tourist events in york

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to do
• Restaurants
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 20 best things to do in York

Need sightseeing inspiration? Here’s our pick of the best things to do in York right now, from ghost tours to world-class museums

It may be a bit of a travel cliché, but in York, old and new exist in rare harmony. A cultural hub since Roman times, this city maintains a lasting historical charm, with many of our ancient ancestors’ constructions still standing strong.

But if you’re after some more modern sights, there’s plenty here for the inquisitive visitor to get lost in, from sumptuous  restaurants  to buzzing bars and contemporary art galleries (and everything in between). Ready to get out there and explore? Here’s our pick of the best things to do in York right now.

RECOMMENDED: 🍝 The best restaurants in York 🍸 The best bars in York 🍺 The best pubs in York 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in York

Rory Buccheri is  a writer based in York. At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines .  This guide includes affiliate links. These have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

An email you’ll actually love

York things to do

1.  Stroll down the Shambles

What is it?  Quite possibly York’s most famous street and a firm favourite with Harry Potter fans.

Why go?  Take a stroll down this winding road and you’ll be overcome by its quaintness. But wait: The Shambles has a darker past lurking behind its pretty façade. In fact, its very name is the Old English word for slaughterhouse. And those cute hooks on the front of the shops? Originally used for hanging meat. Yum. More fun facts? The wonky-looking timber-framed buildings, many of which date back to the fourteenth century, were built like that so the overhang would protect the ‘wattle and daub’ walls and help keep the meat from going rancid in the sunshine. Scone, anyone?

Don’t miss:  Grab a pint at   Ye Old Shambles Tavern   or visit   TikTok’s famous   Ghost Merchants   to find your unique fortune-bringing ghost figurine .

2.  Walk along the York city walls

What is it?   Roman fortifications that once protected the city.

Why go?   The Romans did a lot for us. They built roads, thermal baths and left York with the longest walls barrier in the country. Walking the full length of York’s city walls will take a couple of hours, especially if you stop to read the many plaques on the way.

Don’t miss:   You can enlist the help of a guide to save a bit of brainwork. Tailored tours ensure you only get the juicy tidbits, while private excursions cut out any possibility of stragglers.

3.  Cruise down the Ouse

What is it? The Ouse is York’s main river , which cuts a path through the city before winding up at the Humber Estuary. 

Why go?   The Ouse is a picturesque delight with riverside walking routes that are perfect for post-lunch strolls. Follow the river and you’ll catch some of York’s best sights, from the Millennium Bridge to Clifford’s Tower. You can also take regular boat tours or cruises down the river.

Don’t miss:   Take the early evening cruise and you’ll be treated to sunset views that’ll give you pause for thought (and photos). The boat comes with a fully stocked bar should you fancy an evening tipple and there’s lively onboard commentary. 

4.  Take in the views at York Museum Gardens

What is it?  Free botanic gardens in the city centre with splendid medieval ruins.

Why go?  To enjoy a stroll surrounded by beautiful views in a green space bang-on in the city centre. Visiting the Museum is a plus, but coming to the Museum Gardens is a must. The Gardens are populated by wildlife and adorned with plants and flowers on every path. Inside you can see the medieval ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, a dramatic and picture-worthy site against a spectacular backdrop, as well as various other cool buildings. Entry to the Gardens is free, and once you’re in you won’t want to leave. 

Don’t miss : There are historic gems all around, so look out for the Observatory (now a cosy café) and the Hospitium, used for housing guests back in the 12 th century.

5.  Climb up Clifford’s Tower

What is it? The ruined Norman keep forming part of York Castle.

Why go? Like lots of this city’s history, this tower’s name has rather gruesome roots: Roger de Clifford was hanged for treason on this site back in 1322. Today the tower offers some pretty spectacular views. At the hill’s summit, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled panoramas over York Minster and the city centre, and, on a clear day, you can see as far as the North York Moors National Park.

6.  Explore York Minster

What is it?  A stunning cathedral dating back to the seventh century.

Why go?  Pretty much everywhere you go in York, you can catch a glimpse of the splendid Minster soaring over the city. But make sure you go to see it close up. Step inside the cool interiors and admire medieval stained-glass windows, carved stone and sparkling artefacts.  Make sure to visit the Chapter House: this mesmerising octagonal room dating from the 13 th century has spectacular vaulting and intact carved quirky gargoyles, but it’s all the way to the back of the Minster (so it's an actual hidden gem).

Don’t miss:  Strap on some sensible shoes and climb all 275 steps to enjoy the view from the highest point in York. If you’re lucky you might just spot a peregrine falcon nesting peacefully next to a gargoyle.

7.  Time-travel through the streets of York Castle Museum

What is it?  An immersive display reproducing 400 years of York’s past.

Why go?  To live as a time traveller for a day, walking from York’s smoky Victorian streets to its kitchens and music-filled rooms in the 1960s. It doesn’t get more immersive than walking in the dim light of Kirkgate, York’s re-built Victorian street, hearing horse-carriage bells and smelling peculiar odours as you step into the real-life shops recreated from historic records: hat-makers, fudge-makers, tailors, chemists and more. York Castle Museum 's newly refurbished rooms have something for everyone’s taste, with plenty of interactive displays to bring history to life. To make it even cooler, you have actors playing real-life characters to help on your timey-wimey journey .

8.  Delve into York’s Scandi past at the Jorvik Viking Centre

What is it? A trip back in time to the days of York under Danish rule.

Why go? This is a chance to delve into York’s Scandi past – and no, we’re not talking hygge here. In 866 (yes, York really is that ancient) the city was invaded by the Danes; this attraction gives a snapshot of what Viking life would have been like. With its moving carriages, life-size dioramas and ancient artefacts, it’s a real trip back in time. Be warned: they even replicate the smells of the ninth century. We can confirm they’re pretty bad.

Don’t miss: Look out for an actual fossilised Viking poo on display. 

9.  Head down to the York Cold War Bunker

What is it? A relic of York history from the days of the Iron Curtain and the fear of the ever-ticking Doomsday Clock. 

Why go? If you’re tired of learning about Romans and Vikings, then lose yourself in another chapter of history. The semi-subterranean York Cold War Bunker was built in case of a Soviet nuclear attack and, with its blast-proof doors, perspex maps and decontamination areas is described by English Heritage as ‘the most modern and spine-chilling’ of their properties. Tours are led by friendly guides who know their stuff and begin every hour on the hour.   If visiting in autumn and winter, be sure to check their website for up-to-date openings.

10.  Enjoy award-winning afternoon tea at The Grand

What is it?  A luxurious afternoon tea in the city’s only 5-star hotel.

Why go?  To enjoy a proper treat in one of the most majestic venues in the city without breaking the bank. The Grand 's signature afternoon tea features 20 different types of teas from around the world, with savoury and sweet options stacked elegantly and made in-house by some of the best pastry chefs in the country. Don’t take our word for it: they were awarded Conde Nast’s best afternoon tea in the UK in 2023! During a warm summer day you can enjoy your scones, tea, and tipple on the terrace with lovely views of the city walls .

11.  Learn about York’s chocolate history

What is it? A guided tour through 3,000 years of chocolate history and, of course, York’s crucial role in it.

Why go? To get up to speed on some of the most beloved (and delicious) York-made sweeties. Expect to dive deep into the history of Terry’s, Rowntree’s and more. Oh, and obvs don’t forget to get your fair share of samples from the shop.

12.  Get spooked on a ghost tour

What is it?  York’s full of ghoulish stories, and a ghost tour’s the best way to find out about them.

Why go?  To set your heart racing and learn more about why York is so spooktacular . Wander along narrow passageways and dark streets to investigate bloodcurdling tales of scandal and death, or jump aboard the  Ghost Bus , on which the creepy conductor will fill you in on the city’s grimmest tales. There’s a wide variety of ghost tours running daily here, so if you’re after some scares, York’s the place for you.

13.  Soak up some tranquility at Breezy Knees Garden

Please note the gardens are open May-September only.

What is it? Spectacular (and award-winning) gardens on the edge of the city.

Why go? For the 20 acres of gardens packed with more than 7,000 varieties of flowers, shrubs and trees.

Don’t miss:  The adjoining specialist nursery, which stocks many rare plants you can buy and take home.

14.  Get cultured at the Barbican

What is it? The largest music and arts venue in York. 

Why go? To see everything from big-name bands to live comedy, as well as a variety of goings-on that span sports, children’s entertainment and community events. It’s a key venue and cultural hub in the city with a rich history of hosting amazing artists. The programme is always stacked, hosting more than 200 events a year and pulling in 130,000 visitors.

15.  Trainspot at The National Railway Museum

What is it? The perfect excuse to get in touch with your inner trainspotter.

Why go? Anyone with a passion for period dramas, history or design will revel in a trip to the National Railway Museum – the biggest railway museum in the UK, no less. Here you’ll find more than a million pieces of memorabilia, including actual trains, mock-up stations and perfectly (and stylishly) restored carriages.

Don’t miss: You can also take a ride on the miniature railway outside.

16.  Go on a brewery tour

What is it? A beer-filled tour of local brewery Brew York.

Why go? To sample a sumptuous range of local beers fresh from the place they’re actually brewed. 

Don’t miss: If you love the brew so much you want to take some home with you, then no problem: sign up for Brew York’s monthly subscription box.

17.  Stop for hot chocolate at Cocoa Joe’s

What is it? A choccy haven  in the heart of town

Why go? Fancy a hot choc? York’s famous history with chocolate keeps inspiring the city’s modern foodies and baristas. Inside this cosy café specialised in all things chocolate, you can indulge in hot or cold chocolate drinks sustainably sourced from all over the world, and enriched by dozens of flavours you can customise. Raspberry? Ginger? Marshmallows? Yes please. And it’s definitely a bonus that you can try as many chocolate samples as you wish, as the expert chocolatiers tell you all about their journey to the chocolate capital of the UK. 

18.  Nerd out at the Yorkshire Air Museum

Why go? You don’t have to be an aviation aficionado to fall in love with the  Yorkshire Air Museum . The museum boasts one of the largest collections   UK-wide, and each aircraft tells a different story – from early aviation gliders to real planes used during WW2 and the Cold War.

Don’t miss: the Handley Page Hangar and the Women’s Memorial, celebrating untold histories of the British heroines of WW2.

19.  Have a day out at York Racecourse

What is it? Award-winning modern racecourse and gig venue with grandstands and characterful listed buildings.

Why go?  For any of the 17 joyous race days between May and October. Not a racing fan? No problem – the racecourse also puts on concerts, fashion events and even a vintage clothes festival. There’s a decent car boot sale here on Saturday mornings, too.

Don’t miss:  The Yorkshire Ebor Festival and its smartly-dressed vibe is the season highlight.

20.  Enjoy a comedy show at the Grand Opera House

What is it? A Grade II-listed theatre that was lovingly restored in the ’80s.

Why go? As well as all its historic sights, York also boasts some pretty cool live entertainment venues. Following its ’80s revamp, which saw the theatre’s layout returned to its original period style, the Grand Opera House now puts on an excellent programme of live music, comedy and musicals. 

More great things to do in York

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

The 11 best things to do in York on your next visit

Jan 1, 2022 • 7 min read

A narrow laneway of 'The Shambles', which is a centre piece of historic York © Chris Lawrence Travel/Shutterstock

With its Roman and Viking history, and hurly-burly medieval core, York is one of England’s must-see cities. Don’t be fooled, though, this isn’t a place stuck in the past. Its walkable center is filled with indie restaurants , quirky shops and inventive drinking dens – a testament to York’s vibrant present-day pulse.  

Arrive at the handsome station (it’s around two hours from London) and dive into our suggestions of the best things to do in York; you’ll soon be swept off your feet by the city’s picture-postcard sights as well as its fun, maverick side. 

Let York Minster draw your gaze towards the heavens

One of York’s great treats is how often, when turning a cobblestone corner or squeezing down an age-old alley, you bump into its soaring cathedral, York Minster . Renowned as one of the world’s medieval Gothic masterpieces, it’s worth getting up close to the interior craftsmanship. Here you’ll find 700-year-old vaulted ceilings and nose-picking gargoyles illuminated by the building’s 128 stained-glass windows.

A trip to the interactive museum in the undercroft reveals details of York’s 2000-year-old history and its tower reaches dizzying heights above the city's rooftops. You can climb to the top for some stunning views of York but be warned – the ancient stairwells are claustrophic and those with a fear of heights should probably stick to admiring the stained-glass windows from the inside.

Step back in time in the Shambles

One of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe, many of the Shambles’ wonky timber-framed houses date back to the 15th century. Despite its much-photographed charm, this street once housed the city’s butchers and slaughterhouses. The overhanging buildings, which in places almost kiss above the narrow cobbled lane, were designed to shelter shelves of meat from the sun. Nowadays, it’s worth visiting to briefly become part of the hubbub and browse the eccentric collection of independent shops. Slip down an alleyway for lunch in Shambles Market .

Hunt for ghosts

With a centuries-old history littered with turmoil and treachery, it’s little wonder York has a penchant for ghost stories. Even skeptics will be hard-pressed not to enjoy one of the city’s highly rated ghost walks. Led by knowledgeable performers, The Bloody Tour of York , Shadows of York , and The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour all promise plenty of macabre fun. Like your phantoms a little more tangible? As an antidote to mass-produced knickknacks, York Ghost Merchants sell diminutive handcrafted spooks from its theatrical shop on the Shambles.    

Spot trains at the National Railway Museum

Until the 1960s, the vast exhibition halls of the free-to-enter National Railway Museum were part of York’s busy railway works. Now they tell the story of extraordinary engineering feats and house gleaming locomotives and plush royal carriages. Young rail enthusiasts will delight in discovering you can climb aboard many of the exhibits, including a Japanese bullet train. For a small charge, take a ride on the world’s fastest steam locomotive. You can explore more of North Yorkshire and beyond by train if the idea of gazing upon beautiful countryside from the comfort of a reclining seat is right up your track.

Head down the pub for a quick drink (or two) 

Famed for its diverse drinking dens, it would seem rude not to pop into one of York’s many pubs. Some of the city’s oak-paneled taverns have been serving up booze since Tudor times, although if you want to time warp back to the 12th century, take a pew at the House of the Trembling Madness on Stonegate. For a more contemporary feel, and a selection of 40 taps, there’s Brew York’s mural-festooned beer hall. Fancy a pint with a view? At the Lamb and Lion Inn , you can spy the Minster from the beer garden; the King’s Arms overlooks the meandering River Ouse. 

Walk the city walls

Perfect for history buffs, couples and snoopers alike, a stroll along York’s City Walls allows you to peer down onto timeworn snickleways (alleyways) and courtyard gardens from atop the longest medieval ramparts in England. Free to walk, and containing four grand ‘bars’ or gates to the city, these 13th-century fortifications are, in fact, the new kids on the block; the Roman walls lie underneath, protruding briefly in York’s tranquil Museum Gardens . 

It takes a couple of hours to wander the 3.4-kilometer loop, peeping through arrowslits and digesting information boards. You can even pause for a flat white at the cafe within the cannon-scarred Walmgate Bar. Alternatively, ramble a shorter section; the portion between Bootham and Monk bars has superb Minster views. 

York Art Gallery offers Old Masters, modern wonders and ceramics

York Art Gallery offers a welcome respite from the city clamor. The main exhibitions are free to admire; in The Burton Gallery, artworks by Italian Old Masters rub shoulders with 20th-century abstract paintings. Look out for L.S Lowry’s depiction of York’s handsome Clifford’s Tower surrounded by his distinctive matchstick mob. The real draw, though, is the gallery’s Centre for Ceramic Art . Here, prehistoric pots through to glazed delftware are curated to form a 17-meter-long ceramic rainbow. 

Learn more about Vikings and Victorians at York’s museums

Championing immersive experiences long before that was a thing, York’s museums excel at transporting you into the past. At the JORVIK Viking Centre , you’re treated to a smells-and-all ride through the cultural melting pot that was 10th-century York. The animatronic dioramas are based on evidence unearthed while excavating the Viking settlement below the building. 

At the York Castle Museum , visitors are likewise encouraged to see artifacts in context: cue a stroll down a dimly lit Victorian Street and hear what life was like for captured highwayman Dick Turpin in the cell that held him (the building was once York’s notorious prison). 

For a more refined slice of history, the Fairfax House is a rarified gem. Padding through this restored Georgian townhouse gives a glimpse into the lives of 18th-century gentlefolk, as well as a few lessons in interior design. Touring the Treasurer’s House , on the other hand, feels like falling down a rabbit hole into a curious oversized doll’s house, filled with furnishings through the ages.

Enjoy afternoon tea

York has no shortage of places to dine on dainty sandwiches and cream-laden scones, washed down with a fragrant brew. At The Grand , tiers of nibbles are served in 5-star surroundings, whereas afternoon tea at Forest at Galtres Lodge involves a tea pairing menu and miniature Yorkshire puddings. It’s even possible to enjoy a sophisticated cuppa aboard a restored train carriage at the National Railway Museum. 

Most locals, though, would cry sacrilege if Bettys wasn’t on your list of locations to sate a mid-afternoon peckishness. Be prepared to queue, but wolfing down one of their fat rascal fruit scones amid scurrying, white-aproned staff is something of a York rite of passage. 

Get a taste for York’s chocolate past

While other northern cities were busy with textiles and steel, York’s Victorian industrialists were building confectionary empires; Kit-Kat and Terry’s Chocolate Orange were both created in the city’s sweet-smelling factories. 

While not inexpensive, York’s Chocolate Story does a good job at immersing visitors in this history: the interactive tour includes plenty of toothsome treats. At York Cocoa House there are workshops and tasting tours. This independent factory aims to carry the baton for York’s chocolate heritage, with a modern-day focus on eco-conscious and fair-trade practices. 

Sample street food at Spark:York

It’s hard not to fall for Spark:York’s inclusive community feel. This split-level market, created from brightly daubed shipping containers, brings together local indie restaurants and bars on a once disused civic space. Groups can mix and match their orders, choosing from hand-stretched pizzas, incredible fried chicken, and plant-based tacos and burgers. Kids will love the ice-cream cookie sandwiches served by Melk ; their parents may opt for a craft beer. 

You might also like:  Yorkshire's best castles, cathedrals and stately homes Gin, rum and vodka: Yorkshire’s best distillery experiences Say cheese! How the Yorkshire Dales are reviving cheesemaking traditions  

This article was first published Oct 11, 2021 and updated Jan 1, 2022.

Explore related stories

Mar 22, 2024 • 9 min read

Experience the best of England with these top things to do, from city museums to seaside escapes.

Mar 2, 2024 • 7 min read

Aug 16, 2023 • 6 min read

Jul 5, 2023 • 5 min read

Jul 15, 2022 • 11 min read

Jul 1, 2022 • 5 min read

Feb 3, 2022 • 6 min read

Sep 15, 2021 • 8 min read

Feb 19, 2020 • 2 min read

Jun 7, 2019 • 5 min read

What's On In York

Things to do in york, york events calendar.

Looking for something to do in York? Whether you're a local, new in town or just cruising through we've got loads of great tips and events to offer. Find out what’s on in York with our regularly updated events calendar featuring the best upcoming events in York and the area. This guide lists events at a glance, showing what’s on each month. See the highlights of What’s On for York, featuring the best of things to do in York – Live Music and Gigs, Family Events, Art & Culture, Food & Drink and much more. York fundraisers and charity events. Important This Event Calendar is not maintained on a daily basis and some events may have changed dates or are no longer happening. Please double-check the event websites for the most up-to-date information .

