The Principal
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]
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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Bucket list experience:
National Railway Museum
Credit Shutterstock.com/Kamira
Last updated: 04 November, 2022
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.
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Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The museum is located slightly outside the centre of town, but it’s an easy fifteen-minute walk, or you can take the Museum’s own road train, which leaves from Duncombe Place – next to York Minster – every half hour.
The miniature railway is one of the biggest draws at the museum, but separate tickets are needed; enquire as soon as you arrive (not bookable online).
Entry is free but check the website before you come to see if pre-booking is required.
When to do it
The museum is open on Wednesdays to Sundays. Closed Monday and Tuesday. The museum does get extremely busy in school holidays and weekends, especially if it’s raining.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
The Grand
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]
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:
The Fat Badger
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.8 miles]
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:
Dean Court Hotel
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.8 miles]
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:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
York
Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
York’s dramatic past – from Roman settlements to Viking invasions – has created one of Britain’s most beautiful historic cities, home to the world-famous York Minster and the most complete medieval walls in the country.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
York Minster
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.9 miles]
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
Jorvik Viking Centre
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[1.1 miles]
Travel back to 10th century York, to encounter the sounds, sights and smells of the town under Viking rule.
Best for ages: 5+ | £15
Walk York’s Roman city walls
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[1.3 miles]
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
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Yorkshire Museum
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]
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.
Best for ages: 13+ | £8
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Boat tours of York
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]
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
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Bar Convent
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]
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
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York Art Gallery
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]
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.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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