York Travel guide
Located in the county of Yorkshire York is a popular city for visitors from around the globe. With a historical legacy from the Romans and Vikings and medieval streets of cobblestones, this walled city is the perfect place for a weekend visit or to break the journey by train from London to Edinburgh.
If you are visiting York you will find everything you need to plan your trip in this guide plus information about the county of Yorkshire
Brief Overview
Nowhere in the north of England says “medieval” quite like York – those lucky enough to pass through its massive stone walls will experience one of Britain’s most impressive cities.
Home to over 2000 years of colourful history, not to mention a vibrant arts scene and a public house for every night of the year, York offers an enticing mix of past and present. What’s more, it’s only two hours by train from London.
Best time to visit
You can expect average lows of around 5 °C in York in January / February, and highs around 25°C in July / August.
If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit York, I’d suggest planning a trip in May or June. The weather tends to be warm and sunny, rain is at a minimum and it’s out of peak season, so you shouldn’t be battling any big crowds either. The longest day is around 20th June every year, so it’s a time you can enjoy maximum daylight hours exploring!
I’ve never been a fan of January to March or October / November in England – it can be pretty bleak! November is the wettest month of the year, and while December can be pretty cold, there’s a Christmas magic in York!
Getting around York
York is a compact city with plenty of things to do within the city walls and beyond. This ancient city is best explored on foot, and it’s easy to get from one side of the city centre to the other in just 20 minutes.
Public Transport
If you’re travelling into York by car, use one of the six ideally located Park & Rides sites surrounding the city for a hassle-free journey. Just leave your car safe and secure at one of the free parking spaces and hop on the bus to York city centre. www.itravelyork.info/park-and-ride
First buses also run their services in York. For full timetables please visit www.firstgroup.com/york.
First Bus Space Checker – the brand new tool from First Bus to help you plan ahead and travel with confidence. Space Checker allows you to see when your favourite bus stop and service is typically at its busiest and choose a quieter time to travel. Designed using recent passenger data, this new platform acts as a prediction of how much space will be available on your service – up to 7 days in advance
Cycling
You can enjoy an active holiday for all the family with a cycling break in York! York is the perfect base for all kinds of biking adventures, from leisurely rides around the city to exciting rural routes over moorland and through forests. Explore York by bike with a guided cycling tour to experience the city’s rich history, or hire one yourself for a solo adventure. York has plenty of choice for bike hire, with companies offering something for everyone from road bikes and mountain bikes to children’s bikes and specially adapted bikes. Please click HERE for all the options.
Things to see and do
Walk the City Walls
You can’t get closer to history than by walking on it! York’s City Walls are the longest medieval town walls in England (3.4km). While the original city walls were built around 71 AD, the majority of what you se today date back to the 12th – 14th Century. Not only is it a lovely experience to get right up close to York’s history, it offers a great tour of the city, showing you plenty of the key sights along the way!
If you want to walk the whole way around, you’re looking at a two-hour stroll – if that seems too long-winded, you can just walk part of it. The walls are elevated, so you get to take in pleasant views over the city and discover the main characteristics of the stone fortifications at the same time.
Clifford’s Tower
Of all the places of interest in York, Clifford’s Tower has to be high on the list. An imposing structure, commanding eye-catching views of the city beyond, Clifford’s Tower is the largest remaining portion of York Castle.
In the past, the tower served as a Royal Mint and also as a prison, playing host to a number of criminals. There’s some debate as to how the tower obtained its name – some believe the Clifford family laid claim to the structure, giving it their name.
Others deem that the tower adopted the name to mark the hanging of Roger de Clifford (hanged in 1322 for his opposition of Edward II). Whichever story you believe, Clifford’s Tower is certainly worth a look.
Price: Adult – £8.10 / Child – £5.40
Visit York Minster
The icon of the city, you can’t visit York and not venture inside York Minster. Beautiful outside, the cathedral is even more breath taking on the inside. Constructed between 1230 and 1472, it’s an incredible example of gothic architecture. As far as buildings go, York Minster is nothing short of magnificent.
History oozes from its very pores, and the medieval stained-glass windows, including the Great East Window, catch your imagination as well as the light. The on-site Undercroft Museum provides a glimpse into the history beneath the cathedral, and there are guides on hand providing free tours of York Minster.
