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Why we love York

York’s backdrop of cobbled lanes, winding ‘Snickelways’ and even a shopping street that dates back to the Domesday Book, mean this compact city is packed with stuff to see.

Check out the impressive 2,000-year-old gothic halls of its cathedral, or the ridiculously pretty 13th-century timbered streets of the Shambles. Take a punt on the horses at its world-famous racecourse, check out its masses of museums and sample a food scene  that spans from Michelin stars to street food in shipping containers. Wash it down with England’s first carbon-negative gin, or explore the North Yorkshire countryside that’s as awesome as the city itself. 

Things to do in York

Choosing an option from the dropdown will automatically update the map listing results to filter by your selection.

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

Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre

Photo by: photohodgeuk

Man carrying child on his shoulders wearing Viking garb and facepaint, Jorvik Viking Centre, York
Jorvik Viking Centre

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

Find out more about York Minster

Photo by: VisitBritain/Felipe Pires

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Man standing outside Ye Old Shambles Tavern
The Shambles

From steam locomotives to the dawn of diesel, interactive family-fun and more, discover how the railways shaped modern Britain.

Get tickets for National Railway Museum York

Photo by: natalieandtheloves

Child in front of a display at the National Railway Museum in York
National Railway Museum York

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

Walk the York City Walls trail

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: York City Walls

Historical stone wall, on a hill, surrounding town
York City Walls

Tuck into a tasting menu from a 20-acre farm.

Dine at Roots

Photo by: Roots, York

Roots, York
Roots, York

See expert chocolatiers at work, and have a go at creating your own cocoa masterpieces too!

Discover York's Chocolate Story

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Person decorating dark chocolate with white chocolate piping
York's Chocolate Story

Covering 400 years of history, this living museum offers craft workshops, theatre shows and more.

What’s on at York Castle Museum

Photo by: VisitBritain

A man standing in an old street, under shop signs
York Castle Museum

This fantastic social initiative has transformed countless lives, and is a great way to get to know York with local guides.

More about Unique York Walking Tours - Invisible Cities

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Woman wearing pink hat walking through narrow street
Unique York Walking Tours - Invisible Cities

With 10 live-action shows, professional storytellers and atmospheric sets, this is like travelling through time.

Book a visit to The York Dungeon

Photo by: markjunday

York Dungeon
The York Dungeon

Sharpen your photography skills while exploring Yorkshire’s history, nature and neighbourhoods on these expert-led workshops.

Discover Yorkshire Photo Walks

Photo by: northyorkmoors

img_997
Yorkshire Photo Walks

Love designer fashions at discount prices? Browse Levi’s, Coach, Paul Smith and more.

Shop at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York

Photo by: McArthur Glen York Designer Outlet

People shopping at York Designer Outlet
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York

This incredible emporium features more than 120 antiques dealers and traders, all under one roof.

Explore Antiques Centre York

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Woman wearing trench coat and pink hat walking
Antiques Centre York

York Maze

12th July - 1st September 2025

Maybe you’ll climb the ‘Volcorno’, hit the ‘Cobstacle’ Course, or go climbing on the ‘Corn-wall’?

Discover York Maze

Photo by: York Maze

Location: York

Performers on stage at York Maze shooting foam from a cannon
York Maze

This picturesque city-centre park is ideal for picnics and free-of-charge to enjoy.

Explore Rowntree Park

Photo by: Ian Lamond / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

Two ladies walking through a tree lined path in Rowntree Park, York.
Rowntree Park

Horse racing highlights include the Dante Festival (May), John Smith’s Cup (July) and the season finale (October).

More about York Racecourse

Photo by: York Racecourse

Location: York

Horses racing past the grandstand at York Racecourse
York Racecourse

Look out for the plaque commemorating 19th-century diarist Anne Lister, also known as “Gentleman Jack”.

