Introduction: Why York Should Be Your Next UK City Break:
History of the York is not hidden behind the glass of museums. You can walk the medieval streets surrounded by ancient city walls which foundations belongs to the Romans and Viking discoveries, traditional English pubs, and beautiful river views with lot of things to do in York .
North Yorkshire has been a home to many generations, with the first known settlements dated back to 71-84 AD, when the Romans built a fort and the town of Eboracum. In 866 AD, York was established as Jorvik. The Vikings ruled York until 954 AD, when the town was given to the Anglo-Saxon King, Edward the Elder. However, after the Norman Conquest of England in 1068 AD, York once again became the northern capital of England. York rose to be the second largest town in England with an impressive medieval and Victorian architecture.
York is easy to get around on foot because it is a very small town. Most of the center you can visit by walk, and you can easily travel from the train station to York Minster, where you can find medieval street. Take some time for afternoon tea, go to a museum, and dine at a historic pub, all within a few blocks.
You can get a perfect family, romantic or solo getaway, or longer trip through Kayak Stays, this is your guide to the most famous and beloved spots to see in York, including a few free activities and local dining experiences.
1. York Minster:
York Minster is the most famous attraction in the city. This magnificent Gothic cathedral is the largest of its kind in northern Europe and its towers can be seen throughout the city.
Once you enter York Minster, you will be astonished by various beautiful buildings. Amazing stained glass windows, beautiful stone carvings, and ceilings that seem to go forever are very impressive and inspire you to take in as much of the cathedral as you can.
You can find:
• The Great East Window
• The stonecarving of medieval times
• The underground chambers
• The ancient crypt
• Quiet chapels
And a central tower, with an even more impressive view of York and the surrounding area than from the city walls.
Best Tip:
Come early in the morning to see the Minster before it gets too busy with tourists..
2. Wander Through The Shambles: York’s Most Famous Street:
- Probably the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of York is The Shambles. This street dates back to the 14th century, and features narrow, winding streets with overhanging buildings. The buildings’ shop fronts give The Shambles a quaint, cozy feel.
- Make sure to also check out the surrounding area of The Shambles, including:
- St. Michael le Belfry, with its beautiful tower
- Bars and restaurants along Pavement
- Shambles Market
Though it may seem very touristic at times, especially in the evenings and on the weekends, the narrow streets offer many opportunities for tourist to see.
Best Time To Visit:
Early Mornings:
- Evenings for the Magic Lantern Light Festival (don’t miss the glass-blowing display in Chapter House at 5:30pm.
Check out other alleyways near The Shambles, such as:
- Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate
Stonegate
Once you’re finished explore the city below, walk on the city walls for a view above the roofs. The city walls in York are unique in that you can walk on them for free, and that they give a 360 degree view of all the city has to offer.
Try to walk the walls early in the day to beat the crowds. Some of the bar gate towers to check out are:
- Bootham Bar
- Micklegate Bar
- Monk Bar
3: Walmgate Bar:
A particularly well-preserved gate, with a cafe across the street. Enjoyable to walk the walls on:
- Spring mornings
Summer evenings
Autumn to see the changing of the city’s colors
There are great views of the city from the walls.
4. Experience Viking History at JORVIK Viking Centre:
York’s Viking history is one of the most exciting and interesting elements of the city.
At JORVIK Viking Centre you can travel back in time over 1,000 years to the Viking settlement of Jorvik. Instead of just viewing exhibits, you experience what life was like in a Viking settlement by viewing interactive exhibits, smells, sounds and a recreated Viking-age environment.
You can learn about:
- Viking homes
Crafts
Daily life
Discoveries
Trading
Good For:
- People of all ages
Families
History lovers
5. National Railway Museum:
York has a strong connection to the history of the railways, making this museum a must visit in the city.
The museum has many famous and historic trains and displays other engineering feats.
Good For:
People of all ages
Families
Rainy day activities
6. Explore York’s Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss:
Most people take the same route between York Minster, The Shambles and the main sights. But there are other appealing and characterful places away from the crowds.
