York travel guide
York Tourism | York Guide
You're Going to Love York
From northern Britain's Roman capital to Viking hub and a medieval marvel, York has been many things in its long history. Much of its heritage remains intact, and superb museums provide a window onto what didn't survive, giving this relaxed, self-confident city a timeless quality. If you love history, you'll love York.
But there's more than history to enjoy in modern York. The city has successfully styled itself as the North's shopping capital, and there are few more atmospheric places to shop for fashion, food, and craft souvenirs than York's walled center.
Above all, York is easygoing and friendly. The locals will always recommend their favorite pub (out of many highlights), the nightlife is great, and you can rent a car and be in the middle of a wild, windswept moor in minutes.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit York
1. The Beautiful Medieval Walled City Center
The heart of York is (still) surrounded by walls built over a thousand years ago. In fact, parts of the masonry date back to 71 AD, when the Romans fortified their northern capital. You can walk the walls, and climb down to check out what's inside: a vibrant mix of pubs, markets, churches, and museums.
2. A Rich History and the Museums to Show it Off
York has seen many different eras, from Roman rule to Danish domination and medieval splendor and Victorian railway hub. You can find out about all of it at museums like the Jorvik Viking Center (dealing with Viking York), the Yorkshire Museum (with its Roman exhibits), and Barley Hall, a reconstructed 15th-century home.
3. Superb Beer and a Thriving Dining Scene
For many visitors, York and beer go together like a hand and glove. Breweries like York Brewery, Samuel Smith's, and Black Sheep export across the world. It's something about the water of the Ouse, or the skill of local brewers. Either way, the results are delicious. As are the products of York's blooming restaurant scene, from the Star Inn the City to Mumbai Lounge.
4. The Wild Beauty of Yorkshire Is on Its Doorstep
Get outside York if you can: it's stunning. Visit the home of the Bronte sisters, walk the desolate moors, hike to waterfalls like Mallyan Spout, and duck into country pubs for a warm welcome and some hearty Yorkshire cuisine.
5. The Stunning York Minster
York Minster is an incredible work of medieval architecture, with its cavernous interior, beautiful Gothic facade, and dazzling Great West Window. Visit early to avoid the crowds, but expect to linger in this serene, inspiring place of worship.
What to do in York
1. York Minster: Heart of Yorkshire
This Early English masterpiece is a quintessential cathedral of the Church of England, time-worn but gorgeous from tip to toe. Built over 1000 years ago, the structure of epic proportions is as awe-inspiring from the inside as from out. Take in the stained glass glory as it sheds light into the ancient halls, and appreciate the hallowed details that surround in every direction. The dwarfing spires can be seen all over the city, beckoning to one and all to explore the awe-inspiring Minster.
2. York Castle Museum: Step Back in Time
Built upon the site of York Castle, these repurposed prisons have become unique galleries. Visitors will find a recreation of a Victorian street, period rooms from every age, and exhibitions detailing historic developments in the region throughout the 20th century. There is even a reconstructed flour mill on site! Nearby, Clifford's Tower beckons, offering panoramic views over the city from atop the hill where it has perched for hundreds of years. The Jorvik Viking Centre is fascinating as well.
3. York National Railway Museum: All Aboard!
Nestled amidst a maze of historic tracks, this museum immerses visitors in the history of rail travel. The massive York North Depot has been converted into an epic exhibition hall with over 100 locomotives on display. See the development of transportation transform before your eyes as these powerful giants stand stoically within arms reach. There is no better place to gain hands-on knowledge about this essential narrative - one that connected communities and changed the course of society.
4. Yorkshire Museum: Dig Up Some History
Situated in lush gardens, the Yorkshire Museum houses archaeological artifacts from Roman and Viking times alongside fascinating displays on natural history. However, these galleries are just the start of it. The Museum Gardens are also home to St. Mary's Abbey, the York Observatory, and the York Art Gallery. Together, these institutions can satisfy every interest, making a trip to this corner of the city unmissable.
5. The Shambles: Slaughterhouse No More
Once an open-air meat market, the Shambles is the most interesting street around. Medieval buildings with timber-framed overhangs were used by dozens of butchers to display their daily offerings - a veritable river of blood ran the streets. Today, however, the stinking lot no longer flows through the laneways, as this thoroughfare is filled with trendy boutiques and cafés. Tourists love to come here and imagine the past while appreciating the present, sidestepping into the "Snickelway" alleys as they go.
1. York Minster: Heart of Yorkshire
This Early English masterpiece is a quintessential cathedral of the Church of England, time-worn but gorgeous from tip to toe. Built over 1000 years ago, the structure of epic proportions is as awe-inspiring from the inside as from out. Take in the stained glass glory as it sheds light into the ancient halls, and appreciate the hallowed details that surround in every direction. The dwarfing spires can be seen all over the city, beckoning to one and all to explore the awe-inspiring Minster.
2. York Castle Museum: Step Back in Time
Built upon the site of York Castle, these repurposed prisons have become unique galleries. Visitors will find a recreation of a Victorian street, period rooms from every age, and exhibitions detailing historic developments in the region throughout the 20th century. There is even a reconstructed flour mill on site! Nearby, Clifford's Tower beckons, offering panoramic views over the city from atop the hill where it has perched for hundreds of years. The Jorvik Viking Centre is fascinating as well.
3. York National Railway Museum: All Aboard!
Nestled amidst a maze of historic tracks, this museum immerses visitors in the history of rail travel. The massive York North Depot has been converted into an epic exhibition hall with over 100 locomotives on display. See the development of transportation transform before your eyes as these powerful giants stand stoically within arms reach. There is no better place to gain hands-on knowledge about this essential narrative - one that connected communities and changed the course of society.
