England’s rich medieval history colors the iconic landmarks and streets of Northern England’s walled city. Travelers are treated to numerous things to do in York, with its famous narrow cobbled paths, the country’s longest circuit of medieval city walls, and more. Experience the best places to visit in York from July to August, the peak period to enjoy the sights!
Known as the The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, the gothic cathedral York Minster has become an icon in the history of the city and England. With a story dating as far back as 2,000 years, this Church Of England is the current seat of the Archbishop of York. Discover its roots at the Undercroft Museum through interactive digital displays and significant artifacts from the cathedral’s past. Appreciate the beauty of the medieval stained glass windows that color the cathedral’s walls, during your visit.
With all the historic tourist attractions in York, Shambles is one sight you shouldn’t miss! The famed narrow cobbled paths filled with busy shops and markets is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval shopping streets. Admire the storefronts’ timber-framed architecture as you explore, some of which were built during the 14th-century. The iconic area has been said to have inspired Diagon Alley from the popular book series Harry Potter.
Travel through 400 years of York’s rich history with a visit to the award-winning York Castle Museum. Tourists will be treated to interactive exhibits that share the stories of infamous Victorian criminals, tales from the York Castle Prison, the swinging Sixities, and more! Enjoy a closer look at thousands of historical objects and artifacts, each holding a piece of what makes York the city it is today.
Discover the history of rail transport in Great Britain and its impact on the world with a stop at the National Railway Museum of York. With over 200 years of stories, the museum is home to a world-class collection of iconic locomotives, artifacts, and impressive interactive displays on railway transportation. See up-close the famed Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive, and the first bullet train while you explore the museum. Families visiting with children will surely enjoy the fun miniature railway experience during your day out!
Planning out your things to do in York, a visit to the popular JORVIK Viking Centre is an experience you won’t want to miss! Travel back in time to 10th-century York and discover the rich Viking legacy the city holds, as you explore. The famed museum treats visitors with an immersive experience filled with interactive exhibits, impressive animatronics, and a collection of 1,000 year old artifacts. Get a chance to even sniff out the smells from the Viking age while you roam around and uncover York’s Viking story.
A symbol to the power of England’s medieval royalty, Clifford’s Tower is the largest remaining part of the historic York Castle. Built in the time of William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England, the tower was used to aid the king in holding power over the former Viking city of Jorvik. Get a chance to also uncover the landmark’s rich English heritage and stories while you explore the surviving Norman architecture.
See 2000 years of York’s infamous past come to life with an exciting visit to the York Dungeon! Travel back in time with talented actors and guides as they scare, laugh, and show you the stories of iconic figures like Guy Fawkes, Dick Turnpin, and more. The interactive and immersive experience is one for the books and is a must-see for any traveler visiting York.
Unwind with the green landscapes of York’s scenic Museum Gardens. Located right outside the York Museum and beside River Ouse, the botanic gardens is a must visit tourist attractions in York. Spot a variety of plants, trees, birds, and maybe even cute squirrels as you roam. Visitors will be able to see the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, one of the most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England’s past. The landmark has also been host to performances and festivals, so make sure to check out what is being featured during your visit!
With the number of places to visit in York, Yorkshire Museum is one of the city’s historic attractions travelers flock to. Home to a fine and extensive collection of archaeological and geological finds in Europe, visitors are treated to 5 permanent galleries on biology, natural history, astronomy and more. Travel as far back to the prehistoric age with the Jurassic World dinosaur exhibition of rare fossils. Get a chance to also see viking and medieval era artifacts, some even coming from Star Carr, Great Britain’s famed mesolithic site.
Enjoy a sweet and delicious adventure through the history of chocolate at York’s Chocolate Story. With a fun guided tour through the museum, learn surprising secrets, and facts about how the delicious treat is made and the chocolatiers behind these creations. This fun day out will have you discovering new types of chocolate, munching on free samples, and even experiencing the chance to make your own chocolate lolly!
York is best known for the rich English history the city holds, as well as being a significant location to the Church of England. Travelers will enjoy discovering York during the Medieval Ages with the great number of historical landmarks that make up most of the city’s surroundings.
The mild weather conditions during the midsummer season makes July to August the peak period to explore the best sights of York. However, exciting festivals like the JORVIK Viking Festival in February, The York Food and Drink Festival in September, and the holiday Christmas markets from November to December allow travelers to experience the lively atmosphere and culture of the city!
With its close distance to most of York’s famed historical attractions like York Minster, Rivers Ouse and Foss, and more, travelers often stay in accommodations within the popular city centre and Holgate. Both locations allow tourists to experience the best food spots, museums, and sights visitors must-see while in York.