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Why we love York

Small and mighty York is the medieval walled city that really packs a punch. Its backdrop of cobbled lanes, winding ‘Snickelways’ and even a shopping street that dates back to the Domesday Book, mean this compact city is packed with stuff to see.

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

Ramble through The Shambles

As you wind through the cobbled streets of the Shambles , you may feel a familiar nostalgia. This charming neighbourhood is believed to be the inspiration behind Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley!

Robert Lazenby / Alamy Stock Photo

Eat, drink and shop at SPARK:York

A local social and creative hub, SPARK:York ’s vendors are passionate about sustainability. Eat street food from around the world, indulge in a sound bath or get involved with a local community initiative.

Felipe Pires

Marvel at York Minster

Renowned as one of the world’s most spectacular cathedrals, no visit to the city is complete without exploring York Minster . Explore its ancient passageways, gaze out of stained glass windows and learn its fascinating stories.

cooperkingdistillery

Take a carbon-negative gin tour

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

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Channel your inner trainspotter 

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 .   

Things to do in York

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Jorvik Viking Centre

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

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York Minster

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

VisitBritain/Felipe Pires

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 (1 Michelin star)

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

Roots, York

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.

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Unique York Walking Tours - Invisible Cities

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

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 Yorkshire’s history, nature and neighbourhoods on these expert-led workshops.

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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 free-of-charge to enjoy.

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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, also 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

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.

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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!

Paul Ridsdale / Alamy Stock Photo

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?

Coppergate Shopping Centre

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

Goodramgate

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

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

Wander the streets of Goodramgate

A bustling quarter of historic streets with York Minster at its heart, Goodramgate is a locals’ favourite spot. Championing the city’s independent businesses, you’ll find an eclectic mix of shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Set sail on the River Ouse

Take a river boat cruise with afternoon tea, or hop onboard as skipper. Whatever your style, the River Ouse is a dreamy way to take in the city.

invisiblacitiestours

Take a walking tour with a difference

These walking tours are run by homeless people, allowing visitors to learn about the city from expert local guides, while giving back to the community.

Discover the history of chocolate

Learn how three clever families - the Rowntrees, Terrys 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 busiest part of town and the centre of York’s beauty, but you’ll have to compete with other visitors for a spot in this small and popular city.

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

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

Explore nearby

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

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 . 30 miles from the city centre, the airport operates flights to and from 70 destinations worldwide.

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

Getting around York

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

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

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

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

Surrounding York

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

Want to know more?

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

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

Jan 1, 2022 • 6 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.

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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

Welcome to York

We love York, and it is our mission to share our city with you, encourage you to visit, give you a warm welcome when you get here, and make sure your stay is so enjoyable you tell all your friends about your amazing time in Yorkshire, and encourage them to join you when you come back!

Find Your York

As well as our Yorkshire hospitality, though, we’re also practical people. We’re here to help you plan your visit to whatever level of detail you like, in order to help you find the best activities and events for you, the most suitable hotel – or self catering accommodation – and also to plan your travel itinerary for your visit to beautiful York.

Get Started

To get started, either use the menu at the top, or click the next link to jump over to discover holiday cottages in York . If you’re looking to see the sights in the magnificent city of York, then you can never go wrong with a York river cruise – browse that page to discover a range of great options, all of which are bookable online.

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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.

When's the best time to visit York?  Your best bet is during the peak of spring and summer if it's warm weather you're after. For the wintry enchantment, you can't miss out on the Christmas markets in December. 

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 . 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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 (also refered to as Bar Walls) will take a couple of hours, especially if you stop to read the many plaques on the way. All in all the rail takes around two hours to complete, which is the perfect excuse for afternoon tea in our opinion...

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. If you love documenting the moment and taking cool pics of your surroundings, bring a lens and sign up for the museum's photography tour 'Photo Walk'.

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 .

Noteworthy exhibitions: Windrush-inspired exhibition, Objeks & Tings -  on until November 2024

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

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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

York Minster

National railway museum, medieval york city walls, ramble through the shambles, york castle museum, clifford's tower, jorvik viking centre, castle howard, yorkshire museum and gardens, stonegate and barley hall, explore the river ouse by boat or on foot, visit york's many churches, head to beverley to see yorkshire's other minster, yorkshire wolds way, yorkshire air museum & allied air forces memorial, 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 Travel Guide (including essential travel tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 6, 2024

Our York Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for one of the most beautiful of England’s cities. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to York!

