Find the best things to do in York and plan a short break to the city, best known for its deep history and iconic city walls. Look up and be awestruck by the Heart of Yorkshire, set in the Gothic architecture of York Minster; this iconic stained glass window should be a key part of any romantic short break in the city. Make sure to visit the cobbled streets and overhanging buildings that frame York Shambles, one of England's most iconic shopping destinations. Take a cruise down the River Ouse and get a new perspective on the city, or visit the family-friendly National Railway Museum to learn all about England's rail history. Whether you're visiting York with the whole family or taking a couple's retreat, you're bound to find plenty of fun and unique things to do.
Places to visit in York
The Grand, York
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Wake up in gorgeous Edwardian surroundings at this York hotel, winner of our Large Hotel of the Year Gold Award 2024.
Best things to do in York
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Explore York's bizarrely named streets, paranormal past and Viking heritage on a break to this North Yorkshire city.
Take afternoon tea at Bettys Café Tea Rooms
Experience vintage English hospitality and choose from hundreds of delicious treats and tea varieties in this iconic Art Deco café.
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Kiss under the Heart of Yorkshire window at the Minster
According to legend, all loved up couples that kiss under the 'Heart of Yorkshire' window, will stay together forever.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Go shopping medieval-style along The Shambles
Travel back in time along one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval shopping streets, with cheerful cafés and quirky shops in timber-framed buildings.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
March along England's longest medieval city walls
Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city and stroll along its 13th century defensive walls, passing historic landmarks, gatehouses and gardens.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Rainy Day Activities: Step back in time at York Castle Museum
Travel back in time on a rainy day at this trend-setting museum, which transports visitors back through 300 years of history.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Go ghost hunting in ‘Europe's most haunted city’
York claims to be the world’s first city to run ghost walks – you’ll soon see why, with tales of murder, mayhem and gore at every corner.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Take a cruise along the River Ouse
The city of York owes its existence to the rivers. Escape the city rush and admire the scenery from the comfort of a City Cruises boat.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Explore the city of York by bike
York is voted as one of the most bike-friendly cities in England with a wide range of cycle routes through the city and beyond.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Stay at stylish Middlethorpe Hall and Spa
Treat yourself to good food and plenty of relaxation at Middlethorpe Hall.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Visit the largest Viking Festival in Europe
Immerse yourself in the gruesome world of the Vikings as the city of York celebrates its Norse past.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Experience York's Literature Festival
Rub shoulders with best-selling authors as York gets all bookish.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Tease your taste buds at York’s Chocolate Story
Visit York, one of England’s most historic chocolate heartlands and get a taste of the city’s 300-year love affair with the cocoa bean.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Go wine tasting at Ryedale Vineyards
Sample wines from England’s most northerly vineyard.
Location: York, Yorkshire
Indulge in all things vintage in York
‘York Does Vintage’ better than anyone else as the city’s affordable vintage fair in Merchant Adventurers’ Hall transports you to bygone eras.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Book your very own butler on a romantic getaway to York
Treat your loved one to a luxurious break at the five-star Grand Hotel & Spa in York, including a penthouse suite with your very own butler.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Hunt for ancient treasures in The Yorkshire Museum
This grandiose Georgian museum is filled with curiosities from an eye-popping Viking treasure hoard to dinosaur fossils and a working observatory.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Rainy Day Activities: Venture into the gruesome York Dungeon
There’s spine-chilling fun to be had in this dungeon, where 2,000 horrible years of history are brought to life by grisly theatre and sudden frights.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
9 ways to escape the everyday in Yorkshire
Escape to a beautiful slice of England’s biggest county with AJ Odudu and discover more things to do further afield.
The best things to do in York
Explore York's bizarrely named streets, paranormal past and Viking heritage on a break to this North Yorkshire city.
