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    Why we love York

    Small and mighty – York is the medieval walled city that really packs a punch. Its backdrop of medieval lanes, snickelways, and even a shopping street that dates back to the Domesday book means this compact city is packed with stuff to see.  Check out the impressive 2,000-year-old Gothic halls of its cathedral which could fit in the Learning Tower of Pisa, or the ridiculously pretty 13th century timbered streets of The Shambles. Take a punt on the horses at its world-famous race course, check out its masses of museums and sample a food scene that spans from Michelin stars to its shipping containers. Wash it down with the world’s first carbon-negative gin, or escape it all to nearby sites as awesome as the city itself.

    Things to do in York

    Journey through Viking past and discover what life was like in 10th century York at Jorvik Viking Centre.

    Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre
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    Jorvik Viking Centre

    Marvel at one of Britain’s most majestic cathedrals, York Minster, a medieval masterpiece.

    To find out more about booking a tour of York Minster
    Man twirling a woman outside a historic building
    York Minster

    Walk around York’s famous Shambles, the medieval shopping street that looks like it’s straight out of Harry Potter.

    Find out more about visiting the Shambles
    Man standing outside Ye Old Shambles Tavern
    The Shambles

    From Stephenson’s Rocket to The Flying Scotsman, York’s National Rail Museum shows a feat of British engineering that formed rail travel.

    Discover more about the history of train travel
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    National Railway Museum

    Follow a trail along York’s famous Roman City Walls – the longest town walls in England and take in views of this historic city.

    Find out more about the York City Walls trail
    Historical stone wall, on a hill, surrounding town
    York City Walls

    Journey through Viking past and discover what life was like in 10th century York at Jorvik Viking Centre.

    Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre
    img_1091
    Jorvik Viking Centre

    Marvel at one of Britain’s most majestic cathedrals, York Minster, a medieval masterpiece.

    To find out more about booking a tour of York Minster
    Man twirling a woman outside a historic building
    York Minster

    Walk around York’s famous Shambles, the medieval shopping street that looks like it’s straight out of Harry Potter.

    Find out more about visiting the Shambles
    Man standing outside Ye Old Shambles Tavern
    The Shambles

    From Stephenson’s Rocket to The Flying Scotsman, York’s National Rail Museum shows a feat of British engineering that formed rail travel.

    Discover more about the history of train travel
    img_1092
    National Railway Museum

    Follow a trail along York’s famous Roman City Walls – the longest town walls in England and take in views of this historic city.

    Find out more about the York City Walls trail
    Historical stone wall, on a hill, surrounding town
    York City Walls

    Places to stay in York

    City Centre

    This is the best part of town and the centre of York’s beauty, but you’ll have to compete with other visitors for a spot in this small and popular city.

    Holgate

    Perfect for reaching the nearby attractions - and the best museums, landmarks and activities long with a good choice of pubs and places to eat are all here.

    Bootham

    This is great for those on a budget, it’s largely residential area, and relatively quiet. You can easily walk to the centre from here - and more likely to experience the locals going about their everyday lives.

    Explore nearby

    A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.

    The Victorian formal gardens with statues and low hedges in front of Harewood House

    Proof that perfection can’t be rushed, the Yorkshire Dales was millions of years in-the-making.

    Cyclist riding on road through green dales. Panoramic views

    Rugged yet beautiful, wild yet welcoming – the North York Moors National Park is full of surprises.

    Chef wearing apron on pier holding lobster trap with lobster

    Getting to York

    Located in the heart of North Yorkshire, York’s nearest airport is Leeds-Bradford. Located 30 miles from the city centre, the airport operates flights to and from 70 destinations worldwide.

    Getting around York

    York is easily accessible from around Britain. Hop on a direct train from London, Manchester or Edinburgh, and be there in just two hours. It’s absolutely best explored on foot, or bike, but the city does have excellent public transport connections. Check out iTravelYork’s handy guide gives you all the information you need on travel within the city

    By bike

    It takes just 20 minutes to get from the outskirts to the city centre by bike, making cycling one of the easiest and most fun ways to access places to visit in York. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to the choice in bike tours. 

    By foot

    York’s winding cobbled streets are best explored by foot. In fact, it takes just 20 minutes to walk from one side of the city to the other – a small city with an eyeful of sites. There’s also lots tours and guided walks.

    By bus

    First Bus run regular services throughout York and offer a range of money-saving tickets in addition to accepting contactless payments on all routes, for fast and convenient travel.

    Outside of York

    Looking to visit attractions outside of York? Coastliner operates regular services to nearby destinations including bustling Leeds and the quirky coastal town of Whitby.

    Want to know more?

    Check out Visit York for top insider tips and travel inspiration.