Best things to do & places to stay:
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
One of Britain’s most beautiful historic cities, York is a millefeuille of history, with layer upon layer of drama and intrigue, from the first Roman settlement in AD 71 to the bloodthirsty medieval period, when the Vikings came roaring down from Northumberland.
Many of the Roman streets still exist today, lined with a picturesque jumble of medieval houses, elegant Georgian townhouses and Victorian homes. Cobbled alleyways run between, linking the world-famous 13th-century gothic Minster with imposing fortified towers and the two rivers that flow through the city, the Foss and the Ouse.
The city boomed in Victorian times, thanks to the building of the railway which made the city one of the most important hubs in the north for industry. Local companies such as Rowntrees and Terry’s Confectionery became national names, hotels were built and new residential areas of the city created.
21st-century York combines this diverse history with a lively student population, and a thriving restaurant and foodie scene, with independent bars, cafes and eateries dotted through the historic streets. Compact, and easy to explore on foot, York makes the perfect weekend break.
The bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Walking York’s ancient city walls – the best-preserved in Britain – offers glimpses of the city’s rich history, with fortified towers, Roman gateways and a wonderful view of the medieval rooftops.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 2 houra
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
York Minster is northern Europe’s finest Gothic cathedral, taking 250 years to build, and famous for its vividly beautiful stained glass.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Europe’s premier railway museum boasts every type of train from steam locomotives to the only bullet train outside Japan – a wet-weather winner for kids of all ages.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Travel back to 10th century York, to encounter the sounds, sights and smells of the town under Viking rule.
Best for ages: 5+ | £15
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
England’s oldest convent still in use, dating back to 1686. Its 18th-century hidden chapel is fascinating, and its café and garden provide a welcome pause on a busy day of sightseeing.
Best for ages: 18+ | £5
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
This iconic tearoom opened in 1937 and there’s a good reason people queue for two hours for afternoon tea here. Book online in advance to avoid the wait.
Best for ages: 10+ | Free
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Get a different perspective on York while gently gliding down the River Ouse with jovial commentary. Lunch, afternoon tea and evening cruises are also offered.
Best for ages: 4+ | £12 | 1-3 hours
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Built by William the Conqueror, this is one of York’s most iconic landmarks – in its time, it has been a royal mint, a medieval stronghold and a Civil War garrison. Head up to the roof deck for the best city views.
Best for ages: 4+ | £8
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers
York
£16 | Rating 4.55 / 5 [311 ratings]
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York
£17 | Rating 4.47 / 5 [73 ratings]
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York
£26 | Rating 4.98 / 5 [493 ratings]
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York
£14 | Rating 4.32 / 5 [787 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay in this destination
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A former 18th-century grocery store, this is a cosy, charming inn set next to one of the city’s medieval gateways.
Official star rating:
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A stone’s throw from York Minster, this trio of 19th-century townhouses has the best location in town, close to all of the city’s main attractions.
Official star rating:
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
The Grand lives up to its name, with a chic cocktail bar, one of the city’s best restaurants and a sleek, subterranean spa.
Official star rating:
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
An imposing Victorian hotel with chic bedrooms, a buzzy restaurant and one of the best spots for afternoon tea in the whole of York. Perfect for a car-free break.
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York is very much a year-round destination. Whoever said “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing” probably had the north of England in mind: you could come to York in August and swelter, or just as easily have to buy an emergency jumper.
If you don’t have kids with you, it’s worth avoiding school holidays, when it seems every child in Britain is queuing up for the Jorvik Viking Centre.
Late November and December is a fantastic time to visit the city; York’s Christmas market is one of the best in the country, and there are festive events throughout the month.
York’s history as a railway hub means there are excellent train connections from pretty much everywhere in the country. Trains from London and Edinburgh leave every half hour through the day and take around two hours, and there are direct, regular services from as far afield as Aberdeen, Bristol and Liverpool.
Coming by train is the best way to visit, as once you’ve arrived, everything is within walking distance and there’s no need for a car. The centre is compact, and most tourist sites are never more than 15 minutes away. If you’re staying further out, your hotel or B&B will be able to call a taxi for you.
Coming by train is the best way to visit, as once you’ve arrived, everything is within walking distance and there’s no need for a car. The centre is compact, and most tourist sites are never more than 15 minutes away. If you’re staying further out, your hotel or B&B will be able to call a taxi for you.
Until recently, York had dozens of tea and coffee shops, but not so many decent eating options. All that has changed, however, and the old Roman streets – Petergate, Micklegate and Castlegate are dotted with excellent restaurants. If you’re looking for something a little more offbeat, Fossgate, Walmgate and Gillygate are worth a wander for small indie cafes and restaurants.
See the handy website York on a Fork for all the latest news on where to eat and drink.
All of York’s main shopping streets are within the old city walls; Petergate and the streets around it are the place for small, independent shops and boutiques, while Parliament Street is home to most of the big, high-street names.