York Minster Ticket Price: Adults £12.50, seniors and students £9.50, children free (with a paying adult)
York Minster + Tower Ticket Price: Adults £18.50, seniors and students £15.50, children £6 (children must be 8+ to climb the tower)
You can only buy tickets online! You cannot buy on the door.
Buy tickets direct at York Minster
Discover York’s Viking Heritage At The Jorvik Viking Centre
Infamous invaders Ivar the Boneless, King Halfdon and their Viking throng laid siege to York in 866 AD. You can discover the story behind the invasion at the Jorvik Viking Museum.
It’s no surprise to learn that a visit to the museum is considered one of top things to do in York. You can expect a fully immersive experience – climb into a carriage and prepare to be transported through 10th century York.
The journey provides a glimpse into Jorvik of old, the sights, the sounds, and even the smells! You will also get to take a close-up look at genuine Viking relics, which were all discovered in the vicinity of the museum.
Jorvik Viking Centre Ticket Price: Adults £13.50, children £9.50 (age 5-16)
Wander The Shambles
There are plenty of places to go in York, but there’s something magical about the Shambles. Nooks and crannies, alcoves and secret alleyways, the winding, narrow Shambles used to be home to neighbouring butcher’s shops.
Nowadays, the 14th-century timber buildings play host to cheerful cafes and upmarket boutiques. There’s a buzzing atmosphere here – look out for the market at the end of the street, and keep an eye out for the talented street performers.
If you are a Harry Potter fan don’t miss ‘The Shop That Must Not Be Named” along the Shambles. Broomsticks can be parked outside if necessary!
You can amble around the Shambles and discover its charms for yourself. Alternatively, join one of the guided walking tours (below). Take in the sights as a knowledgeable guide leads you around the city, sharing their insight and pointing out the wonders of York.
Where, When and How Much?
- Right in the heart of the city.
- You can walk along the Shambles at any time, day or night. Go at 6am or 10pm for unobstructed photos!
- Easy on the wallet as you can walk the Shambles for free, but we can’t guarantee you won’t succumb to temptation and blow your budget in one of the many wonderful cafes and shops!
Visit Shambles Market And Try Some Street Food
Just a street away from The Shambles is this market, which has a mix of traditional market traders (you know, fruit & veg, batteries, big pants…!) plus tourist stalls selling things like fudge. There are also several street food vendors, some in vans, others with more permanent setups.
National Railway Museum
Days out in York are fun, but they can be costly – here we have a treat that costs nothing at all!
The National Railway Museum is a great day out for the family, and history buffs and train enthusiasts will be particularly at home here.
Browse the notable collection of rolling train stock and marvel at the locomotive and railway exhibits on show. There are picnic areas on-site too, so you can take the weight off your feet and enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Price and location:
- Leeman Road, YO26 4XJ.
- Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 until 17:00.
- Admission is free, just make sure you book online here! (donations welcome)
York Chocolate Story
There are lots of fun things to do in York, one being a visit to the York Chocolate Story. Here you can and find out more about iconic chocolate brands synonymous with the city – Rowntree’s, Terry’s and Craven’s.
Learn more about how chocolate is made and how to savour it like a pro. Marvel at the skills of the expert chocolatiers and indulge in a few tasty treats on the tour.
Info:
- 3-4 Kings Square, YO1 7LD.
- York Chocolate Story is generally open daily from 10:00 until 18:00 (with the last tour at 16:00). The chocolate bar café is open for temping treats between 10:00 – 18:00 (21:00 Friday and Saturday).
- Book a tour here
York Castle Museum
The award-winning York Castle Museum will immerse you in over 400 years of York’s past, and it really does make you feel like you have travelled back in time.
See hundreds of years of York’s history in one place – from recreated Jacobean dining rooms to the world famous recreated Victorian Street, Kirkgate.
Interactive and immersive galleries hold thousands of historic objects that really bring the past to life, and the exhibitions promise fascinating displays and innovative new ways of learning about York’s past.
Book direct here
Price:
Adult / Senior
£13 online / £14 Walk up price
(Admits one adult for 12 months)
Child
£6.50 online / £7 walk up price
River cruise along the Ouse
The River Ouse flows through the city of York. In the past, it provided passage to Viking invaders and helped bring the Black Death. Thankfully, nowadays, the river offers leisure opportunities instead of danger!
If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can stroll along the bank, look at the striking scenery and join in the York River Festival. Take to the water and you can participate in a spot of canoeing, rowing, fishing and boating. Hire your own boat or climb aboard a cruiser and enjoy a cruise.