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO YORK

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.

What you will find in this complete York Travel Guide

Map of York

Things to do in York (and Yorkshire)

Discover the best things to see and do in York with my guide to the city, itinerary suggestions plus guide to the best day trips from York.

THINGS TO DO IN YORK

YORKSHIRE TRAVEL GUIDE

BEST DAY TRIPS & TOURS FROM YORK

Places to visit in York include

York Minster

The Shambles

National Railway Museum

JORVIK Viking Centre

Clifford’s Tower

York City Walls

York Castle Museum

York’s Chocolate Story

Bettys Tea Rooms

Listen to our Podcast about visiting York

Accommodation in york.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN YORK

Find more accommodation options in my Accommodation Guide for England.

How to get to York from London

York is easily accessible from London. If you are based in the capital there are a number of options to get to the city.

Option 1 – By car

York is located 200 miles to the north of London.

Plan at least 4 hours to drive between the 2 cities (this will vary depending on traffic but it can be a busy route). Other English cities you will pass along the way are Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield and Leeds.

Directions can be found here.

If you are planning a short day trip to York I recommend parking in one of the Park & Ride car parks and taking the free bus into the city.

🚙 Considering a road trip around Scotland? Not sure if you’re up to driving in the UK? We recommend using a Tripiamo guide to familiarise yourself with it before your journey. Previous UK Travel Planning users have said this has made them feel much more comfortable getting behind the wheel. Find out more in our guide to renting a car in the UK 🚗

Option 2: By train

York is easy to reach by train from any major city in the UK.

York train station is a 10 minute walk from the centre of the city.

The trip takes an average of 3 hours from London and 2 hours from Edinburgh

It is possible to take a direct train from London to York. Click here for train times and tickets.

Option 3: By bus

It is possible to take a bus from Victoria Coach Station to York. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.

This is the cheapest way to travel to York from London though so if you are on a budget this may be your best option. Click here for coach times and prices from National Express.

Read more – Complete transportation guide to the UK

Experiences, tickets and tours in York

With so many things to do and places to visit in York I recommend planning your itinerary and purchasing tours, tickets and experiences as soon as you can to avoid disappointment especially during the busy summer months.

A York city pass is a great option and includes entrance to 25 popular York attractions including the JORVIK Viking Centre, York Minster, York Castle Museum, York’s Chocolate Story. Click for more information about the York City Pass.

• River Ouse City Cruise – Spend a relaxing hour on the River Ouse and see the sights of York from a different perspective.
• York’s Chocolate Story: Guided Tour – Explore York’s chocolate history and learn about the origins of chocolate and about York’s founding confectionery families.
• York Minster and City Walking Tour – This 2-hour walking tour provides you with fantastic insights into the most historic and world-famous sites in York. Start with the Romans then explore the ‘Snickelways’ of York and complete your tour at the magical York Minster.

> Click here for more tickets and tours in York

Best Yorkshire day trips from York

York is the perfect base to explore the surrounding Yorkshire countryside, seaside towns along England’s eastern coast, areas of natural beauty and places of historical significance.

The Yorkshire Dales, the coastal town of Whitby, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Saltaire, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden are all easy day trips from York.

If you are considering hiring a car and taking a day trip from York these are my top 5 destinations to consider:

• Castle Howard
• Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Read more: 10 best places to visit in Yorkshire

If you prefer to join an organised day trip from York these are just some of the destinations you can explore. *

(*Find more suggestions in my article which focuses on ALL the best day trips and tours from York)

• The Yorkshire Dales day tour from York
• The Bronte’s Parsonage Tour
• Steam train, Whitby and North Yorkshire Moors

Where to eat in York

There are many wonderful teahouses, cafes, gastropubs and restaurants in York.

Betty’s Tea Rooms

No visit to York is complete without a visit to Bettys Tea Rooms. Open since 1936 the beautiful interiors are inspired by the Queen Mary liner.

Visit for afternoon tea and sample the delights of Bettys for yourself.

Where – 6-8 St. Helen’s Square York YO1 8QP

Shambles Market

Enjoy York’s growing street food scene at the Shambles Market. There are plenty of options to suit all tastes including Indian, Thai, Mexican.

