As soon as you enter the City of York, it doesn’t take long to fall in love with the white rose city. With historical buildings and breathtaking scenery so lush to overwhelm you, prepare yourself for photo-taking overload. From walking the city walls to experiencing the best places to eat in York, here are the top things to do in York England.
If you find yourself planning only one day in York, I highly recommend at least two. This itinerary is perfect for 2-3 days in York, with or without kids. Including two of the best places to eat in York, too!
13 Best Things To Do In York England
1 – Walk The York City Walls
Unlike any defining characteristic you’ll find anywhere else in England, entering within York’s city wall upon emerging from York Station is like a walk back in time.
Some walls with fences and some without, prepare yourself for an epic medieval walk at chimney heights. You can enter and exit at three different sections to make your way around the entire city surrounding the heart of York. And it’s totally free!
2 – Admire York Minster
This most magnificent cathedral can be seen immediately from the York City Wall or after just crossing Lendal Bridge (the white rose bridge).
Be sure to visit the Chapter House, a smaller (if that’s even a word that can be used to describe York Minster) somewhat hidden room in the far back left corner of the Cathedral. It can be easily missed if not on a Cathedral tour. Tours are free after paid entry.
Medieval craftsmanship extends from the floors to the ceilings. The colors and height of this enclosed room, The Chapter House, make it a personal favorite.
3 – Climb Cliffords Tower
Clifford’s Tower is the largest remaining part of York Castle. Climb the steep stairs up the hill to set foot inside the tower. And if narrow stairs and heights don’t bother you, ascend to the top for 360 views of York.
4 – Partake in York’s Chocolate Story
It’s here where you’ll learn that the American Kit Kat and the York one are in fact not the same. Made entirely by different chocolate factories, UK claims the York one is entirely better.
The Kit Kat debate aside, York’s Chocolate Story takes you on a journey through time while you naturally taste test York’s chocolate progression along the way. The tour completes with a cake pop mold to take away and a visit through a massive chocolate shop!
Book tickets in advance here.
5 – Wander The Shambles
The Shambles is a 14th century-old street with overhanging timber-framed buildings that make you wonder how walking down any such street could possibly be safe, let alone livable.
The dark awe-inspiring buildings leaning this way and that make it the perfect source of inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.
For the best photos visit The Shambles first thing in the morning before the massive crowds hit.
Be sure to visit the shops that make this street the reason why millions visit York every year:
Visit “The Shop That Must Not Be Named”. You can even park your broom outside.
Pick your poison at The Potions Cauldron.
Visit the Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow, “The Pearl of York”. Married to a butcher and lived in the Shambles, she became a Catholic in 1574. Enter her home for free and learn about her legacy as an English saint.
6 – Browse The Shambles Market
For something uniquely York, visit The Shambles Market. Conveniently located by Gert + Henry’s pub (worth a look inside or where to eat in York for lunch), this market is open 7 days a week and sells food, crafts, and clothing.
7 – Pilot A Boat Along River Ouse
For views within and outside York city walls, take a 1-hour city cruise along the River Ouse. Either drive your own or let someone do the work for you.
And if you’d rather watch then ride, a great restaurant spot along the river is Revolution. Perfect for large groups!
8 – Stroll The York Museum Gardens
These botanical gardens are set amongst the medieval ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, making it more than your typical city center garden.
With white roses lining walkways, stroll through the gardens, have a picnic, or use the backdrop for a super fun photo.
9 – Tour The Jorvik Center
See how 10th century Vikings lived as you ride through backyards, workshops, and homes of Jorvik. The Viking Center tour not only shows you how the people of Jorvik lived, but it includes all the various smells, too.
Beyond the ride, the Viking center itself has artifacts on display from the Coppergate dig which the tour stands. Of the most memorable is the world’s largest and most televised fossilized Viking poo!
The Jorvik Viking Tour is incredibly popular and sells out quickly during holiday months. Book in advance to avoid 45 minute plus queues for general admission.
10 – Visit All Saints Pavement
Named after the first paved road in York, All Saints Pavement possessed a holy relic until 1386. All Saints kept the plate on which John the Baptist’s head was given to Herod, clearly signifying the church’s importance and prestige during the 14th century.
All Saints continues to thrive today.
11 – Eat Yorkshire Pudding…or for something more trendy, a YorkyPud wrap.
While York can’t technically claim the origins of Yorkshire pudding, it can certainly claim the newest version of one: YorkyPud.
Though I personally missed out on this social media sensation, I had my fair share of the classic one despite no historical evidence proving that the Yorkshire pudding came from York.
For a true Yorkshire pudding experience unique to York, try a YorkyPud at The York Roast Co in York city center.
Best Places To Eat In York
These best places to eat in York aren’t just where to refuel but offer a truly amazing food experience. By far two of the most memorable meals in York England that you absolutely must try. Reasonably priced and are kid-friendly, too!
12 – See Guy Fawkes Inn
See where Guy Fawkes, the man who tried to blow up Parliament and the reason behind Bonfire Night, was born and grew up as a little boy.
If you can’t book overnight reservations, learn more about Guy Fawkes by making reservations for pub dinner. The steak pie is by far the best you’ll ever have! The outside garden is cute and a great spot for a gin stop, making it a great choice for where to eat in York.
13 – Eat At The Botanist
The decor inside The Botanist is worth a walk through alone. From glass bottle chandeliers to botanical stand-alone rooms, the restaurant in itself is a piece of art.
As you make your way upstairs you might think the chefs are more likely at a rock concert than making progress on your order, but don’t let that steer you away.
The Botanist hanging kebab specialties are off the hook. Literally. And the table-side pizza making for kids is a total hit – a unique dining experience to any other in York.
Whether you have only a few hours or a few days, enjoy these best things to do in York UK with or without kids. Have the best time!
Looking for more UK travel inspiration or itineraries with kids?
- 12 Of The Best UK Road Trip Ideas With Kids
- 13 Best Things To Do In Edinburgh, Scotland (& Where To Stay)
- Subscribe to aBroad purpose to receive travel printables, like this UK Bucket List, and start planning a life you love!