York, a frequent on ‘best places to live in the UK’ lists, has been enthralling travelers since Roman times and offers the curious visitor enough to do. A beautiful collection of eccentric tea shops, fantastic steak restaurants, and excellent pubs overlooks the historic York Minster Cathedral. York, known for its diverse range of historical, cultural, and scenic tourist sites, has a lot to offer travelers looking for a bit of variation. We like to make a weekend out of it, but check out our guide to the perfect day in York if you have a few hours. You’ll be able to thank us afterward. The top ten things to do in York are listed below.
Best 10 Things to Do in York
1. Walk the city walls
York’s ancient stone walls form a spectacular 3.4km ring around the city center, making it the most delicate preserved city wall in England. Walking around the city walls is a terrific way to gain your bearings and get a feel for the place. The portion between the River Ouse and Mickelgate has a fantastic view of the Minster.
2. Climb up to Clifford’s Tower
The name of this tower, like many others in the city’s history, has grim origins: Roger de Clifford was hung for treason on this spot in 1322. Today, the tower provides some fantastic vistas. Clifford’s Tower, York Castle’s only extant building, is majestic. The tower, a symbol of the sovereignty of England’s medieval rulers, was erected by William the Conqueror before being burnt down twice and rebuilt in the 13th century by Henry III.
3. Stroll down the Shambles
Take a walk along this meandering lane, and you’ll be captivated by its charm. But wait, there’s more to The Shambles than its lovely exterior. In reality, its name is derived from the Old English term meaning slaughterhouse. And what about those adorable hooks on the front of the stores? The wonky-looking timber-framed houses, many of which date back to the fourteenth century, were erected this way to preserve the wattle and daub walls and prevent the meat from getting rancid in the sun.
4. Visit York’s Museums
The York Castle Museum is the ideal venue to learn about hundreds of years of York’s history in one spot. A highlight is a realistic recreation of Victoria Street, where you can wander inside various businesses or relax and watch the scene change from day tonight. The Yorkshire Museum, which houses some of Europe’s best archaeological and geological holdings, is another popular alternative. The museum spans centuries of history, from the aquatic animals that swam when Yorkshire lay under the sea to a solid Roman mosaic floor.
5. Explore York Minster
Almost everywhere in York, you may get a sight of the magnificent Minster rising over the city. But make sure you see it up close. Step inside to appreciate medieval stained-glass windows, sculpted stone, and gleaming artifacts. We understand the underground rooms — you’ll leave with a wealth of new information about the area’s past. Put on sensible shoes and ascend all 275 stairs to take in the vista from York’s highest point.
6. Explore Viking life at Jorvik Viking Centre
York’s history isn’t limited to the Middle Ages. Excavations in the 1970s found a Viking encampment under the streets. Jorvik is an interactive installation that recreates the 9th-century hamlet on the location of that settlement.
A ride takes you through a reconstructed hamlet, replete with life-like animatronic figures and an audio commentary that recounts Viking life. Jorvik Viking Centre is quite popular, so purchase your tickets online to avoid long lines.
7. Cruise down the Ouse
The Ouse is a scenic treat with riverfront walking paths ideal for post-lunch strolls. Follow the river, and you’ll see some of York’s most beautiful attractions, including the Millennium Bridge and Clifford’s Tower. Regular boat rides and cruises along the river are also available. If you take the early evening cruise, you’ll be treated to breath-taking sunset vistas. The boat has a well-equipped cocktail bar and lively onboard commentary if you desire a drink in the evening.
8. Visit National Railway Museum
Even if you’re not a train enthusiast, York’s National Railway Museum, which contains over 100 locomotives, is so nicely displayed that most people will find it entertaining. Famous trains on display include the world-record-breaking Mallard and the first Shinkansen bullet train outside Japan. There is also a significant collection of royal processions, including Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.
9. Get spooked on a Ghost Tour
To make your heart beat faster. Wander through tight passages and dark alleyways in search of bloodcurdling stories of scandal and murder, or board the Ghost Bus, where the eerie conductor will tell you the city’s most gruesome tales. York offers a broad range of ghost tours daily, so if you’re looking for a good fright, here is the place to be.
10. Explore York’s shops
The Shambles isn’t the only neighborhood with adorable tiny stores. There are also locations like Stonegate, where you can find the upper-end of high street retailers, Blake Street, home to the colorful Yorkshire Soap Company, and The Imaginarium, an Alice-in-Wonderland-style boutique. The Quarter is a maze of twisting medieval alleyways – Swinegate, Back Swinegate, Grape Lane, and Little Stonegate – filled with touristic yet charming businesses. And Bishopworth Road (nicknamed ‘Bishy Road’ by locals) is teeming with independent stores, boutiques, cafés, and eateries.
Conclusion
York is the most-lovely English city to be visited. With its meandering cobblestone alleys, the beautiful cathedral, historic storefronts, and dramatic stone walls enclosing the city, it’s like stepping back in time. It’s a pleasure to wander about, and it’s also jam-packed with things to do in York, making it an excellent location for a UK city vacation. Almost all of York’s major attractions are within walking distance of one another, and with over 365 pubs to choose from, you’ll never be short of a pitstop. Above is the list of the top 10 things to do in York that will make you love this city.