Book your river cruise here
Self drive boats
Hire one of the fourteen red motorboats from York Self-Drive Boat Hire, and you can try your hand at being a skipper.
You can hire a boat (choose from Josephine, Angie, Leonie, Sarah, Yvette, Kathryn, Alice-May, Lucy, Tina, Heather, Ellen, Rebecca, Emma or Penny) for 30 minutes or a full hour, depending on how much messing about you want to do on the river!
Location and price:
- Hire Point is at King’s Staith, next to Tower Gardens, YO1 9RZ.
- Opening hours are typically from 10:00 until 15:00.
- Boat hire as follows:
30-minute self-drive (up to eight people) costs between £20 and £40.
One-hour self-drive (up to eight people) costs between £30 and £50.
Book here
Where to stay
As the city attracts a lot of tourists, there are plenty of great York hotels, characterful B&Bs and on AirBnb you’ll find something to fit every budget. In fact – there are even a few hostels, or you could hire a motorhome for your trip with GoBoony! Here are a selection of the top hotels in York and a few other quirky places to stay if you’re not fancying the rigidness of a hotel.
- The Grand York – York’s only 5* hotel retains original Edwardian features, large bedrooms and a central location.
- Guy Fawkes Inn – 4 * historic accommodation in a wonderful location opposite York Minster. All bedrooms are furnished with 4 poster beds.
- The Bar Convent – 3* guest house located near the train station and next to York’s historic walls. Also England’s oldest living convent.
- Wheatlands Lodge – 2* budget accommodation offering free breakfast.
Where to Eat & Drink
Partisan – Just a short stroll from the train station, Partisan is a cosy café with a top-notch reputation, good service and even better brunch. With offerings such as eggs benedict and a full veggie English, you certainly won’t go hungry.
Where and When?
- 112 Micklegate, YO1 6JX.
- Every day from 9:00 to 15:00/17:00.
Guy Fawkes Inn – The birthplace of Guy Fawkes the medieval Inn is located in the shadow of York Minster. The Inn retains many of its original features such as gas-lighting and timber staircase which all add to its character and atmosphere.
Enjoy classic British food in the restaurant or bar. The Guy Fawkes steak and ale pie is highly recommended! Pair with a pint of Black Sheep Best Bitter or another from a wide selection of real ales.
If you choose to book a stay in one of the Inn’s 13 en-suite bedrooms there is the added perk of a free 2-hour walking tour of York.
Where and When?
- 25 High Petergate, York YO1 7HP
- The Inn offers a variety of menus including A La Carte, Sunday Lunch, and a special Conspirator’s menu served Monday – Friday 12 pm – 6 pm.
Betty’s Tea Room – How could you visit York without popping into the legendary Bettys Tea Room?
The famous café has been trading since 1936 and has strikingly beautiful interiors, inspired by none other than the Queen Mary Ocean Liner. Enjoy one of the tasty teas (sourced from around the world by expert buyers), or a delicious coffee (and a plump fruity scone whilst you’re at it) – yum!
Where and When?
- 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, YO1 8QP.
- Open 9:00 – 21:00.
Best day trips from York
There is a multitude of interesting places to go near York which is the best base for your day trips and excursions. Some of the most popular attractions near York include:
- Saltaire: Model Victorian village built by Titus Salt for his factory workers.
- Whitby: Pretty coastal town famous for connections to Dracula and its tasty fish and chips.
- Yorkshire Dales National Park: Grab your hiking boots and head to some of the famous trails (we love the circular Ingleton Waterfalls trail) If you want to explore more of the Yorkshire Dales
- Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Park: A UK UNESCO World Heritage Site belonging to the National Trust.
Getting to York
It takes only takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes by train direct from Edinburgh Waverley Station to York.
Catch the train from London Kings Cross for the 2-hour trip direct to York.
For times and tickets visit the trainline.com
Book tours and Purchase Tickets
More Photos
Final thoughts
This Essential York Travel Guide has taken you through all you need to start planning a trip to York! You’ve got all the practical info sorted, and have started building a list of things to see and do, and another list of places to eat and drink.
Top tip: Bring an Umbrella, it is the UK after all!
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Other England Related Guides
Be sure to check out our other exciting guides related to England:
We love York! Make sure it’s on your list.
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