• There are no upcoming events.

Events Search and Views Navigation

Event views navigation, latest past events, york blues festival.

The 5th York Blues Festival is taking place on Saturday 6th April at The Crescent Community Venue. If you've been to one of our previous events you will already know how good this is. We've once again got a fantastic line up of bands from all over the UK which includes... The Milkmen (Headline) James […]

Big Brothers Big Sisters Peel York Move for Kids’ Sake

BE BIG & BOWL! Our bowling events are a fabulous team building opportunity and most importantly a wonderful way to give back while supporting young people in your community. Each day we strive to build stronger relationships for young people who need it most, but we rely on the funds raised at our events to […]

Winter Concert: The Journey

Join us for Soon Amore's winter concert at York Unitarian Chapel on 18th February 2024 at 4pm. This year, the choir is delighted to be joined by guests Sarah Dean (harp, vocals) and White Sail. The concert will feature a piece written by Sarah entitled "The Journey" as well as many other journey-related pieces by […]

Submit your Event

If you have an event, that you would like to be featured on our Events Calendar, please visit Free Event Listing .

• Information for...

What are you looking for?

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

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 Leaning 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 shipping containers. Wash it down with the world’s first carbon-negative gin, or escape to nearby sites as awesome as the city itself.

cooperkingdistillery

Carbon-negative gin tour

Explore the world’s first carbon-negative gin distillery and take a tasting tour at York’s Cooper King .

natalieandtheloves

Bring out the train driver in you

See the world’s fastest steam locomotive, the Mallard. Discover how high-speed rail travel began and experience the tough life of a working station at York Railway Museum .   

Scare yourself silly at York Dungeon

Discover a grizzly 2000 Years of York’s darkest history as you see, hear and smell the cities murky past. Come face-to-face with Vikings and their Saxon enemies in an adult theatrical tours.

York is a medieval walled city with Viking and Roman heritage, famed for its magnificent cathedral and abundance of museums and immersive experiences.

Head back in time at the Jorvik Viking Centre to uncover life during 10th century York, or visit York’s Chocolate Story to tuck into its chocolate heritage.

heck out the impressive 2,000-year-old Gothic halls of York Minster, discover the city’s darkest history at York Dungeon or explore The Shambles - a picturesque shopping street with beautifully restored medieval buildings.

Immerse yourself in the National Railway Museum and learn about the engineering pioneers who shaped rail travel, or enjoy a tour and tasting at the world’s first carbon-negative gin distillery, Cooper King.

Paul Ridsdale / Alamy Stock Photo

York is considered one of the spookiest cities in the world, with more than 500 ghosts said to be haunting the streets!

Did you know?

VisitBritain/Felipe Pires

Image York Cathedral

York Minster took more than 250 years to build, from 1220 until its consecration in 1472. The cathedral is so vast that the Leaning Tower of Pisa could fit inside its central tower.

Clifford’s Tower, built by William the Conqueror in 1068, is all that remains of York Castle, with a newly added roof deck offering stunning views of the city.

Guy Fawkes, notorious for attempting to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London on 5th November, 1605, was born in York in 1570.

York’s medieval walls are the longest town walls in England, with the raised walkway stretching for two miles (3.4km) around the city.

Things to do in York

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

Jorvik Viking Centre

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

photohodgeuk

York Minster

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

The Shambles

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

National Railway Museum York

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

York City Walls

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

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Roots, York

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

York's Chocolate Story

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

York Castle Museum

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

VisitBritain

Unique York Walking Tours - Invisible Cities

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

The York Dungeon

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

Yorkshire Photo Walks

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

northyorkmoors

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York

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

McArthur Glen York Designer Outlet

Antiques Centre York

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

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

Rowntree Park

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

Ian Lamond / Alamy Stock Photo

York Racecourse

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

Holy Trinity Church

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

Ian Roscoe / Alamy Stock Photo

York Art Gallery

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

Merchant Adventurers' Hall

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

Merchants Hall York

Hidden Gems Food Crawl

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

Tours in a Dish

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

Matthew Curtis

Yorkshire Heart Vineyard & Brewery

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

Yorkshire Heart Vineyard

Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York

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

Getty Images/Joe Daniel Price

Science Museum Group/Eleanor Bentall

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

Grand Opera House York

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

Milner Creative

York Early Music Festival

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

Ben Puch/National Centre for Early Music

The Bloody Tour of York

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

Clifford’s Tower

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

English Heritage/Dominic Lipinski

The Ghost Bus Tours York

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

Breezy Knees Gardens

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

Breezy Knees Garden

River Ouse Cruise

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

Sergii Figurnyi / Alamy Stock Photo

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

Robert Lazenby / Alamy Stock Photo

Coppergate Shopping Centre

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

Goodramgate

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

Jack Cousin / Alamy Stock Photo

Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park

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

Planet Food

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

Matthew Lightfoot

Featured things to do

Up to the heights

Discover the newly reopened Clifford’s Tower after its £5 million facelift to transform this 800-year-old landmark and drink in the 360-degree views of the city.

Whether you take a river boat cruise and enjoy afternoon tea or hop onboard a Red Boat and become the skipper of your own boat, the River Ouse is a pretty relaxing way to take in the city.

invisiblacitiestours

Take a walking tour

Walking tours run by homeless people who literally know the streets inside out, means you can give something back. All money raised from Invisible York Tours helps support the homeless.

Discover the history of chocolate

Learn how three clever families of Rowntree’s, Terry’s and Cravens made York a chocolate capital, create a bar of your own at York’s Chocolate Story.

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.

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.

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.

VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

Yorkshire Dales

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

VisitBritain/MattCant

North York Moors

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

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

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. 

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 .

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

Want to know more.

• Go to VisitYork

Planning a business event in York?

• Go to VisitYork conference
• Go to MeetEngland

Sales and distribution

Gain access to live availability, pricing and content for accommodation, tours, events and attractions – every kind of UK supplier, together in one place for the first time.

VisitBritain Shop

Access more than 500 visitor experiences, transport tickets and products, with an exclusive travel trade discount.

Red Bike Tours

The latest news, straight to your inbox

Sign up for our newsletters to receive inspirational content, practical resources and information about Britain’s new products and events.

Explore our curated information for...

Everything you need to inspire your clients. Discover new products, experiences and itinerary ideas – plus useful resources and the latest market insights.

Reach new customers and increase your profitability. Drive sales with our tools, events and training, find out about quality assessment and get expert guidance from the England Business Advice Hub.

Build sustainable and valuable growth. Learn about England’s new destination management structure, find expert advice, and boost your proposition with our training and toolkits.

Access resources for business events to support your business development and event strategy. Discover England, Scotland and Wales' business event offering for your next conference, incentive, exhibition or event.

Discover our media centres, image and video library and latest press releases, plus contacts for our corporate and consumer press teams.

Studying tourism at school, college or university? We’ve gathered essential resources and data for students of tourism, plus information about our internships.

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Things to Do in York (Yorkshire, England)

15 Best Things to Do in York (Yorkshire, England)

A city with two millennia of history to unpack, York has stupendous historical wonders in a quaint Medieval cityscape.

The Romans founded York as a fortress in AD 71, and the emperors Hadrian, Septimus and Constantius I all had their British seat in York while on campaigns.

Constantine the Great was declared Roman Emperor at this very place in 306 when his father died.

The sight that wins all hearts is York Minster, an English Gothic masterpiece built over the Roman fortress and graced by brilliant Medieval stained glass windows.

York continues to be defended by walls that were first raised by the Romans 2,000 years ago, and you can do a full 3.4-kilometre circuit along the battlements.

In the Industrial Revolution York became the nerve centre of northeast England’s railway network and is the fitting location for the UK’s National Railway Museum.

Let’s explore the best things to do in York :

1. York Minster

The city’s cathedral is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe.

There’s much to see, like the 15th-century East Window, which at 24 metres is the largest expanse of Medieval stained glass in the world.

Some two million pieces of glass make up York Minster’s 128 stained glass windows, all fitted with elaborate tracery.

Maybe the loveliest is the Decorated Gothic Great West Window from the 13th century, with tracery forming a heart shape known as the “Heart of Yorkshire”. Coming up for 600 years after it was built, the Perpendicular Gothic Central Tower remains the highest structure in York at 72 metres.

You can go up 275 steps for an exhilarating view over the city’s rooftops.

Now, in The Undercroft below the cathedral there’s an interactive exhibition covering 2,000 years of York history, with excavated Roman barracks visible through glass floors and a 1,000-year-old illuminated manuscript.

2. Shambles

Snaking north to south through York’s historic centre, Shambles is a picture perfect Medieval shopping street.

The oldest of the corbelled and half-timbered buildings on Shambles date back to the 1300s.

From those times up to the 20th century the street was the reserve of butchers, intentionally narrow to help keep meat out of the sunlight, as it would be presented to buyers on shelves beneath open windows.

A few of these shelves are still in place along the street today.

Meanwhile the old butcher’s shops have all disappeared to be taken over by tea shops, cafes, restaurants and quirky boutiques purveying leather, fudge, Yorkshire wool and jewellery.

Included in : York: City Highlights Walking Tour

3. City Walls

York has been ringed by walls since Roman times, and these defences were altered by successive Medieval occupants before gaining their current course and design between the 12th and 14th centuries.

The one fragment of the Roman wall still standing is the Multangular Tower in Museum Gardens, raised in the 310s during the rule of Constantine the Great.

You can walk the full 3.4-kilometre circuit of York’s walls in a couple of hours.

On the walk you’ll see 45 towers and four main bars (gates): Bootham, Monk, Walmgate and Micklegate, all deserving a closer look.

Monk Bar has a portcullis in working condition, while Walmgate Bar’s 15th-century oak doors are intact.

4. National Railway Museum

In the 19th century York became the archetypal railway town, partly through the help of railway financier George Hudson in the 1830s.

By the turn of the 20th century more than 5,500 people were employed at the headquarters and works of the North Eastern Railway, and the modern York station is a principal stop on the East Coast Main Line.

The National Railway Museum charts 200 years of locomotion, in immense halls containing machines like the Mallard, the fastest steam locomotive in the world.

The modern equivalent, a Shinkansen engine also has pride of place at the museum, and these are just two of a fleet of spick and span locomotives on show.

The Station Hall recalls a century of life at a working station, while kids can watch engineers in action at The Workshop, explore the inner-workings of engines at interactive displays and take a ride on a miniature train.

5. York Castle Museum

In the 18th century a lot of the remaining stonework from York Castle’s bailey was reused to build a Neoclassical hall, serving as both an administrative building for the county and a prison.

The York Castle Museum was founded here in 1938 and recreates hundreds of years of York’s history.

In these interactive galleries you can see some of the cells and learn about life in a Victorian debtor’s prison or live it up at a Victorian parlour and 17th-century dining room.

In 2014 the “1914: When the World Changed” exhibition opened, remembering the First World War and its impact on York.

You can also go for a walk along Kirgate as it would have looked in Victorian times and relive the fashion and music of the 1960s.

6. Clifford’s Tower

The last remaining piece of York Castle is the ruined keep, which stands on a grassy Norman motte (earthwork mound). The previous wooden tower that was built here in the 11th century came to a grim end in 1190, when York’s 150-strong Jewish population was besieged by a mob and opted to commit suicide as the tower burnt down.

The stone keep dates to the 13th century and is a part of York’s identity despite being gutted by an explosion in 1684. The tower was used as a treasury and prison, and has information panels explaining what came before.

You can get up onto the battlements to contemplate York Minster, the city and the moors in the distance to the north.

See York from the water : River Ouse City Cruise Anytime Ticket

7. Treasurer’s House

Just north of York Minster is the Treasurer’s House, a grand residence where the Minster’s Treasurer would receive important guests.

When this post was abolished by Henry VIII the house came into the hands of three successive Archbishops of York.

There are building elements from the 11th and 12th centuries, but most of the Treasurer’s House as it appears today is from a Mannerist redesign in the early 17th century, when the curved gables, window pediments and Classical entrance were built.

In the 19th century the house belonged to the rich industrialist Frank Green, and his splendid furniture collection is on show inside.

Also special is the main hall, ordered by Green and with an exquisite half-timbered gallery.

8. Merchant Adventurers’ Hall

A superlative monument from Medieval York, the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is a timber-framed guildhall that can be traced back 1357. It was founded by a religious fraternity that was eventually granted the status of Merchant Adventurers by Queen Elizabeth, and was a base for the guild to perform its charity, business and spiritual obligations.

The three main spaces at the hall are the imposing Great Hall for feasts, the Undercroft, which was used as an almshouse for the sick and needy, and the Chapel where the merchants and people living at the almshouse would worship.

There are still 160 Merchant Adventurers in York today, and you can hear about some of history’s prominent Merchant Adventurers and see an array of artefacts from the guild’s long history.

9. Fairfax House

A fine Georgian townhouse next to Clifford’s Tower, the Grade I listed Fairfax House is a museum recording how the other half lived in the 18th century.

The building dates to the 1740s, and in 1759 was bought as a winter home by 9th Viscount Fairfax of Emley who hired the eminent architect John Carr to remodel the interiors.

Over time the building was used as a gentleman’s club, building society and cinema, before being restored in 1980s and turned into a museum.

The interiors are appointed according to the tastes of the day, with dainty stuccowork on the ceilings, damask wallpapers, musical instruments, portraits and antique books.

You’ll get in touch with the evening entertainment to social commitments and dining habits of the period.

10. Jorvik Viking Centre

In the 9th and 10th centuries York was controlled by Norse warrior kings known as the Kings of Jórvík (Norse for York), and that heritage is celebrated at this edutainment-style attraction.

The Viking Centre was hit by the floods in December 2015 but took the opportunity to modernise, reopening in spring 2017 after a refit.

You’ll go on a ride back to 960 when York was under the yoke of the last Viking King Eric Bloodaxe, descend 6.5 metres to the reconstructed Viking-era Coppergate trading street, admire some 800 authentic artefacts up close and get to see Viking craft demonstrations by costumed actors.

The lifelike mannequins at the Viking Centre have an interesting story as they have been modelled using skeletons excavated at a Viking-era cemetery.

11. St Mary’s Abbey

Founded in 1088, west of York’s city walls between Bootham and the Ouse, St Mary’s Abbey was at one time the richest Benedictine abbey in the North of England.

Its ruins lie in what is now the Yorkshire Museum Gardens after it was dissolved under Henry VIII in 1539. Although a lot of its stone was removed in the 18th century, a long stretch of the nave wall and a tall section of the crossing are still here, broken by pointed Gothic windows, and with beautiful tracery on the blind aches below.

There are traces of the cloister, hospitum, Abbot’s House, West Gate and a large extent of the protective walls built in 1260.

12. Yorkshire Air Museum

At what used to be the RAF Elvington airfield, the Yorkshire Air Museum stands out both for its fleet of aircraft but also as the most complete Bomber Command Station open to the public.

The museum’s 50 aircraft span the development of aviation, from the replica George Cayley Golder (1853) to a Panavia Tornado multi-role combat aircraft (2003). There are seven examples from the Second World War, all in mint condition, including a Handley Page Halifax bomber and a De Havilland Mosquito, with fuselage made almost entirely from wood.

Check the calendar when you visit York as the museum stages regular “Thunder Days” when you’ll see, smell and hear the operational Second World War and Cold War machines up close.

13. Castle Howard

A 14-mile drive from the Vale to the Howardian Hills, Castle Howard is a trip that needs to be made.

This English Baroque stately home was designed for the 3rd Early of Carlisle by John Vanbrugh, one of the foremost architects of the day, who also happened to be a playwright.

Construction was drawn out, beginning in 1699 and after a few Palladian modifications, not finishing until 1811. The lasting image is the central dome, over a balustrade, cherubs, coronets and urns, and fronted by a pediment and pilasters.

Go in to see portraits, period furniture and opulent decoration, while information boards telling the story of each room and the people who lived here.

The 1,000-acre grounds are just as special, comprising an 18th-century Walled Garden, a Woodland Garden, lakes and waterways and a variety of Grade I listed temples and monuments.

14. York Maze

The UK’s largest maze is open for just a small window every year, during the school summer holidays between mid-July and the start of September.

The “Giant Maize Maze” is planted with a million individual maize plants, and is of course the biggest draw, but there are all kinds of side attractions to keep youngsters active.

Kids can try and solve the Maze of Illusions, the Mineshaft Maze and the Finger Fortune Maze.

Also on hand is a “Cobstacle Course”, straw bale mountain, a tractor trailer ride, the “King Kernel’s House of Confusion”, crazy golf and even pig racing.

15. York Cold War Bunker

English Heritage’s most modern property is a slightly unsettling 20th-century artefact.

In the western Holgate suburb, the Cold Bunker was commissioned in 1961 and is the only Royal Observer Corps (ROC) bunker that has been preserved.

In the Cold War the ROC would have had the responsibility of warning the public of impending attacks and assessing nuclear fallout in the UK. The bunker supported 60 ROC personnel, and from Wednesday to Sunday you can go in to check out the dormitories, air filtration and generation system, canteen, kitchen, operations room, communication equipment and computers from the 1980s.

15 Best Things to Do in York (Yorkshire, England):

• York Minster
• National Railway Museum
• York Castle Museum
• 6. Clifford's Tower
• Treasurer's House
• Merchant Adventurers' Hall
• Fairfax House
• Jorvik Viking Centre
• St Mary's Abbey
• Yorkshire Air Museum
• Castle Howard
• York Cold War Bunker

16 Top-Rated Things to Do in York, England

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Although Yorkshire has long been divided into four counties, York is still considered the capital of this lovely corner of Northern England.

The city is filled with fun things to do and attractions that reveal the many layers of its long history. York boasts the country's longest circuit of medieval city walls , stretching over two miles and offering marvelous views of the city. It is also home to York Minster , the largest medieval church in England.

York is immensely walkable. Restrictions keep vehicles away from the major attractions that you'll most likely to want to visit, ensuring a safe, traffic-free experience as you wander.

For more great ideas about these and other things to do in this beautiful part of England, read through our list of the top attractions in York, England.

See also: Where to Stay in York

1. York Minster

2. national railway museum, 3. medieval york city walls, 4. ramble through the shambles, 5. york castle museum, 6. clifford's tower, 7. jorvik viking centre, 8. castle howard, 9. yorkshire museum and gardens, 10. stonegate and barley hall, 11. explore the river ouse by boat or on foot, 12. visit york's many churches, 13. head to beverley to see yorkshire's other minster, 14. yorkshire wolds way, 15. yorkshire air museum & allied air forces memorial, 16. york early music festival, where to stay in york for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to york, more must-see destinations near york.

Imposing York Minster, known in full as the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, is a must-visit. It was built to commemorate the monks who converted those living in the surrounding countryside to Christianity. You'll spot its spires from pretty much every corner of the city, making it an easy attraction to find.

Dedicated to St. Peter, York Minster's bishops even sat on the council at Arles in 314 CE. After this, little is known until 627 CE, when the oldest documented wooden church was built here for the baptism of King Edwin of Northumbria. Succeeding Saxon and Norman constructions were destroyed, and the present cathedral was built in the Gothic style in the 13th century.

A highlight of a tour is seeing the Minster's impressive stained-glass windows, most notably the Pilgrimage Window . Dating from about 1312 and positioned above a stunning golden dragon's head that stares up at it, the window depicts Peter surrounded by pilgrims along with a few unusual details, such as the funeral of a monkey.

Also of interest is the Cathedral Treasury, with its interactive galleries portraying the building's colorful history from its Roman roots to today. Displays include more than 2,000 years of remarkable artifacts found nearby that provide an insight into the cathedral's important role over the centuries.

