York is situated in Yorkshire, the biggest county of England known as “God’s own country”. It is divided into North, East, South, and West Yorkshire counties.
York is the biggest city in North Yorkshire, it has beautiful cobblestone streets, cracking theaters, lively pubs, and remarkable restaurants. Not far away from York, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales are accompanied by historical buildings and cathedrals that give them a medieval feel.
York is abundant with culture and traditions with beautiful attractions which make it enjoyable for people of every age. Here’s a list of things to do in York you have to do!
1 Explore the Shambles
Regardless of being called The Shambles, meaning slaughterhouse in Old English, this street has beautiful boutiques and timber-framed shops. A stroll around this street is one of the best things to do in York. Its late medieval and modern metallurgy make it the most picturesque street in the whole country. This street is a one-stop-shop with more than 85 stalls. It includes vintage clothing, pet food, handicrafts, and much more, which makes it one of the most popular attractions in York.
Source: Rethinking The Future
2 The Shop That Must Not Be Named
Sightseeing in York is incomplete without visiting The Shop That Must Not Be Named. This shop is situated in The Shambles Street, which is the inspiration for the Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. This shop is a treat for Potterheads and a dream come true to experience a part of the Harry Potter series. Many fans of books and film series around the world visit it every year. This shop offers official merch from the world-famous series and cloaks, hats, and wands as well.
Source: Visit York
3 Castle Howard
This home of Howards for over 300 years looks more like a fortification. It has a stunning collection of art and rooms beautifully decorated with historical furniture. Castle Howard‘s 1,000 acres of grounds and lakes are York’s sightseeing dreams come true, with woodlands and temples. It also has the Atlas Fountain, which contains a stone statue of the Greek god with a bronze globe on his shoulders. Special events and exhibitions can be observed here throughout the year. If you are not very much fond of sightseeing, you can visit its on-site restaurants and shops as well.
Source: BBC
4 Dine at Roots
Top restaurants and food are one of York’s attractions. Roots is run by Michelin Star Chef Tommy Banks. It has an innovative menu with three main seasons; The Preservation Season, The Hunger Gap, and The Time of Abundance. This restaurant sources its ingredients from its garden and is known for freshly prepared food. Being a sharing-plate restaurant, it offers you a wide variety of dishes that enhances your experience of the cuisines York has to offer.
Source: Olive Magazine
5 Hike through North York Moors
With rugged and unique beauty, the North York Moors offer the largest heather moorland area in the UK. This national park has an area of 554 sq miles that consists of villages and towns like Goathland and Staithes. It has a striking coastline of Robin Hood’s Bay and Scots Pines of Dalby Forest for sightseeing in York. If you are not fond of cycling or hiking, you can enjoy a memorable steam train ride. It is offered by North York Moors Railway between Pickering and Whitby.
Source: National Parks UK
6 York Sightseeing Cruise
The best way to sightseeing in York is to take a sightseeing cruise. York sightseeing cruises enable you to see York City Centre and beyond. It leads you to views of the historic York Minster and as the route stretches towards the centre of York, you can see the skyline of York from the Scarborough Railway bridge.
You can enjoy mesmerizing views of The Memorial Gardens, The Perky Peacock, Tower Gardens, and Rowntree Park. And towards Millennium Bridge, you pass the aptly-named Blue Bridge.
Seeing all aspects of the majestic Minster city makes City Cruises York one of the top attractions to visit in York.
7 Fountains Abbey
On the edge of Yorkshire Dales, Fountains Abbey is the beautiful ruined monasteries and gardens of England. Originating from York, a group of rebel monks founded it in 1132 who thought they weren’t disciplined enough with their lives. Henry VIII disintegrated them after over 400 years, which turned them into a World Heritage site. Some of the buildings are still in good condition even after staying untouched for centuries, and they are safe to stroll around.
Source: National Trust
8 York Minster
Don’t forget your camera for York sightseeing because we are visiting the York Minster! York Minster is North Europe’s largest medieval cathedral, with arguably the world’s most beautiful Gothic structures. It can offer you the most beautiful view of York if you are willing to climb 275 stairs. Its construction took over 250 years, nearly 900 years ago to start. This unique and unusual landmark is considered a symbol of craftsmanship.
Source: Away With Maja
9 York Castle, Clifford’s Tower
Once on a hill, York Castle used to provide the best view of the city, but today only its keep is left and is now situated in the center of the city. You won’t find much in the castle itself, so it is great for York sightseeing from a vantage point. It provides an amazing view of North York Moors National Park, cathedral, and city if you could make it to the top.
Source: Castles Forts Battles
10 Enjoy a refreshing brew at Bettys
Bettys is famous for its tea rooms in the UK. You can observe queues of people outside the door and down the street to get their signature tea blend. They also serve sandwiches, scones, and cakes. York has 2 out of 6 Bettys cafés with ocean liner levels of luxury and a classy setting. You can find other tea rooms in the York City Center as well while shopping or strolling around as per locals.
