12 Of The Best Things To Do In York, England

If you’re planning a trip to one of the UK’s prettiest cities, discover the best things to do in York, England!

A city where history is weaved into the fabric of everyday living, York has a captivating, old world charm while still offering the best of modern life. Quaint without being hokey, there’s a reason the timbered, hodge-podge streets and independent boutiques make it one of England’s most popular small cities with overseas and domestic visitors alike.

With friends living in York, I’ve had the opportunity to visit multiple times – and honestly, it’s probably one of my favourite UK cities!

While simply wandering along the cobbled streets is a highlight in itself, there’s plenty to do and see in this city, whether you’re visiting as a couple, going it solo or with the kids. I’ve shared some of my favourite recommendations in this guide!

_{*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I’ll earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you)*}

1. The Shambles

Possibly one of the most Instagrammed streets in England, The Shambles is a beautifully old-fashioned looking street in the centre of the city. The buildings that line its cobbles date back as far as the 14^th century, with overhanging upper floors and beams of timber.

Some notable shops along the Shambles to check out include:

• York Ghost Merchants – handmade bronze and copper ghost ornaments. Get there early if you want to pick up one of these unique souvenirs, as queues can be up to 90mins during the day!
• The Society Of Alchemists – stylish occult inspired gifts.
• Monk Bar Chocolatiers for artisan chocolate – their chocolate shots are a must!
• Freckleface – luxurious home fragrances, candles and wax melts.
• The Shop That Must Not Be Named, dedicated to…you guessed it, all things Harry Potter.

Opening times: The street’s open all the time; shop hours vary.
Admission price: Free (apart from all the cute things you buy, obviously…)

2. York Minster

Yep, it’s that big cathedral that sits pretty in the centre of the city, and the inside is even more spectacular than the outside. Before you head in, make sure you swing by College Street for the best view of the cathedral’s stained glass.

The site as a church dates back to the 4^th century; but as a cathedral, York Minster was completed in 1472. Since then, much restoration work has taken place, and the level of intricate detail that can be found on every wall and ceiling is absolutely enthralling.

The Undercroft Museum is a fascinating look into the building and site’s history, and if you want some unbeatable city views, you can brave the 275-stair tower climb to the top.

Opening times: Mon-Sat 9.30am – 4pm; Sun 12.45 – 2.30pm
Admission price: £20 (adult – Minster only) / £26 (adult – Minster + tower)
Free admission with an English Heritage Membership or YorkPass. Minster only access is free for under 18s.

3. York City Walls

A perfect way to start or end a weekend break in York; wandering round the City Walls showcases how bloody gorgeous this city is!

The medieval city walls were mostly built in the 13^th century, circling historic York. The full route takes around 1hr 30 – 2hrs, showing off gateways, gardens, towers and the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey.

Opening times: 8am – dusk
Admission price: Free
Check out this guide to the Wall Trail to discover the route!

4. Clifford’s Tower

Clifford’s Tower is all that remains of the medieval York Castle – built by William the Conqueror. Perched on top of a hilly mound, the walkway around the top offers some pretty epic views of the city.

Inside, as well as the wall walk, you can learn a bit about the history of the castle – and play around with some toy swords, like the responsible adult that you are.

Opening times: 10am-5.30pm
Admission price: £12 (adult), £7.50 (child)
Free admission with an English Heritage Membership or YorkPass.

5. York’s Chocolate Story

If you like chocolate (which I definitely do…a lot), then this is an obvious one not to miss. York’s Chocolate Story takes you on a tour of the area’s history in chocolate making, telling lots of stories…and offering out plenty of tasty samples. Yesssss. The tour itself is really lively and informative, with fun, chocolate-obsessed guides. Uh, dream job, anyone?!

At the end of the tour, everything goes hands-on! You can make your own chocolate lollipops (which didn’t last long enough to come home as souvenirs…) and then watch a demonstration from a master chocolatier. Which, of course, meant MORE SAMPLES.

Opening times: 10am-5pm
Admission price: £16 (adult), £14.80 (child)
Free admission with a YorkPass.

6. York Castle Museum

Honestly, York Castle Museum had been lower down on my list of things to do in York than some of the others on this list. But after visiting, I definitely recommend checking it out.

The museum offers a variety of different exhibitions – from Yorkshire homes throughout the ages to childhood toys and eras of fashion. The recreated Victorian street, Kirkgate, was perhaps the most impressive – offering shops and building fronts that you can actually go inside. Each shop is based on a real local business from between 1870-1901. Like a really cool interactive history lesson…with sweets.