And if you've got a head for heights, York Minster's spectacular medieval Central Tower , the highest point in the city, is a must-do. But be warned: it does involve a climb of 230 feet up 275 steps, so be prepared to expend some energy.

Along the way, you'll enjoy close-up views of some of the cathedral's most interesting decorative features, including its pinnacles and gargoyles. Once outside, all that hard work will be rewarded with superb views of York's historic city center, so have your camera ready.

Address: Deangate, York, England

Official site: https://yorkminster.org

• Read More: Exploring York Minster: A Visitor's Guide

Located just a short walk away from York railway station, the National Railway Museum has an impressive array of locomotives and carriages dating from 1820 to the present day. You'll want to begin your adventure exploring the many exhibits in the Great Hall. Here, you'll find displays and engines related to the early days of steam, from the famous Stephenson's Rocket , which pulled Britain's first passengers, to the exquisite Mallard , the world's fastest steam engine.

The Great Hall also houses an impressive collection of modern diesel and electric engines, including a Japanese bullet train. Other fun things to do here include climbing over a replica pedestrian bridge for a bird's-eye view of the engines, and taking a fast virtual ride aboard the Mallard Experience.

Over in Station Hall, preserved railway platforms and their parked engines offer an authentic peek into the workings of a Victorian-era train station. Highlights include a Victorian mail train from 1838, turn-of-the-century freight and steam trains, and luxurious Edwardian Pullman carriages.

Also on display is a collection of Royal Trains, including carriages once used by Queen Victoria . If possible, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the regular demonstrations of the facility's vintage turntable for an up-close look at how these massive machines were turned around (check the museum's official website below for details).

The museum also boasts more than a million artifacts. The collection includes everything from posters to paintings, along with more than 1,000 hours of unique recordings relating to Britain's rich railway history. A reference library, known as the "Search Engine," is also available for those wanting to dig a little deeper.

No-cost admission undoubtedly makes this attraction the best thing to do for free in York. Guided tours are available for a fee. A great York afternoon tea experience can also be enjoyed in the historic Countess of York carriage (advance bookings recommended).

Address: Leeman Road, York, England

Official site: www.nrm.org.uk

A walk along York's medieval city walls leaves a lasting impression of this beautiful city. Built mainly in the 14th century, the walls incorporate some of the city's original Roman structures and total over two miles (3.4 kilometers) in length.

Adding to the fun is the chance to explore four of the old gates , all of them well-preserved. These include Walmgate Bar, Monk Bar, and Bootham Bar, all with their original portcullis, and Micklegate Bar with its three knights.

If you've only got time to tackle part of the wall, the stretch of wall between Bootham Bar and Monk Bar offers excellent views of York Minster.

Location: Monk Bar and Micklegate Bar, York, England

Official site: www.york.gov.uk/CityWalls

One of York's biggest tourist attractions is the Shambles, a narrow 14th-century thoroughfare with lovely overhanging timber-framed buildings.

Once known as "The Great Flesh Shambles" for its numerous butcher shops and stalls, the area is now an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, tearooms, and boutiques. Look up as you stroll, and you can still spot the meat hooks outside many of these old shop fronts.

The Shambles is also where you'll find five of York's fascinating Snickelways . This collection of small streets and winding footpaths connects the old city and is a treat to explore. The area is especially fun to explore in early winter, when the streets are lit as part of the city's annual Christmas Festival.

Built on the site of the original castle, York Castle Museum offers a marvelous insight into the English way of life throughout the centuries. Highlights include Kirkgate , a perfect recreation of a Victorian street, complete with shops; Toy Stories , a history of children's toys; and a Victorian parlor and 17th-century dining room.

Another fascinating exhibit is The Cells in the old Debtors Prison. A highlight of a visit is seeing the former Condemned Cell once occupied by highwayman Dick Turpin. The site has in fact been a place of incarceration for more than 1,000 years, with the York Crown Court still holding those accused of serious crimes.

Afterwards, be sure to check out the museum's database of former prisoners and victims going back hundreds of years for mention of any relatives! Picnic facilities are available, along with a gift shop.

Address: Tower Street, York, England

Official site: www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

Located between Fishergate and Skeldergate Bridge and overlooking York Castle Museum, Clifford's Tower was originally built of wood by the Normans in 1068. What you see towering above you today, however, was constructed in the 13th century as a replacement for the original wooden fortress, and is the oldest remaining part of York Castle.

Named after Roger de Clifford, who was executed here in 1322 as leader of the Lancastrian party, the tower was also infamous as the place where the king would put those he had executed on display.

Recently upgraded and renovated with large wood beams and steel stairways, the tower is popular today for its stunning panoramic views over the city.

Official site: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cliffords-tower-york/

The Jorvik Viking Centre in Coppergate documents the daily lives of the Vikings in 9th-century York, or "Jorvik." The site includes reconstructions of Viking dwellings and medieval workshops and is built above the remains of 1,000-year-old wooden houses.

The museum also hosts on- and off-site reenactments , as well as opportunities for young and old alike to dress up and play Vikings – without, of course, any of the pillaging. If possible, try to plan your visit to coincide with the center's annual Viking Festival, held each February.

Address: 19 Coppergate, York, England

An easy 30-minute drive northeast of York is majestic Castle Howard. Set amid 1,000 acres of parkland and richly furnished with antiquities and treasures, family-owned Castle Howard is undoubtedly one of England's most spectacular country estates.

This magnificent Palladian mansion, famous as the backdrop for acclaimed TV drama Brideshead Revisited , was built for the third Earl of Carlisle by dramatist-turned-architect John Vanbrugh. Its many elegant rooms contain paintings and carvings, period furniture, and costumes, as well as valuable vases and statues.

The grounds are on a scale to match the house, with an impressive family mausoleum, an obelisk, a pyramid, and the lovely Temple of the Four Winds . And, of course, there's the spectacular fountain at the front of the mansion, perfect for the ultimate "selfie."

Feeling peckish? There are no less than three great cafés on-site, each serving a wonderful afternoon tea, plus a coffee shop and ice-cream parlor. Be sure to check the official website for news of concerts and events, including the popular Festival of Dogs , a fun gathering of pet-owners from far and wide, with their pups, of course.

Address: The Estate Office, Castle Howard, York, England

Official site: www.castlehoward.co.uk

Along with its superb geological and natural history collections, the Yorkshire Museum contains many important Roman and Anglo-Saxon archaeological artifacts. It's also where you'll find the 1,000-year-old Cawood Sword , the best preserved such Viking weapon in the world. Medieval sculptures and utensils are exhibited in St. Mary's Abbey.

Be sure to spend time in the lovely, and free to enter, Museum Gardens . Extending across some 10 acres in the heart of the old city, this beautiful garden is home to more than 40 species of birds, as well as trees, shrubs, and flowers under the ruined walls and arches of the medieval St. Mary's Abbey.

Recently expanded, the gardens now include an Edible Wood and an Artists Garden, an outdoor gallery with rotating exhibits.

Address: Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York, England

Official site: www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk

The area between Coney Street and King's Square near York Minster is a bustling pedestrianized shopping quarter famous for its narrow cobbled streets and charming shops and cafés. It's where you'll find old St. Helen's Church, named in honor of the mother of Emperor Constantine, with its 15th-century stained glass windows.

It's also where you'll find the Mansion House, designed by Lord Burlington. Built in 1725, it's now the official residence of the Lord Mayor. Also worthy of a visit in Stonegate is Barley Hall , a 14th-century townhouse that aims to provide an authentic look at life during medieval times.

Address: 2 Coffee Yard, York, England

Official site: www.barleyhall.co.uk

Spend time exploring the banks of the River Ouse, which splits York in two. In addition to its numerous lovely gardens, you can see wonderful examples of riverside architecture, such as the majestic 15th-century Guildhall .

Another great view of York can be enjoyed from a cruise on the river, either on an all-weather passenger boat or on a self-drive motor boat. In the summer, cruises also go to Bishopthorpe Palace , the riverside residence of the Archbishop of York. And don't forget to stop for a sweet treat from the Solar Ice Cream Boat .

Two of York's prettiest churches are St. Martin-le-Grand in Coney Street, a charming mix of medieval and modern architecture, and St. Michael's in Spurriergate, with its 12th-century arcades, glass paintings, and impressive 18th-century altarpiece.

Other churches of note include St. Mary's in Bishophill Junior, with its Saxon tower and an altar by Temple Moore; St. Denys' in Walmgate, with 14th-century stained-glass windows; St. Margaret's (also in Walmgate) with its Roman doorway and tower; and attractive little Trinity Church (14th century) in Goodramgate, with its small garden.

The 15th-century All Saints Church in North Street is also worth visiting, and is notable for its stained-glass windows, and the Oratory Church of Saint Wilfrid, York, usually just called York Oratory, is known as the "Mother Church of the city of York."

Just 29 miles from York, the attractive old market town of Beverley lies in the foothills of the East Yorkshire Wolds. Its best-known landmark is the impressive Beverley Minster , a 334-foot-long cathedral made even more famous for its starring role as a stand-in for London's Westminster Abbey in the hit TV series, Queen Victoria .

Notable highlights include its lovely Romanesque marble font and the Maiden's Tomb . The choir is a magnificent example of Early English architecture, and its choir-stalls (1520) have the largest number of misericords in England (68).

Other fun things to do in Beverley include visiting St. Mary's , a cross-shaped church begun in the 12th century, and attending the Beverley Early Music Festival in May, which highlights both early music and the architectural heritage of the town.

Address: 38 Highgate, Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire

Part of the National Trail Network, Yorkshire Wolds Way passes through the delightful scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Wolds , which in places rises to heights of up to 800 feet.

This nearly 80-mile trail runs from Filey near Scarborough on the North East Coast south to Hull . Along the way, you can stop off at quaint B&Bs or well-equipped campsites (the full trail takes six days to complete), or simply tackle one or two highlights such as the deserted medieval village of Wharram Percy.

Official site: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/yorkshire-wolds-way

Just 20 minutes' drive east of historic downtown York, the Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial makes a pleasant outing for those interested in the machinery and the history of war. Established in RAF Elvington, a former WWII bomber base, the museum encompasses the largest independently owned collections of aircraft in the country.

Highlights include exhibits focusing on the history of flight, along with a variety of static displays of vintage aircraft and vehicles. Of the 50 planes owned by the museum, many are still operational and are put through their paces during special "Thunder Day" events held throughout the year.

Address: Halifax Way, Elvington, York, England

Official site: www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

The weeklong York Early Music Festival (NCEM) takes place each July and focuses on a different composer and theme each year. Events include choral and chamber concerts and recitals as well as larger symphonic performances in some of York's most popular music venues.

There are also lectures related to featured composers. Another annual event is the York Food Festival held in the autumn, an excellent chance to sample some of the best food and drink from the city and its surrounds.

Address: The National Centre for Early Music, St. Margaret's Church, Percy's Lane, York, England

Official site: www.ncem.co.uk

York's top tourist attractions lie within or just outside its irregular ring of ancient walls. Less than two kilometers across, this area is best explored on foot, so any address inside is a perfect location for sightseeing. This old city center is divided by the River Ouse, with most major sights on the northeast side. The rail station is just outside the walls on the west. Here are some highly-rated hotels in York:

Luxury Hotels :

• On the side of the old town near the rail station, The Grand Hotel & Spa has a pool, a restaurant, and superb service.
• Just outside the walls and only a two-minute walk from the station and boasting its own entrance from this transportation hub, the opulently restored The Principal York has a pool and rooms with lovely views over the gardens and York Minster, an easy 10-minute walk away.
• The well-located boutique The Parisi Hotel and Townhouse has characterful rooms, some overlooking the courtyard, along with complimentary breakfast and parking.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Close to several restaurants and a short walk from attractions, Hotel Indigo York has individually decorated rooms and an intimate boutique feel.
• Locations don't get any better than Dean Court Hotel, BW Premier Collection , overlooking York Minster, surrounded by restaurants and shops, and about one minute from the Shambles and three minutes from access to walking around the wall.
• Just across the river from York Castle Museum and Tower Gardens, Middletons York is set in well-kept grounds with a pool and gym.

Budget Hotels:

• Novotel York Centre overlooks the river near York Castle Museum and Tower Gardens and has an indoor pool.
• Also overlooking the river, Park Inn by Radisson York has rooms with views of York Minster, a short walk away.
• Just across the bridge from the old center and the Jorvik Viking Center, The Queens Hotel has on-site parking.

Sightseeing :

• If you're planning on cramming in as many places to see as you can, consider a handy City Sightseeing York Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour . This sightseeing bus takes in most of the major tourist attractions and is valid for 24 hours.
• The Best of York on Foot in a Small Group tour is another way to see the city while getting a little exercise. This allows you to see some of the major sites as you wander the streets with a guide. The tour takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Most tourists visiting York want to see a bit more of northern England, too. Several interesting choices are not far away. Leeds , a short distance to the southeast, is a cultural center known for annual events such as the Leeds Festival, the Leeds International Film Festival, and the Leeds International Concert Season.

To the southeast is the university town of Hull , named the UK City of Culture for 2017. North of York is Durham , with its magnificent cathedral, and not far beyond is Newcastle-upon-Tyne , with the Theatre Royal and City Hall, which make the city a magnet for rock and pop concert goers.

Those planning to visit the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park should consider traveling a bit farther into the Lake District , where another national park protects 16 glacial lakes surrounded by fells, moors, and mountains.

More on England

York’s Calendar: A Local’s Guide to the Best Time To Visit York 🗓️🔍

Grey Globetrotters contains affiliate links and is an Amazon Services LLC Associates Program member. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy  for more information.

THINKING ABOUT VISITING YORK BUT NOT SURE WHEN TO GO? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

Historic walled York in North Yorkshire, England, is a popular tourist destination with rich history and cultural landmarks, including medieval walls, York Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre, and the National Railway Museum.

A friendly, year-round tourist destination, there’s no best month or perfect time to visit York. But the variation in the seasons is notable, and each brings different cultural attractions, festivals, and dramatically different weather!

If I’m pushed – I’d suggest that late Spring is the perfect time to visit York, although the city is absolutely fantastic during December, with one of the best Christmas markets in the UK!

Ultimately, the best time to visit York depends on what you want to see and do in the city and what type of weather you prefer!

From bustling festivals and “the great outdoors” in the summer to cosy winter days by a roaring fire in a friendly pub or browsing for bargains in York’s award-winning Christmas markets , there’s something for everyone in York – year-round.

This article shares the best time to visit York, shares information about the weather and average temperatures, and highlights some of the city’s most exciting events throughout the year.

Let’s get stuck in 🙂 because you are going to LOVE York, just like I do!

When Is The Best Time to Visit York?

I’ve lived in Yorkshire for over a decade and know York well! I know that York has four distinct seasons with dramatically different weather patterns and temperatures:

• 🐣 Spring (March-May) Shoulder Season
• 🌻 Summer (June-August) High Season
• ☂️ Autumn (Fall) (September-November) Shoulder Season
• ❄️ Winter (December-February) Low Season ( except Christmas )

The busiest tourist seasons in York are Easter, the UK school holidays (mid/late July to early September) and Christmas.

1. Visiting York in the Spring 🐣

• Great value time to visit
• Spring flowers in bloom
• Go to the races

York Literature Festival

• Easter celebrations
• Busy at Easter
• Busy over May public holidays
• Likely to rain

Spring in York is gorgeous, with average temperatures rising from 9°C in March to 17°C in May. April, however, is one of York’s wettest months of the year, with an average rainfall of 77 mm! 

☔️ Local Tip: If you plan to visit York in the spring, pack a windproof travel umbrella and light rain gear.

After a long, cold winter, York eagerly awaits the first signs of spring. As the days start to lengthen, it’s a great time to visit before the summer crowds descend.

York buzzes with tourists at Eastertime, and the wonderful Easter services at York Minster (York’s gothic cathedral) are particularly popular.

In early spring, hosts of cheery golden daffodils carpet the banks of the medieval York City Walls and Clifford’s Tower before the delicate pink and white cherry blossoms appear and make the city even more beautiful.

🌸 Find York’s most beautiful cherry tree blossoms between York Station and the city walls, or take a short train ride to see Harrogate’s glorious cherry trees on the Stray.

🌧 If the weather is cold and wet, you won’t run out of amazing places to explore indoors, and you can save money on entry charges to York’s key attractions with a York Pass .

🍺 When you get chilled, warm up by a roaring fire in one of York’s characterful old pubs and tuck into some hearty Yorkshire food while you wait for the sun to reappear.

Alternatively, you can dodge the raindrops in the Shambles – the best-preserved medieval street in Europe – where stalls sell everything from local produce to international delicacies.

Over the busy Easter weekend and during the UK public holidays at the start and end of May, expect accommodations to sell out fast!

➡️ Find the best deals on York’s hotels, B&Bs and private accommodations here .

events in York in the Spring

York chocolate festival.

The festival includes chocolate lollipop making, chocolate tastings, hands-on cookery workshops, and a chocolate walking trail. YUM!

Easter Celebrations

• Awe-inspiring services at York Minster
• Easter-themed gifts to buy in the Shambles market and in the beautiful Käthe Wohlfahrt store
• Edible Easter goodies at Betty’s Cafe & Tea Rooms (look out for the fabulous window display)

Live events celebrating the written and spoken word, with more than 20 events held throughout March at venues across the city centre.  

A day at the races is the perfect excuse to put your glad rags on, sip Champagne and have a flutter on your favourite horse. 

York Races run from April to September on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. They are easy to get to, even if you don’t have a car and a great opportunity to experience some of the city’s rich racing heritage

2. Visiting York in the Summer 🌻

• Warm weather
• Long days for exploring
• Boat trips & river cruises
• Al fresco dining
• Peak season prices
• Availability of accommodations

If you love warmer temperatures and like exploring without the hassle of a coat, summer is the best time to visit York. With the best weather of all seasons, summer is the perfect time to explore York’s atmospheric streets and outdoor attractions.

Average temperatures rarely become oppressive, even in high summer, so you’ll enjoy pleasant weather when you visit York in the summer.

Summertime is York’s busiest season, with the longest hours of sunshine and the warmest days. The city swells with tourists – especially during the UK summer holiday season (late July to early September).

August is typically the busiest month in the city , while early June to early July offers comfortable temperatures with fewer crowds.

If you don’t enjoy crowds,it’s easy to avoid the city centre and use your York Pass to focus on York’s quieter attractions, such as the Yorkshire Museum and Clifford’s Tower, or take a cruise on the River Ouse .

Alternatively, spend long sunny days on day trips from York to some of the best places in the surrounding area, including the vast and beautiful North York Moors.

York is in the far north of England! While summer is generally warm, don’t assume it won’t rain! June is the wettest month of the year in York, with an average rainfall of 3 inches (77 mm).

Events in York in the Summer

York early music festival.

This cultural festival will celebrate York’s many medieval churches, guildhalls and historic houses through historically informed music making.

Merchants Adventurer’s Beer Festival

New for 2023, this charity event – in the 665 year old, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall – will bring quality ales, tasty food, local entertainment and (hopefully) summer sunshine together!

York Festival of Ideas

York Festival of Ideas offers stimulating and diverse events for all ages and interests at venues throughout the city, including world-class speakers, films, guided walks, and family-friendly activities.

Summer might just be the best time to dress up and head to the races with friends!

READ NEXT : The Ultimate Packing List for Yorkshire . Discover the essential items you will need for your trip to York.