Visit Holy Trinity Church

Photo by: Ian Roscoe / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

Commemorative Rainbow Plaque for Anne Lister, also nicknamed Gentleman Jack located at Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Church

Maybe you’ll join a photography walk, give painting a go, or try a life-drawing workshop?

Tour York Art Gallery

Photo by: York Art Gallery

Location: York

A family looking at an exhibit in York Art Gallery
York Art Gallery

An atmospheric setting for live music and entertainment, which offers guided behind-the-scenes tours too.

Explore Merchant Adventurers' Hall

Photo by: Merchants Hall York

Location: York

The great hall of the Merchant Adventurers Hall in York
Merchant Adventurers' Hall

A must-try for all foodies, and a great way to get under the skin of this vibrant city.

Try the Hidden Gems Food Crawl

Photo by: Tours in a Dish

Location: York

A person enjoying food and drink at a table
Hidden Gems Food Crawl

Raise a pint or two with friends, and check the website to see what’s on during your visit.

Visit Brew York

Photo by: Matthew Curtis

Location: York

A group on a brewery tour of Brew York
Brew York

Sip wines made from grapes grown in Yorkshire, and beers brewed from quality local hops and malts.

See what's on at Yorkshire Heart Vineyard & Brewery

Photo by: Yorkshire Heart Vineyard

Location: York

A tour group standing in a vineyard at Yorkshire Heart Vineyard
Yorkshire Heart Vineyard & Brewery

Explore the real-life inspiration behind Diagon Alley and visit a Potter-themed potion shop.

Join the Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York

Photo by: Getty Images/Joe Daniel Price

Location: York

The Shambles in York at night
Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York

The biggest LGBTQIA+ event in North Yorkshire, this annual festival takes place every June.

Party at York Pride

Photo by: York Pride

Location: York

A crowd watching a performance on stage at York Pride
York Pride

From West End musicals and opera performances to world-famous ballets, this historic theatre has it all.

Visit the Grand Opera House York

Photo by: Milner Creative

Location: York

A crowd in the Grand Opera House York watching a performance
Grand Opera House York

Discover the sounds of days gone by, with soul-stirring historic concerts and choral ensembles.

More about York Early Music Festival

Photo by: Ben Puch/National Centre for Early Music

Location: York

Performers using masks on stage at York Early Music Festival
York Early Music Festival

With “Mad Alice” as your tour guide, you’ll learn all about York’s fascinating and ghoulish history.

Take The Bloody Tour of York

Photo by: The Bloody Tour of York

Location: York

A performer in costume outside Cliffords Tower in York
The Bloody Tour of York

Old meets new at this York heritage hotspot, with incredible rooftop views over the city skyline.

Explore Clifford’s Tower

Photo by: English Heritage/Dominic Lipinski

Location: York

Daffodils at Clifford’s Tower, York
Clifford’s Tower

A horror-themed bus trip with plenty of laughs — this is one ghoulish city tour!

Take the Ghost Bus Tour of York

Photo by: Paul Ridsdale / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

Traffic passing micklegate bar at twilight in york
The Ghost Bus Tours York

Enjoy a walk in this spectacular garden, with its statuesque fountains, flowering borders and towering conifers.

Visit Breezy Knees Gardens

Photo by: Breezy Knees Garden

Location: York

Arrays of flowers growing in Breezy Knees Gardens in York
Breezy Knees Gardens

See York from a fresh perspective on a 45-minute sightseeing cruise along the peaceful River Ouse.

Enjoy a River Ouse Cruise

Photo by: Sergii Figurnyi / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

A cruise ship travelling down the River Ouse in York
River Ouse Cruise

Maybe you’ll catch an outdoor film screening, join a craft workshop, or try a reflexology treatment?

Visit SPARK:York

Photo by: Robert Lazenby / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

Shops housed in containers at SPARK in York
SPARK:York

This central retail quarter features the likes of Primark, Fenwick and Flying Tiger.