Don’t miss the burritos from Smokehouse which are priced from just £6.50.

Where – The Shambles Market, 5 Silver St, York YO1 8RY

Tips for visiting York & Yorkshire

• If you want to see the highlights of York consider joining this best of York guided walking tour or take the hop-on hop-off bus around the city.
• If York is just one of the places you wish to visit in Yorkshire don’t underestimate the size of the county! It is England’s largest county and is roughly half the size of Belgium. It can be divided into 4 smaller areas – North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and South Yorkshire.
• There are are some large cities in Yorkshire such as York, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford and Ripon but also lots of charming towns and villages too.
• The Yorkshire Dales National Park covers thousands of square miles (in fact most of the county) and includes moors, valleys, hills, waterfalls and villages within its boundaries.
• There are numerous hiking trails in the park including the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Yorkshire Three Peaks and Malham Cove and Gordale Scar. If you are planning a hike ensure you prepare thoroughly.
• There are two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Yorkshire which are the Howardian Hills and Nidderdale.
• Our guide to 19 of the best day trips in Yorkshire has lots of great ideas too.

Tips for driving in Yorkshire

• If you are planning to hire a car and drive in Yorkshire it is important to pick the right rental car. In rural areas the roads may be single lane with no central line so don’t choose a large SUV or saloon car if there are only 2 of you.
• If you wish to stop to admire the views ensure it is safe to do so.
• In winter the weather conditions can change rapidly and snow can often make the roads impassable. There may also be no mobile signal in more isolated spots so ensure you share your travel plans before setting out.
• If you prefer to avoid driving there are a number of tours which you can join to enjoy the sights of the Yorkshire Dales.
• While there are 15 public car parks available around the city of York I recommend accessing one of the 6 Park & Ride services which allow you to park for free in a secure car park and complete your journey into the city by bus. You can find out more about this scheme here .

More UK Travel Guides

• 10 Places to visit in Yorkshire
• Things to do in Whitby
• Peak District Travel Guide
• Chester Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• Durham Travel Guide

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has loads of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

York Travel Expert

Your essential guide to visiting York, England

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The inside guide to York

Known for its medieval streets and iconic Minster, the ancient city blends its historical highlights with a thriving modern food scene.

While York has ushered in smart new bars, global cuisine and boutique hotels over the past decade, it’s hard to deny the city’s appeal still lies in the authenticity and allure of its past. From its time as the Roman city of Eboracum to the Viking settlement of Jorvik, more than 2,000 years of stories linger within York’s ancient walls, ramparts and medieval streets (called ‘gates’ and ‘bars’), and traces of its past wait at every corner.

York Minster is the ideal starting point: completed in 1472, the cavernous gothic icon dominates the skyline and is the largest medieval cathedral in Northern Europe. Don’t miss the 600-year-old Great East Window — it’s the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country and dazzles with rich colours and graceful curves. After exploring the Minster’s vast interior, follow the aroma of chocolate down to Brew   & Brownie on nearby Museum Street for a coffee and treats made with local Yorkshire produce.  

Take in views of the River Ouse before enjoying the calm of the Yorkshire   Museum Gardens , a rolling Victorian meadow dotted with oak trees and Roman and Norman ruins. From this serene landscape, head north and take a stroll along the elevated City Walls , which offer some of York’s finest views. Largely dating back to the 13th century, the walls encircle the historic centre, and their northern section, which begins from Bootham Bar, looks out across lush gardens and Georgian houses, with the Minster looming in the distance.    

Another historic highlight is the Shambles — a winding cobbled street of leaning timber buildings that look poised to buckle and collapse at any moment. The quirky boutique stores here draw plenty of shuffling tourists, so make a turn into the Shambles Market for a bite and a breather. It’s open every day, with street food options ranging from gourmet hotdogs to Turkish wraps.  

Though its historic appeal is often associated with more distant periods, York Castle Museum showcases the city’s Victorian history with its Kirkgate exhibit. Led by enthusiastic guides in period dress, the recreated street features shops and businesses with authentic signage dating from the late 19th century. A quick hop across the museum’s courtyard is the cylindrical ruin of Clifford's Tower, the keep of York Castle . Built by William the Conqueror, it offers panoramic views of city and countryside.  