3. Visiting York in the Autumn ☂️

• Cheaper accommodations
• Awesome Christmas markets
• Atmospheric ghost tours
• Real fires in cosy pubs
• Short daylight hours
• It’s often VERY cold

Autumn is an excellent time to explore some of the city’s famous historical attractions. York Minster is a hot favourite (make sure to arrive early for the remarkable tower tour), or explore life as a Viking in York at the excellent Jorvik Viking Centre.

While there’s a good chance of rain at this time of year, September’s average high temperature is around 17°C. This drops to a chilly 7°C by November, so you’ll want to pack a warm jacket and waterproof shoes.

The days are getting shorter for sightseeing, with the sun setting as early as 4:30 pm in November, so you’ll want to maximise the daylight hours.

It’s still very pleasant to walk around the city in the autumn, to see all the trees wreathed in shades of russet and red. There are fewer tourists than in the summer, but you won’t feel like Billy No-Mates visiting the city – in fact, it’s a great city for solo travellers.

Events in York in the Autumn

Autumn is the best time to visit York for festivals – there’s a packed programme of cultural events to choose from!

York Food Festival

22nd Sept to 1st Oct  2023

York Beer Festival (CAMRA)

Wed 13 – Sun 17 Sept

Fossgate Festival

A unique way to experience city life in York and enjoy one of York’s oldest and most characterful streets, with independent shops, cafes, bars, and the beautiful Merchant Adventurers’ Hall. 

The street is closed to vehicles making it safe for everyone to browse and enjoy. The festival runs from ​12 noon to 7:30 pm; however, bars and restaurants remain open later, in line with their usual opening hours. 

As the most haunted city in Europe, York is a superb place to celebrate Halloween! ➡️ Check out the best ghost tours in York here >

Bonfire Night

Where better to celebrate the 5th of November than the city where Guy Fawkes plotted with others to blow up the Houses of Parliament?

If the organised events with bonfires, fireworks and hearty warming food don’t tempt you out into the cold, pop into the pub where Guy Fawkes was born for the evening instead!

October is your last chance for the year to attend the races.

4. Visiting York in the Winter ❄️

Despite its northern location, winter is a great time to visit York. With less chance of snow than in other parts of England, temperatures are relatively mild – but it can feel much colder when brutally cold winds blow in from the east coast – straight from the Balkans! 

February is typically the coldest month of the year, but it’s also the cheapest time to visit the city.

Top Tip:  Dress for the cold with a winter coat, sturdy shoes to keep out the worst of the weather, a warm hat and gloves, and a scarf.

Winter is a great time to enjoy the  Christmas markets or go ice skating at York’s Winter Wonderland . It’s also the best time of year to go on a spooky guided ghost tour around the medieval streets after dark.

Visit York before the Christmas market arrives, and you’ll have the luxury of exploring an uncrowded city. The local restaurants and pubs will welcome you with open arms at this time of year!

Events In The Winter in York

St nicholas fayre christmas market..

York’s St Nicholas Christmas market in the historic city centre is a gem. More than 80 Swiss-style chalets sell everything from hand-crafted Christmas decorations and gift ideas to delicious roast chestnuts, mince pies and mulled wine or cider. 

The market runs from late November until Christmas Eve, lighting up the medieval city walls and buildings and making the city feel even more atmospheric than usual!

York’s Winter Wonderland

Ice skating at York’s Winter Wonderland is sure to warm you up! The outdoor rink opens from late November until early January, making it ideal for active winter fun with loved ones. 

JORVIK Viking Festival (11th-19th February 2023.)

Vikings pitch their tents in central York in a city-wide celebration of York’s rich Norse heritage. This is Europe’s largest Viking festival and a fun way to ward off the winter chills.

Accommodations in York

York is exceptionally busy at Easter, in the summer, and in the month before Christmas: this is when you’ll find the highest prices. The best hotel room deals are quickly snapped up at these peak times.

T he best deals on hotel rooms in York are in early January and February 🙂

With so much to do in York, why not book a stay and enjoy more of what this exciting city offers?

Parking in York

Here’s the bad news! Parking in York is expensive – and driving around medieval city streets not designed for modern traffic is a nightmare!

If your accommodation has reserved parking, you’re onto a winner. Otherwise, it’s much easier, quicker and cheaper to use one of York’s excellent Park & Ride services or to travel to the city by train.

How To Get To York

York is located in Northern England, in the large, rural county of North Yorkshire. It’s well connected locally and nationally and easy to reach:

York is around 2 1/2 hours from London by train or 3 hours from Edinburgh. Manchester International Airport is 1 hour and 50 minutes by train.

From London and the South: Take the M1 motorway to Leeds, then the A1M to Junction 44. Take the A64 into York.

From Edinburgh : Take the A1M to Junction to Junction 47 and take the A59 into York.

Map of York in the UK

FAQs: the best time to visit York

Is january a good time to visit york.

January is a great time to visit York to shop for bargains, get great hotel deals and breeze through all of York’s tourist attractions without crowds!

Is York worth visiting in winter?

Definitely! York is very atmospheric in the winter, with plenty of things to do, an award-winning Christmas Market and wonderful cosy pubs to hunker down in after a chilly walk.

Does York have good weather?

Absolutely. York’s temperate climate makes it a great city to explore without getting too hot or cold!

Is York UK worth visiting?

I’ve written a whole post on this subject 🙂 Discover more about visiting York here .

What is the coldest month in York?

The coldest month overall is January, however, February typically sees the lowest minimum temperatures. Wrap up warm on those chilly days!

What is the hottest month in York?

Average temperatures peak in York in July, although August also sees warm, pleasant days.

Does it rain a lot in York?

York has a temperate climate and typically sees around 630 millimetres of rain yearly, with rain seen in most months. June is the wettest month of the year in York.

Is York nice at Christmas?

York is enchanting at Christmas. The medieval buildings look wonderful, bathed in the twinkling glow of the Christmas lights, and the award-winning York Christmas markets are a treat to visit.

How many tourists visit York each year?

York welcomes tourists, as they contribute over £760 million to York’s economy. Around 8.4 million people visit York each year.

Does it snow in York in January?

It can snow in York during winter, but this is unusual. It will be cold, so wearing warm clothes is advisable when visiting York in the winter.

What is the weather like in York at Christmas?

Expect single-digit temperatures in York for Christmas, with an average temperature of 5°C. Pack warm clothes, gloves, your cutest beanie and waterproof boots to keep the chills out.

What is the longest day in York?

The year’s longest day in York is the summer solstice in June.

What is the shortest day of the year in York?

The shortest day of the year in York is the mid-December winter solstice.

Is York good for a day trip?

York is the perfect city for a day trip, with a train journey from Leeds taking around 30 minutes, while direct trains from London take around 2 hours.

Final Thoughts On The Best Time To Visit York

York is a beautiful city to visit year-round. Each season offers its unique charm and attractions. However, the best time to visit York depends on your preferences and interests:

• Spring is the best time to visit York for good value, Easter celebrations, and to enjoy all the spring flowers
• Summer may be ideal for you if you enjoy warm weather, dining al fresco, and outdoor activities
• Autumn has mild weather, cool festivals and the chance to spend Halloween in Europe’s most haunted city !
• Winter could be the perfect season to experience all that York offers if you love traditional festive events and cosy indoor activities

These are the companies I use to book all of my trips. I only recommend companies I use and trust personally.

• ⭐️ Flight Deals : Wayaway or Expedia , or Skyscanner  
• ⭐️ Hotel Booking : Booking.com or Hotels.com
• ⭐️ Self-Catered Accommodation : VRBO
• ⭐️ Tours / Things To Do / Airport Transfers : Viator or Get Your Guide
• ⭐️ Travel Insurance : Travel Insurance Master  
• ⭐️ Car Rentals : Rentalcars.com

Like this post? Pin The Best Time To Visit York For Later!

Related Posts

• How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In York, England
• The Best Day Trips From York
• 14 Exciting Things To Do In York At Night
• What to Pack for Yorkshire – A Complete Packing List
• The Most Beautiful Towns in Yorkshire
• Mistletoe Magic: 16 Best Things To Do In York At Christmas 🎁

Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

Similar Posts

15 Top Things to Do in Goathland: A Yorkshire Gem

Grey Globetrotters contains affiliate links and is an Amazon Services LLC Associates Program member. If you make a purchase using one of…

30 Stunning Free Things To Do In Sheffield in 2024

Top Places to Stay in Ripon: 5 Best Areas (By A Local) 🇬🇧

12 Exciting Things to Do in York at Night in 2023

What to Do on a Rainy Day in Cornwall! 16 Unique Experiences

19 Best Things To Do In Harrogate: A Local’s Guide

York Stay Holidays

Luxury City centre holiday apartments with free parking

Key Events in York 2023

February 2023 10th-26th Dark Skies Festival- North York Moors 11th-19th- Jorvik Viking Festival – City-wide 12th- York Winter Comic Con – Racecourse

March 2023 6th- 12th York Restaurant Week – City-wide 2nd – 27th York Literature Festival – YSJ

April 2023 1st  York Blues Festival 15/16 and 22/23 April  York Open Studios  

Easter events 1st – 23rd Flying Scotsman at the National Railway Museum 6th- 10th York Chocolate Festival  part of York Food Festival 27th-1st May York Fashion Week – City-wide

May 2023 Coronation events? 17th-19th Dante Festival – York Racecourse 27th York Races

June 2023 3rd York Pride – City-wide 2nd-15th York Festival of Ideas – City-wide 16-17 York Races

July 2023 7th-9th Roman Festival – Museum Gardens 7-15 July York Early Music Festival    9th Dragon Boat Challenge – Ouse River 14th-15th John Smith Meeting – York Racecourse 15th July – 4th Sept  York Maze – Elvington 28th-29th Music Showcase Weekend – Racecourse

August 2023 1st Yorkshire Day – City-wide 5 ,6 12,13, 19 & 20 August York River Art Market – Dame Judi Dench Walk, Lendal Bridge, YO1 7DR (Behind the Museum Gardens) 23rd-26th Yorkshire Ebor Festival – York Racecourse 28th Micklegate Soapbox Challenge – Micklegate TBC York Walls Festival – City-wide

September 2023 2nd-3rd World Senior Darts Team – York Barbican 3rd York Unleashed Comic Con – Racecourse 8th-17th Heritage Open Day Festival – City-wide 10th York Races 15th-16th York Book Fair – Racecourse 22nd-1st Oct York Food Festival – Parliament Street 23rd – Candlelight Concert in York 23rd York Races

October 2023 13th-14th October Finale – York Racecourse 15th Yorkshire Marathon – City wide TBC Hallowscream – York Maze TBC YorktoberFest – York Racecourse 28th – Candlelight Concert in York

November 2023 1st-30th York Aesthetica Film Festival 18th – Candlelight Concert in York 25th- 3rd Dec UK Snooker Championship – Barbican York 16th Nov – 22nd December  York Christmas Festival – City wide

December 2023 8-17 Dec York Early Music Christmas Festival   

We also recommend that you check on the Visit York and Welcome to Yorkshire websites for up-to-date information.

See events happening in York over the next 7 days here  

York Stay Holidays - Luxury Holiday Apartments - York - UK

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

A Weekend in York Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in York England

Last updated: October 30, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - Leave a Comment

The beautiful walled city of York, England is the perfect location for a weekend break. It’s easily accessible from most of the UK, there’s plenty to see and do, and it’s compact enough for walking around.

We’ve visited York many times, and in this guide we’re going to share with you how to spend the perfect weekend in York. From what to see and do, to where to stay to how to get around.

This guide can be used for any two-day trip to York of course, it doesn’t have to be over a weekend. You can also extend it easily for a longer stay, as there’s a lot to see both in the city and in the surrounding area!

Let’s get started with this York weekend itinerary.

Weekend in York Itinerary

Our weekend York itinerary has you visiting many of the main sights in the city. Of course, as with all our itineraries, it’s a starting point for you to plan from. So feel free to adjust it based on your interests and sightseeing pace.

We like to see a lot when we travel, but if you prefer a slower pace, just adjust the itinerary to see fewer things per day.

If you are visiting over a weekend, you can either arrive in York on the Saturday morning and depart on the Sunday evening, or extend your stay to arrive on the Friday evening and depart either on the Sunday or Monday. It’s up to you.

Day 1 in York

For your first day in York you’re going to learn about the history of the city, explore some of the medieval walls, and visit the UK’s largest railway museum.

Note that if you are arriving by train on your first day in the city, you might consider re-ordering this itinerary so you start in the railway museum as it’s next to the railway station. There are left luggage facilities just next to the railway station to save you carrying your bags.

For getting around, we have a section on getting around after the itinerary. York is very walkable, but you might also choose to take a Hop on Hop off bus. If you do the hop on hop off bus (included on the York City Pass ), you’ll likely want to set up your sightseeing so it follows the route of the bus.

• York Minster

The gorgeously Gothic York Minster is a highlight of a visit to the city, and the imposing construction is visible from around York.

Two large towers dominate the western side, with a large central tower in the middle. It’s actually the largest Gothic style cathedral in the UK (yes, it’s bigger than Westminster Abbey!), and the second largest in Europe.

A church has been in this location since at least 627 AD, however; the present building was largely built between the 13th and 15th centuries.

There is plenty to see if you visit inside the Minster, which we recommend you do. For example, there is a lovely chapter house, the beautiful Great East Window (the largest medieval stained glass window in the world), a tower you can climb, and there’s even a crypt you can visit.

A highlight has to be a trip up the tower. At 235ft, the Central Tower is the highest point in the city, meaning you get wonderful panoramic views of the city around you. It costs a bit more to climb the tower but we think it’s well worth it for the view. There are 275 steps to the top, and there’s no lift option.

York Minster is normally open every day except Tuesdays and there’s a fee to visit. At last check, you needed to book online or by phone in advance to visit due to COVID restrictions. You can see prices and opening hours on the website here . Entry is included on the York City Pass .

Expect to spend around 90 minutes here, although this will depend if you choose to climb the tower and how fit you are if so! From York Minster to the Yorkshire Museum it’s a 5 minute walk.

• Yorkshire Museum and Gardens

York was founded in 71AD, when a Roman fortress was built here. For a period of time, it was actually the capital of Roman Britannia, and over the years it’s been everything from a Roman garrison town, a Viking stronghold, a trading centre, a Victorian engineering hub and even a confectionary powerhouse!

That is a lot of history to learn about. For those of you who love learning about the history of an area, then a visit to the Yorkshire Museum is in order.

This is found in the York Museum Gardens, situated next to the River Ouse. The 19th century gardens have a number of interesting sights, including Roman ruins, an 11th century ruined abbey, a 14th century Hospitum, and a 19th century observatory. You can read more about the sights in the garden and opening hours here , and it’s well worth taking a bit of time to wander around before or after your museum visit. The gardens are free to visit.

Of course, the highlight is going to be the actual Yorkshire Museum . Here you’ll be able to learn about the history of the city, from prehistoric times through to the arrival of the Romans and Medieval times. There’s an entry fee to visit, and you can read more about opening times and prices here . It’s included on the York City Pass.

Medieval Wall Walk

One of my favourite free things to do in York is wander along the walls. These walls have surrounded the city since Roman times, although they’ve been restored and improved upon over the years. Today, the majority of the walls you can see and explore date from the 12th to the 14th century, with major restorations taking place in Victorian times.

The walls are the most complete set of city walls in the UK, encircling large parts of the city centre. You can walk along the top of them on the wall walk, which elevates you above the city streets and gives some lovely views across the city. If you were to follow the whole route, you’d be looking at around a 2 hour walk of around 2.6 miles.

Of course, you don’t have to do the whole route and there are many sections you can walk. If you are following this itinerary, from the Yorkshire Museum simply cross over the River Ouse and join the city wall trail to the south of the river. You can follow it around to Micklegate Bar, one of the medieval gateways in and out of the city. It was traditionally the gate that monarchs would use for entering York.

It is about a 15 minute walk from the Yorkshire Museum to Micklegate Bar via the city walls.

You can also go inside the gate at Micklegate Bar to visit an exhibition about the history of the city walls, and their evolution from Roman times to the present day. This is a new experience, opened in 2022, and it’s also included with the York City Pass .

There are a number of pubs, restaurants, and shops around Micklegate , so this can be a good place to have lunch or stop for coffee before heading to the next stop on the itinerary.

For those interested in religious history, The Bar Convent is located next to Micklegate and is the oldest living convent in England. It is a museum and living heritage center and you can visit the exhibition for a small fee (included as part of the York Pass). But there is also a cafe here that serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea Monday to Saturday. We visited here and found it really interesting.

From Micklegate Bar to the National Railway Museum is a 12 minute walk.

National Railway Museum

If you are into trains (and even if you’re not!) we can highly recommend a visit to the National Railway Museum in York. This free museum is found right next to York railway station.

The museum is the largest museum dedicated to all things rail in the UK. It’s home to some of the most significant locomotives in railway history, including the Mallard, which still holds the record for the fastest steam locomotive ever built. There are usually around 100 locomotives or rolling stock on display, which when we visited included a Japanese bullet train and a Eurostar train.

Having the museum in York makes a lot of sense from a historical standpoint. First, York was famous in the 19th century for the production of railway carriages. In addition, direct trains were running from York to London as early as 1840, and the railway essentially saved York from years of decline. York was firmly on the railway map, and mass tourism took off. Yes, people have been visiting York for the weekend for quite some time!

Note that if there is a particular train or object you are interested in seeing, you should definitely check their website to be sure it is on display. Sometimes trains or other items are sent on mobile exhibitions, or put in storage.

The National Railway Museum is free to visit although donations are greatly appreciated. There’s also a shop and cafe on site, as well as a number of paid ride attractions including a fun Mallard simulator and miniature train rides. Lots of fun here for the whole family!

We’d recommend spending a couple of hours here. You can see more, including opening times and days, on the official website here . You should also check to see if you need to book tickets in advance.

From the National Railway Museum to city cruises departure is around a 15 – 20 minute walk, depending on which cruise you take.

• River Cruise

By now you have probably spent enough time on your feet and would like a bit of a break. Well, a popular option for visitors to York is to take some form of boat cruise. These usually run from April through to the end of October.

These will take you up and down the River Ouse which runs right through the centre of the city, affording you a unique view of the city from the water. Most cruises feature live commentary, and they also often have drinks available for purchase.

There are a variety of boat cruise options in York, from self-drive boat hire  through to short excursions , amd sunset cruises .

They vary in duration from 45 minutes up to 2.5 hours. You can see all the options and book in advance here . Note that a city cruise option is included with the York City Pass .

If you’re visiting from November through to March, most of the boat cruises are not operational. There are however a number of bus tour options to consider.

Evening Ghost Tour / Shambles Walk

As the day starts to fade to night, it’s the perfect time to learn a bit more about the darker past of the city. York is well known for its ghost tours, and the authentic medieval streets around the Shambles are an amazing backdrop to these tales and stories.

Of course, you can explore the area around the Shambles on your own. However, the ghost tours are a lot of fun, led by entertaining costumed guides who are going to shock, thrill, and humour you.

The two tours we suggest you check out are this 90 minute tour or this 90 minute tour , both are led by costumed guides. Both tours have excellent reviews and have won awards.

Of course there are also other tours, including this one and this one . So you have no shortage of choice.

We also recommend you spend a bit of time walking the streets around the Shambles at night, as it is remarkably pretty and photogenic. The actual street with the name “Shambles” is our favourite, with the leaning houses that look like they are straight out of a Harry Potter film set .

Out of all the streets in the UK that have been said to look like they are Diagon Alley out of Harry Potter (we’ve been to all of them), this is the one that looks most like it.

