Hey there my fellow travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my 10 things to do in York UK this year. York, a city with Roman roots and a Viking past, offers an immersive tapestry of history for any visitor with ancient streets, historic buildings and cultural treasures.
The iconic York Minster soars into the sky, a testament to architectural grandeur, while the narrow, twisting lanes like The Shambles evoke a bygone era, making the city a living museum waiting to be explored. Whether it’s exploring the National Railway Museum, indulging in the city’s confectionary legacy, or enjoying the natural beauty of its river, York offers a diverse array of activities for all.
- Visit York Minster
- Walk the City Walls
- JORVIK Viking Centre
- The Shambles
- National Railway Museum
- York Castle Museum
- River Cruise
- York’s Chocolate Story
- Clifford’s Tower
- Ghost Walks
10 Things To Do In York UK
So, if you are visiting the United Kingdom and have put York on your list of places to see, let’s see if we can find you some things to do there below:
1. York Minster
York Minster, officially known as the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York (which is probably why they call it just York Minster haha), is one of the largest and most magnificent Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe and its full title reflects its importance as the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second-highest office of the Church of England. The current building was begun in about 1230 and completed in 1472, showcasing a masterful display of medieval architecture with its intricate stained glass, imposing stone structures and detailed facades.
The cathedral’s vast interior is adorned with medieval stained glass windows, including the famous Great East Window, which is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country and the undercroft, treasury and crypts offer insights into the building’s history, revealing the Roman and Norman foundations upon which the current cathedral stands.
Over the years, York Minster has been a witness to and participant in significant historical events, including the investiture of Roman emperors, the conflicts of the English Reformation and the ongoing traditions of the Anglican Communion. Today, it remains a place of worship and pilgrimage, attracting visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its beauty, explore its history, and attend its religious services.
2. Walk the City Walls
Walking the city walls of York is an immersive journey through history and a unique way to experience the city’s ancient heritage. These walls, the most complete set of medieval city defenses in England, encircle the old city, offering visitors a literal overview of York’s past and present. As you traverse these historic ramparts, which date back to Roman times and were expanded in the medieval period, you’ll be treated to unparalleled views of York Minster, the snaking River Ouse, and the beautifully preserved architecture that makes York so distinctive.
The walk covers approximately 3.4 kilometers (about 2 miles) and includes several gatehouses, or “bars,” which historically served as toll points and defensive gateways. Along the way, informative plaques provide insights into the walls’ construction, history and the various sieges and events they have witnessed. This leisurely stroll not only connects you with the city’s past but also offers moments of tranquility and picturesque scenes, making it a must-do activity for anyone visiting York.
3. JORVIK Viking Centre
The JORVIK Viking Centre is a journey back in time to the age of the Vikings in York (Jorvik) and stands on the very site where archaeologists uncovered remains of the original Viking city, offering an unparalleled glimpse into life over 1,000 years ago. The Centre uses innovative technology and meticulous archaeological research to recreate the sights, sounds and even smells of the Viking Age, making history come alive in an engaging and educational way.
As you travel through the reconstructed Viking streets aboard a “time capsule,” you encounter animatronic figures modeled from actual skeletal remains found on the site, each telling a story of daily life, work and trade in 9th century Jorvik. The Centre also displays thousands of artifacts discovered during the excavation from household items to rare treasures, providing a tangible connection to the past as well.
4. The Shambles
AS with most things in York, exploring the Shambles is like stepping back in time into the heart of medieval England. This narrow, cobblestoned street, often regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe, is flanked by overhanging timber-framed buildings, some of which date back to the 14th century. The Shambles was originally a street of butchers’ shops and houses, with meat hooks still visible outside some properties and the shelves where meat was displayed.
Today, it’s a bustling thoroughfare filled with quaint boutiques, charming tea rooms and artisanal shops. The unique architecture, with its upper stories jutting out over the street below, creates an intimate atmosphere that transports visitors to a bygone era whilst also providing a vibrant shopping and dining experience. It’s a place where history and modern day seamlessly merge, making it an essential visit for anyone wanting to experience the essence of York’s rich heritage.
5. The National Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum in York is a celebration of the railway’s impact on Britain and the world, offering a fascinating journey through the history of rail transport. As the largest railway museum in the world, it houses an impressive collection of over 100 locomotives and nearly 200 other items of rolling stock, showcasing the evolution of railway technology from the early steam engines to the modern high-speed trains.
The museum is spread across several vast halls, each dedicated to different aspects of railway history, including the majestic Station Hall, which recreates a railway station setting, and the Great Hall, filled with iconic locomotives and engineering marvels.
