Things to do in York
Published on: 22/04/24
York, set along the banks of the River Ouse, is a city steeped in history and brimming with medieval charm. Known for its impressive Roman, Viking, and medieval heritage, York invites visitors to explore iconic landmarks such as the magnificent York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, and the ancient city walls that encircle the historic center. The narrow, cobbled streets of The Shambles, with their quaint shops and timber-framed buildings, offer a glimpse into York’s rich past.
No visit to York is complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant cultural scene. The city's museums, like the JORVIK Viking Centre and the York Castle Museum, bring history to life, while the riverside and bustling markets are perfect for relaxing and exploring. Visitors can also enjoy the peaceful green spaces of the Museum Gardens or take a scenic boat trip along the river. Whether delving into history, enjoying local cuisine, or soaking in the charm of this picturesque city, York promises an unforgettable experience for all.
What's included for Things to do in York
- Great Days Out
- Escape Rooms and VR
- Motorsports
- Combat Zone
- On The Water
- Aerial Adventures
- Culture and Tours
- Wildlife and Sealife
- Adventure and Theme Parks
- Free Things to do and Days Out
- Local Events & Festivals
- Eating Out and Places to Stay
Fun Activities
The Jorvik Viking Centre has some incredible ways for you to travel back in time and experience what life was like amongst the Vikings. It has recently undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment, with an updated time-capsule ride that allows you to travel around York in the 10th Century and experience the sights, sounds and smells of the time. A great free activity to explore the city is to walk along the 2.5 miles of defensive York City Walls – don’t forget to bring your comfy shoes! As well as this you also have a hugh list of Activities and days out in York, which include Escape Rooms, Go Karting, Off Road Driving, Track Days, Paintball, plus much more.
Eating Out
York is a big attraction for foodies, and TripAdvisor recently picked it as a top 10 destination for food and wine in Europe. You can live the gourmet dream at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants (York has more than any other county in England outside of London) or visit one of the many gastro pubs, including the Lamb & Lion Inn. If you’re visiting at the end of summer, then you’ll be able to sample even more culinary delights as that’s when the huge Food and Drink festival is on.
Culture Vulture
The gothic towers of York Minster Cathedral dominate the York skyline, and if you’ve got the energy to climb the 275 stairs you’ll be rewarded with some fantastic views. The cathedral also has an awe-inspiring collection of stained glass, with 128 windows dating from medieval times. The newly developed York Theatre Royal is the place to go to catch an award-winning performance of both modern productions and old favourites. You can also download one of the many self guided walks from Curious About, so that you can make the most of your time exploring York
After Dark
As York is a small city there’s only a handful of nightclubs to go dancing in, but there are plenty of bars with a late license (apparently there’s a pub for every day of the year!) It does seem to be the place to go for either live music or open mic nights, however, so go with an open mind and you might end up listening to the next Ed Sheeran. You’ll also find more of a café culture, especially down by the riverside, where you can sip a glass of wine and watch the world go by into the wee hours.
Eating Out and Places to Stay in York
For a memorable stay in York, Hotels.com offers a diverse selection of comfortable accommodations, perfect for exploring the city’s rich history and medieval charm. Whether you’re seeking a boutique hotel in the heart of the city or a cozy guesthouse with stunning views of the York Minster, Hotels.com has options to suit every traveler’s taste and budget.
Delight in a variety of dining experiences, from traditional British pubs to modern eateries, and don’t miss iconic attractions like the York Castle Museum, the historic Shambles, and the scenic River Ouse. With its captivating blend of heritage and culture, York promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor!
Something a bit different…
York has been called ‘the city of chocolate’ and has been a central point of manufacturing the sweet treat for hundreds of years. This is where Terry’s created their chocolate orange and Rowntree’s invented the KitKat, so as you’d expect there’s loads of chocolate related activities on offer.
The York Castle Museum has an interactive tour of York’s sweet past, and at York’s Chocolate Story you can learn about the art of the chocolatier and fill your shopping basket with goodies. We hope that you enjoyed reading our article about Things to do in York, as you can see York is certainly compact enough to visit in a day, but you might find that with so many things to see and do, you’ll have to stay for a bit longer.