The city we’re proud to call home is a diverse and vibrant cultural melting pot where history and modernity intertwine. Did you know we have more attractions per square mile than any other place in the UK?! York has everything from museums, entertainment and galleries to hidden gems, must-see attractions and iconic historic buildings, and here are just some of our favourites…
2 Coffee Yard, off Stonegate, York, YO1 8AR
Barley Hall is a picturesque medieval townhouse tucked away down one of the oldest streets in York. Once home to the Priors of Nostell and a Lord Mayor of York, Barley Hall has now been lovingly restored to its original splendour with stunning high ceilings, exposed timber frames, and possibly the only horn window in England.
Visitors to Barley Hall can make themselves at home, sit on the chairs and experience what it would have been like to live in medieval England.
Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens, Beningbrough, YO30 1DD
Beningbrough is a beautiful hall, garden and art gallery in the Vale of York
Relax in the walled garden or stroll among glorious borders with over 8 acres to explore, or step inside and uncover the architecture of the grand hall, created after John Bourchier’s Grand Tour and especially time spent in Italy.
The wilderness play area and den zone are popular with families, whilst the gardens are surrounded by 380 acres of parkland where the tenant farmer's cattle graze, perfect for walks in secluded woodlands and along the riverside.
Kings Staith, York, YO1 9SN
Enjoy York's number one sightseeing tour with an entertaining and informative cruise on the River Ouse.
Whether sat on the top deck or wrapped up warm in the enclosed saloon, you’ll have a great view to uncover the history of our ancient city and the immense impact the River Ouse has had on its development. From the impact of flooding over the centuries to its prosperity as an inland port, bringing precious goods from across the globe into York, including the humble cocoa bean that super-charged York’s world-famous chocolate industry.
You’ll discover more about all this history, as well as picking up some local knowledge, thanks to the live, on-board commentary from their home-grown skippers.
Kings Staith, York, YO1 9SN
Enjoy York's number one sightseeing tour with an entertaining and informative cruise on the River Ouse.
Whether sat on the top deck or wrapped up warm in the enclosed saloon, you’ll have a great view to uncover the history of our ancient city and the immense impact the River Ouse has had on its development. From the impact of flooding over the centuries to its prosperity as an inland port, bringing precious goods from across the globe into York, including the humble cocoa bean that super-charged York’s world-famous chocolate industry.
You’ll discover more about all this history, as well as picking up some local knowledge, thanks to the live, on-board commentary from their home-grown skippers.
City Walls
Our city centre is surrounded by the longest and most complete medieval city walls in England, which are beautifully preserved and free to access on foot throughout the year. Built mainly in the 13th century, the slopes are well known for their daffodils in March and April.
A walk all round the 3.4 kilometres of walls takes about 2 hours, or longer if you stop to look at things like the four main ‘bars’ (the fortified gateways), the 2 smaller ‘bars’, the postern (this is a small gateway defended by a tower), the many other towers and details like arrow slits, musket loops, sculptures and masons' marks. There are also great views of many interesting buildings from up on the walls too.
Clifford's Tower
Tower Street, York, YO1 9SA
Clifford’s Tower is the largest remaining building of York Castle, northern England’s greatest medieval royal fortress.
The tower offers unrivalled views over the ancient city whilst the new dramatic roofdeck, internal walkways and soundscape interpretation make the tower’s history and interior more accessible than they’ve been for centuries, bringing its dramatic and sometimes tragic story to life as never before.
Standing as a proud symbol of the power of England's medieval kings; the tower was originally built by William the Conqueror to subdue the rebels of the north, it was twice burned to the ground, before being rebuilt by Henry III in the 13th century. The tower takes its name from one grisly incident in its long history, when Roger de Clifford was executed for treason against Edward II and hanged in chains from the tower walls.
With sweeping panoramic views of York and the surrounding countryside, it isn't hard to see why Clifford's Tower played such a crucial role in the control of northern England.
St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NN
DIG offers a unique archaeological adventure to get you on your way to becoming a real archaeologist! Owned by the same archaeologists who discovered the Viking-age City and created JORVIK Viking Centre, this is a one-of-a-kind experience!
Discover the most exciting archaeological artefacts from the 2000 years of history hidden under the streets of York. Their four excavation pits are filled with Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian finds, so you can grab a trowel and dig up the clues that show how people lived in these times.
27 Tadcaster Road, York, YO24 1GG
Visit the gardens of the former home of the Terry family, part of York’s chocolate heritage and now cared for by the National Trust. Discover the five-acre garden with herbaceous borders, fragrant garden and sunny terrace overlooking the lawns and formal pond.
The factory clock can be seen across the racecourse from the paddock orchard, one of a series of garden rooms, hidden away on the edge of the city. Family life and factory life were in some ways never far apart, in other ways, miles apart.
Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate
Goodramgate, York, YO1 2LF
Holy Trinity Church is a hidden treasure, standing in a small, secluded, leafy churchyard, with the Minster towering behind, tucked away behind Goodramgate - one of York's busiest shopping streets.
The building dates chiefly from the 15th century but has features from its foundation in the 12th century right up to the 19th century, including box pews, unique in York, and an interesting collection of monuments and memorials which paint a picture of life in this busy city throughout the ages.
