Days Out in York

One of England’s oldest cities, founded by the Romans nearly 2000 years ago, unlike many cities large parts of York still feel and look old. From the towering walls and labyrinthine ‘snickelways’ (alleys) to the magnificent Minster, it’s a city which wears its history proudly, but is happily up-to-date when it comes to excellent shopping, eating and entertainment.

York is home to world-class museums, art galleries and fun filled experiences, including the National Railway Museum, City Walls, Yorvik, Yorkshire Museum Gardens and Observatory, and the Shambles. Not only that, it boasts many atmospheric old pubs and hostelries for refreshment, not forgetting the stylish Betty’s Café Tea Rooms, with beautiful interiors inspired by the Queen Mary ocean liner. But it’s not just the living who put on a good show in this gloriously spooksome city…

The York Ghost Bus Tour

Hailed as Europe’s most haunted city, we thought we should start with a tour on the dark side, and a bus ride with a difference! The York Ghost Bus Tours is a theatrical sightseeing tour on board a classic 1960s Routemaster bus, taking you on a journey around the darker side of York’s winding, narrow streets. Departing regularly from central York, simply choose your preferred start time, climb aboard, and meet your creepy guide for a journey through the city’s gruesome history with plenty of chills- and laughs.

As you ride, hear chilling tales of York’s most prolific hauntings, misdeeds and most sinister characters. You’ll pass infamous landmarks like Clifford’s Tower, York Minster and Dick Turpin's grave, and stop occasionally to get better acquainted with ghostly venues, learning about torture, murders, executions and of course the ghosts that reside within the medieval city walls. By the end, you’ll have an intimate knowledge of York’s sinister side, and understand why it’s touted as one of the spookiest cities in the world!

York's Chocolate Story

Possibly the most delicious tour imaginable, York's Chocolate Story is an entertaining and informative guided tour through the history of York's most famous chocolate-making families and the fascinating facts behind their finest creations. Beginning thousands of years ago in the rainforests of Central America with the discovery of the cocoa bean, discover in the virtual factory how this simple ingredient is transformed into the finest chocolate.

You’ll share in the stories of the people who worked in York’s chocolate factories: Terry’s, Craven’s and Rowntree’s, and uncover a host of surprising secrets and fascinating facts behind York's greatest chocolate products, from the Chocolate Orange to the globally famous KitKat. Learn how to taste it like an expert, and take a trip down memory lane and reminisce with some retro favourites from times gone by. After the tour, put your new found knowledge into practice and choose from a selection of the finest chocolates in the country, including some made fresh every day by master chocolatiers exclusively for the shop. Pure indulgence!

The York Dungeon

If you need to walk (or scream) off all that chocolate, The York Dungeon is a must-see, uniquely thrilling attraction that will take you back through 2,000 years of the city's darkest history. See, hear, smell and feel York's stories come to life before your eyes as frighteningly funny characters transport you through time. Immersive sets and spectacular special-effects draw you onward through this 75-minute walk-through experience that involves all your senses.

Flung into the heart of historical action, hide with the monks of Eoforwic from the wrath of the invading Vikings. Discover Guy Fawkes' Gunpowder Plot and what really happened that fateful November night. Experience the return of infamous highwayman Dick Turpin, while the Plague Doctor's Assistant will delight in demonstrating the full effects of the disease for you– just watch out for the rats! Or can you escape the torturer and his intimidating instruments? If you don't like things going bump in the night, you'll be glad to know the York Dungeon is also open during the day, with gruesome fun all the way!

Go Ape Temple Newsam

Just twenty miles outside York lies the first high ropes experience in West Yorkshire, and a triple whammy of aerial adventures, Go Ape Temple Newsam. Based in estate grounds with a 500-year-old country mansion and beautiful woodlands, you’ll feel like Lords and Ladies, albeit ones challenging yourselves metres above the ground! Little explorers can’t go wrong on the Treetop Adventure course, the perfect introduction to tree-to-tree crossings and brilliant zips. Head over to the Treetop Adventure Plus if you’re above 1.2m and over 6 years old. A more challenging tree top trek with higher platforms and longer zips going further into the forest, this course offers variety and choice, so you get to decide how far out of your comfort zone you’re willing to step.

The Treetop Challenge is the ultimate experience and feat of endurance and skill for teens and adults. With 17-metre-high platforms, you’ll need to engage both your mind and body as you scale the tree to tree crossings that make up this high ropes course. The 13-metre ‘plummet’ might be the quickest way back to earth, but definitely not for the fainthearted! When you’re done, slip the harness off and head over to the Manor House, a truly impressive Tudor-Jacobean mansion described as one of the best stately homes in Britain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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We hope that you have enjoyed reading our article called Days Out in York and that you have found the information above include our FAQ page helpful in deciding on which venue you to choose for your Activities and Days Out