Our Favourite Visitor Attractions in York
Not for nothing is York one of the most popular visitor destinations in the UK outside London. You could easily fill a week with a non-stop timetable and never get to take in all its attractions. As well as hotels and B&Bs, York has a superb choice of holiday homes which give you far more freedom to explore the city than staying in serviced accommodation with their fixed mealtimes and having to incur restaurant and cafe bills for every meal. Here are twelve of what we believe to be the best visitor attractions in York to suit all ages:
1. York Minster
This stunning medieval cathedral is one of the largest in Northern Europe and is renowned for its Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and historic artefacts.
2. The Shambles
This charming, narrow cobbled street is one of the most picturesque parts of York, with its overhanging timber-framed buildings and quaint shops and cafes. You wont find another street in the UK named Whip-Ma-Whop Ma Gate.
3. York Castle Museum
This fascinating museum is located in a former prison and features a range of exhibits that explore the history and culture of York, from the Roman era to the present day.
4. National Railway Museum
This impressive museum houses a vast collection of locomotives, carriages, and other railway artefacts, including the famous Mallard, which holds the world speed record for steam locomotives.
5. York City Walls
These ancient city walls date back to Roman times and offer stunning views of the city and its surroundings. They can be accessed from several points around the city and are a popular walking route.
6. Jorvik Viking Centre
This interactive museum offers visitors the chance to explore the Viking history of York, with exhibits that include a reconstructed Viking village and a ride through a recreated Viking street.
7. York Dungeon
This spooky attraction takes visitors on a journey through York's darker history, with exhibits and shows that explore the city's most notorious villains and events.
8. Clifford's Tower
This medieval tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in York and offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings. It is also the site of one of the most significant events in York's history, the massacre of the Jewish community in 1190.
9: See York By Boat
As York is located on the River Ouse, its possible to view much of the town and surrounding countryside from the water. There are plenty of options from self-hire motor and rowing boats to large boats offering guided mini-cruises. Here are some suggestions:
located on the River Ouse. Here are some options for boat trips and boat hire in York:
a. City Cruises York: City Cruises York offers a range of boat trips along the River Ouse, including sightseeing tours, afternoon tea cruises, and evening dinner cruises.
b. York Boat: York Boat offers a range of boat trips along the River Ouse, including sightseeing tours, evening cruises, and private charters.
c. Bishopthorpe Palace River Trips: Bishopthorpe Palace, located just outside York, offers boat trips along the River Ouse, with views of the palace and its gardens.
d. Rowntree Park Boat Hire: Rowntree Park Boat Hire offers self-drive boat hire for up to six people, allowing you to explore the River Ouse at your own pace.
e. York Marina Boat Hire: York Marina Boat Hire offers self-drive boats, including cruisers, day boats, and fishing boats, for exploring the River Ouse and surrounding waterways.
f.Viking Boat Hire: Viking Boat Hire offers self-drive boats for exploring the River Ouse and the surrounding waterways, including rowing boats, motor boats, and pedalos.
10. York's Chocolate Story
This museum tells the story of York's famous chocolate-making industry, with exhibits and demonstrations that explore the history of chocolate and the techniques used to make it.
11. Fairfax House
This beautifully restored Georgian townhouse offers visitors a glimpse into the life of York's wealthiest residents during the 18th century, with period furnishings, art, and architecture.
12. York Maze - This seasonal attraction (it is harvested in late autumn) features a giant maze made from maize plants, as well as a range of other activities and attractions, including pedal go-karts and a giant inflatable pillow.
For further information about things to do and places to visit on holiday in York, contact York Visitor information.