If you’d prefer a bus tour rather than a walking tour, there is also an evening ghost bus tour you might consider.

That wraps up your first day in York! Time for some food and rest, before heading on to your second day!

Day 2 in York

For your second day in York you’re going to do some more sightseeing, learn about York’s Viking and Victorian history, and even try some chocolate. Then there’ll be time for a bit of retail therapy before you wrap up your weekend in York.

Again, everything on our list today is easily walkable, or on the York Hop on Hop off bus route. Let’s get going!

• York Castle Museum

Despite the name, the York Castle Museum is not in a castle, nor is the museum about a castle. It is built on the former site of York Castle, which was largely rebuilt as a prison in the 18th century. The only really obvious remnant of the castle is Clifford’s Tower, which is found on the hill opposite the York Castle Museum.

So, now that your expectations around the lack of a castle have been managed, you might be wondering what this is a museum of.

Well, in the early 20th century, a Yorkshire physician by the name of John Kirk decided to start collecting objects that he felt reflected the time, in an effort to capture a glimpse of life in late 19th century Yorkshire. His collection grew prodigiously, and in 1931 he asked if anyone would want to display it.

In 1934, his collection was purchased by the city, and in 1938 the York Castle Museum opened to display the objects. A highlight of the museum on opening, and still a highlight today, is the recreated late Victorian street known as Kirkgate. This was a first of its kind in the UK, and is still popular with visitors today.

There’s lots more to see in the museum, which is maze-like and sprawling, and not laid out in any particularly logical order that we could discern. Exhibits include information on the prison, the Great War of 1914-1918, the Swinging Sixties, and fashion over the last 400 years. There is also a Victorian mill that is sometimes open to visitors.

It’s a lot of fun with a lot to see and do, and you could easily spend 2 to 3 hours exploring. There’s a fee to visit, and you can see opening times and prices here . Also included on the York City Pass.

• Clifford’s Tower

Directly opposite from the York Castle Museum sitting atop a large mound is Clifford’s Tower . This was the keep of York’s original castle.

A keep has been in this location since the time of William the Conqueror in the 11th century, but the present stone version dates from the mid 13th century. It’s the only really visibly obvious surviving part of York Castle that you can visit.

The tower itself is largely a shell, with the impressive walls surrounding a courtyard. A highlight of a visit is to go up to the top of the walls, from where you get good views across the rooftops of York and York Minster.

Clifford’s Tower is operated by English Heritage and there’s a fee to visit, although it’s free for English heritage members. You can see opening times and prices here . It’s also normally included on the York City Pass .

Note when we got our photos of Clifford’s Tower it was in the middle of a renovation project. The tower is open as of April 2022, and now has an interior structure and a new roof deck from where you can appreciate the views!

From Clifford’s Tower to Jorvik Viking Centre it’s a 4 minute walk.

• Jorvik Viking Centre

In the 9th and 10th centuries, York and a large swathe of northern England was captured and ruled by the Vikings. They called the city Jórvík, and turned the city into an important centre of economy.

A fun way to learn about life in York during Viking times is to visit the popular Jorvik Viking Centre . This attraction consists of two parts.

First, there’s an ride which takes you through a reconstructed Viking village, where you’ll see many scenes of life in Viking times. This was created by the York Archaeological Trust, and based on excavations in the area. In addition, some of the mannequins are based on facial reconstruction technologies using skulls found from the time.

Following the informative and fun ride, there’s a museum area, which has many objects of interest and further explanations of life in Viking times. In addition, there are costumed staff who demonstrate crafts from the time, such as coin making.

A trip to Jorvik Viking Centre is definitely worth including on your visit to York, and it’s a very popular family attraction as well. Expect to spend around an hour to 90 minutes visiting. There’s an entry fee, and it’s also included on the York City Pass .

From the Jorvik Viking Centre to York Cocoa House is a 1 minute walk, and to York Chocolate Story it’s a 4 minute walk.

York Chocolate Story or York Cocoa Works

In the 19th century confectionary and cocoa making became major industries in York. The railway improved the ability to transport goods, and major producers like Rowntree’s produced their products in York. In fact, after the railways, cocoa manufacturers were the second largest employer in York at this time.

Chocolate is still very much an important part of life in the city. Nestlé’s UK confectionary business is based here, as is their global R&D centre for confectionary. Rowntree’s still make their iconic KitKat bar in York, over four million of them a day!

If you have a sweet tooth, or simply want to learn a bit more about the history of chocolate making in the city, then you have a couple of options. These are York’s Chocolate Story , or the York Cocoa Works . Both these locations feature shops where you can buy chocolate. However, more importantly, they also both an educational experience and you can do a tour at each for a fee.

York’s Chocolate Story takes you on a journey through the history of chocolate in York. You’ll learn about the people and companies that put York on the chocolate making map, as well as the process for how chocolate is made. You’ll also get to make your own chocolate and of course, eat some chocolate as you go!

York Cocoa Works focuses more on the chocolate product process. Whilst the tour does share the history of chocolate making in York, the experience is more about visiting a working chocolate factory and learning how chocolate is made from bean to bar. A variety of tours are available, with the standard tour included on the York City Pass .

So, which to choose? Well, if you’d like to get more into the history of chocolate in York, we’d probably recommend York’s Chocolate Story . If you want to learn more about chocolate making, flavours and so on, then we suggest the York Cocoa Works . Of course, you could also do both, although there is going to be some overlap!

If you have a York City Pass then the York Cocoa Works would probably make more sense as the tour is included.

From either of these attractions to the Shambles Market is less than five minutes walk.

Shambles Shopping

We’re going to finish up your last day in York with a bit of shopping in the Shambles. As well as lots of independent retailers in this area, you’ll also find the Shambles Market itself. This historic market has over 70 stalls to choose from, with everything from arts and crafts to clothes and food available to buy.

We’re pretty sure you’ll find something to buy in the Shambles Market and shopping area, be it a souvenir of your time in York or a gift for someone else. If you’re not into shopping, you’ll also find cafes and bars throughout, and the lovely medieval streets are well worth wandering around anyway.

If you are looking for something to do in the evening after dinner, there are of course a number of bars, clubs, and cinemas. But you could also check out what is playing at York’s performing arts venues, such as the York Theatre Royal , Joseph Rowentree Theatre , and Grand Opera House , as there is often theater shows, operas, concerts, pantomimes, etc.

York Weekend Itinerary Summary

Here’s a quick overview of this 2 day York itinerary.

• Day 1 – York Minster, Yorkshire Museum and Gardens, Medieval Wall Walk, National Railway Museum, River Cruise, Evening Ghost Tour / Shambles Walk
• Day 2 – York Castle Museum, Clifford’s Tower, Jorvik Viking Centre, York Cocoa Works, Shambles Shopping

Of course, there’s plenty more to see and do in York, so you could extend this itinerary to more days or swap some of these sights with others to suit your interests and time.

Map of 2 Day York Itinerary

Attractions Near York

If you’re planning on spending a bit more time in York, there is of course many more things to do in central York. But there is also a lot to do around York. Many of these attractions will definitely be easier to visit with a car.

• Castle Howard – one of the UK’s most impressive stately homes is just eight miles outside of York
• Harewood House – another spectacular country house, around 20 miles from York
• Yorkshire Dales – gorgeous countryside and plentiful walks can be found in this National Park,
• Harry Potter Filming Locations – there are two Harry Potter filming locations within 90 minutes drive of York. See our guide to find out which ones!
• Wentworth Woodhouse – one of the largest stately homes you can visit is around an hour from York. See our complete guide to visiting for more!

Of course, there’s plenty more to do in the area around York, but this should give you some ideas for what to see and do!

Where to Stay in York

York has a wide range of accommodation options ranging from hostels and apartments through to high end hotels, and everything in between.

Our recommendation for York is definitely to stay near to the centre so you are within easy walking distance of all the sights, restaurants and attractions. We’ve put together some recommendations for York across all budgets. These are approximately ordered by price, however do check for your dates as prices vary.

• Astor York Hostel – if you’re looking for a hostel, this is one of the best options in York. Set in a grade II listed building, the property features both shared and private accommodation. There’s also an on-site bar as well as kitchen, dining and lounge areas. It’s 15 minutes walk from the train station and 20 minutes to most city attractions.
• Gillygate Guesthouse – This very well reviewed and popular 4* guesthouse is found just 3 minutes walk from York Minster. Rooms are en-suite and a good value full English breakfast is available.
• The Bar Convent – how about staying in a working convent during your time in York? This quiet location features private and shared accommodation in an actual convent, which is also some to a fascinating living heritage centre which is well worth visiting. Breakfast is included, and it’s 15 minutes walk to the main sights, and only five minutes from the train station.
• Roomzzz York City – just to the south of the city centre, around a 15 minute walk from most attractions, this is a well reviewed aparthotel option. En-suite rooms have kitchenettes.
• 23 St Mary’s – we stayed at this luxury guesthouse on a recent visit to York and loved it. It was just 15 minutes walk from most attractions, and the rooms were wonderfully spacious with luxury amenities.
• The Grand – this five star hotel is found in York’s former railway headquarters, so as you might imagine it’s very close to the railway station. Rooms are spacious and en-suite, there’s on-site dining and a bar, as well as a spa and pool. If you’re looking for luxury in York, this is an excellent option, and you can get some great deals depending on when you stay as well.

If you’re looking for an apartment, we recommend the Plum Guide . They offer a selection of curated properties that have to meet a high standard to be listed, and we’ve always had a positive experience when we’ve stayed with them. See their listings for York here .

How to Get to York

York is a well-connected city which is easy get to from around the UK.

First, you can of course reach York by car. If you opt for this option, make sure to check the parking options at the hotel you choose, as parking can be tricky to come by. If the hotel doesn’t have parking, you might need to take advantage of the park and ride options into the city. Once you’re in York, you are unlikely to need a car.

York is around a 4-hour drive from London, 90 minutes from Manchester , 45 minutes from Leeds and four hours from Edinburgh.

Another excellent option for reaching York is to take a train. York is on the east coast mainline, with fast train services linking it with the rest of the country. London is just under 2 hours away by train, and Edinburgh is around 2.5 hours by train from York.

You can check train times and book tickets online in advance here . With rail tickets, booking in advance is nearly always going to land you the best deals.

You can also travel to York by long-distance bus, although this will take a bit longer and so might not be suitable for a weekend trip. From London to York is between 6 and 7 hours by coach for example. You can check times and prices on National Express here and Megabus here .

York doesn’t have an airport. If you want to fly to York, the closest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport, which is around 30 miles away. This offers domestic and some international flight connections.

How to Get Around York

York has a compact city centre which is very easy to get around on foot. Most attractions are within 20 minutes’ walk of each other in the city centre, so getting around on foot is usually our preferred option.

Of course, there are other options for getting around the city centre, including public buses and taxis. iTravel York is an excellent resource for route planning, with everything from walking maps to cycle maps to information on parking.

Another good option for getting around the attractions in York, as well as learning about the sights, is to take a hop on hop off bus tour. You can buy tickets for these individually here , and there are also Hop on Hop off bus tours included as part of the  York City Pass .

York Sightseeing Passes

When we visit a city, we always check if there’s some kind of sightseeing pass that includes the attractions we want to visit. If so, we will invest in the pass if it’s going to save us money, which is often the case.

For York, the only pass available that we were able to find is the York City Pass . This includes more than 40 attractions and activities in the city and beyond, as well as some discounts and even some food. The pass is available for one to six days.

To decide if a pass like this will save you money you need to look at the attractions you plan to visit, the costs of those, and then compare the total cost to the pass cost.

For our itinerary for example, the following attractions are currently covered by the York City pass. This covers nearly every attraction and activity we recommend (note that inclusions can change, see full list of attractions here ):

• City Walls Experience
• Bar Convent Museum (optional)
• Railway Museum Road Train
• York Cocoa Works
• 24 hour sightseeing bus ticket (optional)

If you paid individual adult entry to all these attractions, it would cost around £112.

If you did all the attractions but skipped the Sightseeing bus, you’re looking at around £96.

The pass also includes lots of other attractions as well.

A two-day York City pass costs £75 as of April 2023, although it can sometimes be found at a discount. So you are looking at good savings if you plan to visit a number of attractions. It’s also available for longer and shorter durations, as well as in a child version.

We recommend checking what the pass includes and comparing the inclusions to what you plan to visit. Then you can decide if the York City Pass is good value for your trip.

You can buy the York City Pass on the official website for the pass here .

In addition, you can sometimes get the York City Pass with a discount. We recommend comparing the price on Tiqets here , GetYourGuide here and the official website here to see if there are any offers.

Further Reading

That’s it for our guide to spending two days in York, perhaps over a weekend or perhaps not. We hope you found it useful. Before you go, we wanted to share a few of our other guides to help you plan your trip to York as well as the rest of the UK, as well as some third party resources we think you’ll find useful.

• For wider UK trip planning, we have suggested  one week  and  two week UK itineraries
• York is close to Manchester, check out our guide to things to do in Manchester here .
• If you’re driving in the UK for the first time, check out my  tips for driving in the UK  for some advice. We also have a  guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK .
• We have guides to many other cities in England. See our guide to things to do in Stratford upon Avon ,   things to do in Bristol ,   things to do in Portsmouth , tips on Visiting Oxford on a Day Trip , and things to do in Cambridge
• If you’re heading to Scotland, check out our  2 day Edinburgh itinerary , our  Glasgow and Loch Lomond itinerary , our guide to the  best day trips from Glasgow , our guide to  things to do in Edinburgh , our  itinerary for Skye and the Highlands , our guide to the  best day trips from Aberdeen , and our guide to the best  day trips from Edinburgh  to get you started. We also have a guide to getting from  London to Edinburgh .
• We have a guide to  10 of the best Stately Homes in England

And that’s it! Have you ever visited York? Do you have anything you’d add to the above? Just let us know in the comments below!

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways!

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

• United Kingdom

48 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in York, UK

• 2 Pinterest

First-time visitors to York, UK will surely be overwhelmed by the historical heritage of the city. Inside the city’s walls are well-preserved buildings and structures from the Medieval and Roman periods.

The history of the city spans 2,000 years, including long periods ruled by the Romans, Vikings and Anglo-Saxons, and is both fascinating and at times gruesome. York was an important center in Roman and Viking-era Britain and there are many immersive historical attractions to visit.

But while the city’s illustrious past gets a lot of play, its present-day offerings are pretty impressive as well!

Whether you’re roaming through colorful fields of flowers, strapping on a pair of ice skates, sampling some world-class chocolates, or browsing for products at the local market, you’ll find a nice mix of the mellow and the adventurous here.

York’s city center is largely pedestrianized and maintains its cobbled streets which really adds to its charm. It perfectly treads the fine line between a historic monument and a thriving modern and multicultural city.

Here are some fun and unusual things to do in York , UK.

1 – Visit the Shambles on a York walking tour

The Shambles is probably York’s most historic street and has a distinctive old-fashioned charm to it. Some of its buildings date to the 13th-century and are built in the timber-framed fashion that was once common throughout the city.

Some use a medieval design element known as jettying, where higher floors protrude out above lower ones. Why not take a walking tour of the city and discover the historic street and its origins.

• walking tours in York

2 – See historic engines at the National Railway Museum

York’s National Railway Museum has one of the largest collections of historic trains in the world. It has up to 100 engines on display at any one time and is located in the city’s old motive power depot which still contains the turntable.

Some notable trains on display in the museum are The Mallard which is the fastest steam train in the world, the Flying Scotsman, a replica of Stevenson’s rocket and the only bullet train outside of Japan. This is a must-see for railway enthusiasts!

3 – Picnic in Museum Gardens

The city of York has no shortage of public parks and Museum Gardens is one of the best. Located right next to the River Ouse, which flows through the center of the city, Museum Gardens is a great place to unwind right in the heart of the city.

Visitors can find a number of majestic ruins in the gardens including the Roman-era Multangular Tower, the medieval St. Leonard’s Hospital and St. Mary’s Abbey which dates from 1066. There are also rare trees like the Cut-leaved Hornbeam, impressive flower displays and the York Observatory that dates from 1832.

4 – Climb the tower of York Minster

York Minster is one of the most important religious buildings in the country and the largest Gothic-era cathedral in Northern Europe. The current building was constructed between 1230 – 1472 but there has been a church on the site since the year 627.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the Minster, visit the crypts and climb the 275 steps to the top of the tower. Behind the Minster, you can find the large gardens known as Dean’s Park. This is a great place to relax and take in the peaceful ambiance of this truly monumental building.

• York Minster tours

5 – Learn the city’s cruel history at York Dungeon

York Dungeon is a living museum to the city’s gory past. It covers 2000 years of grisly history in the city with immersive sets that allow you to see, hear and smell the terror. A guide will lead you on your experience through the many different rooms of the dungeon.

Visit Viking-era York in the middle of an invasion, step into the plague-filled streets of the 1500s and the castle torture chamber. Come face-to-face with witches, ghosts and treasonous conspirators. This is definitely one of the most fun things to do in York!

6 – Take a trip through time at York Castle Museum

York Castle Museum covers over 400 years of the city’s history with thousands of historic objects and interactive displays. Visit a Victorian-era street and the infamous Cells of the Castle Prison.

Discover weird clothing and unusual foods while you meet famous local characters. Learn about the dramatic differences between the rich and poor in the industrial 19th-century. Take a trip to the frontlines of the First World War then take in the atmosphere of the Swinging-Sixties.

7 – Explore JORVIK Viking Centre

This is one for the Viking enthusiasts! The Jorvik center recounts the history of York’s Scandinavian past in the 9th- and 10th-centuries. Visitors take a ride through a Viking village to meet real characters that lived and died in these times.

The museum is located in Coppergate on the site of an archeological dig that took place in the 1970s. It features many artifacts that were retrieved from the earth including five tons of animal bones, thousands of fragments of pottery, many tools, clothing items and pieces of jewelry. History-lovers should not miss this fascinating interactive museum.

8 – Take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour

A hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a great way to explore a new city! See the major sights and landmarks with commentary about the history of the area. Get on and off as many times as you like and explore the city at your own pace.

See Exhibition Square, Clifford’s Tower and Museum Gardens on these great value tours. Tickets also include discounts to local eateries and attractions.

• bus tours in York

9 – Visit the historic Clifford’s Tower

Clifford’s Tower was first constructed from wood by William the Conqueror in 1068 as part of York Castle. It was an important fortification and has been the site of many misfortunes having been burnt, exploded and partly demolished through the centuries.

In 1190 the city’s Jewish community took refuge in the tower and committed mass suicide before the building was set on fire. It was later the site of the rebel Robert Aske’s execution and in the 1800s part of the city’s prison complex.

10 – Walk the York City Walls

The city of York was once entirely surrounded by a series of defensive walls. The City Walls were first constructed in Roman times and then rebuilt in stone in the medieval period. Large sections of the walls still exist and stand mostly 13 feet high and 6 feet wide.

Visitors can walk the length of the walls and see the city’s sights in a unique way. A journey around the walls will take you past the numerous gatehouses, known as bars, which were once the major routes in and out of the city.

11 – Get lost at York Maze

York Maze is a fantastic fun place to visit especially if you have kids. It is just outside the city center and has a huge maze to explore in a planted sweetcorn field. There is also a bunch of corn-based rides and attractions such as the “Cornwall” climbing wall and “Utter Cornage” water tower.

There is a lot of silly fun to find at York Maze as well as slower-paced attractions like the construction area, falconry and creepy creature corner. The maze also has a cafe serving drinks, sweet treats and hot food.