Multicoloured bunting crisscrosses nearby Fossgate, a sloping ancient street with a buoyant mix of independent bars, cafes and shops. A highlight is The Fossgate Social — a modern, laid-back affair with a low-lit, exposed brick interior. Hang out on the cosy sofas upstairs and order one of the fine cocktails; there’s regular live music, too. If beer’s more your thing, a range of local craft and cask ales are on sale at The Hop , set in an ornate former market hall decorated with mosaic tiles and a carved mahogany bar, while Brew York serves up everything from American pale ales to gooseberry sours, and has an inviting riverside garden.  

A short saunter across town is Los Moros , a North African restaurant that started life in 2015 as a stall in the Shambles Market. These days, at its home on Grape Lane, the restaurant serves up immaculate Moroccan-influenced dishes that won’t stretch your wallet.  

The luxurious embrace of Grays Court Hotel makes it one of the finest stays in town. The oldest inhabited house in York, it’s been receiving guests since 1091, including the likes of James I and William Wilberforce. Tucked away between the Minster and the city walls, it’s full of regal Jacobean interiors, while its restaurant The Bow Room showcases understated fine dining with superb views from its Georgian dining room. The boutique Hotel Indigo plays on the theme of York’s rich confectionery history (the proud home of the KitKat) with rooms featuring chocolate-bar panelling and Smarties cushions.  

If you’re after more sweet succour, you’d be remiss not to call in at the Double Dutch Pancakes House , where indulgent creations can be doused in everything from golden syrup to crushed Oreo biscuits.  

A short stroll across the River Foss lies Spark:York , a creative space that hints at the city’s foodie future. Constructed across two floors from 23 painted shipping containers, it’s populated by a host of colourful independent street food vendors. Lose yourself among diners and choose from the likes of hearty ramen at Shori , Colombian arepas at Tricolor and vegan tacos from Dog's Nose Taqueria , York’s first independent taco joint.  

Mad Alice’s favourite historic escapes

Alicia Stabler — best known by her alter-ego ‘Mad Alice’ — is a local tour guide who leads the award-winning Bloody Tour of York

1. The Bar Convent   The oldest running convent in the country, it contains the ornate Hidden Chapel. Decorated in gold and white, it’s home to the relic hand of martyred St Margaret Clitherow and several escape routes in case of invasion.  

2. Gatehouse Coffee A great pitstop if you're walking the two-mile City Walls, it boasts unique views of York from the barbican. Inside, the gatehouse transports customers back to the 17th century with wooden benches and oak beams.  

3. Treasurer's House An overlooked stately home tucked right behind York Minster, it houses the furnished collection of noted Victorian industrialist Frank Green and is said to be one of the city’s most haunted properties.  

More info:   visityork.org

Published in the Jan/Feb 2021 issue of   National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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Hop-On Hop-Off tours of York

The official open-top tour of york, every 15 minutes, 7 days a week..

The Citysightseeing York tour will capture the hearts of all ages! With so many things to do and attractions to see, York is the perfect place to hop-on to one of our open top buses and explore the English heritage. We’ll take you to the finest attractions that this thriving city has to offer! Your ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you can complete a full loop of the bus tour first and then hop off at all the attractions you want to see.

Discover 2000 years of history

You’ll never be short of things to do in York. Take our tour and be inspired by the beauty and history this city has to offer. Hop-on our open-top bus at Exhibition Square and get ready to start the adventure through time!

One of the main attractions that can’t go amiss is Clifford’s Tower at Stop 7 . It stands proudly at the highest point in York and really is a sight to behold.

Fishergate Bar , one of York’s gateways, was built in the early 14th century by the mayor of York. Take a trip closer to the River Ouse and visit South Bank at Bus Stop 13 . Wander around Rowntrees Park nearby, which serves as a memorial for employees of the confectionery factory nearby who died in the First World War.

Right by the River Ouse you’ll find Museum Gardens at Stop 21 . The tranquil atmosphere makes it the perfect picnic location on a sunny day, where you can appreciate all the beautiful flowers and immaculate fresh lawns. Take a walk and you’ll even see the ruins of the medieval St Mary’s Abbey, which dates back to the mid-11th century.

Join us around York and enjoy the views!