Treasurer’s House:
(Next to York Minster) Better known for its connection with the Minster, Treasurer’s House is a less visited gem. It has a peaceful location and provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The house, previously an extension of York Minster, contains
- Medieval rooms
- Furniture from the period
- Interiors from the period
- Holy Trinity Church
Hidden behind Goodramgate, this small church is an appealing and enjoyable treasure of York. Compared to the larger and more impressive Minster, Holy Trinity gives a more atmospheric feel.
The Snickelways:
There are many medieval alleys, passages and secret routes around York. Exploring them is a great way to experience the more local side of the city.
Look out for
- Secret courtyards
- Medieval buildings
7. Enjoy York’s Food Scene: What to Eat and Where to Go
York is not only the city of history, it is also a city of good food. The centre of York is full of independent cafes, pubs and restaurants. York is a place you must visit to sample the appetizing local dishes.
- Sample Yorkshire Food
Yorkshire Pudding:
Yorkshire Pudding is probably best known as part of a traditional Sunday Roast. Many of the traditional pubs in York serve roast beef and Yorkshire Pudding with all the trimmings.
Yorkshire Fat Rascal:
- One of York’s best-known treats is the Fat Rascal, a popular combination of fruit scones with the addition of cherries and flaked almonds.
- It is perfect with a cup of tea for an afternoon treat.
- Local Chocolate
8. Enjoy York’s Food Scene: What to Eat and Where to Go:
York has a long association with the production of chocolate. Some of the larger national and international chocolate makers had their headquarters in York. York is the city of history and the city of food. The centre of York is full of independent food outlets and there are many wonderful places to eat.
- York is a foodie’s paradise.
Local Food
Yorkshire Pudding
One of the best known traditions is to serve roast beef with all the trimmings which includes a large Yorkshire Pudding. Many traditional pubs in and around York serve this combination.
Eating Out in York:
Bettys:
Having afternoon tea at Bettys has long been a tradition in York and is a recognized food experience in the city.
Try:
- Fresh Cakes
Yorkshire Specials
The Shambles Market
Street Food is also available.
Historic Inns of York - Best Traditional Pubs and Bars in York:
Many pubs and bars across York provide the perfect combination of food, drink, and an atmospheric setting.
Things to look out for include:
- Open fires
- Historical interiors
- Story Telling Traditions
Some of the less obvious areas contain the best pubs, so look down the side streets, away from the main tourist drags.
9. Discover York’s Best Free Things To Do:
- The cost of living in York means many of the best things to do in York are actually free.
- Strolling along the ancient city walls is perhaps the best free activity, with uninterrupted views of the entire city, and beyond.
- The best free activity in the city is simply walking the medieval Shambles, but you should also see the surrounding old streets as well.
- You can also see the Museum Gardens have lots of beautiful, peaceful, and tranquil environments. You can see ancient ruins and experience great photo and picnic spots.
- You can’t pay to see the ancient city walls.
- You can also walk for free among the ruins of the medieval St. Mary’s Abbey, which is within the Museum Gardens.
- Take your time, and look up to see fine architectural details, right under your nose, that hundreds of thousands of people walk past, every year.
- Check out the famous free Snickelways of York, a network of alleyways connecting the main streets.
- Get out during the day and during evenings for good views.
- Also, the railway walks, and paths along the river, and Ouse, provide relaxing, and picturesque views of the city.
Explore York’s Secret Paths:
There are over 100 ‘Snickelways’ winding their way through the center of York.
They are largely empty of tourism, and offer a perfect opportunity to take in the amazing York architecture.
Close up views of architecture most people miss are all around you.
10. Best Things To Do in York With Kids:
“York is one of the best UK cities for a family trip because many attractions combine history with interactive experiences.”
“National Railway Museum”
Children love the enormous trains and historic engines and displays.
It is also good to visit on a rainy day.
“York Chocolate Story”
Children and adults love to discover how York became a center of the chocolate making industry.
While exploring you can do:
- Chocolate making demonstrations
- Activities
- Tasting
“York Castle Museum”
The museum shows the streets of York at different historic periods, and lets visitors experience them.
Children can see:
- Victorian period streets
- Historic shops
“York Maze”
During summer and fall, York Maze is a fun family attraction.