Opening times: 9.30am – 5pm
Admission price: £17 (adult), £10.20 (child)

7. Yorkshire Museum & Gardens

This 10 acre botanical garden was established in the 1830s by York Philosophical Society, as a home for the Yorkshire Museum.

The museum hosts exhibitions on Yorkshire’s geology, archaeology and natural history. The five permanent collections include Jurassic York, Roman York and Medieval York, featuring prehistoric tools, Medieval jewelry and Roman coins and statues among many other fascinating exhibits.

As for the gardens – they’re absolutely spectacular in their own right too, encompassing the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey and St. Leonards Hospital.

Opening times: 9.30am – 5pm
Admission price: £9.50 (adult), £4.75 (child). Entry to the Museum Gardens is free.
Free museum admission with a YorkPass.

8. Treasurer’s House

We’d actually heard about the Treasurer’s House on our Bloody York Tour, because apparently it has some spooky stories attached. No ghostly sightings to report on our visit; but I CAN report that the house is pretty lovely to look around.

The historic house was, unsurprisingly, home to the holders of the position of Treasurer for York Minster until 1547, when the position was abolished. In the 1890s, collector Frank Green restored the property, and it’s now owned by the National Trust, with plenty of Frank’s original collections still remaining.

Opening times: 11am – 4.30pm
Admission price: £11 (adult); £5.50 (child)
Free admission with a National Trust Membership or YorkPass.

9. York Ghost Tour

Often considered one of the most haunted settlements in England, York is bursting at the seams with spooky stories and creepy urban legends. The best way to hear them is on a ghost tour in York! These are some of my top recommendations:

• Bloody Tour Of York: Led by ‘Mad Alice’, this tour is great if you like your ghost stories theatrical and in character. We did this on our first trip to York, and it was so much fun!
• York’s Haunted Heart is the most budget-friendly ghost tour in York, finishing at the city’s most haunted pub.
• Explore the history of witchcraft in historic York alongside spooky tales from your character guide.
• For a more intimate experience with exclusive access to sites not available to bigger groups, you could also book a private ghost tour – just your group and your guide!

10. JORVIK Viking Centre

Silly? Sure. Fun? Absolutely.

York is steeped in Viking age history, and at this immersive exhibit, you can experience the sights and sounds of it for yourself. Jump on the ride, and explore the reconstructed city of Jorvik (viking-era York) – complete with sights, sounds and smells.

The attraction is located on the site of a real-life archeological discovery of the remains of Viking houses, workshops, and backyards from almost 1000 years ago. After the ride, explore the gallery to find out how historians have learnt about ancient York from artefacts on display.

Opening times: 10am – 5pm (varies slightly by time of year)
Admission price: £17.50 (adult); £12 (child)
Free admission with a YorkPass.

11. River Ouse Boat Tour

The River Ouse runs straight through the city of York, and has plenty of history of it’s own. On a river boat cruise, you’ll retrace the steps of Vikings and Romans arriving in York, seeing the historical buildings from a different perspective.

Tours last between 45mins to 1 hour and have indoor and outdoor seating, plus a fully stocked bar.

Opening times: Departures run between 10.30am and 4pm – book your slot here.
Admission price: £15 (adult); £9 (child)
Free river cruise included in the YorkPass.

12. National Railway Museum

You absolutely don’t have to be a train enthusiast to appreciate the impressive collection of locomotive-based bits and pieces at the National Railway Museum! Even better, entry is completely free.

Explore the past, present and future of train travel in England and around the world, with displays ranging from early engineering masterpieces to the futuristic development of the Japanese Bullet Train. There’s even a miniature railway which kids and big kids of all ages can ride.

Opening times: 10am – 5pm
Admission price: Free

Where to stay in York

• Astor York (£) – hostel dorms and private rooms in an ivy-covered heritage building
• Moxy York (££) – trendy hotel for budget-conscious travellers
• Middletons (£££) – a tranquil city escape with original historic features
• No 1 by GuestHouse (£££) – stunning boutique hotel with airy rooms and high-end decor
• The Grand (££££) – 5* hotel in the former railway headquarters

More UK Travel Guides

• 10 Of The Best Small Cities in England For A Weekend Break
• 12 Awesome Things To Do in Greenwich, London
• How To Plan The Perfect Stratford upon Avon Weekend Break
• Pottery & Primates: The Best Things To Do in Stoke-On-Trent
• How to Spend a Weekend in Nottingham