About the tour

from 9am to 5:30pm

09:00 – 5.30pm

up to every 15 minutes

audio commentary in 8 languages

Yorkshire dialect commentary 

FAIR T'MIDDLIN'

Schedule: 09:00 – 5.30pm

Loop: 60 Minutes  

Frequency: up to every 15 minutes

21 stops around the city, including all main sights and attractions.

Kids commentary 

Your ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you can complete a full loop of the bus tour first and then hop off at all the attractions you want to delve into.

live guides 

During the summer our tour guides paint a colourful picture of York over the last 2000 years and bring their own unique knowledge to the tours too. 

discounts in and around York

You can save money on local attractions when you explore the historic city of York with our Transdev Treats voucher

Create your own itinerary to explore York, hopping on and off whenever you wish.

Sunday is York locals day

Every Sunday get discounted tickets when you show your York Card. It’s only £10 for an adult ticket and £20 for a family ticket – we’re making it as easy as possible to enjoy our city and save some pennies too!

rainy day guarantee

With our Rainy Day Guarantee, when you book online you can use your ticket any day during the week after your booking if it’s raining on your tour day.

did you know?

We offer a rainy day guarantee. 

When you book online you can use your ticket any day during the week after your booking if it’s raining on your tour day.

Ye Olde Starre Inne on Stonegate has a beer garden and does great food! And  The Exhibition on Bootham also has a fab beer garden, perfect for this warm weather. For both just hop off at Stop 1 Exhibition Square .

Transdev Treats

More than tours....

We love to work with local schools, businesses and organisations. Find out more about the packages and collaboration opportunities we offer.

[email protected]  | 07525 912458

© 2024  TRANSDEV BLAZEFIELD. Prospect Park, Broughton Way, Harrogate, HG2 7NY

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News and entertainment worth sharing – York and North Yorkshire

York’s latest tourist figures revealed

Tue 10 Sep 2024  @ 5:54pm Sarah Dunphy News

Yorks latest tourist figures for 2023 were revealed by Make It York today.

York saw 9 million visitors overall in 2023, an increase of 2.2% compared to 2022. Out of these visitors, an estimated 1.3 million came from overseas.

Tourism contributed a worth of £1.82 billion to the city’s visitor economy, with a direct visitor expenditure of £1.2 billion.

Included in the 9 million visitor numbers, 1.7 million stayed overnight (up 1.3%) and 7.3 million visited for the day only (up 2.5%).

Figures showed the proportions of spending, with the highest spent on York’s shopping scene at £411 million. Dining out followed second, with £332 million spent on food and drink.

The largest increase in spending was on the city’s accommodation at £309 million, growing 12.4% compared to the previous year (2022).

The data also highlighted tourism’s contribution to employment in York, with a total of 16,017 full time equivalent jobs supported directly and indirectly by tourism.

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said: “Make It York is delighted to reaffirm our commitment to showcasing the city as a premier, world-class destination.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to driving collaboration and continuing to focus on further elevating the visitor experience and sustaining our upward momentum.”

To view the data highlights report in full, click here .

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In Kyiv, Blinken Discusses Ukraine’s Push for Deep Missile Strikes into Russia

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and his British counterpart, David Lammy, made a rare joint trip to Ukraine to show allied solidarity as the American presidential election looms.

• Share full article

By Edward Wong

Reporting from Kyiv, Ukraine, while traveling with the U.S. secretary of state

In a rare joint visit abroad, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and his British counterpart, David Lammy , met with the top leaders of Ukraine in Kyiv on Wednesday to discuss bolstering the Ukrainian military and whether to allow it to use imported long-range missiles to strike deep into Russia.

Mr. Blinken and Mr. Lammy said they had heard views from President Volodymyr Zelensky on Ukraine’s desire to fire missiles provided by the United States and Britain at Russian targets well beyond the border between the two warring nations.

They told reporters at a news conference that they would convey what they had heard to President Biden and Keir Starmer, the prime minister of Britain, and that those two leaders would discuss it when they meet in Washington on Friday.

The talks on Wednesday were focused on “the situation on the battlefield, Ukraine’s objectives and what it needs to succeed going forward,” Mr. Blinken said, adding that long-range fire was among the topics. “I’m going to take that discussion back to Washington to brief the president on what I heard,” he said.

