Things to Do in York, EnglandOur best things to do in York... The Unofficial Guide brings you ideas for the best things to do in York England - we're from York and bring you reviews of our best visits and days out... Are you looking for ideas for what to do in York England? You won't be disappointed, as there's loads to choose from - plenty to keep you and all the family busy, and enjoyably entertained... ...perfect for a day-trip, weekend or even a long, leisurely York city break... Here, I'll take you through some of my own best things to do in York UK... ...what you really shouldn't miss, and some beguiling hidden gems to capture your imagination! York England is a mecca for tourists - it's no wonder that York is one of the most popular tourist attractions for weekend breaks in the UK.
York is a beautiful and historic city, so you really will be spoiled for choice when deciding on things to do in York... ...your problem won't be finding something to do, but deciding which activities you can bear to miss out on... Never mind! you can always come back another time! To help you out, I've listed My Own Recommended Top 10 of Things to do in York... This includes some of the most popular York tourism sites, and the ones I think you really shouldn't miss out... My Top 10 Things to Do in York Top 10 Things to Do in YorkYork Minster York Minster
This is the York Cathedral and is definitely one of the most popular things to do in York, and, for me, a must-see. York Minster is the largest Gothic Cathedral north of the Alps, and is certainly spectacular! The architecture inside (and out) is awe inspiring, and the stained glass is beautiful - especially if you are lucky enough to visit on a sunny day (we do have them sometimes in England!) There is evidence of Roman use on the site of the minster (by the military), and the first use here as a church is thought to be the 7th Century. Most of the Minster as you see it today, dates from the 13th - 15th Centuries. There is a charge to visit the Minster (except for religious visits) but this does include an optional free guided tour. It also costs extra to visit the Tower, which is a very long way up, but, as you might imagine, does have spectacular views! Open:
The Shambles and StonegateWalking around the historic streets of York, admiring the buildings and soaking up the atmosphere is one the simplest and most enjoyable things to so in York. Don't miss... The Shambles The Shambles in York is one of the most famous streets in the world! And it's actually, apparently, Europe's most visited street! So, for me, this is the one thing you definitely must not miss out on your York city break!
The Shambles in York is officially just called 'Shambles'. It's York's oldest street (it's more than 900 years old) and most of the buildings you'll see today date from the 15th Century, when this used to be the butchery street. I love this street, and walk down it at every opportunity - even when I don't really need to go down it! The old buildings are endearingly quaint - strikingly higgledy piggledy - you'll swear you just stepped into Harry Potter's 'Diagon Alley'! The Shambles isn't just about the lovely old buildings and architecture, though... Visit for the enticing array of little gift shops, craft shops and boutiques. You're sure to find the perfect gift or souvenir here! Try eating out at The Earl Grey Tearooms or Ristorante Bari, (both in the Shambles) or nearby Cafe Harlequin or Cafe on the Square (these latter 2 are on King's Square at the northern end of the Shambles). Stonegate While you're visiting The Shambles, extend your visit to include nearby Stonegate. Here the streets look much more modern (in comparison) but many of the buildings date from the 15th and 16th Centuries, and have 18th-19th Century facades... You'll still get the occasional, gorgeous, old, half-timbered building though - they seem to crop up everywhere in York...
Mulberry Hall ...and you can see the remains of the oldest house in York (the 12th Century Norman House) and the Medieval Barley Hall, just off Stonegate. What Stonegate is great for, though, is posh shopping! Gorgeous boutiques abound! Wonderful - even if you're just window-shopping! Also explore surrounding streets for more of the same:
For eating out try:
More ideas for eating out and restaurants in York, here... Jorvik Viking Centre (and DIG)Vikings are big in historic York! York was an important centre in the Viking kingdom which was established from the 9th-10th Centuries. York was called Jorvik at this time.  In the 1970's - 80's there was a huge archaeological dig here, which uncovered the remains of Viking streets. I can vividly remember watching Blue Peter (a kid's TV show) as a child, when they followed the uncovering of the Viking city streets and the opening of the Jorvik Viking Centre. The Jorvik Viking Center is right in the exact spot where the finds were made. How strange that I should one day end up living in York, and writing about it! A visit the the Jorvik Centre is fantastic fun and perfect for kids. Definitely one of the most fun things to do in York! Travel back in time on the Viking ride, and experience the sights, sounds, and yes, even the smells, of life in a Viking town! Lots of activities to enjoy. Loads of info and loads of fun! Also enjoy an archaeological discovery interactive experience at DIG - which is especially good for kids. You can buy a joint ticket for both attractions. Jorvik Viking Centre Opening:
York City WallsThe York City Walls date back (in parts) from Roman times, and are now the longest and most complete medieval city walls in England. They were originally used for the defence of the city. The walls you see today date mainly from medieval times.