Visitors can marvel at famous engines such as the Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive, and the Japanese Shinkansen, one of the earliest bullet trains, which highlight the innovations in speed and design. The museum also explores the social impact of the railway, detailing how it transformed landscapes, economies and daily life.
6. York Castle Museum
York Castle Museum offers a captivating journey through England’s social history, inviting visitors to explore the everyday lives of its people over the past 400 years. Housed in former prison buildings on the site of York Castle, the museum is renowned for its immersive displays and reconstructed historical settings, most notably the Victorian street, Kirkgate. This recreated cobbled street, complete with authentic shop fronts, is based on historical research of York’s own businesses and allows visitors to step back in time, experiencing the sights, sounds, and even the smells of Victorian England.
Beyond Kirkgate, the museum’s diverse collections cover various aspects of domestic life, work, leisure and social issues through meticulously curated exhibits. These range from the opulence of the Georgian era to the trenches of World War I, offering insights into the changing fashions, home life and social reforms that have shaped modern Britain. The museum also delves into the darker aspects of York’s history, including its use as a debtors’ prison and the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin, who was held in the castle’s cells before his execution.
7. River Cruise on the River Ouse
Taking a river cruise on the River Ouse is a delightful way to experience the historic city of York from a different perspective. These leisurely cruises offer passengers a chance to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the riverbanks, adorned with lush greenery, charming riverside properties and iconic landmarks. As the boat glides along the calm waters, guides provide fascinating commentary as well sharing stories and insights into York’s rich history, from its Roman and Viking past to its medieval and modern developments.
The cruises vary in length and theme, ranging from sightseeing tours that highlight the city’s major attractions to evening cruises that capture the enchanting atmosphere of York by night. Some cruises offer refreshments or dining options as well allowing guests to enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the views. Special event cruises, such as those themed around history, wildlife or even ghost stories, add an extra dimension to the experience, catering to a wide range of interests.
8. York’s Chocolate Story
York’s Chocolate Story is an interactive museum and visitor attraction located in the heart of York, celebrating the city’s renowned chocolate-making heritage. York has been the epicenter of the chocolate industry in Britain for centuries, home to famous confectioners such as Rowntree’s, Terry’s and Craven’s, which have produced iconic treats like the Kit Kat, Terry’s Chocolate Orange and the Yorkie bar.
The attraction takes visitors on a guided journey through the history of chocolate and its importance to the city of York, from the ancient origins of the cocoa bean in the rainforests of Central America to the development of chocolate as a luxury commodity in Europe, and its mass production in the modern era.
Through engaging storytelling, live demonstrations, and interactive exhibits, visitors learn about the art of chocolate making, including the processes of roasting, conching and tempering, to transform cocoa beans into the chocolate products known and loved today. One of the highlights of the experience is the opportunity to watch skilled chocolatiers at work, crafting exquisite chocolates before your eyes and even trying your hand at making your own chocolate bar as well.
9. Clifford’s Tower
Clifford’s Tower stands as a prominent historical landmark and all that remains of York Castle, which was originally built by William the Conqueror and later rebuilt in stone in the 13th century to serve as a symbol of royal power and a base for administration and control. Perched atop a tall mound, Clifford’s Tower offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, making it a favorite spot for visitors seeking to capture the beauty of York from above.
Today, its ruins are a poignant reminder of the past, inviting visitors to explore its interior, where informative displays recount the tower’s history and significance. The climb to the top is rewarded with breathtaking vistas of York Minster, the snaking River Ouse and the medieval city walls, offering a unique perspective on the city’s historical landscape.
10. Ghost Walks in York
Known as one of Europe’s most haunted cities, York has a rich past filled with eerie tales from ancient Roman soldiers seen marching through basements to the lost souls of executed prisoners wandering the old streets. Ghost walks are guided tours that take participants through narrow alleyways, past ancient buildings and into shadowy corners of the city, where spooky tales are told.
Each walk is led by a knowledgeable guide, often dressed in period costume, who brings the ghostly tales of York to life with a mix of historical insight, dramatic storytelling and a touch of humor to lighten the mood. The stories shared on these walks are based on documented events, local legends and long-told tales of strange occurrences, providing a fascinating glimpse into the city’s darker history. Participants learn about famous haunts like the Treasurer’s House, where Roman soldiers are said to march, and the Shambles, known for its spectral sightings as well.
FAQs
What are some budget-friendly attractions in York?
Take advantage of the free access to the National Railway Museum, explore the York Minster or walk the medieval walls without spending much at all. The Ghost tours and Clifford’s Tower are other great options which won’t break the bank as well.
Conclusion
There you have it, my 10 best things to do in York. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences here or if there are any other must visit locations that I need to add.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