“From day one, as you’ve heard me say, we have adjusted and adapted as needs have changed, as the battlefield has changed,” he said.

Mr. Lammy confirmed that the officials had talked about Ukraine using American and British long-range missiles to hit Russia. “We’ve had detailed conversations today with President Zelensky,” he said. “We recognize that Ukraine is on the frontline of the fight for freedom.”

The visit came as the Biden administration struggles to curtail aid to Russia from Iran, North Korea and China, and as the U.S. presidential elections loom over the conflict.

Mr. Blinken alluded to anxieties over the election at the news conference and to the state of aid for Ukraine if Donald J. Trump, the Republican candidate, were to win in November.

“The bottom line is this: We want Ukraine to win, and we’re fully committed to keep marshaling the support that it needs,” he said. “Support for Ukraine will endure because it doesn’t depend on any one country, any one party, any one election."

But the United States has been by far the largest provider of military aid to Ukraine. And Mr. Blinken announced additional humanitarian and energy infrastructure aid on Wednesday.

Two air-raid sirens sounded in the evening, once as Mr. Blinken and Mr. Lammy met with Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, and once at the end of their news conference in the foreign ministry. A third siren sounded late at night, soon after Mr. Blinken and Mr. Lammy boarded a train for the return trip to Poland.

After stepping off a private overnight train from Poland in the morning, the top American and British diplomats met throughout the day with military and civilian officials, including Ukraine’s new foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, who was appointed last Thursday by Mr. Zelensky as part of an overhaul of the government’s top ranks .

After 5 p.m., Mr. Zelensky, Mr. Sybiha and four other Ukrainian officials met with Mr. Blinken, Mr. Lammy and their aides at the Mariyinsky Palace, the presidential residence.

Mr. Lammy said it had been well over a decade since the top diplomats from the United States and Britain had traveled together. He added that the governments were determined to address the threat posed to Ukraine by Iran’s shipments of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, an accusation Mr. Blinken and Mr. Lammy made publicly in London on Tuesday.

At 6:15 local time, the first air raid siren of Mr. Blinken’s trip sounded, with Ukraine’s air force saying it had picked up a missile threat from the north.

Mr. Blinken’s visit came as part of a busy day in the capital for Mr. Zelensky. He also welcomed leaders of Latvia, Lithuania and Croatia, who came to attend the annual Crimea Platform summit, which is dedicated to reversing the illegal annexation of the peninsula by Russia in 2014.

Mr. Zelensky unveiled a memorial commemorating the tragedy that befell the Crimean Tatar people, an ethnic minority repressed by Stalin , who — in a foreshadowing of the Kremlin’s justification for its current war — accused them of being Nazi collaborators and deported them en masse. Thousands died.

“Memory compels us to act,” Mr. Zelensky said, noting that the return of Crimea to Ukraine is a key part of ensuring a lasting peace.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, speaking by video at the summit, said, “The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law.”

The first debate between Mr. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris took place in the middle of the night during Mr. Blinken and Mr. Lammy’s Kyiv-bound train ride. A few passengers on Mr. Blinken’s train stayed up to watch at least the start of the debate, but most scrambled online in the morning to read assessments of the event.

Officials in Ukraine were tracking the debate as well: Mr. Trump, who has expressed admiration for Mr. Putin, has rallied a significant number of Republican politicians to oppose U.S. military aid to Ukraine, while Ms. Harris has vowed to continue supporting the besieged country. Asked during the debate specifically if he wanted Ukraine to win, Mr. Trump delivered a 400-word reply but did not say “yes.”

In recent weeks, the Ukrainian military has made a surprising incursion into the Russian region of Kursk, lifting morale in Ukraine. But that offensive has failed to divert Russian units from their onslaught in eastern Ukraine, where they continue to make small but steady gains.

At the news conference, American and British reporters pressed Mr. Blinken and Mr. Lammy on entreaties from Ukrainian officials for permission for the Ukrainian military to use missiles provided by those nations for strikes deep into Russian territory.

In May, the Biden administration gave Ukraine permission to use U.S. weapons for shorter cross-border attacks against Russian sites that were being used in an offensive against the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Since then, U.S. officials have allowed the Ukrainian military to make that kind of shorter strike at other places along the border.