Source: Bettys
11 Corner Grill House
If you are a fan of grilled food and visiting York, then it’s a must to visit Corner Grill House. It’s a perfect place to enjoy your evening with an amazing atmosphere and cozy interior. It offers top-notch service that makes its visitors feel special. They are not just famous for their fresh food, but they serve wine as well and what more can we ask for a pleasant evening.
Source: TripAdvisor
From the list above, you can see that there are a lot of things to do in York. From strolls around the street to York sightseeing cruises of monuments and amazing food, it offers tons of things to do. You can have an epic experience of a lifetime regardless if you are visiting York for the first time or whether staying for 1, 2, 3 nights or more!
FAQ’s-Exciting Things to do in York (2024 & 2025)
What are the must-see historical sites in York?
York is rich in history, with several must-see historical sites:
- York Minster: One of the largest and most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, known for its stunning architecture and impressive stained glass windows.
- York City Walls: Walk along the ancient walls that surround the city, offering fantastic views and a unique perspective on York’s history.
- Jorvik Viking Centre: A popular attraction that takes you back to the Viking Age with its immersive exhibits and reconstructed Viking village.
What family-friendly activities are available in York?
York has a variety of activities that are perfect for families:
- National Railway Museum: Explore the history of rail transport with interactive exhibits, historic trains, and fun activities for children.
- York Dungeon: A thrilling attraction that combines live actors, special effects, and rides to bring York’s dark history to life.
- York’s Chocolate Story: Discover the history of chocolate-making in York, enjoy interactive tours, and participate in chocolate-making workshops.
What are the top outdoor activities in York?
York offers several outdoor activities that allow visitors to enjoy the city’s natural beauty and scenic surroundings:
- Rowing or Boating on the River Ouse: Rent a boat or join a guided river cruise to see York from the water and enjoy the picturesque riverside views.
- Yorkshire Museum Gardens: A beautiful botanical garden perfect for a relaxing stroll, picnicking, and exploring the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey.
- York Maze: Open in the summer, this is one of the largest mazes in Europe, featuring a variety of themed sections, activities, and attractions for all ages.
Is York worth visiting?
Absolutely, duck! York is a gem in the heart of North Yorkshire, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and modern vibrancy. From its ancient walls and stunning York Minster to the quaint streets of the Shambles, there’s a unique blend of the old and new waiting to be explored.
What are the must-see historical sites in York?
You can’t miss the York Minster, one of the largest and most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. Walking along the city’s medieval walls offers a unique perspective of York, and a visit to the Clifford’s Tower is a must for panoramic views of the city. Don’t forget the JORVIK Viking Centre, where you can dive into York’s Viking heritage.
Can you recommend any unique activities in York?
For something a bit different, how about a ghost walk? York is famed for its spooky stories, and there are several tours that’ll give you the chills while showing you around the city’s eerie corners. The York Dungeon also offers a gruesomely entertaining history lesson. For a more laid-back activity, a cruise on the River Ouse provides beautiful views and a bit of tranquility.
What’s the best way to get around York?
York is a compact city, making it perfect for exploring on foot. Most of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other. If you’re looking to cover more ground, there are plenty of buses, and hiring a bike is a great way to navigate the city like a local.
Where can I find the best food in York?
York’s food scene is as diverse as it is delicious. The Shambles Market offers a variety of local and international treats. For a more upscale dining experience, there are several restaurants within the city walls that feature locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss out on a traditional afternoon tea at Betty’s Café Tea Rooms – it’s a real treat!
Are there any shopping hotspots in York?
The Shambles is not just picturesque; it’s also York’s historic shopping street, with shops selling everything from handmade chocolates to unique jewellery. For more contemporary shopping, Coney Street and the Coppergate Shopping Centre offer a range of high street brands.
What cultural experiences does York offer?
York is bursting with culture. The York Art Gallery hosts an impressive collection of paintings and ceramics, while the National Railway Museum is a must-visit for train enthusiasts. The city also boasts a vibrant theatre scene, with the York Theatre Royal and the Grand Opera House offering a variety of performances throughout the year.
What outdoor activities can I enjoy in York?
York is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Walking or cycling in the Yorkshire Dales is a fantastic way to enjoy the countryside. Closer to the city, Rowntree Park and the York Museum Gardens offer lovely green spaces for picnics, leisurely walks, or simply relaxing.
Is York family-friendly?
Spot on, York is fantastic for families! There are loads of attractions that cater to younger visitors, like the York Maze and the Yorkshire Museum. The city’s parks and open spaces also offer plenty of room for kids to run around and play.
When is the best time to visit York?
York is charming year-round, but visiting in the spring or autumn can be particularly pleasant due to the milder weather and fewer crowds. The city also hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the York Food Festival in September and the St Nicholas Fair in December, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit.
Original Post Date: June 20, 2022