York
Why we love York
York’s backdrop of cobbled lanes, winding ‘Snickelways’ and even a shopping street that dates back to the Domesday Book, mean this compact city is packed with stuff to see.
Check out the impressive 2,000-year-old Gothic halls of its cathedral, or the ridiculously pretty 13th century timbered streets of The Shambles. Take a punt on the horses at its world-famous race course, check out its masses of museums and sample a food scene that spans from Michelin stars to street food in shipping containers. Wash it down with the world’s first carbon-negative gin, or venture to nearby sites as awesome as the city itself.
Ramble through The Shambles
As you wind through the cobbled streets of the Shambles, you may feel a familiar nostalgia. This charming neighbourhood is believed to be the inspiration behind Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley!
Eat, drink and shop at SPARK:York
A local social and creative hub, SPARK:York’s vendors are passionate about sustainability. Eat street food from around the world, indulge in a sound bath or get involved with a local community initiative.
Marvel at York Minster
Renowned as one of the world’s most spectacular cathedrals, no visit to the city is complete without exploring York Minster. Explore its ancient passageways, gaze out of stained glass windows and learn its fascinating stories.
Take a carbon-negative gin tour
Explore the world’s first carbon-negative gin distillery and take a tasting tour at York’s Cooper King.
Channel your inner trainspotter
See the world’s fastest steam locomotive, the Mallard. Discover how high-speed rail travel began and experience the tough life of a working station at York Railway Museum.
York
York is a medieval walled city with Viking and Roman heritage, famed for its magnificent cathedral and abundance of museums and immersive experiences.
Head back in time at the Jorvik Viking Centre to uncover life during 10th century York, or visit York’s Chocolate Story to tuck into its chocolate heritage.
Check out the impressive 2,000-year-old Gothic halls of York Minster, discover the city’s darkest history at York Dungeon or explore The Shambles - a picturesque shopping street with beautifully restored medieval buildings.
Immerse yourself in the National Railway Museum and learn about the engineering pioneers who shaped rail travel, or enjoy a tour and tasting at the world’s first carbon-negative gin distillery, Cooper King.
Fun fact
Fun fact
York is considered one of the spookiest cities in the world, with more than 500 ghosts said to be haunting the streets!
Did you know?
Did you know?
York Minster took more than 250 years to build, from 1220 until its consecration in 1472. The cathedral is so vast that the Leaning Tower of Pisa could fit inside its central tower.
Clifford’s Tower, built by William the Conqueror in 1068, is all that remains of York Castle, with a newly added roof deck offering stunning views of the city.
Guy Fawkes, notorious for attempting to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London on 5th November, 1605, was born in York in 1570.
York’s medieval walls are the longest town walls in England, with the raised walkway stretching for two miles (3.4km) around the city.
Things to do in York
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Featured things to do
Wander the streets of Goodramgate
A bustling quarter of historic streets with York Minster at its heart, Goodramgate is a locals’ favourite spot. Championing the city’s independent businesses, you’ll find an eclectic mix of shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Explore Goodramgate
Set sail on the River Ouse
Take a river boat cruise with afternoon tea, or hop onboard as skipper. Whatever your style, the River Ouse is a dreamy way to take in the city.
Choose your river cruise
Take a walking tour with a difference
These walking tours are run by homeless people, allowing visitors to learn about the city from expert local guides, while giving back to the community.
Take an Invisible Cities tour
Discover the history of chocolate
Learn how three clever families – the Rowntrees, Terrys and Cravens – made York a chocolate capital. Create a bar of your own at York’s Chocolate Story – it also makes a tasty Christmas gift.
Learn more about York’s Chocolate StoryPlaces to stay in York
City Centre
This is the busiest part of town and the centre of York’s beauty, but you’ll have to compete with other visitors for a spot in this small and popular city.
Holgate
Perfect for reaching the nearby attractions. Some of the best museums, landmarks and activities, along with a good choice of pubs and places to eat, are all here.
Bootham
Great for those on a budget, Bootham is a largely residential area, and relatively quiet. You can easily walk to the centre from here, and will meet more locals going about their everyday lives.
Explore nearby
Getting to York
Located in the heart of North Yorkshire, York’s nearest airport is Leeds-Bradford. 30 miles from the city centre, the airport operates flights to and from 70 destinations worldwide.
Getting from London to York is easy, with LNER offering a high-speed service from London Kings Cross in under two hours. Northern provide direct routes to York from various locations around the country.
Getting around York
York is best explored on foot or bike, but the city does have excellent public transport connections. Check out iTravelYork’s handy guide for all the information you need to travel in the city
By bike
It’s a short journey from the outskirts to the city centre by bike, making cycling one of the easiest and most fun ways to access York. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to cycle routes.
By foot
York’s winding cobbled streets are best explored on foot. In fact, it takes just 20 minutes to walk from one side of the city to the other, with plenty to see along the way. There are also lots of tours and guided walks.
By bus
First Bus run regular services throughout York and offer a range of money-saving tickets, in addition to accepting contactless payments on all routes, for fast and convenient travel.
Surrounding York
Looking to visit attractions outside of York? Coastliner operates regular services to nearby destinations including bustling Leeds and the quirky coastal town of Whitby.
Want to know more
Want to know more?
Planning a business event in York?
Planning a business event in York?
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