon
• Fish & Forest
• Pairings Wine Bar
• Mannion & Co
• The Hairy Fig
• Ambiente Tapas
• Il Paradiso del Cibo

Where to Stay in York?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in York. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in York.

Luxurious Hotels

• The Grand, York
• Middlethorpe Hall & Spa
• Grays Court Hotel
• The Plough Inn
• Dean Court at York
• Principal York
• Minster Walk Guest House
• The Judges Lodging
• The Fort York
• Best Western Kilima Hotel

Mid-Range Hotels

• Tower Guest House
• Hotel Indigo York, an IHG Hotel
• 23 St. Mary’s
• York Pavilion Hotel, Sure Collection By Best Western
• The Fat Badger
• Hampton by Hilton York
• Mercure York Fairfield Manor Hotel
• Middletons York
• Radisson Hotel York
• Novotel York Centre Hotel

Budget Hotels

• Travelodge York Central
• Travelodge York Central Layerthorpe
• Holiday Inn Express York, an IHG Hotel
• Travelodge York Hull Road
• Premier Inn York City Blossom Street South Hotel
• Travelodge York Central Micklegate
• Safestay York – Micklegate
• Ibis York Centre
• York City (Blossom St North) hotel

Custom Tours Package in York

How to reach york, england.

The Leeds Bradford airport is the closest airport to visit York. However, this airport has limited international connectivity. If you are travelling from international destinations, you can pick the airports of Manchester and London . These airports receive direct flights from several cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.

You can reach York from any of the above-mentioned cities (Leeds, Manchester, and London) by train or bus.

York sits at the intersection of four train routes. These are the Northern, Grand Central, Transpennine Expressway, and London North Eastern Railway. So you can easily travel to York from almost any major town or city in the UK. This includes Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle , Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Liverpool , Sheffield, Birmingham , Leicester, Derby, Edinburgh , Glasgow , Dundee , Aberdeen , and several others.

Similarly, you can also get buses to visit York from all over the UK. However, you only need to take a bus to the nearest train station. The railway route is much more efficient for intercity travel in the UK.

If you are planning to reach York by road, you should head for routes A19, A1079, A166, A64, or A59. These routes intersect with A1237 and A64, which surround the city.

There are no direct water routes to reach York.

Image Reference

• York Shambles – Mike Locke / Flickr
• Barley Hall – alh1 / Flickr
• York Minster – Dave White / Flickr
• York Art Gallery – Martin Pettitt / Flickr
• Yorkshire Museum and Gardens – alh1 / Flickr
• York Castle – h s / PixaBay
• Jorvik Viking Centre – Tracey Hind / Flickr
• National Railway Museum – Juan Enrique Gilardi / Flickr
• York Cold War Bunker – Mike McBey / Flickr
• York Dungeon – bazzadarambler / Flickr
• Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial – Alan Wilson / Flickr
• York Maze – The photo uk / Flickr
• Ghost Bus Tour – Malcolmxl5 / Wikimedia Commons
• River Cruise – Chris Rycroft / Flickr
• York’s Chocolate Story – Malcolmxl5 / Wikimedia Commons
• Bettys Tea Rooms – Ian Mackay / Flickr
• Harry Potter Tour –
• Dark Chronicles Tour –
• History & Witches Tour –
• City Walls Tour – 12019 / PixaBay
• 24 Remarkable Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Port Dickson
• Visit The Best 28 Tourist Places and Things to Do in Bornholm, Denmark

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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