12 – Discover the “secret” city on a scavenger game

Scavenger games are a really fun way to explore a new city. Gather up your team and decipher clues as you find your way through the city. Follow an app to locations where you will solve riddles to find your next clue.

See the parts of the city that other tours may miss and indulge your competitive side at the same time. This is a really fun thing to do while in York.

• scavenger games in York

13 – Take a day trip to Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens

Beningborough Hall is an extravagant country estate near to the city. Discover the history of the hall, which was constructed in 1716, and its fascinating architectural features. Take a walk through the walled garden and visit the Victorian laundry building.

The hall also displays exhibitions of contemporary art and has a gift shop and restaurant to visit. Set in 8-acres of landscaped gardens, Beningborough Hall is sure to be an entertaining day out for everyone.

14 – See historic planes at Yorkshire Air Museum

The Yorkshire Air Museum is located on the original site of the World War II RAF aerodrome in Elvington, York. See historic planes and exhibits that cover nearly 100 years of aviation history, from a replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer to Cold War-era fighter jets.

Visit the historic Astra Cinema to watch short RAF training films and the 77 Squadron room which covers the exploits of the Elvington-based WWII squadron. Yorkshire Air Museum is a must-see for aviation fans!

15 – Discover the ancient history of the region at Yorkshire Museum

The Yorkshire Museum is just a short walk from York Minster. It is located in a grand 1830s building surrounded by the picturesque Museum Gardens. The museum has a lot of interesting artifacts including the 4.5 billion-year-old “Middlesborough Meteorite”, Viking-era swords and fossilized skeletons.

The Yorkshire Jurassic World exhibit offers an immersive virtual-reality dinosaur experience and also features genuine fossils including the remains of Alan, the oldest dinosaur discovered in the UK.

16 – Explore Castle Howard

The magnificent stately home of Castle Howard is a short drive north of York. The impressive estate was built in the early 1700s and has been a filming location for Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon, Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton to name but a few.

Castle Howard is a private residence and has been in the hands of the same family for 300 years. Visitors can explore the house and extensive grounds located in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside.

• Castle Howard tickets

17 – Let loose at The Web Adventure Park

Looking for a way to entertain the kids while in York? The Web Adventure Park has everything for a fun day out all in one place. The Web has a huge indoor play area and an outdoor adventure park including a high ropes course and water play area.

Test your free-running skills on the ninja course, watch a magic show or play a game of Jurassic Mini Golf, The Web is an action-packed day out kids will love!

18 – Meet the animals at Piglets Adventure Farm

Piglet’s Adventure Farm has lots of rural fun for small children to enjoy. Visit the Bale Play Barn to see what’s happening and climb the straw bale mountain. Take part in an assault course or play a round of crazy golf.

Meet the farm’s animals including Kune Kune pigs, cows, alpacas, rabbits and chicks. Piglet’s Adventure Farm also has a coffee house and pizza parlor serving a variety of warm snacks, drinks and ice creams. There’s plenty of fun to found here!

19 – Discover York’s Chocolate Story

Chocolate making was and still is a major industry in York. The popular British confectionery company, Rowntree’s, was founded in the city in 1862 and would go on to be the fourth largest in the world.

Hear the history of York’s chocolate production and discover its origins in the rainforests of Central America. Have a go at had-making your own chocolates with the help of an expert chocolatier. The Chocolate Story is a really fun place to visit during your time in York!

You can also stop by York Cocoa House , which offers everything from bars and truffles to delicious hot chocolates.

Or take things to the next level with a chocolate tasting tour, which offers the chance to sample some stupendous sweets from places all over town.

• chocolate tasting tours in York

20 – Learn the origins of the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall

The Merchant Adventurers Hall is a stunning timber-framed building that dates back 660 years. The hall was built by a local fraternity as a center for business, religious activities and charity. It is still in use by today by the city’s Company of Merchant Adventurers and is a scheduled ancient monument.

Experience the history of this impressive building and see the collection of paintings, treasures and medieval items some of which are older than the hall itself.

21 – See the ceramics collection at York Art Gallery

York Art Gallery has the country’s largest collection of British Studio Ceramics in its Center Of Ceramic Arts (COCA). It contains over 5,500 objects from over 600 artists as well as archives for research including photographs and catalogs.

The gallery’s collection of paintings cover works from the 14th-century to the present day. The gallery also holds the largest collection of work by York Artist William Etty. During his lifetime, Etty campaigned to preserve the city walls and York Minster from being demolished.

22 – Check out the Shambles Market

Shambles Market is located in the very center of York and sells a wide variety of goods. From fresh fruit and vegetables to clothes, furniture and records there’s something for everyone. Stalls change regularly and you find different stores open throughout the week.

Visit one of the local food vendors for coffee and snacks or shop for vintage clothes in this vibrant local market. Shambles Market is right behind the famous tourist street The Shambles.

Directions in Google Maps

23 – Take a relaxing boat tour

The River Ouse cuts right through the center of York and there are many historic bridges and sights to see located around the river banks. Why not take a boat tour along the river and see York in a unique way.

See Clifford’s Tower and York Museum while listening to commentary about the area and its history. Enjoy a leisurely cruise and tour the city in the most relaxed way.

• boat tours in York

24 – See raccoons at Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park

Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park is a small center with 100 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and invertebrates. Many of the creatures are threatened or endangered species. The park has species of raccoons, primates, wallabies, lemurs and tortoises.

It also has an arboretum with rare and exotic trees such as sequoias, twisted hazel and Hungarian Oaks. Visitors can purchase animal experiences that let them join the keepers to feed and take care of the creatures.

25 – Tour the Treasurer’s House

York’s Treasurer’s House is a historic building that has a history spanning back almost 1000 years. From 1091 to 1547, The site was the home of the treasurer for York Minster, which was a very prestigious title. The current building was originally three houses but was remodeled in the 1800s by local tycoon Frank Green.

During the renovation, four Roman-era columns were uncovered and repurposed for use in the construction. Visitors can explore the house which is maintained exactly as Frank Green left it. It has small but beautiful gardens and a collection of paintings, ceramics and textiles some of which are up to 300 years old.

26 – Sample the beverages at the best cafes and tea rooms

Whether you want a classy experience or a cozy sitting spot, the tea rooms of York are an experience all their own.

Enjoy the gorgeous 17th century architecture, gorgeous gifts, and charming eats at The Vintage Rose . And Betty’s Cafe provides an elegant, traditional experience.

Settle into the cozy environs of the Vanilla Cafe for a nice cup and remarkable views of York Minster Cathedral.

After one afternoon at any of these stops, you’ll feel properly British!

27 – Climb the 199 steps on a Whitby day trip

The seaside town of Whitby is an essential day trip from York. Its well-known residents have included the explorers William Scoresby and Captain Cook. The famous ruined abbey dates back to the 7th-century and looms over the town from its East Cliff vantage point.

Whitby appears in Bram Stoker’s Dracula and visitors can climb the 199 steps up to the graveyard of St. Mary’s Church. To really travel in style why not take a steam train tour of the North Yorkshire Moors from York to Whitby?

• Whitby day trips

28 – Explore the Georgian-era Fairfax House

Fairfax House is a stunning Georgian townhouse on Castlegate in the center of the city. The house was developed by the Ninth Viscount Fairfax of Emley who bought it in 1759 and transformed it with the help of local master-architect John Carr.

Between 1762 and 1772 the fashionable townhouse hosted parties and balls for over 200 people. In the early 1900s, the house was a popular cinema and dance hall until it was restored to its former glory in the 1980s. Fairfax House is a must-see for its collection of antique furniture and preserved period features.

29 – Shoot some hoops in Rowntree Park

Rowntree Park is one of the biggest green spaces in the city, covering 30 acres. It is a great place to take a picnic on a sunny day. The park is just a short walk from the city center down the side of the picturesque River Ouse.

It has lots of sports facilities including six tennis courts and two table tennis tables, a skate park, a basketball court and a well-equipped playground. The park also has a pond with ducks and geese and a cafe.

30 – Embrace the magical side of things with The Wizard Walk of York

Even if you never got your letter from Hogwarts, you can still enjoy a magical British experience… on foot!

The Wizard Walk of York takes you on a lively, immersive journey through the city, complete with magic tricks, fun banter, and possible sightings of fantastical creatures!

While this adventure is best suited for kids, it’s got enough entertainment and fascination for the whole family to enjoy!

And at the end of the journey, you can even snag some wand kits for the budding magicians in your life to practice at home.

31 – Take a spooky ghost bus tour

York’s violent history and gruesome past have given rise to many supernatural legends and stories. Why not take a lighthearted look at the macabre side of the city on a ghost bus tour? Hear stories of murderous highwaymen, murders and religious persecution from the city’s past.

Take in the sites of York Minster, Clifford’s Tower and the grave of Dick Turpin as you voyage through the city. Be scared and entertained by your ghoulish guide on these fun and spooky tours!

• York ghost bus tours

32 – Visit the fascinating York Cold War Bunker

One of York’s most modern historic attractions is the Cold War Bunker in Holgate. Built in 1961 to track nuclear activity and decommissioned in 1991, the bunker is like a time capsule of the period. It is the only one of its type that has been maintained in working order.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the bunker’s kitchen and dormitories, decontamination room and operations room with specialist computers from the 1980s. Tour’s run on the hour every hour.

33 – Unearth history at DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

DIG gives visitors the chance to become an archeologist for the day. It is a hands-on experience where kids get to become trainee “diggers” and feel the excitement of uncovering treasures from the past.

DIG features four indoor excavation pits that are based on actual archeological digs that occurred in York. Discover artifacts from the main periods of the city’s history including Roman, Viking, Medieval and Victorian items. This has to be one of the most fun things to do in the city!

34 – Explore the North Yorkshire Moors

The North Yorkshire Moors has some of the most picturesque scenery in the country. Its striking purple heather gives life to the acres upon acres of desolate rolling hills. The area extends over 550 square miles and includes thick woodlands and the rocky coastline around Whitby and Scarborough.

The small village of Goathland has a quaint old fashioned charm and has appeared in various Television shows and movies including the Harry Potter movies.

• North Yorkshire Moors tours

35 – Learn about Medieval magic at the Barley Hall

The Barley Hall is a medieval townhouse that was rediscovered in the 1980s and restored to its former glory. The Hall was built in about 1360s and is now owned and operated by York Archeological Trust. The hall offers educational historical activities and workshops.

The Barley Hall has a number of exhibitions including its Magic and Mystery displays which cover the science of alchemy and witchcraft in the Middle Ages. Check out the website for more details on this fascinating historic place.

36 – Go wild at Point Zero Trampoline Park York

Need to release some energy? Take a trip to Point Zero Trampoline Park and discover a world of action-packed fun! Join one of the friendly sessions to explore at your own pace or try a guided fitness class.

Point Zero has over 90 connected trampolines as well as foam pits and other fun equipment to play on. It is suitable for adults and children alike so everyone can get involved. This is definitely a fun thing to do in York.

37 – Take a walk in Breezy Knees Garden

Just five miles outside of the busy city center you can find Breezy Knees Garden. Covering 20 acres of landscaped and manicured spaces, the park is home to 7,000 varieties of plants. Visitors can see a unique collection of irises and peonies as well as rose gardens, rock and pond gardens and shady areas.

The Garden has a cafe serving a selection of drinks and fresh homemade snacks as well as a plant nursery selling a selection of rare perennials raised in the temperamental Yorkshire Weather.

38 – Take a day trip to the Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales is a National Park famous for its abundance of natural beauty spots and timeless villages. It boasts a variety of landscapes from windswept hilltops to peaceful meadows and offers many opportunities for hiking and outdoor sports.

Malham Cove and Gordale scar are popular with climbers and tourists along with the waterfalls of Aysgarth and Janet’s Foss. The Medieval Bolton Castle in Wensleydale is one of the best-preserved of its type in the country and is well worth a visit. There’s a lot to see in the Yorkshire Dales!

• Yorkshire Dales day trips

39 – Get a friendly competition going with some bowling

For a relaxed, family-friendly evening out on the town, you can’t beat a bit of bowling!

Tenpin York offers 28 lanes to test out your skills, as well as pool tables, arcade games, and laser tag courses.

Or see some stars – metaphorically, of course – at Hollywood Bowl , which offers a family-friendly setting and a fun American diner theme. And at Puttstars , you can combine your time on the lanes with a stroll on the mini-golf course or a trip to the arcade.

It’s the perfect all-ages game night!

40 – Join a railway experience at Murton Park

Murton Park has something for everyone. It features a museum of farming, friendly animals including ducks, guinea pigs and goats, a playground and a preserved vintage railway. Visitors can take part in hands-on railway experiences operating pump trolleys, signals and driving the trains by special request.

Murton Park hosts regular events where visitors can see demonstrations of historical crafts, battle reenactments and vintage engines and machinery.

41 – Festivals in York

No matter when you visit York, you’ll likely find a vibrant festival afoot!

Check out some frozen sculptures on the York Ice Trail (assembled in early March), or see local performers strut their stuff at YorkLife (held in early April).

Broaden your mind at the York Festival of Ideas (held in mid-June), or watch beautiful hot air balloons fill the sky during the York Balloon Fiesta (held in late September).

Or celebrate the holidays at the York Christmas Festival (generally held mid-November through late December).

In this lovely town, there’s always a reason to celebrate!

42 – Travel the city on a bike tour

York is fun to discover by bike due to the city’s extensive cycle paths and trails. Why not take a cycling tour of the city and see all the major landmarks with ease? Cruise ancient cobbled streets while your guide brings you up-to-speed on the area’s rich Roman and Viking history.

Hit all the important historical sites like York Minster, Clifford’s Tower and the city walls. Hear stories of industrious confectioners and phantom soldiers on this fun and laid-back tour.

• bike tours in York

43 – Test your skills at Gr8escape York

Gr8escape is York’s premier independent escape room experience. Choose from three themed challenges and try to solve all the clues and puzzles before the timer runs out.

Gather up your friends and family and join York’s Ministry of Wizards to prove your magical prowess in a spellbinding escape room game. Take part in a crime scene investigation as part of the New York Police Department or visit Atlantis in the search for treasure. Dare you take on the challenge?

44 – See the gardens of Goddards House

Goddard’s House and Gardens were built in 1927 by the Terry family, owners of York’s famous Terry’s chocolate brand. The house is built in the Arts and Crafts style and is set in magnificent private gardens which include a kitchen garden, greenhouse and tennis lawns.

Tour the gardens of this magnificent home and visit the tearoom which serves food inspired by Terry’s chocolate products. Goddard’s house also has a shop that sells a variety of gifts, books and home furnishings.

45 – Go ice skating at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

Open between November and January each year, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is a festive spectacular! Featuring the largest outdoor ice rink in the North of England in a landscape of log cabins, shimmering lights and Christmas trees it’s sure to get you in the festive spirit.

If skating’s not your thing take a trip to the Alpine-themed chalet for a taste of mulled wine, hot chocolate and sweet treats. There’s also a vintage funfair and Santa’s Grotto to keep everyone entertained.

46 – See the historic ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey

The historical ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey were once part of a very important Benedictine monastery. The original church was established in 1088 and grew to be one of the richest establishments of its type in the North of England. It was dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1539 during the Reformation and fell into ruin.

A 13th-century Limoges Enamel of Christ was discovered in the abbey in 1826 and is on display at the Yorkshire Museum. Visitors can see the remains of the abbey’s original nave and cloister in the rear of the Museum Gardens.

47 – Try the delights of Michelin-starred restaurants

Taste the best of modern British cuisine in some of York’s most reputable restaurants. Roots have a great location near the Museum Gardens and serve locally grown and seasonable produce in stylish surroundings.

The city has many other top-quality eateries including Los Moros , Le Cochon Aveugle and Arras as well as British food specialists such as Skosh , Melton’s and Star Inn The City .

48 – Have a night on the town at York’s best bars

York is full of great traditional pubs and quirky bars to pass the afternoon or evening in. Amongst the many bars, one of the best is Pivni if you’re looking for a quiet night out.

For a casual drink in lively surroundings check out Evil Eye Lounge , Valhalla , The Market Cat and The Biltmore Bar and Grill . A wander through the city at night will give you many more excellent drinking opportunities!

Enjoy a nice mixture of gorgeous aesthetics and creative concoctions at The Botanist Bar , which offers a wide array of plant-based libations. Or indulge in some craft beers at BrewDog York Bar , which even offers tasting classes and holiday parties.

And for convenience with your cocktails, try Slug & Lettuce , which provides mixed drinks and ales alike, all within walking distance of the main shopping area.

How to get to York?

Manchester Airport is the nearest hub for fliers, and you can book a transfer to the city for an easy transportation process.

With direct service to your hotel, you can spare yourself the hassle of taxis, and get started on the fun!

Where to stay in York?

True to its moniker, the Grand Hotel provides top-notch luxuries, with wellness centers, a sauna, and a lovely traditional restaurant that offers everything from luxurious dinners to afternoon tea times.

Meanwhile, Novotel York Centre offers a more contemporary option, as well as railway stations, shops, and delightful sites like Shakespeare’s Rose Theater.

The Churchill Hotel is housed in a gorgeous historic mansion, but with its gorgeous grounds, elegant library, and marvelous beer garden, it has a modern charm all its own.

Hampton by Hilton York is a great starting point to explore the city’s many historic neighborhoods, as well as the Jorvik Viking Center and the National Railway Museum; and its lovely rooms and welcoming atmosphere make a nice refuge in the evenings.

And at Park Inn by Radisson York City Centre , you can enjoy a cocktail and take in spectacular river views, then stroll over to the Shambles, the York Dungeon, or the nearby shops.

• best hotels in York

Visiting York on a budget?

Looking to do a lot in a short amount of time – without breaking the bank? Buy a York Pass , and maximize your fun!

This card includes access to over 40 of the coolest spots in town, from museums and historic buildings to immersive art exhibits and adventurous experiences.

It also offers discounts at restaurants and stores, and free cruises and sightseeing buses.

Where to go next?

With its unique past and exciting present, it’s little wonder that York is considered one of the best places to visit in the UK !

But there are plenty of other worthy stops nearby as well.

Liverpool is (rightfully) known for its musical pedigree, but it also offers a fascinating nautical history, and some fabulous galleries and theaters.

Or swing by Manchester for a dose of sports, architecture, and fascinating industrial structures.

In Birmingham , you can shop ‘til you drop, cheer your heart out at a cricket match, or stroll through the lush green hills that helped inspire The Shire in The Lord of The Rings.

And of course, you can’t pass up London , the thriving hub of history, culture, and entertainment, with adventure at every turn.

Want to head out of England? Pop over to Scotland for a taste of Glasgow , where you can sample whiskies and world-class concerts in equal measure; or explore Edinburgh , with its dazzling buildings, comedy clubs, and gorgeous gardens.

Final thoughts

As you wander the streets of this marvelous town, you will feel the weight of history all around you.

But as you step into its buildings or dive into its live events, you will see another side to the city, shaped by modernity, filled with delights.

So as you try the many amazing things to do in York, remember to stop and enjoy the view!

York in the Palm of Your Hand

Why Choose the Visit York Pass?

Save money on attractions and more, the more you see the more you save!

25+ York & Beyond Attractions

York has attractions for all tastes, from family fun to spooky scares! venture beyond York to explore more of Yorkshire

Latest Offer

10% off 2-day and 3-day Adult and Child Passes Use code  SUMMER23

Convenience of a Single Digital Ticket

The Visit York Pass is all digital, so all you need is your phone to unlock all the benefits!

