17 Best things to see & do in York

Originally built in the Roman period as a defensive structure, and still encircling the old city today, York’s 4m-high, 3.4km-long city walls are the best-preserved city walls in Britain.

Open every day, they’re a unique – and free – way of seeing the city; the chance to look down from above and knit together the Roman Streets, Minster and medieval rooftops gives a real sense of the city as it would have been hundreds of years ago.

The imposing stone towers that were the original fortified entryways into York still remain at Bootham Bar, Micklegate Bar, Monk Bar and Walmgate Bar. As you walk, look out for the arrow slits, musket loops, sculptures and mason’s marks, as well as the wonderful rooftop views.

There has been a place of worship on the site of York Minster since the 7th century, and the current building – which took over 250 years to build and was finally finished in 1472 – is considered northern Europe’s finest Gothic cathedral.

Famous for its hand-carved, vaulted interiors and vividly beautiful medieval stained glass, this is a must-do even for those who wouldn’t normally include a church in their sightseeing rounds. Don’t miss the 600-year-old Great East Window, believed to be the biggest of its kind in the world, with 311 individual, unique glass panels.

Once you’ve explored the main nave and transepts, head downstairs to the undercroft, which includes the remains of a Roman barracks and an Anglo-Saxon cemetery.

You can book onto a ‘Hidden Minster’ tour with an expert guide, to see parts of the Minster normally closed to public access – such as a tour of the Chapter House roof or to see the skills of stonemasons whose job it is to repair the hundreds of medieval statues and gargoyles. You’ll hear untold stories about how parts of the Minster were built and the people who made it happen.

York was one of the original centres of the rail industry in Britain, so it’s fitting that the country’s premier train museum is here, housed in the city’s former train depot.

The National Railway Museum is the UK’s largest collection of trains and rail-related memorabilia, with over 100 historic locomotives and rolling stock (the earliest dating from around 1815), alongside model railways and experimental technologies, including a gyroscopic mono-rail car.

Steam enthusiasts will love the 200-year-old Colliery Railway locomotive, and the chance to experience riding on the footplate of the steam train Mallard – the fastest of its type in the world. The museum is also home to the royal carriage that carried Queen Victoria to Balmoral each year, while more contemporary travel is represented by the only bullet train outside of Japan.

Jorvik was the Viking name for York, and the city was an important centre for the Vikings after they started raiding northern Britain from the 8th century onwards.

The Jorvik Viking Centre came about after an archaeological dig in the 1970s unearthed vast amounts of artefacts. Today the centre celebrates all things Viking, and is one of the most visited attractions in the city – as the lengthy queues outside at busy times attest.

The wait is worth it, though; where else can you tour round an authentically recreated Viking street in your own buggy, with the added joy of wafts from a Viking toilet!

This former Georgian prison is located on the original site of York Castle, built by William the Conqueror. It mixes historical re-creations with exhibitions on life – a seemingly haphazard collection of exhibits that combine to create a fascinating insight into the social history of York and beyond.

The highlight is Kirkgate, where visitors can experience life in Victorian Yorkshire by strolling down an almost life-size reconstruction of a Victorian Street. It’s an authentic re-creation, with cobbled streets and period shops based on real York businesses.

The building’s darker history is exhibited through the grim cells, one of which would have housed notorious highway robber Dick Turpin, before he was hanged on what is now York racecourse. Other notable exhibits include the toy museum, a World War I exhibit and a swinging Sixties exhibit.

It’s a great family attraction that brings history to life for even the most skeptical, eye-rolling child.

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.

Yes, Yorkshire is the theme, but here you’ll find everything from dinosaurs to Richard III. A surprisingly diverse museum and its spacious gardens are a lovely spot for a picnic afterwards.

Five million KitKats are produced in York every day. You can’t tour the Nestlé factory, but here at St Helen’s Square you can find out all about the city’s sweet history and make your own chocolate.

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.

If ever the Russians had pushed the little red button, a dedicated band of government workers would have survived here deep under the city’s streets. Entrance is by guided tour only.

York’s most famous and well-preserved medieval street. Harry Potter fans love it for its resemblance to Diagon Alley, although author JK Rowling says that’s pure coincidence.

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.

With 2,000 years of history, it’s easy to believe the claims that York is Europe’s most haunted city. Find out for yourself on one of several nightly ghost walks.

A regional art gallery that punches well above its weight, you’ll find Victorian and contemporary artists displayed, including David Hockney and Grayson Perry. General admission is free.

An alternative way to explore York’s history using actors to tell local tales. It’s a fun activity for rainy days, but not really suitable for under eights or easily-scared adults. 

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.

One of the largest Christmas markets in the UK, the St Nicholas Fair sees market stalls take over the city centre, transforming Parliament Square into a Christmas card worthy scene and offering festive shoppers the chance to stock up on gifts, arts and crafts. Daily, from mid-November-Christmas.