On Tuesday, Mr. Lammy called Iran’s ballistic missile shipments to Russia a “significant escalation,” and in Kyiv on Wednesday he said that Britain was joining the United States in imposing sanctions on Iran and Russia. Iranian officials have denied they made any such shipment, and in Moscow on Wednesday, the Kremlin denied it was receiving weaponry from other nations.

Until now, Iran has mainly supplied Russia with drones, while North Korea has provided artillery shells and ballistic missiles. The Biden administration says Chinese companies are selling factory machine tools and microelectronics to Russia to help it rebuild its arms-production industry.

“We’re seeing this new axis: Russia, Iran, North Korea,” Mr. Lammy said. “We’re urging China not to throw their lot in with this group of renegades.”

Also on Wednesday, Mr. Zelensky attended an international conference on justice, where he said Ukrainian investigators had gathered evidence of 137,000 war crimes committed by Russian forces since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. And he chided Mongolia’s decision to host Mr. Putin recently — the Russian leader’s first trip to a member nation of the International Criminal Court since it issued a warrant for his arrest last year — and Brazil’s plans to invite Mr. Putin to a meeting of the Group of 20 later this year.

Those invitations were signs of the degradation of the international system of law, Mr. Zelensky said, and “the demolition of the remaining norm must not be allowed.”

Marc Santora contributed reporting from Kyiv, Ukraine, and Ivan Nechepurenko contributed from Tbilisi, Georgia.

Edward Wong reports on global affairs, U.S. foreign policy and the State Department. He is the author of the book “At the Edge of Empire: A Family’s Reckoning with China.” More about Edward Wong

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

U.S. Election Issue:  At the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, Trump repeated his claim that he can end the war  and refused to say if defending Ukraine was in America’s national security interests.

How Nail Salons Lift Morale:  Paying attention to beauty may seem a trivial concern when the very fate of Ukraine is at stake. But for many Ukrainian women, it is an important ritual of daily life .

A Tug Between Russia and Europe:  A falling-out between former political allies  in Montenegro has complicated the country’s efforts to join the European Union and curb pro-Russian influence.

Street Artist Documents War:  Using ruins as his canvas, Gamlet Zinkivskyi has captured life in wartime Ukraine  in dozens of grim, gripping and harshly beautiful paintings.

How We Verify Our Reporting

Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .

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Visit york information centre & gift shop.

Welcome to York, a city steeped in history, culture, and charm. Before you embark on your exploration, make sure to drop by the Visit York Visitor Information Centre!

Your Central Hub in York

You'll find us at 21 Parliament Street, right in the heart of York. We're your go-to place for information and assistance as you navigate all that York and its surroundings have to offer.

Meet the Team

Our team consists of seasoned tourism experts and dedicated volunteers. We're here to provide you with the best insights, whether you're looking for the top places to visit, the finest dining spots, or a bit of local wisdom. Think of us as your local guides, ensuring you have a memorable experience in York.

A Wealth of Information

As soon as you step inside, you'll discover a variety of complimentary brochures, maps, and leaflets to make your exploration of York a breeze. We're open seven days a week, so no matter when you visit, we're here to assist you with the most exciting things to do, dining recommendations, and tailored suggestions based on your interests.

Tickets for Memorable Experiences

But there's more to our services! We're also your ticket source for incredible experiences in York. Whether you plan to visit major attractions, use public transportation, or attend city events, we've got you covered. From the well-known City Cruises to the thrilling York Dungeons, we have the tickets that will make your visit truly special.

While you're here, don't forget to browse our shop with a focus on local products. We offer a range of York gifts and souvenirs, ensuring you have everything you need to make your time in our city memorable.

So, are you ready to uncover the hidden gems of York, explore its historic wonders, and take home a piece of this charming city? The Visit York Visitor Information Centre is the place to start. Come in, say hello, and let the adventure begin!

Opening Times

Monday - Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm

Sunday and Bank Holidays: 10:00am-4:00pm

• Credit cards accepted (no fee)
• Children welcome
• COVID-19 measures in place
• COVID-19 staff training completed
• Smoking not allowed
• Groups welcome
• Coach parties accepted

Offers at Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop

10% discount at visit york information centre & gift shop.

10% discount with a valid York Card or Visit York Perk's Card*. *offer valid on specified products only. See …

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