Only Ticket You Need

No need to arrange and pay for separate tickets at different attractions. One tick gets you in to all of our venues!

Visit York Pass ▸ See How It Works

Top york & beyond attractions.

York Cocoa Works

Bedern Hall

Golden Tours York

Van Gogh Immersive Experience

Yorkshire Museum

The Yorkshire Arboretum

Yorkshire Allied Air Forces Memorial Museum

York Minster

York Cold War Bunker

York Castle Museum

York Army Museum

Treasurer’s House

The York Dungeon

Scampston Walled Garden

The Roman Bath Museum York

The City Walls Experience

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

National Railway Museum – Road Train

National Centre for Birds of Prey

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall

York Mansion House

JORVIK Viking Centre

Fairfax House

DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

Clifford’s Tower

York City Sightseeing

City Cruises York

Castle Howard

The Bar Convent

Captain Cook Museum Whitby

Beningbrough

Barley Hall

Suggested itineraries​.

Iconic York One Day

Only in York for the day? York’s iconic attractions are all just a short walk from each other – marvel at the magnificent York Minster, discover York’s fascinating Viking legacy at the JORVIK Viking Centre and tour the city with City Sightseeing.

York's Grisly Past Two Day

Staying a bit longer & live and breathe over 2,000 years of York’s darkest history at York Dungeon! Enjoy Georgian York whilst exploring Fairfax House and, then, spend the afternoon just outside of the city at the Yorkshire Air Museum

Travel Beyond York Three Day

On your third day in York take a trip beyond the city to Castle Howard. Here you will find a magnificent Historic House, stunning landscaped gardens, large children’s adventure playground, cafes and a shop.

What People are Saying

Please note that attraction opening hours may vary across the winter period – full details are available on the relevant attraction pages

[email protected]

01904 909487

York Visitor Information Centre Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy

Sign up here to find out what’s happening in York

Registered Office: 21 Parliament Street York YO1 8SG

Company Number: 9308493

VAT Number 208087610

© 2022 All rights Reserved. Design by Open Pass

THE 10 BEST New York City Events

Events in new york city.

• Cultural Events
• Exhibitions
• Food & Drink Festivals
• Music Festivals
• Sporting Events
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Midtown West
• Hudson Yards
• Randalls and Wards Islands
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes

2. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

3. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

4. The Village Halloween Parade

5. Easter Parade

6. New York Comic-Con

7. St. Patrick’s Day Parade New York City

8. Ninth Avenue International Food Festival

9. Harry Potter The Exhibition

10. New York International Auto Show

11. Electric Zoo

12. Times Square Countdown

13. Tribeca Film Festival

14. New York City Wine & Food Festival

15. The Governors Ball Music Festival

16. Uptown Night Market

17. Titanic: The Exhibition

18. spiedie fest & balloon rally.

19. Columbus Circle Christmas Market

20. LuminoCity Festival

21. Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit New York City

22. Manhattanhenge

23. Field of Light at Freedom Plaza

24. rucker park streetball.

25. Hello Panda Festival

26. Holiday Nostalgia Rides

27. dance parade new york, 28. harlem bazaar, 29. uptown night market, 30. fleet week, what travelers are saying.

• Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
• Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
• Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
• The Village Halloween Parade
• Easter Parade
• Ninth Avenue International Food Festival
• Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit New York City
• St. Patrick’s Day Parade New York City

The 43 Best Things to Do in New York in Winter

What to do in nyc in winter.

Many people would argue that winter is the best time to visit New York. Why? Well, some major events take place in New York in the winter: Christmas , New Year’s Eve and the mother of sporting events, The Super Bowl ! That’s not all yet, though!

You'll also love this:

• The 47 Best Things to do in New York in December
• The 39 Best Things to do in New York in January
• The 38 Best Things to do in New York in February

New York is lucky enough to experience a lot of snow during the winter season which makes our winter activities in New York even more exciting. In this article we’ll share everything you need to know about New York City in winter-time, including our top things to do in the winter in New York!

My tip: check out our complete guide to Winter in New York !

Our 43 Absolute Best Things to Do in New York in Winter

You’ll pretty much find things to do in the different neighborhoods such as Midtown, SoHo or DUMBO. With so many winter events in NYC, we’ve curated this list to the best 43. What is New York City like in the winter? Find out in this article!

Visit the best Holiday Markets in NYC

The famous Union Square Holiday Market is one of the biggest holiday markets in the city. From November until Christmas the market on Union Square attracts lots of visitors from all over the world. But there are many more winter markets to explore: from Midtown to Lower Manhattan, you have plenty to choose from!

My tip: The  Best Christmas Markets in NYC .

Have fun at New York’s ice skating rinks

New York gets really cold during the holiday season and the famous ice rinks in New York are one of the fun things to do in New York City in the winter. You have multiple ice skating options in New York which are definitely fun especially in the midst of the beautiful skyscrapers. The rinks in New York are also reasonably priced.

If you have little to no experience on the ice, do not worry. Our favorite ice rinks in NYC are the  Wollman Rink in Central Park,  Rockefeller Ice Rink and the ice rink at Bryant Park. 

My tip: These are the best  Ice Skating Rinks in NYC .

Visit a world-famous Musical on Broadway

What better way to be entertained than at a musical while it’s crisp and cold outside? Now, for the first time, the theaters are open again all New York winter, bringing you many world-renowned performances such as Lion King, Wicked and Hamilton.

My tip:  Here you can find our list of the  Best Broadway Shows in New York  and here the complete list of current Broadway Shows .

Watch the Three Kings Day Parade

The Three Kings Day Parade takes place in January in New York City as marchers disguise themselves as a king. The parade features real camels, many colorful dolls and music through Harlem. The parade is a great experience, especially for families with children.

Celebrate Martin Luther King Day in January

Martin Luther King Day is celebrated every third Monday in January. It is an official holiday in the U.S. in honor of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who is one of the most important African-American people in the U.S..

NYC Broadway Week

Broadway Week is a bi-annual theater celebration offering discounted Broadway tickets since 2011. For every ticket you purchase, you get another one for FREE! Even though it is called Broadway Week, it actually lasts much longer than 7 days.

Broadway Week is celebrated in New York twice a year: every winter and every summer. The next NYC Broadway Week will probably take place in September . Once the exact dates are published, we will be sure to let you know. Sometimes, Broadway Week takes place at the same time as Restaurant Week and is typically followed by Off-Broadway Week about one week later.

Experience New York in the winter quite relaxed with a Dinner Cruises

I am quite a big fan of the boat tours with dinner in New York. It’s warm inside, jazzy music plays and there’s delicious food (and drinks). And during the whole cruise you see the wintry New York with its impressive skyline.

Here are our  recommendations for  dinner cruises , brunch cruises , lunch cruises and jazz cruises in NYC  during wintertime. Need more inspiration? Check out this 👇👇

What is the Best Cruise in New York for you?

There are over 40 boat and sailing tours in New York and it’s not easy to choose the best one. That’s where our Cruise Finder comes in. It will help you find the best boat tour for you!

🥇 Look no further: That‘s the only New York Travel Guide you need (300+ pages and 700+ reviews on Amazon)

Check out our preview here .

Schau dir das winterliche Dyker Heights in Brooklyn an!

If you live in Brooklyn or visit New York during Christmas , one of the most popular attractions to enjoy during the wintertime is the Dyker Heights Christmas lights display. Every year around this time, people flock to catch a glimpse of these beautiful lights. Our ultimate guide will tell you everything you need to know about Dyker Heights and their Christmas Lights Festival so that when December rolls around, you have no problem navigating your way through the crowds and enjoying it as much as possible!

My tip:  Our Guide to the  Best Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Celebrate New Year's Eve in New York

People from all over the world fly to NYC in December, especially during New Year’s Eve. They come here to experience the popular ball drop live while standing in the frigid December temperatures in the middle of Times Square. Live performances by famous artists are part of the outstanding program in Times Square every year. It’s pretty much a big party.

In order to get a decent spot a view, we recommend arriving no later than 3 PM. Many roads around the event are closed off and condensed foot traffic on the streets is inevitable. Definitely, plan on walking for a good amount of time. Being part of this tradition will be very special.

Photo: Countdown Entertainment, LLC

Enjoy breath-taking views

You know what’s really unique about New York? The view of the (most likely) snow-covered Central Park from one of the observation decks! With the Top of the Rock , The Edge Hudson Yards and the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt you have three to choose from!

And then there’s the One World Observatory and the Empire State Building . No matter which observation deck you choose, you’ll have an amazing view of the city!

My tip: if you are cold, you can go inside and enjoy the view from the inside. Because each of the observation decks (except for the Empire State Building) has additional floors with floor-to-ceiling windows.

If you want to visit several observations decks, attractions and tours in New York, check out the New York sightseeing passes. You can save up to 60% on the ticket price!

To find out which New York Pass is the best for you, check out my New York Pass Comparison .

Go aboard my two favorite winter boat tours

Why not spending time on a Christmas Holiday Cruise during Christmas in New York? Both locals and NYC visitors love the amazing Christmas Cruises New York City has to offer.

My favorite holiday cruise is the  New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise . The Jazz Band on board is fun and so talented which makes the New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise even more entertaining. And if the cruise is already sold out or you’re in NYC outside of the Holiday Season, be sure to try the Champagne City Lights Cruise .

Relax in the heated main observation cabin, join in the caroling, and admire the city through the glassed-in observatory on the 1920s style yacht.

Take Photos of the most famous Christmas Tree in New York

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the largest Christmas trees in NYC, placed annually in Rockefeller Center Plaza. In New York, the Tree Lighting Ceremony right after Thanksgiving is the official start of the Holiday season . Over the past years, we weren’t super lucky with the weather but the Tree Lighting Ceremony attracts tons of people every year. Of course, the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center is the highlight of visitors coming to New York from all over the world during Christmas time. Most visitors only know the tree from movies or pictures, so it’s very impressive looking at it in person. This year, the lighting of the tree ceremony at Rockefeller Center will take place on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 .

Enjoy Winter Wonderland at Bronx Zoo

Do you want to experience the largest metropolitan zoo in the US? Then go check out the Bronx Zoo. It’s perfect for families with kids. At the Bronx Zoo you can experience your wild side and explore a national treasure in the Bronx. The Bronx Zoo is know as one of the best in the country and offer many different species from all over the world. The Bronx Zoo is one of my absolute highlights in the area and you shouldn’t miss the Zoo’s Winter Wonderland.

Brooklyn Bridge in Winter

The Brooklyn Bridge is an official landmark of the city, which you should not miss even in winter. Make sure to walk across the impressive bridge and enjoy the unique view across the East River to Brooklyn in the clear winter air. And while you’re on the bridge, take a stroll to Brooklyn Bridge Park.

GET A WARMING COFFEE AND ENJOY THE SPECTACULAR VIEWS!

Due to the cold wind, it can get really icy on the Brooklyn Bridge in winter. The best time to try your luck on some warming sunshine is around noon on the bridge.

Visit the museums of New York during the winter

New York City has the best museums in the world and usually, they are always crowded. Especially when it is cold outside visiting a museum in NYC is a great idea. One of our favorite museums is the American Museum of National History. You can literally spend an entire day here if you wanted to.

My tip: These are the Best Museums in NYC

Enjoy a Drink on a Rooftop in New York in Winter (or in an igloo)

Interested in knowing what the best rooftop in New York in Winter is? We’ve got you covered! Even though summer and fall are over, it doesn’t mean the end of rooftop season! Many of New York’s rooftop bars have either radiant heaters or a lounge areas, so they’re a great option even in winter.

At 230 Fifth  near the Flatiron Building, you can even sit in a heated igloo while enjoying breathtaking views of the skyline – how cool is that?

A Walk in Wintry Central Park

Central Park should not be missing from any Things to Do in New York in winter! The green lung of the city turns into a true winter wonderland during the cold season. It is therefore also a popular destination for New Yorkers. Stroll through the park under snow-covered trees and let yourself be enchanted by the play of lights on the frozen water surfaces in the evening.

Walking through Central Park in the cold is magical! If there’s snow, it’s even more amazing.

If you want to be more adventurous, start in Harlem and walk down Central Park towards Midtown. Too often we catch ourselves starting on Fifth Avenue at the Plaza Hotel in Central Park. There is so much more to explore than just that part of Central Park.

Visit the Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Station is probably the most famous commuter station in the world. Every single day, thousands of locals and tourists walk through this busy and fast-paced terminal. This New York City commuter rail terminal has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows and is an iconic location within the city. Tourists that visit NYC make sure that Grand Central Terminal is part of their itinerary.

Did you know that Grand Central Terminal’s birthday is on February 2nd? If you want to learn more about this beautiful train station check out our guide about Grand Central Terminal here .

Visit one of New York's Amazing Art Exhibitions at MoMa PS1 during Winter in NYC

Check out the local art scene in the MoMa Ps1 art exhibit, featuring work from 47 local, contemporary artists. This exhibit explores art-making in New York history, the resilience of artists, and the feelings connected with art. You’ll see a huge emphasis on foreign-born artists, their work full of Egyptian, Iranian, Tunisian, Nigerian, Mexican, Argentinian, and Indian influences. There is also an abundance of Native American artists to enjoy.

My tip: Here you find the Best Art Exhibitions in New York City .

MetLife Stadium (NY Giants)

The MetLife stadium is the home stadium of the New York Giants , New York’s most popular football team. The atmosphere is just incredible – we’ve been to New York Giants games several times and it’s been really cool every time (but also really cold!).

Compared the other team ( New York Jets ), the New York Giants enjoy the more dominant fanbase in New York. If you ask us, it’s absolutely worth it to go watch a game of either team just to feel the incredible atmosphere and energy in the stadium.

Here’s everything you need to know before heading to a New York Giants game, including schedule, best seats, and cheap tickets!

Visit the Whiskey Wonderland at Great Jones Distilling Co.

I am a huge fan of whiskey. If you feel the same way, I have a tip for you: Great Jones Distilling Co. in NoHo! It’s the first distillery in Manhattan since Prohibition and has won several awards. Designed in the style of a speakeasy bar, you can drink their first-class straight bourbon here, either straight or as a cocktail.

The Great Jones Distilling Co. bar also has a restaurant. At The Grid, they serve American cuisine at a high level. My tip: Try the prime flat iron steak and the tuna!

During winter, they host a Whiskey Wonderland every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with matching cocktails, drinks and winter snacks. Learn more about the Whiskey Wonderland here .

Where to go shopping during Winter in NYC

Shopping in New York seems to be on everyone’s bucket list. But what if the snow is blocking the sidewalks and the high winds won’t even make you want to leave your hotel to stroll around 5th Avenue?

Luckily there are a bunch of great shopping malls in the NYC area where you can simply move your shopping experience inside. Our favorites are  Garden State Plaza Mall and the Outlets at Jersey Gardens . Both malls in New Jersey can be reached via bus from Port Authority in Midtown Manhattan. If you want to stay local make your way to the Oculus in Lower Manhattan which offers a couple of shops as well. Both Woodbury Outlets  and  Empire Outlets are located outside with no indoor areas except the shops.

Don't miss the New York Restaurant Week (January/February 2023)

Attention food enthusiasts: NYC Restaurant Week will be back in the winter, meaning you can look forward to enjoying cheap meals all over the city. Thousands of travelers and locals look forward to this event every year because it’s a great opportunity to try new cuisines or simply enjoy top-notch meals at decent prices.

What is NYC Restaurant Week?

NYC Restaurant Week is a bi-annual event that takes place every summer and winter since 1982. Back then only a few restaurants participated in the promotion, whereas this year’s event counts almost 500 participating restaurants . Over time, the length of the promotion has been extended, so that now we can enjoy almost a full month of great, affordable food instead of just one week.

Explore Soho, Little Italy and Chinatown

Now known for their many excellent restaurants, shops and tourism, Manhattan ‘s SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown neighborhoods offer the most varied stories of New York City. Take a 2-hour tour with a local guide and discover hidden gems and 19th century buildings.

New York Fashion Week

This is probably one of the most interesting Things to Do in February in New York. Whole streets are closed off and intersections become catwalks. It’s one of the biggest fashion events of the year. For a week, twice a year, influencers, celebrities, editors, photographers and fashionistas from all over the world will make their pilgrimage to New York City to see the new collections from their favorite designers and brands. 

Take a ride with the Bumper Cars!

Every winter, the small plaza of The Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District turns into an ice rink. It’s not big, but it’s really beautiful. It’s right next to the High Line and the Whitney Museum. Afterwards, have a drink at the bar or visit the rooftop bar Le Bain to enjoy the sunset over the Hudson River!

Hop on a cruise during the Winter Season in New York City

Exploring the city on a boat is an amazing experience. Even though it can become a little chilly we highly recommend taking the New York City Water Taxi or hop on a Circle Line Cruise. They all have an indoor seating space where you can protect yourself from the cold in case you need to.

My tip: these are the 12 best cruises that you should do right now !

Time Out Market

I love the food markets in New York: the choices are huge, the value for money is great AND you can warm up after your winter strolls through New York.

There are really many good food markets in NYC, the Time Out Food Market in DUMBO is my personal favorite. Why? You can enjoy a free panoramic view of Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Lower Manhattan skyline!

My tip: these are the best food markets in NYC

Lightscape: Brooklyn's Winter Spectacular at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Brooklyn is home to many wonderful Christmas light displays, including the illuminated trail known as Lightscape, found at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. This after-dark light spectacular features all-new works of art and many returning favorites. At this experience, visitors make their way through the winding trails of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s trails, which are all awash with artistic light designs.

Along the journey, you’ll encounter color effects on BBG trees, water features, monumental lighted sculptures, and more. Lightscape was sold out last year, so book your visit on their website early.

Enjoy good drinks in one of the best Bars in New York

Have you ever thought about how to take the Irish Pub into the 21st century? Go check out the Dead Rabbit bar and find out. This modern Irish pub and restaurant, which opened in 2013, is one of our favorite bars of all times. As soon as you enter the bar, you are transported into another world. There is nothing ultra-modern here, but everything is stylishly trimmed to old. From the original cash register, old punch glasses for the drinks to the wooden floors covered with sawdust.

My tip: 50 Best Bars in Manhattan

Take a Craft Brewery Tour in Brooklyn

An equally exceptional and wonderful activity for Winter is this guided tour of not one but three breweries in New York. New York is known for its many small breweries that exist in every borough – on this tour, you’ll start at Circa Brewing at 141 Lawrence St in Brooklyn. As you make your way through some of the city’s hottest neighborhoods, you’ll visit 3 world-class breweries. Led by your expert beer guide, you’ll gain VIP access and learn more about the unique brewing process while sampling their delicious craft beer.

Drinks are also accompanied by a complimentary beer snack as you indulge your taste buds on an unforgettable 3.5-hour beer tour.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Radio City Music Hall is a distinguished concert and event hall located on Sixth Avenue and can be recognized from a distance by its striking exterior lighting. Throughout the year, concerts and events take place here such as the popular Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes. It is the most famous Christmas Show you can watch in New York!

It's Super Bowl time!

The Super Bowl is usually held in February and NYC, just like the rest of America, goes crazy during the days leading up to it. In the US, this event is the sporting highlight of the year. The halftime show is of the very best and every year, big names like Bruno Mars or Beyonce perform during the halftime show. If you’re looking for a nice bar on this night check out Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant at Times Square and other sports bars in the area.

Visit Governors Island (for the first time possible during Winter in New York)

Though Governors Island is no longer a secret spot, it hasn’t lost its charm and remains one of our favorite places in New York. Throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Manhattan from the island, ride bicycles, and participate in a large variety of events hosted here.