What’s on at Coppergate Shopping Centre

Photo by: Pyper York

Location: York

Shopping streets decorated with umbrellas in York
Coppergate Shopping Centre

Known as the “independent heart of York”, this vibrant quarter is home to boutique shops and quirky cafes.

Plan your trip to Goodramgate

Photo by: Jack Cousin / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

Shopping street just after a rain shower. Historic buildings line the street and shoppers walk between them. A sky with cloud is overhead.
Goodramgate

Meet meerkats, tortoises, alpacas, otters and more – and get even closer on a wildlife experience day.

Discover Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park

Photo by: Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park

Location: York

A person feeding a lemur at Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park
Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park

Love food, but hate waste? So does this weekly community cafe, which offers a ‘Pay-As-You-Feel brunch / lunch.

Dine at Planet Food

Photo by: Matthew Lightfoot

Location: York

Women serving food at a table in Planet Food, a community cafe and store in York
Planet Food

Kids – and big kids – will love this magical storytelling walk.

Spellbinding storytelling with The Wizard Walk of York

Photo by: The Wizard Walk of York

A costumed guide in a wizard outfit walking through the street, part of The Wizard Walk of York, North Yorkshire
The Wizard Walk of York

Join Dr Dorian Deathly on an after-dark tour of one of England’s most haunted cities to discover its spine-chilling history.

Brave a Deathly Dark Tour

Photo by: Laura McKeller/The Deathly Dark Tours

A costumed tour guide on a raised platform in front of an audience next to a historic building.
Deathly Dark Tours

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

Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre

Photo by: photohodgeuk

Man carrying child on his shoulders wearing Viking garb and facepaint, Jorvik Viking Centre, York
Jorvik Viking Centre

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

Find out more about York Minster

Photo by: VisitBritain/Felipe Pires

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Man standing outside Ye Old Shambles Tavern
The Shambles

From steam locomotives to the dawn of diesel, interactive family-fun and more, discover how the railways shaped modern Britain.

Get tickets for National Railway Museum York

Photo by: natalieandtheloves

Child in front of a display at the National Railway Museum in York
National Railway Museum York

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

Walk the York City Walls trail

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: York City Walls

Historical stone wall, on a hill, surrounding town
York City Walls

Tuck into a tasting menu from a 20-acre farm.

Dine at Roots

Photo by: Roots, York

Roots, York
Roots, York

See expert chocolatiers at work, and have a go at creating your own cocoa masterpieces too!

Discover York's Chocolate Story

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Person decorating dark chocolate with white chocolate piping
York's Chocolate Story

Covering 400 years of history, this living museum offers craft workshops, theatre shows and more.

What’s on at York Castle Museum

Photo by: VisitBritain

A man standing in an old street, under shop signs
York Castle Museum

This fantastic social initiative has transformed countless lives, and is a great way to get to know York with local guides.

More about Unique York Walking Tours - Invisible Cities

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Woman wearing pink hat walking through narrow street
Unique York Walking Tours - Invisible Cities

With 10 live-action shows, professional storytellers and atmospheric sets, this is like travelling through time.

Book a visit to The York Dungeon

Photo by: markjunday

York Dungeon
The York Dungeon

Sharpen your photography skills while exploring Yorkshire’s history, nature and neighbourhoods on these expert-led workshops.

Discover Yorkshire Photo Walks

Photo by: northyorkmoors

img_997
Yorkshire Photo Walks

Love designer fashions at discount prices? Browse Levi’s, Coach, Paul Smith and more.

Shop at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York

Photo by: McArthur Glen York Designer Outlet

People shopping at York Designer Outlet
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York

This incredible emporium features more than 120 antiques dealers and traders, all under one roof.

Explore Antiques Centre York

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Woman wearing trench coat and pink hat walking
Antiques Centre York

York Maze

12th July - 1st September 2025

Maybe you’ll climb the ‘Volcorno’, hit the ‘Cobstacle’ Course, or go climbing on the ‘Corn-wall’?

