The best things to do in York England
The best things to do in York England – one of the UK’s most charming cities. If you haven’t visited York before you need to add it to your travel bucket list (and if you have, I’m sure you need to no excuse to visit again!)
The best things to do in York England
1. The Shambles
One of the most magical places to visit in York England, The Shambles – rumoured to be the inspiration behind Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley – is a charming medieval cobbled street in York city centre.
2. York Minster
York Minster is a stunning medieval cathedral that’s free to visit. You can explore the large cathedral by yourself or join a free guided tour.
3. York City Walls
York’s City Walls are an elevated medieval walkway encompassing York city centre. The city walls are free to walk around and a perfect way to enjoy amazing views of the city.
4. St Mary’s Abbey
St Mary’s Abbey in York is the remains of historic ruined abbey set within beautiful gardens.
5. Clifford’s Tower
The largest remaining building of York’s ancient castle. Clifford’s Tower in York is set upon a mound that was originally built by William the Conqueror. You can climb to the top of the tower
How much does it cost to visit Clifford’s Tower York? – Tickets are £8.50 per person to enter the tower.
6. Betty’s Tea Room
Betty’s is an iconic tea room in York – and a must add to your York itinerary. Betty’s Tea Room gets very busy, so – if you don’t want to wait in a long queue – it’s best to get there as close to opening times as possible. Betty’s Tea Room York opens at 9am Sunday-Friday and 8.30 on Saturdays.
7. River Ouse
The River Ouse is a beautiful river that runs through York. You can take a boat trip on the River Ouse, or just take some time to go for a peaceful river walk.
8. York Ghost Tour
If you’re looking for a fun activity in York, the city is well known for it’s ghost tours. You can book tickets for a comedy horror show York ghost bus tour, or opt for a more traditional York ghost walk tour.
9. Minster Gates
Minster Gates is one of the best York photo spots. It’s a picturesque historic York Street with quaint shops and a perfect view of York Minster at the end.
10. Little Arras Bakery
A seriously delicious and very instagrammable bakery in York – Little Arras sells slow fermented bread, pastries and cakes.
Getting to York
How to get to York from London
You can get to York from London in just under 2 hours by train. The best way to get from London to York is to go from London Kings Cross station. Book your tickets in advance with Trainline to get the best prices – if you can book your train tickets as early as possible you should be able to get a much cheaper price than buying them on the day.
Where is York station
York station is located close to the city centre, it’s around a 10 minute walk from the station into the centre of York.
York England nearest airport
York doesn’t have it’s own airport, the nearest airport to York is Leeds-Bradford International Airport (about 25 miles from York.) You can find the best flights and cheapest flight tickets with Skyscanner.
The best time of year to visit York England
York is great to visit all year round, but especially lovely at Christmas time – when the city feels even more magical
The best things to do in York England at Christmas
York England Christmas markets
York’s Christmas market is a must visit if you’re visiting York during the festive season. York’s Christmas market is a lovely festive event filled with beautifully decorated stalls selling gifts and cosy food and drinks.
When is York Christmas market 2023
In 2023 York Christmas market will be in the city between 16th November and 22nd December.
York Christmas Shops
York has 2 charming Christmas stores – Kathe Wohlfarht in Stonegate and the Nutcracker Christmas shop in the Shambles
York England The Shambles at Christmas
The Shambles are especially magical at Christmas time, when the street becomes adorned with christmas wreaths and twinkly lights.
The best hotels in York England
York Hotel The Grand – York’s only five star hotel. The Grand hotel in York offer luxury rooms and a vaulted spa
York Hotel Indigo – a boutique hotel on one of York’s oldest streets
York Hotel Marriott – a four star hotel in York overlooking York racecourse
York Hotel du Vin – a charming boutique hotel in a tranquil part of York
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