4. Yorkshire Museum: Dig Up Some History
Situated in lush gardens, the Yorkshire Museum houses archaeological artifacts from Roman and Viking times alongside fascinating displays on natural history. However, these galleries are just the start of it. The Museum Gardens are also home to St. Mary's Abbey, the York Observatory, and the York Art Gallery. Together, these institutions can satisfy every interest, making a trip to this corner of the city unmissable.
5. The Shambles: Slaughterhouse No More
Once an open-air meat market, the Shambles is the most interesting street around. Medieval buildings with timber-framed overhangs were used by dozens of butchers to display their daily offerings - a veritable river of blood ran the streets. Today, however, the stinking lot no longer flows through the laneways, as this thoroughfare is filled with trendy boutiques and cafés. Tourists love to come here and imagine the past while appreciating the present, sidestepping into the "Snickelway" alleys as they go.
1. York Minster: Heart of Yorkshire
This Early English masterpiece is a quintessential cathedral of the Church of England, time-worn but gorgeous from tip to toe. Built over 1000 years ago, the structure of epic proportions is as awe-inspiring from the inside as from out. Take in the stained glass glory as it sheds light into the ancient halls, and appreciate the hallowed details that surround in every direction. The dwarfing spires can be seen all over the city, beckoning to one and all to explore the awe-inspiring Minster.
Where to Eat in York
York is Yorkshire's culinary capital, and the city has attracted some exceptional chefs in recent years. If you want to head to elite brasseries, the Star Inn the City and Melton's are the places to go. There's great pub food at the Maltings and the Guy Fawkes Inn and veggie delights at El Piano. You should also find time for afternoon tea at Betty's Cafe Tea Rooms - a York institution (but expect to queue for half an hour before being seated). Meals at the best places will cost around £40 per head, but expect to pay half that at the excellent small cafes of the city center.
When to visit York
York is probably at its best in late spring and early fall. April and May are great times to go. The weather may be chilly at times, but the narrow streets won't be jammed with tourists and you should find some space to relax in the Minster. Late September and October are almost as good. Both times of year also offer fine hiking weather, although summer will suit those who plan to camp on the moors.
How to Get to York
Plane
Many visitors from North America choose to fly into London Heathrow or Gatwick, and then fly to Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). From there, you can take the 757 bus into Leeds (£3.80, 30 minutes), and catch the train to York. Fares vary, but short notice off-peak tickets will cost around £13 and the journey lasts for 25 minutes. Taxis are an alternative (expect to pay £50), but driving is probably a better option. There are Enterprise and Avis rental outlets at the airport and the journey time is approximately an hour.
Train
Getting to York by train is simple and (usually) fast. If you fly into London's airports, you can catch the train from King's Cross St. Pancras into one of the country's most attractive stations. Expect the journey to take around two hours, if you catch an express service. Operators include Virgin Trains and Grand Central.
Car
If you are driving to York from Leeds Bradford Airport, take the A658 and then change onto the A59. From London, all you need to do is catch the A1 (M), which leaves the M25 orbital motorway at Borehamwood. Those coming from Manchester should take the M62 across the Pennines, take the A1 (M) northbound at Knottingley, then leave it at junction 44, to take the A64 into York.
Bus
York is well served by affordable intercity buses, with National Express and Megabus both running daily services from London, Leeds, and Manchester, as well as many other British cities.
Airlines serving York
Where to stay in York
The Shambles - shorthand for the medieval city center, the Shambles is actually a famous street in central York that is characterized by overhanging timber-framed stores. Lined with restaurants, pubs, and luxury boutiques, it's the best area to window shop and relax in between historical sights.
Popular Neighborhoods in York
Museum Gardens - just to the north of the walled city center, you'll find York's civic center. Set in acres of beautiful gardens, the Yorkshire Museum is a cultural highlight, as is the adjacent York Art Gallery and the ruins of St Mary's Abbey (which are themselves often used as a striking art venue).
Micklegate - located across the River Ouse from the Shambles, Micklegate is still within the old city walls. It's right next to the station, making it handy for transportation and is also home to the York Brewery - a big plus for craft ale fans.
Where to stay in popular areas of York
Most booked hotels in York
How to Get Around York
Public Transportation
Buses are a good way to get around York's main sights, if you want to avoid walking and have a bit of spare change. Single fares cost around £2, but most visitors purchase day tickets for £4.50 (which cover all of the city's bus providers).
Taxi
The local government regulates taxi fares in York. Daytime rates start with a meter drop of £2.70, then £0.10 for every 85 meters (around £2 per mile). Rates rise at night and when the York races are taking place. Uber offers a cheaper alternative, typically charging £1.95 for the meter drop, then £1.40 per mile.
Car
York is a fantastic place to rent a car, and with local branches of Europcar, Enterprise, and Thrifty, plenty of choice is available. With a car, the moors and dales of Yorkshire are open to explore, you can get to the coast easily and even whiz into Leeds. Rates will be fairly reasonable, at around £15 per day.
The Cost of Living in York
Shopping Streets
York is a first-rate shopping destination, and most of the best streets are clustered around the walled city center. Obviously, you shouldn't miss the Shambles, if only for its architecture, but Coney Street (near the river) plays host to boutiques like Pylones and Leia Lingerie, and Stonegate is another street that is studded with luxury stores.
Groceries and Other
City center supermarkets are all over York, including branches of Londis, Sainsbury's, and Boots, so it's not hard to buy essentials if you need them. With a gallon of milk costing around £3.65 and 12 eggs costing £1.75, prices are very reasonable as well.