Discover York Maze

Photo by: York Maze

Location: York

Performers on stage at York Maze shooting foam from a cannon
York Maze

This picturesque city-centre park is ideal for picnics and free-of-charge to enjoy.

Explore Rowntree Park

Photo by: Ian Lamond / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

Two ladies walking through a tree lined path in Rowntree Park, York.
Rowntree Park

Horse racing highlights include the Dante Festival (May), John Smith’s Cup (July) and the season finale (October).

More about York Racecourse

Photo by: York Racecourse

Location: York

Horses racing past the grandstand at York Racecourse
York Racecourse

Look out for the plaque commemorating 19th-century diarist Anne Lister, also known as “Gentleman Jack”.

Visit Holy Trinity Church

Photo by: Ian Roscoe / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

Commemorative Rainbow Plaque for Anne Lister, also nicknamed Gentleman Jack located at Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Church

Maybe you’ll join a photography walk, give painting a go, or try a life-drawing workshop?

Tour York Art Gallery

Photo by: York Art Gallery

Location: York

A family looking at an exhibit in York Art Gallery
York Art Gallery

An atmospheric setting for live music and entertainment, which offers guided behind-the-scenes tours too.

Explore Merchant Adventurers' Hall

Photo by: Merchants Hall York

Location: York

The great hall of the Merchant Adventurers Hall in York
Merchant Adventurers' Hall

A must-try for all foodies, and a great way to get under the skin of this vibrant city.

Try the Hidden Gems Food Crawl

Photo by: Tours in a Dish

Location: York

A person enjoying food and drink at a table
Hidden Gems Food Crawl

Raise a pint or two with friends, and check the website to see what’s on during your visit.

Visit Brew York

Photo by: Matthew Curtis

Location: York

A group on a brewery tour of Brew York
Brew York

Sip wines made from grapes grown in Yorkshire, and beers brewed from quality local hops and malts.

See what's on at Yorkshire Heart Vineyard & Brewery

Photo by: Yorkshire Heart Vineyard

Location: York

A tour group standing in a vineyard at Yorkshire Heart Vineyard
Yorkshire Heart Vineyard & Brewery

Explore the real-life inspiration behind Diagon Alley and visit a Potter-themed potion shop.

Join the Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York

Photo by: Getty Images/Joe Daniel Price

Location: York

The Shambles in York at night
Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York

The biggest LGBTQIA+ event in North Yorkshire, this annual festival takes place every June.

Party at York Pride

Photo by: York Pride

Location: York

A crowd watching a performance on stage at York Pride
York Pride

From West End musicals and opera performances to world-famous ballets, this historic theatre has it all.

Visit the Grand Opera House York

Photo by: Milner Creative

Location: York

A crowd in the Grand Opera House York watching a performance
Grand Opera House York

Discover the sounds of days gone by, with soul-stirring historic concerts and choral ensembles.

More about York Early Music Festival

Photo by: Ben Puch/National Centre for Early Music

Location: York

Performers using masks on stage at York Early Music Festival
York Early Music Festival

With “Mad Alice” as your tour guide, you’ll learn all about York’s fascinating and ghoulish history.

Take The Bloody Tour of York

Photo by: The Bloody Tour of York

Location: York

A performer in costume outside Cliffords Tower in York
The Bloody Tour of York

Old meets new at this York heritage hotspot, with incredible rooftop views over the city skyline.

Explore Clifford’s Tower

Photo by: English Heritage/Dominic Lipinski

Location: York

Daffodils at Clifford’s Tower, York
Clifford’s Tower

A horror-themed bus trip with plenty of laughs — this is one ghoulish city tour!

Take the Ghost Bus Tour of York

Photo by: Paul Ridsdale / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

Traffic passing micklegate bar at twilight in york
The Ghost Bus Tours York

Enjoy a walk in this spectacular garden, with its statuesque fountains, flowering borders and towering conifers.

