Exploring the Historic and Vibrant City of York

With its Roman and Viking history and bustling medieval core, York is one of England’s must-see cities. However, this is not just a place frozen in time; its walkable center boasts a variety of indie restaurants, quirky shops, and inventive drinking dens—reflecting York’s vibrant contemporary pulse.

Arriving at the impressive station (about two hours from London), you can dive into our suggestions for the best things to do in York; you’ll be captivated by the city’s picturesque sights and lively atmosphere.

Let York Minster Draw Your Gaze Towards the Heavens

One of York’s great delights is how often you’ll stumble upon its majestic cathedral, York Minster, while exploring cobblestone corners or age-old alleys. Renowned as one of the world’s medieval Gothic masterpieces, it’s worthwhile to admire the exquisite craftsmanship inside. You’ll discover 700-year-old vaulted ceilings and intricately carved gargoyles, all brought to life by the cathedral’s 128 stained-glass windows.

An informative trip to the interactive museum in the undercroft reveals York’s 2000-year-old history. The tower offers dizzying views above the city’s rooftops, but be cautious—its narrow stairwells might be claustrophobic for some. Those with a fear of heights might prefer to admire the stained-glass windows from within.

Step Back in Time in the Shambles

As one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval streets, the Shambles boasts wonky timber-framed houses dating back to the 15th century. Once a hub for butchers and slaughterhouses, the overhanging buildings were designed to protect meat from the sun. Nowadays, this charming street invites you to immerse yourself in a lively marketplace and browse quirky independent shops. Consider slipping down an alleyway for lunch in the vibrant Shambles Market.

Hunt for Ghosts

With a rich history marked by turmoil and treachery, York is the perfect backdrop for ghost stories. Even skeptics will find it hard to resist the city’s renowned ghost walks. Tours like The Bloody Tour of York, Shadows of York, and The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour are led by knowledgeable performers, making ghost hunting both fun and informative. For those seeking tangible phantoms, York Ghost Merchants offers handcrafted spooky souvenirs in their theatrical shop on the Shambles.

Spot Trains at the National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum, a free-to-enter attraction, was once part of York’s bustling railway works until the 1960s. Now, it showcases extraordinary engineering achievements, housing gleaming locomotives and lavish royal carriages. Young rail enthusiasts will delight in the ability to climb aboard several exhibits, including a Japanese bullet train. A small charge allows visitors to ride on the world’s fastest steam locomotive. For those interested in exploring North Yorkshire and beyond by train, the scenic train rides provide stunning views of the picturesque countryside.

Head Down the Pub for a Quick Drink (or Two)

Renowned for its diverse assortment of pubs, it would be rude not to visit one of York’s many taverns. Some of the city’s oak-paneled establishments have been serving drinks since Tudor times. For a more contemporary experience, Brew York’s mural-adorned beer hall offers a selection of 40 taps. Fancy a pint with a view? The Lamb and Lion Inn presents stunning views of the Minster from its beer garden, while the King’s Arms overlooks the tranquil River Ouse.

Walk the City Walls

Perfect for history enthusiasts, couples, and curious travelers alike, a walk along York’s City Walls provides incredible views down onto the ancient snickleways (alleyways) and quaint courtyard gardens from the longest medieval ramparts in England. Free to explore, these 13th-century fortifications include four grand gates, or ‘bars,’ that lead into the city. The Roman walls lie beneath, occasionally protruding into York’s tranquil Museum Gardens.

The 3.4-kilometer loop takes approximately two hours to complete, allowing ample time for peeking through arrowslits and absorbing information from informative boards along the way. You can even pause for a flat white at the cafe situated within the cannon-scarred Walmgate Bar or ramble a shorter section for superb Minster views between Bootham and Monk bars.

York Art Gallery Offers Old Masters, Modern Wonders, and Ceramics

Providing a welcome respite from the city bustle, York Art Gallery allows free access to its main exhibitions. In The Burton Gallery, classical artworks by Italian Old Masters coexist with 20th-century abstract creations. Be sure to look for L.S. Lowry’s depiction of Clifford’s Tower amidst his distinctive matchstick figures. The gallery’s Centre for Ceramic Art is particularly noteworthy, showcasing a stunning range of ceramics that spans from prehistoric pots to glazed delftware in a 17-meter-long display.

Learn More About Vikings and Victorians at York’s Museums

York’s museums excel at providing immersive experiences that transport visitors into the past. At the JORVIK Viking Centre, guests can enjoy a sensory-filled journey through 10th-century York. The animatronic displays are based on artifacts unearthed from the Viking settlement located beneath the building.

At the York Castle Museum, visitors are invited to further engage with historical artifacts: stroll down a dimly lit Victorian street and discover what life was like for infamous highwayman Dick Turpin while in captivity in the very cell that once held him. For a more refined historical experience, Fairfax House offers a glimpse into the lives of 18th-century aristocrats through its beautifully restored Georgian townhouse. In contrast, the Treasurer’s House feels like stepping into a curious oversized doll’s house, filled with an eclectic array of furnishings through the ages.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea

York is a haven for afternoon tea enthusiasts, boasting a variety of spots for enjoying dainty sandwiches and rich, cream-laden scones paired with fragrant brews. At The Grand, guests can indulge in tiers of treats within a luxurious setting. Alternatively, the Forest at Galtres Lodge features a unique tea pairing menu along with miniature Yorkshire puddings. For a truly unique experience, savor tea aboard a meticulously restored train carriage at the National Railway Museum.

Local favorite Bettys is a must-visit for its famed fat rascal fruit scones. Although queues are common, indulging in one of their delightful treats amidst the bustling atmosphere is a quintessential York experience.

Get a Taste for York’s Chocolate Past

While other northern cities focused on textiles and steel, York’s Victorian industrialists established renowned confectionery empires, giving birth to famous treats such as Kit-Kat and Terry’s Chocolate Orange.

York’s Chocolate Story presents an engaging opportunity to learn about this history. The interactive tour offers plenty of delicious samples along the way. Additionally, York Cocoa House holds workshops and tasting tours, emphasizing eco-conscious and fair-trade practices while carrying on York’s chocolate-making legacy.

Sample Street Food at Spark:York

Spark:York exudes a vibrant community vibe, created from eye-catching shipping containers, showcasing local indie restaurants and bars in a revitalized civic space. Visitors can mix and match their orders, choosing from an impressive array of culinary offerings, such as hand-stretched pizzas, amazing fried chicken, as well as plant-based tacos and burgers. Children are drawn to the delectable ice-cream cookie sandwiches from Melk, while adults may prefer a refreshing craft beer.

This article has been carefully crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of York’s rich history, modern attractions, and culinary delights.