Things to do in York

Activities, attractions and tours

York Minster which includes a church or cathedral, a square or plaza and heritage architecture
York Minster which includes a church or cathedral, a square or plaza and heritage architecture
York showing a city, signage and street scenes
Yorkshire Museum Gardens featuring flowers and a park
York Minster featuring a church or cathedral, a square or plaza and heritage architecture
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What to do in York

Popular places to visit

Shambles featuring street scenes and heritage architecture

Shambles

4.5/5(967 reviews)

This picturesque cobblestone street has a fascinating medieval history and crooked buildings that appear to almost fall into one another.

Shambles
York Minster which includes a church or cathedral, a square or plaza and heritage architecture

York Minster

4.5/5(775 reviews)

The city’s emblem is known for its superb stained-glass windows, underground treasure chambers and tall tower with spectacular views.

York Minster
a little night time photo shot at York Racecourse

York Racecourse

4.5/5(139 reviews)

You can take time to visit York Racecourse during your travels to York. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.

York Racecourse
The sun setting over a wintery day on the Heslington East campus at the University of York #goldenhour

University of York

4.5/5(76 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of York during your visit to Heslington. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

University of York
Jorvik Viking Centre

Jorvik Viking Centre

4.5/5(334 reviews)

Imagine yourself as a Viking in this museum that allows you to dig up Norse artifacts and witness reenactments, while you learn about York’s Scandinavian settlers.

Jorvik Viking Centre
York St. John University.

York St. John University

4.5/5(26 reviews)

Explore the campus of York St. John University as part of your travels around York. Discover the area's shops or seek out its local tours.

York St. John University
Walmgate Bar in York

York Barbican

4.5/5(105 reviews)

Enjoy a show at York Barbican, a theatre with a story to tell in York. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.

York Barbican
A view from the atlas fountain across to Castle Howard, a beautiful stately home to visit in Yorkshire. Made famous from the television series ‘Brideshead Revisited’

Castle Howard

4.5/5(128 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Henderskelfe with a stop at Castle Howard. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this quaint area.

Castle Howard
York showing heritage architecture

York City Walls

4.5/5(17 reviews)

See some of York’s most impressive sights on a walk around the historic perimeter wall that has its origins in the Roman era.

York City Walls

Areas of York

York Minster

City Centre

If you're spending some time in City Centre, Merchant Adventurers' Hall and Shambles are top sights worth seeing.

City Centre
The almost same location

South Bank

While South Bank isn't home to many top sights, York Racecourse and Micklegate Bar are some notable places to visit nearby.

South Bank
Aerial view of York minster in England

Bishophill

If you're spending some time in Bishophill, Micklegate Bar and Yorvik Brass Rubbing Centre are top sights worth seeing.

Bishophill
The Millennium Bridge spans the River Ouse to the south of York, linking Hospital Fields Road and Maple Grove in Fulford with Butcher Terrace on the South Bank

Fishergate

While visiting Fishergate, you might make a stop by sights like York Barbican and Kohima Museum.

Fishergate
The Yorkshire Museum in York.

Bootham

While visiting Bootham, you might make a stop by sights like York Theatre Royal and St. Mary's Abbey.

Bootham
At least Jake enjoyed the snow.

Fulford

Travellers come to Fulford for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like McArthur Glen Designer Outlet and Fulford Golf Club while you're in town.

Fulford
Panoramic view of the beautiful countryside around Kilburn, near Thirsk in North Yorkshire, with single track road, hedges, wildflowers, green fields and gorse bushes. Horizontal, space for copy.

Thirsk

#castle #medieval #yorkshire #Englishheritage #Mark_and_Travel

Pickering

Ripon Cathedral from the graveyard!

Ripon

Wetherby Bridge, which spans the River Wharfe, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade II listed structure, Wetherby, North Yorkshire, England, UK

Wetherby

Adobe

Middlesbrough

Harrogate

Harrogate

Whitby Harbour

Whitby

A6108 : Scotch Corner to Richmond, Road.
Photo by Hugh Mortimer (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Scotch Corner

Frequently asked questions

Is York worth visiting?
Famous for its bars and pubs and walking trails, finding awesome things to do in York is a breeze. Make sure to add York Minster to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in York?
Start your day with a visit to York Castle Museum and National Railway Museum. Then, explore other parts of York for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in York?
York Minster is one of the top tourist attractions in York and should feature high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in York?
Three days in York is more than enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. York Minster, York Castle Museum and York Maze are among the most popular sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Leeds.
Is York a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, York is a great destination to discover on foot. Wander between York Minster and York Castle Museum. Then take a stroll through Bootham, located 0.64 kilometres from downtown, and Fulford, which is roughly 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in York with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a schedule filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Browse our ideas for what to do in York with kids.

What to do in York for adults?
Jorvik Viking Centre and National Centre for Early Music are just two of the things to do in York. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in York?
In York, Undercroft, Treasury & Crypt is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in York.

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