York is a charming city in North Yorkshire located in the North of England. It is one of our go-to days out. As we only live 30 miles away (and have lived closer) we have visited more times than we can count. In fact, one of our first-ever dates was a shopping trip to York, 16 years ago! Therefore, we have experienced most, if not all of the main attractions York has to offer. If you love cobbled streets, history and amazing architecture this city is for you. Here are 10 top attractions you must visit in York.
City Walls
York has been defended by walls dating back to Roman times. Collectively known as the city walls, they are made up of York City Walls, the Bar Walls and the Roman walls. You can walk the walls at your leisure however if you want to learn more about them from a knowledgeable tour guide, private walls walking tours are available. As the tour is private, your guide can tailor your tour and their information based on your interests. It’s important to note that the walls are not accessible to wheelchair users and pushchairs, prams and dogs (apart from assistance dogs) are not allowed.
Clifford’s Tower
Clifford’s Tower (the largest remaining part of York Castle) is an English Heritage site that sits high on a mound on Tower Street. It offers panoramic views over York and is a site of historical importance. Originally built in the 11th Century by the order of William I, expansion over the last 9 centuries now means the site consists of castles, prisons, law courts and other buildings. Clifford’s Tower reopened in April 2022 following restoration work. Once work has been completed, visitors will once again be welcome. As this is one of the most popular must-visit attractions in York booking in advance is always advisable. You can book your tickets via the English Heritage website.
Jorvik Centre
The Jorvik Centre is a world-famous archaeological site in the city of York, England. The site is also home to the remains of a Viking settlement that was unearthed in the 1970s. The Jorvik Centre is now a major tourist attraction, with over half a million visitors each year. The Jorvik Centre is open all year round and offers a variety of tours, activities and educational programs for visitors to enjoy. The Centre is also home to an interactive museum, which tells the story of the Vikings and their way of life. So, if you’re planning a visit to York, be sure to add the Jorvik Centre to your itinerary.
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National Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum in York is the UK’s largest railway museum, telling the story of rail transport in Britain from its beginnings in the 19th century to the present day. The museum’s collection includes over 300 locomotives and rolling stock, as well as railway equipment, documents, photographs, and paintings.
The National Railway Museum is a great place to learn about the history of rail transport in Britain. Therefore, making it a must-visit for any railway enthusiast. The museum is also free to visit and offers a wide range of exhibits and activities and is also a popular venue for events and conferences. The museum is open seven days a week and is easily accessible by public transport.
The Shambles
The Shambles, York is a unique and atmospheric street in the heart of the city of York, England. It is full of medieval timber-framed buildings, many of which have been used as shops dating back as far as the fourteenth century. The street gets its name from the Old English word ‘shamel’, meaning ‘street’. The Shambles is a popular tourist destination and is one of the most visited streets in England. It is also a conservation area. Therefore, many of the buildings are listed. The Shambles is a popular tourist destination in the city. Many consider it to be one of the most picturesque streets in Europe. The street has been used as a filming location for several films and television shows. These include Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Treasurer’s House
The Treasurer’s House in York is a historic building that was once the home of the medieval lords of the city. Today, it is open to the public as a museum. It is one of the most well-preserved medieval buildings in England. The Treasurer’s House was built in the 14th century and was originally two separate houses. During the 16th century, the two houses were merged into one and the house was extended. In the 18th century, the house was bought by the York Corporation and was used as the city’s treasury. In the 19th century, the house was used as a police station and later as a museum. The house is open to the public and offers tours of the house and its gardens.
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It is a great place to learn about the history of the city and the people who once lived here. So, if you have an interest in architecture or English history, the Treasurer’s House is definitely worth a visit.
York Castle Museum
If you want to learn about the history of York from the Romans to the present day then one of the must-visit attractions in York for you is the York Castle Museum. The museum is located in the heart of the city, and it is easy to get to by public transportation. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits. The museum’s exhibits include Roman artefacts, medieval weapons, and paintings from the Tudor and Stuart periods. The museum also has a modern art gallery and a hands-on area for children. and it is clear that a lot of effort has gone into making the museum accessible and enjoyable for all visitors.
The York Castle Museum is definitely worth a visit if you want to learn about the history of York. It is a great place to take the family, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. The museum is in York’s ancient city walls, and many consider it to be one of the best museums in the United Kingdom.
York’s Chocolate Story
One of the newer must-visit attractions in York is York’s Chocolate Story is a unique multimedia attraction. It tells the story of how chocolate has been made for over 2,000 years. The attraction is located in the heart of York, England, and is housed in a Grade I listed building. The attraction includes a range of interactive exhibits and immersive experiences. They bring the history of chocolate to life from how chocolate was first made by the ancient Maya and how it came to be such a popular treat in Europe. Visitors can learn about the different processes involved in making chocolate, from bean to bar. They can also discover the different flavours and ingredients that make up this delicious treat.
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York’s Chocolate Story is a must-visit for chocolate lovers of all ages. It is a great attraction for families, groups, and individuals. So, if you’re looking for a fun and educational day out, then this is the place for you.
York Dungeon
The York Dungeon is a popular tourist attraction in the city of York, England. It is a series of live-action shows and exhibits that tell the history of York through a series of gory and gruesome tales. The York Dungeon is not for the faint of heart – it is full of scares, shocks, and gruesome spectacles. Visitors can experience what it was like to live in York during its dark and dangerous past. If you’re looking for a fun and spine-tingling way to learn about the history of York, then the York Dungeon is the perfect place for you. Just be sure to keep your wits about you – you never know what might be lurking around the next corner. The York Dungeon is open all year round, ideal for visitors aged 10 and up. There is also a gift shop and a cafe on site.
York Minster
York Minster is a Gothic cathedral located in the city of York, England. It is the largest cathedral in Northern England and has been a site of Christian worship for over 800 years. The Minster is famous for its grand architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. It is a popular tourist destination and many consider it to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world. Visitors to the cathedral can also explore the extensive underground crypt, which houses the remains of several medieval kings. The current cathedral was begun in the 1220s and took over 300 years to complete.
So, if you have an interest in learning more about the history and architecture of York Minster, we suggest taking a tour with a guide of the cathedral. Tours are available daily and last for approximately one hour. York Minster is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and receives over a million visitors each year.
We hope this list helps you when considering must-visit attractions in York to visit.