Visit the first ever permanent rainbow plaque to be installed in the UK, commemorating the day in 1834 when Anne Lister and Ann Walker came to Holy Trinity Goodramgate with the intent to take the sacrament together and solemnify their relationship in the eyes of God. The plaque celebrates the commitment they made to each other to live as a married couple
It was not possible for them have a marriage in church, but they could take Communion together, just as would have happened after the vows in a typical marriage ceremony of the time. Communion was not a sacrament that was offered often – just special days, such as Easter Sunday.
Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT
Discover the Original Viking Encounter at JORVIK Viking Centre, with its world-famous ride taking visitors around the sights, sounds and smells of Viking-age York, and state-of-the-art galleries showcasing a unique collection of 1,000 year old artefacts.
Travel around 10th century York, experiencing what it was like living in the city and get up-close with some of the most beautiful and rare Viking artefacts in the world. The sights, sounds and even the smells of the Viking Age are brought vividly back to life as you journey back 1,000 years.
St Helen's Square, York, YO1 9QL
York Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York, positioned at the heart of city society and civic life for almost 300 years, and which regularly flies the Pride flag throughout the month of June.
A masterpiece of 18th century architecture and a celebration of the city it inhabits, York Mansion House and its infamous residents have a colourful history, filled with scandal, decadence and outlandish feasting.
Following extensive restoration, the house is now open to the public, allowing all to experience this extravagant mayoral life, and take an interactive walk through York’s Georgian past.
17-21 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PB
SPARK is a creative community space bringing together the freshest selection of independent businesses in York. They have some of the best street food, drinks, events and independent pop-up retailers to keep the whole family (including four-legged friends) occupied. Inside you’ll also find a flexible co-working hub, a shared studio for resident artists, and a multipurpose events space.
Clucking Oinks - 10% off entire menu (excluding Saturdays & Sundays)
Herbivorous - 10% off entire menu
RAD Pizza Shop - 10% off entire menu (excluding Saturdays & Sundays)
Sarras Indian Street Food - 10% off entire menu (excluding Saturdays)
Tiro Sicilian Street Food - 10% off entire menu (excluding Saturdays & Sundays)
Vovo Cantina - 10% off entire menu (excluding Saturdays & Sundays)
Minster Yard, York, YO1 7JL
The Treasurer’s House is a house of surprises nestled behind York Minster. In the late 1800s wealthy Yorkshireman Frank Green transformed the house of declining fortunes into a handsome property, with lavish interiors grand enough to entertain the future King, Edward VII. He used it to showcase his important collection of antique furniture, ceramics, textiles and paintings from a 300-year period, collected as he travelled the world.
Mr. Green wanted a house to be shared and this is why he was the first ever person to gift their home, complete with collection to the National Trust charity.
Its award-winning city garden is free to enter on open days and is the perfect place to take some time out in the city and see what’s in bloom.
3 Tower Street, York, YO1 9SB
The York Army Museum offers visitors a unique experience, curating the history of two current serving regiments of the British Army: The Royal Dragoon Guards and The Royal Yorkshire Regiment. One cavalry, one infantry; each of these regiments can trace its history back over three hundred years, and both have a historic connection to Yorkshire and its people.
Following its recent refurbishment, York Army Museum is an exciting and engaging visitor attraction, with something to offer for all ages.
12 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RD
Get ready to journey back through 2000 Years of York's darkest history as you see, hear and smell the cities murky past! But beware, as Dick’s back, so hold on to your valuables - York Dungeon is rife with rumours of highwaymen prowling the area and the most vicious one of all is said to have returned.
Prepare to also come face to face with the mighty Vikings and learn all about their Saxon enemies before meeting some of York’s most notorious characters including the (in)famous Guy Fawkes and local witch Isabella Billington, as history is brought to life before your eyes.
Feel the dark shadows of the black plague and experience the fearsome torture chamber as you laugh, learn and scream your way through the cities most ‘orrible history!
With live actors, dark history, immersive sets and amazing special effects, York Dungeon was officially named the 2024 Large Tourist Attraction of the Year at the Visit York Tourism Awards … the only question is are you brave enough to step into the depths of the York Dungeon?
York Minster
Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
Discover one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, a masterpiece in stained glass and stone and a sacred space which has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England since the 7th century.
Marvel at the exquisite handcrafted stone and Great East Window, the largest single expanse of medieval stained glass in the country; visit the Undercroft Museum to explore the remains of a Roman barracks and the cathedral’s links to Viking York, or climb the 275 steps of the Central Tower for panoramic views of the city
The Minster remains a thriving church and everyone is invited to join their daily services, visit to pray or light a candle or simply spend time absorbing the atmosphere of the cathedral.
King's Square, York, YO1 7LD
Unwrap the history of chocolate at York's Chocolate Story, the ultimate destination for families, chocolate lovers, and anyone seeking a truly one-of-a-kind adventure!
Nestled in the heart of York, this award-winning tour attraction offers an exciting and educational journey through the fascinating history of chocolate, complete with interactive exhibits, delicious tastings, and chocolate-making.