You can walk the complete circuit of the walls (minus a few gaps where the walls no longer exist). The route is about 2 miles (and takes about 2 hours). It is well worth doing, as a nice walk, and to appreciate the 5 bars (barbican gateways), gates, towers and many historical features along the way.
Monk Bar There are also 2 museums within the walls:
If you don't have the time (or the energy) to do the full circuit, do, at least, try to do a short section, just to experience the walls for yourself. Open:
Yorkshire Museum and GardensA lovely big museum, looking at the early history, and pre-history of York. Lots of medieval information and exhibits. Also a good AV presentation of the story of York, so it's a great place to start a York city break, to learn a little about the city's history. The Museum is in the middle of the Museum Gardens, which are very pleasant botanical gardens and a city park, which is a popular place for residents and tourists alike to relax on sunny days.
Spend a few minutes, at least, walking through the Museum Gardens. Inside the gardens you can also see:
Open:
More about our visit to The Yorkshire Museum, here... National Railway MuseumJust a little outside of the city centre is the National Railway Museum York - a huge museum all about trains and well worth a visit. One of the best things to do in York for kids - and even though I'm not particularly a fan of trains, I will say that I always enjoy a visit. Free entry. (Charge for car park) Open:
Merchant Adventurers' HallThis is a Medieval Guildhall - and is the largest timber-framed building in the whole of York.
It is one of the finest examples of a medieval Guildhall in Europe, and it's well worth a visit, to see inside, to appreciate the beautiful building, and the power and roles of the Guilds in the history of York. A visit will only take about an hour, but if you're short of time, just visit the gardens, to admire the exterior of the hall, and relax in the beautiful garden (tranquility and history right in the heart of the bustling city!) Definitely one of my favorite old buildings in York. Access to the gardens is free. There is a charge to visit the Hall. Open:
More about our visit to the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, here... York Castle MuseumHere you can see exhibits from post-medieval York (it seems to start where the Yorkshire Museum leaves off) including domestic room scenes through the ages, farming and rural life exhibits and civil war exhibits and stories.
There is also a fantastic, and very memorable re-constructed Victorian street, which kids (in particular) will love! They'll also love the history of toys section in the museum. Also see the vividly colored 60's exhibition and quite a scary exhibition of the Castle Prison. Really interesting, and loads to see! One of the best things to do in York on rainy days! Open:
Read more about our visit to York Castle Museum... Clifford's Tower
Next door to the York Castle Museum is the impressive Clifford's Tower. The huge mound dates back to Norman times, when it was built by William the Conqueror. The stone tower dates from the 13th Century. Great views across the city from the top of the tower. Open:
York City Art GalleryFree entry to the York City Art Gallery makes this well worth a visit. The Art Gallery contains works by:
The Art Gallery hosted an important work by artist David Hockney in 2011. Open:
More Ideas for Things to Do in YorkThere are plenty more ideas for things to do in York, here. I'll list some of them by type of activity... Also look out for activities and attractions with a *. This denotes ideas for things to do in York on rainy days.
Please check opening times and facilities with the establishments directly, before you set out, as not all these attractions and things to do in York are open daily, or all year round. More Ideas for things to do in York... Museums Museums in York
York Historical Buildings
Shopping in York
Nights Out in York
Other Attractions, Activities and Things to Do in York
I hope this list gives you some good ideas about things to do in York - there are so many options I think you'll just have to come back and visit us again, soon... Do let us know which things to do in York you've enjoyed most - you can share your own York stories and reviews, here... Money Saving Idea for Things to Do in York If you plan to visit a lot of these attractions in your visit to York, take a look at the Yorkshire Pass which gives you free entry to most of the top attractions in York, as well as other discount vouchers, plus entry to other attractions around Yorkshire, if you plan on getting out and about a bit during your stay... You can save a lot of money with the pass, but it is quite expensive to buy, so do spend a little time working out what you want to see most, and deciding which option will save you the most money... The pass is available for 1, 2, 3 or 6 consecutive days, and can be ordered online, or bought from the Visit York Information Office in Museum Street, York, when you arrive... More info about the Yorkshire Pass, here... Ideas for eating out and restaurants in York, here... Practicalities York City Travel - Getting Here and Getting About York What to expect from the Weather in York Somewhere to Stay Our Guide to Accommodation and Hotels in York Find out What's On soon. Ideas for things to do at the coast Return to the main York page
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