Usually Governors Island closes at the end of October, since 2021 you can check it out even during winter and spring! A ferry ride to the island typically costs $4 but if you decide to come on a Saturday or Sunday before noon, it’ll be free!

Visit the NYC Winter Jazzfest

What started as a one-day event in 2005 started to become popular in the Big Apple. Now, it evolved into a one-week festival. The Winter Jazz Fest is one of January’s prominent events, and those who are jazz fans will definitely be happy about this. Over 700 artists perform in different venues scattered across NYC. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in New York in January!

Black History Month

Don’t miss out on some of the best cultural events of the year during Black History Month in February in NYC. There are many ways to show your appreciation for African-American culture. Head Uptown and explore Harlem and its one of kind soul food restaurants. Harlem will be filled with music events, movie screenings, spoken word performances, and fun parties during Black History Month in  New York City.

Enjoy the NBA in New York in Winter

The New York Knicks are one of the most famous basketball teams in the NBA. Among New Yorkers, the Brooklyn Nets are even more popular. Basketball is one of the four major and important sports in the USA. You will find many enthusiastic Knicks and Brooklyn Nets supporters and at the latest after the game you will understand why basketball has such an attraction.

Therefore, you should definitely go to a game of the New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets if you are in New York in winter!

High Line Winter Tour (free)

The High Line Park takes you along the old tracks of the elevated railway to the Meatpacking District. Thanks to the initiative “Friends of the High Line” the park exists at all, because originally the construction was supposed to be torn down. And the best thing? They offer free tours!

• When? Wednesdays at 10am & Saturdays at 12pm
• Where? At the Gansevoort Street entrance

Spend Valentine's Day in NYC

Valentine’s Day is one of the most celebrated days in New York in Winter (more precisely on February 14th). Our list below includes romantic events, restaurants , photo spots, and fun activities for couples. So, what are the best things to in February in New York during Valentine’s Day? The Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise in New York City is a great idea and a perfect surprise for your loved one. Each couple receives a rose as a welcome gift before the yacht leaves for New York Harbor.

My tip: This is our complete guide to Valentine’s Day in NYC

Celebrate President's Day

Though officially called Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday intended to honor all of those who have served in the office as president of the United States.

Originally held on February 22nd every year to honor the first president of the United States, George Washington, it is now held on the third Monday of February each year, where the date ranges from February 15th to February 21st. Though the official name of the holiday varies from state to state, it is largely intended to celebrate two of the most important presidents in American history – George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Chinese New Year Parade

Usually, locals and tourists alike will (obviously) flock to New York City’s Chinatown to celebrate the Lunar New Year . A huge Chinese New Year Parade takes place there every year. The official name of the event is called the Lunar New Year and Festival.

The parade will down Mott and Canal Street. It will then make its way down East Broadway and head towards Manhattan Bridge, and it will ultimately end at Sara D. Roosevelt Park. During the parade, there will also be smaller activities going on in Chinatown NYC . It will have all sorts of street vendors and festivities.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which is one of the oldest, attracts around 700,000 people annually who want to be part of the spectacle. The parade takes place either directly on March 17th or – if it is a weekday – on the following weekend. Destination of the parade is the St. Patrick Cathedral. At 11 a.m. on the dot, the parade starts moving north at 44th Street/corner of 5th Avenue.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty in Winter

Are you planning on visiting the Statue of Liberty in the winter? Be prepared! The winds oftentimes are pretty gusty and the overall temperature feels much colder than anywhere else in the city. Wear a sweater, gloves, a hat, a scarf and of course a warm winter jacket. Here you can see exactly how to plan your visit to Miss Liberty.

The new Statue of Liberty Museum has opened in Spring 2019. Use this great location to warm up for a few minutes, when you’re getting too cold.

The 53 Best Things To Do in New York in December 2024 + Events

The 49 Best Things To Do in New York City in January 2024

The 50 Best Things to Do in February in New York in 2024

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

Get exclusive content, real insider tips, and the best deals in NYC for FREE!

Start of your trip: We will remind you with current events when you are in NYC!

Trump trial schedule: Latest on the trial and what you should expect this week

Former President Donald Trump 's hush money tria l is on break Monday, but court will reconvene Tuesday morning .

Although the jurors and lawyers typically gather on Monday mornings, Judge Juan Merchan ruled last week that there would be no proceedings Monday, April 29.

Monday is part of the last two days of the Jewish holiday of Passover . Court also let out early on April 22 and April 23 to allow people to travel for religious gatherings.

Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records to disguise the hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels that allegedly constituted an illegal campaign contribution.

Here is what to know as Trump's trial continues into Week 3:

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Trump trial live updates: Stormy Daniels' lawyer is back on the stand

Trump trial schedule

The tria is expected to last six to eight weeks, according to a media advisory .

Proceedings typically start at 9:30 a.m. local time and run through the business day. Court is on break on Wednesdays .

Trial is not televised, but you can read transcripts

New York City Criminal Court is publishing the trial transcripts and copies of evidence shown to the jury.

Transcripts of proceedings aren't always available, but officials decided to make them available because of "unparalleled public interest."

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday's transcripts are available now on the New York State Unified Court System's media website. Evidence shown to the jury, including texts, emails and photos , also are available from last week's proceedings.

Week 2 ended during third witness testimony

Jurors heard from three witnesses last week.

First, David Pecker, former head of the National Enquirer’s parent company, testified about how he used the publication to write positive stories about Trump and prevent negative stories about him from coming out during his 2016 presidential campaign.

His testimony and cross-examination spanned three days. He also said his editor-in-chief believed Stormy Daniels' story about an alleged sexual encounter in 2006, which Trump denies.

Trump's former executive assistant Rhona Graff made a brief appearance on the witness stand Friday. When court wrapped for the week, the prosecution was questioning Gary Farro, former senior managing director at First Republic Bank. Farro, who was former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen's banker in 2016, could be used to bring in email evidence about the payment to Daniels. CNN reported Cohen used money from his home equity line to cover Daniels' payment, and an email from a First Republic Bank employee confirmed the transfer.

Leaving the courthouse Friday, Trump challenged President Joe Biden to a debate.

“We’ll do it at the White House,” Trump said. “That would be very comfortable, actually.”

Contributing: Bart Jansen and Aysha Bagchi

Enjoyed The Snooks Trail? Bid for the sculptures at auction and raise money for charity!

What's On

Events in and around york.

Experience amazing world-class festivals and events, enjoy comedy nights, markets, exhibitions and much more at the city’s varied cultural venues and theatres. If you’re visiting in the winter months, enjoy the UK’s most festive city with the enchanting York Christmas Market and a plethora of Christmas activities.

Follow and subscribe to Visit York for the latest news on events, festivals and special offers happening in York.

Want to share your event? Visit York members can submit events here . Not a Visit York member? Join today!

‘RICHMOND POPPIES’ BEGIN TOUR IN YORK WITH DONKEY CHARITY

A 'Northern Tour' of a cascade of crafted purple poppies that will raise awareness of the roles played by animals and birds across the globe in theatres of war, past and present, begins at York Army Museum on Saturday …

Star Carr: Life after the ice Opens 22 March 2024 Included in general admission Discover what human life was like 11,00…

Two Houses, One Story York's Forgotten Women

Discover the Shared History of Strong Catholic Women at Two of York's Most Iconic Houses. 2 March - 27 April 2024 This …

VIP Hall Tour and Afternoon Tea Experience

A truly special experience in Scampston Hall. An exclusive VIP Hall Tour, followed by a sparkling Afternoon Tea in the …

Self-Guided City Walk & Interactive Treasure Hunt with Go Quest Adventures

Explore the streets of York's city centre, unlocking a hidden trail by finding clues, solving puzzles & completing …

York Steiner School Parent and…

Chocolate manufactory tasting …, chocolate lollipop making, the bar walls and york minster…, will you survive the bloody co…, free hnefatafl workshop, hooting owl distillery york - …, chocolate bar making workshop …, the full hoot distillery tour ….

Loading events based on your search...

Search York Events

Loading entries...

Steve Hackett Genesis Greats, …

Boyzlife - featuring keith duf…, rose consort of viols with mar…, average white band, rediscover | curated by pictur…, art in the tearoom may: jerry …, ‘richmond poppies’ begin tour …, self-guided city walk & intera….

Save money while sightseeing with a Visit York Pass! York's official sightseeing card which gives entry to top attractions in York, including York Minster, City Cruises York, JORVIK Viking Centre and more!

Why get a Visit York Pass?

🏰 Save money on 25+ attractions

🏰 Quick and easy to use

🏰 Includes 24 hours city sightseeing bus ticket

It's the only ticket you need!

Updates from Visit York Sign up for news on events, festivals and special offers

By checking this box you are agreeing to receive marketing material from Visit York. For further information please see our Privacy Policy .

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

What to Know About Venice’s Fees for Day Trips

Venice is trying to mitigate overtourism with a small fee on busy days. City leaders hope it will make visitors more aware of the city’s fragility.

By Elisabetta Povoledo

Reporting from Rome

After years of debate , Venice on Thursday began charging day visitors five euros to visit its fragile historic center on peak days, making it the first city in the world to adopt such a measure to counter overtourism.

Critics question whether a nominal fee will put people off from visiting one of the world’s most desired destinations. But officials hope that it might encourage some to rethink their plans and decide to come on weekdays or in the off-season.

That might help mitigate the impact of the estimated 20 million visitors who descended last year on the city’s beleaguered residents, who number fewer than 50,000, according to municipal statistics . About half of those visitors came only for the day, city officials said. Overnight guests are exempt from the fee.

The spirit of the initiative, city officials have said, is to make people aware of the uniqueness — and fragility — of Venice. Overtourism is creating an economy solely based on tourism that risks killing the city by pushing its dwindling residents out, said Nicola Camatti, an economics professor and expert in tourism at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.

When will Venice start charging?

The fee went into effect on Thursday, a holiday in Italy. For 2024, city officials have singled out 29 peak days when single-day travelers in Venice between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. have to pay. The days run until mid-July and are mostly on national holidays and weekends. The access-fee website provides a list of the dates.

Who must pay?

While just about everyone visiting the city has to register to obtain a QR code, not all visitors have to pay the fee. Overnight guests at registered accommodations like hotels or Airbnbs are exempt, because they already pay a daily tourist tax, as are people who study or work in Venice and those visiting relatives. There are other exemptions as well.

Residents of Venice, those born there and minors under 14 are among those who do not have to register. But they must have documents that prove their status.

It is possible that different fees will apply next year on a sliding scale that will depend on how many people city officials expect on any one day. City officials said the fees could be as high as 10 euros per day.

How will the system work?

Before coming to Venice on peak days, visitors should use the website to register and get a QR code.

The code will be scanned at points where visitors enter, like the train station, the city parking lot, the airport and the sprawling waterfront along the San Marco basin where boats dock. The access points will have one line for tourists and another for residents and what officials call city users, who are coming into Venice for reasons other than sightseeing.

At least for now, those who do not register ahead of time can do so at some access points or on their cellphones, officials said. Assistants will be available.

Initially, the controls will be “very soft,” said Michele Zuin, the municipal councilor responsible for the city’s budget.

Speaking to reporters at the foreign press association in Rome this month, Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said the fee was not about cashing in on tourists. “The costs of the operation are higher than what we’re going to make,” he said.

Why is Venice doing this?

City officials hope to relieve some of the stress that tourists put on the city by encouraging them to come on less busy days. They also say that by knowing ahead of time how many visitors to expect, the city can better deploy services.

“We want to better manage the numbers of tourists and disincentivize mass tourism” that makes it difficult for residents and visitors to “live in this city,” Mr. Zuin said this month.

To track the flow of visitors, the city already monitors them via phone location data and surveillance cameras, a system some critics have likened to Big Brother .

Venice has also fallen under the scrutiny of the United Nations’ culture agency, UNESCO, whose experts are concerned that not enough is being done to protect the city. Last year, Venice risked being added to UNESCO’s list of Endangered World Heritage Sites after experts at the agency listed mass tourism , along with climate change and development, as a major threat to its future. It urged City Hall to take steps to ameliorate the damage.

The municipal council approved the access fee just days before UNESCO was to vote on its status, and Venice stayed off the “in danger” list . But UNESCO officials said in a statement that “further progress still needs to be made” to conserve Venice.

Critics of the access fee note that officials have not capped the number of visitors, and they say that the nominal fee is hardly a deterrent. As recently as Friday, city officials said that about 80,000 visitors swelled the city’s narrow calli, as the streets are known, and the gardens of the 2024 Venice Biennale , still the world’s principal place to discover new art .

How else is Venice trying to restrict visitors?

Venice also has taken other steps it hopes will reduce what city officials call “mordi e fuggi” tourism, or “eat and flee,” referring to those who seek the city’s greatest hits — the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square — and who bring packed lunches and dump their garbage, contributing little to the local economy.

After years of heated debate and protests by vocal Venetians, the city banned cruise ships from its inner canals in 2021 , though Mr. Camatti, the tourism expert, said the ban on the ships had not reduced the number of day visitors.

This year, the city imposed a limit of 25 people per tour group and also banned the use of megaphones.

Elisabetta Povoledo is a reporter based in Rome, covering Italy, the Vatican and the culture of the region. She has been a journalist for 35 years. More about Elisabetta Povoledo

Salesforce is closed for new business in your area.

Worst tornado outbreak of 2024 so far leaves 5 dead across 2 states

There have been more than 100 confirmed tornadoes ranging from ef-0 to ef-4 since thursday, and that number could continue to rise as survey teams from the national weather service are still out looking at the damage left behind..

Number of confirmed tornadoes from deadly weekend outbreak jumps to more than 100

The number of confirmed tornadoes from a weekend outbreak has jumped to more than 100 as recovery efforts continue across America’s heartland.

A severe weather outbreak barreled across America’s heartland over the weekend, producing dozens of tornadoes that tore through communities from Texas to Iowa and left at least five people dead as thousands of residents are now in the process of sifting through the debris of destroyed homes and businesses trying to recover whatever belongings remain.

Since the event began Thursday, there have been more than 100 confirmed tornadoes ranging from EF-0 to EF-4 , and that number could continue to rise as survey teams from the National Weather Service are still out in full force looking at the damage left behind.

DRONE VIDEO SHOWS SULPHUR, OKLAHOMA, NEARLY UNRECOGNIZABLE AFTER DIRECT HIT FROM TORNADO

Images from Christy Morris, owner of The Mix Mercantile, show the destruction after the Sulphur, Oklahoma tornado on April 28, 2024.

(Christy Morris)

Friday was the most active tornado day of 2024 , with the NWS saying it received 88 tornado reports – the most in a single day since March 31, 2023, when 161 were reported.

In addition to the dozens of Tornado Warnings that were issued in Iowa and Nebraska on Friday, two rare Tornado Emergencies were issued.

Those tornadoes produced catastrophic damage in cities such as Elkhorn in Nebraska and Minden in Iowa, and specialized response teams have been brought in to help survey the destruction.

IOWA TROOPER SURVIVES TORNADO IN CAR, PATCHES WINDOW AND CONTINUES HELPING VICTIMS

Man killed while sheltering from storm in Minden

Iowa town decimated by tornado

FOX Weather's Brandy Campbell visited decimated Minden, Iowa, the day after a tornado tore through the town. She talks to residents Sherri Guerrero and Randy Davis about how they survived. Governor Kim Reynolds explains that Mayor Ken Zimmerman was a survivor as well.

Sirens wailed and phones screeched, alerting people to the dangers that were approaching as a massive wedge tornado was inching closer to the town of Minden, Iowa.

But despite the preparations and people seeking shelter, the monster storm killed at least one person .

VIOLENT, WEDGE-SHAPED TORNADO SLAMS RURAL COMMUNITIES IN IOWA: ‘PRAYED EVERYTHING WOULD BE OK’

Damage left behind after a tornado swept through Elkhorn, Nebraska on April 26, 2024.

(Nicole Valdes / FOX Weather)

The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department confirmed that a man died Saturday from injuries he sustained during Friday’s tornado outbreak.

Family members told local media that the man was trapped in his basement after the tornado. First responders were able to free the man and rush him to a local hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries.

NEIGHBORHOODS AROUND OMAHA, NEBRASKA, DEVASTATED BY LARGE TORNADO

At least 4 dead, including infant, in Oklahoma

Drone video shows stretch of Sulphur, Oklahoma downtown after devastating tornado

First light tornado damage from Sulphur, Oklahoma was seen on April 28, 2024. Drone footage shows destroyed businesses and homes, as well as cars thrown and turned over from an intense tornado that passed through the town.

At least four people were killed and more than 100 others were injured in Oklahoma during a tornado outbreak there on Saturday.

Two deaths were reported in the community of Holdenville , including an infant. A GoFundMe has since been set up to benefit the family that is now grieving the loss of their child.

"Words can't express the immense loss this family has suffered," the GoFundMe reads. According to the fundraiser, the family also lost their home, two vehicles and all of their belongings.

Funerals delayed for two tornado victims as flooding rains soaked the community in mourning

FOX Weather's Katie Byrne reports from Holdenville, Oklahoma, a community reeling after a tornado struck Saturday killing a baby and a man. Flooding rains following the twister left the ground soaked and will delay burying the victims.

FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne was in Holdenville and spoke with the family of one of the victims, Jimmy Johnson. They told her that he was able to protect his niece and nephew, who were at the home with him when the tornado destroyed it.

One funeral home is taking care of both funerals for grieving families but said recent rain has made the ground too saturated to hold those funerals right now.

"We just came out here to get a lay of the land and see what we have to do as far as interment for the ones that passed away," Anthony Wood said. "It looks like somebody set a bomb off."

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

This image shows major damage to a building in Marietta, Oklahoma, on Sunday, April 28, 2024.

(KTVT / FOX Weather)

At a news conference on Sunday, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said two additional deaths were reported in the state – one in Marietta and another in the hard-hit community of Sulphur .

"Definitely the most damage since I've been governor that I've seen," Stitt said during a news conference Sunday in Sulphur. "I've seen a lot of damage. I've been around the state for, this is my sixth year, but what I saw in downtown Sulphur is unbelievable."

The tornado that hit Sulphur tore through the downtown area, destroying nearly every business on West Muskogee Avenue. FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell was in the devastated community on Monday and said buildings are continuing to crumble as the wind blows, and the area has been closed off to the public for safety reasons.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE FOX WEATHER APP

Watch: Buildings destroyed, trucks mangled after tornado strikes Marietta, Oklahoma

Video recorded in Marietta, Oklahoma, shows catastrophic damage left behind when a tornado ripped through the community on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

Storm surveys are continuing in Oklahoma, but forecasters with the NWS said preliminary assessments found damage consistent with EF-3 tornadoes in Sulphur and Holdenville. NWS officials said that EF-4 damage was found in Marietta.

Stitt issued an executive order on Sunday morning declaring a state of emergency in Carter, Cotton, Garfield, Hughes, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Murray, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Payne and Pontotoc counties because of the damage left behind in the wake of the severe weather on Saturday.

Watch: Ambulances race down I-35 in Marietta, Oklahoma, after tornado

Video recorded on Interstate 35 in Marietta, Oklahoma, shows damage left behind when a tornado moved through on Saturday, April, 27, 2024.

"There is hereby a declared a disaster emergency caused by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds , hail and flooding in the State of Oklahoma that threatens the lives and property of the people of this State and the public’s peace, health and safety ," the executive order read.

The executive order will remain in effect for the next 30 days.

• Extreme Weather
• Severe Weather