Visit Breezy Knees Gardens

Photo by: Breezy Knees Garden

Location: York

Arrays of flowers growing in Breezy Knees Gardens in York
Breezy Knees Gardens

See York from a fresh perspective on a 45-minute sightseeing cruise along the peaceful River Ouse.

Enjoy a River Ouse Cruise

Photo by: Sergii Figurnyi / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

A cruise ship travelling down the River Ouse in York
River Ouse Cruise

Maybe you’ll catch an outdoor film screening, join a craft workshop, or try a reflexology treatment?

Visit SPARK:York

Photo by: Robert Lazenby / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

Shops housed in containers at SPARK in York
SPARK:York

This central retail quarter features the likes of Primark, Fenwick and Flying Tiger.

What’s on at Coppergate Shopping Centre

Photo by: Pyper York

Location: York

Shopping streets decorated with umbrellas in York
Coppergate Shopping Centre

Known as the “independent heart of York”, this vibrant quarter is home to boutique shops and quirky cafes.

Plan your trip to Goodramgate

Photo by: Jack Cousin / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

Shopping street just after a rain shower. Historic buildings line the street and shoppers walk between them. A sky with cloud is overhead.
Goodramgate

Meet meerkats, tortoises, alpacas, otters and more – and get even closer on a wildlife experience day.

Discover Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park

Photo by: Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park

Location: York

A person feeding a lemur at Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park
Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park

Love food, but hate waste? So does this weekly community cafe, which offers a ‘Pay-As-You-Feel brunch / lunch.

Dine at Planet Food

Photo by: Matthew Lightfoot

Location: York

Women serving food at a table in Planet Food, a community cafe and store in York
Planet Food

Kids – and big kids – will love this magical storytelling walk.

Spellbinding storytelling with The Wizard Walk of York

Photo by: The Wizard Walk of York

A costumed guide in a wizard outfit walking through the street, part of The Wizard Walk of York, North Yorkshire
The Wizard Walk of York

Join Dr Dorian Deathly on an after-dark tour of one of England’s most haunted cities to discover its spine-chilling history.

Brave a Deathly Dark Tour

Photo by: Laura McKeller/The Deathly Dark Tours

A costumed tour guide on a raised platform in front of an audience next to a historic building.
Deathly Dark Tours

Places to stay in York

City centre

This is the busiest 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. Some of the best museums, landmarks and activities, along with a good choice of pubs and places to eat, are all here.

Bootham

Great for those on a budget, Bootham is a largely residential area, and relatively quiet. You can easily walk to the centre from here, and will meet more locals going about their everyday lives.

Explore nearby

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

Photo by: VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

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.

Photo by: VisitBritain/MattCant

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.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Chef wearing apron on pier holding lobster trap with lobster
Hull, England

Sea-spritzed Hull is a joy to discover, whatever the season.

Photo by: VisitBritain/The TravelBook

Main shopping street of a cute English Town

Dynamic cities, fascinating history and rolling green countryside — explore it all on a five day trip around Yorkshire.

Photo by: Getty Images/Solstock

Location: York, England

Two young women sat on a bench outside a coffee shop with takeaway coffees

Getting to York

York is located in the heart of North Yorkshire and its nearest airport is Leeds-Bradford. 30 miles (48km) from the city centre, the airport operates flights to and from 70 destinations worldwide.

Getting from London to York is easy, with LNER offering a high-speed service from London Kings Cross in under two hours. Northern provide direct routes to York from various locations around the north of England. 

Getting around York

York is best explored on foot or bike, but the city does have excellent public transport connections. Check out iTravelYork’s handy guide for all the information you need to travel in the city.

By bike

It’s a short journey from the outskirts to the city centre by bike, making cycling one of the easiest and most fun ways to access York. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to cycle routes.

By foot

York’s winding cobbled streets are best explored on foot. In fact, it takes just 20 minutes to walk from one side of the city to the other, with plenty to see along the way. There are also lots of 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.

Surrounding 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.