There are:
- Activities
- Seasonal entertainment
11: Romantic Things to Do in York for Couples:
- The atmosphere of York makes it an ideal location for a romantic getaway.
- Take an Evening Walk Around York Minster
- Walk around the cathedral when it is all lit up.
- Take a Riverside Walk
- Take a quiet and peaceful walk along the River Ouse.
- Visit Small Bookshops, Cafes and Shops
- Spend an afternoon exploring small shops and getting a coffee.
- York is ideal for slow travel.
- Join a Ghost Walk
- Experience the local legends and hear the stories of York’s spooky side..
12. Things To Do in York at Night
Many visitors to York sightsee during the day and then leave, which is a shame because York has a beautiful nighttime atmosphere.
Join a Ghost Tour:
- Because York has a reputation as one of England’s most haunted cities.
- Night tours cover medieval streets and buildings as well as folklore and legends.
Visit Traditional Pubs:
- Spending an evening in a traditional pub in York is one of the best ways to spend an evening.
- Enjoy a traditional meal and a local ale in front of a warm fire.
- Take an evening river cruise
- For a different view of York take an evening river cruise.
- Summer is the best time for an evening cruise because it stays light later.
- If you only have one day in York.
Morning:
- Start with York Minster, The Shambles, and The Shambles Market.
- Make sure you take the time to wander through the many medieval streets that surround The Shambles.
Afternoon:
- Continue with the York city walls, the National Railway Museum and Museum Gardens.
Evening:
- After dinner at a historic pub take a walk around York Minster for a spooky ghost tour or a nice relaxing riverside walk.
- A weekend in York allows you to explore the popular sites and some of the less known sites.
Day one:
Morning
- Start with York Minster and wander the medieval streets of the Shambles.
Afternoon
- Explore the York City Walls, JORVIK Viking Centre and the York Castle area.
Evening
- Head to a historic pub for dinner and check out the Ghost Walk.
Day two:
Morning
- The National Railway Museum and Museum Gardens
Afternoon
- Hidden Gem– Treasurers House, and explore the Snickelways (alleyways) and other independent shops.
Evening
- Take a stroll along the River Ouse and check out some of the great eateries.
13. Best Day Trips From York:
- York is a fantastic base for visiting other areas of North Yorkshire.
Castle Howard:
This stately home is surrounded by a beautiful garden and scenic countryside.
- Whitby
Famed for:
- Whitby Abbey
- Seafood
- Beaches
- Coastal walks
- North York Moors
This destination is perfect for:
Hiking:
- Scenic landscapes
- Nature
- Picturesque villages
Harrogate:
- Elegant architecture
- Gardens
- Shops
- Cafés
Practical York Travel Tips:
How many days do you need in York?
One day
- Spend one day for the main attractions.
Two days
- Best for most people.
Three days
- Best for time to seek out some of the lesser known attractions, and to do some out of town day trips.
Is York walkable?
- York’s historic center is small and easy to see on foot.
- Most of the places of interest are within walking distance.
Best times to visit York:
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
Where to Stay in York:
York City Center:
Best for first time visitors, as most of the points of interest are within walking distance.
- Near York Station
- For convenience.
- Quieter area
- Bootham
Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do in York:
1. What is York famous for?
York has a lot of ancient, medieval architecture and sites, including York Minster. Other famous sites are the city walls, The Shambles, and Viking sites.
2. Is York worth visiting?
York is a beautiful, picturesque, historic city. It’s a good, compact size and has enough sites, culture, food and shopping to keep you entertained for a weekend.
3. How long should you spend in York?
A weekend is ideal, but a day can cover the main highlights.
4. What are the best free things to do in York?
Best free activities include walking the city walls, exploring The Shambles, visiting Museum Gardens, and discovering York’s back streets.
5. What are unusual things to do in York?
Some unusual activities include exploring the Snickelways, discovering some of York’s less well known medieval streets, and maybe joining a ghost walk.
Final Thoughts:
York is a place to wander and explore the less well known but equally fascinating places, as well as sampling local food and drinks and enjoying historic pubs.
York is a great, compact location for a day trip, or the perfect start or end to a longer tour of Yorkshire. Whatever length of time you spend there, you’ll make memories to last a lifetime.
