York’s evolution is in full swing. A trip to the city can include Romans and Vikings, haunted happenings, Gothic spires and sullen snickets, yet also cutting-edge galleries and museums, innovative independents, Michelin restaurants , and hipster hangouts. And that’s exactly what makes it great for a weekend – or longer.
York’s crowning glory, the mighty, honey-hued Minster is the city’s centrepiece and the medieval hotchpotch of The Shambles with its spooky ginnels has Harry Potter written all over it – but delve under the city’s skin to find its real pulse. There’s a thriving creative scene, thronging local neighbourhood pockets, and a mass of lesser-known things to do. If in doubt about what to see and do, ask a resident – Yorkshire folk have a reputation for keeping it real.
One of the advantages of tripping to York is its proximity to the Yorkshire countryside and coast. Drive around an hour to get to more sensational destinations such as the Runswick Bay or Sandsend, the Yorkshire Dales or Howardian Hills. It’s a more sustainable UK break with the train from London to York taking under two hours.
York and its surroundings are packed with history-rich sights, but the key is knowing the best local tips. Read on for our insider picks on the best things to do in York, and if you're looking for more tips on where to stay, check out our guide to York’s best hotels . There’s an exciting new wave of bakeries in York, with the latest hot spot being Heppni Bakeri.
India Luck’s dreamy, peach-coloured baker’s shop is quite alluring – Heppni means ‘Luck’ in Old Norse. Go for the fresh pastries, cakes and cookies: the pistachio cream, dark chocolate, vanilla custard and crushed pistachio pastries are killer. Actually, just go for it all – the sandwiches and coffee are outstanding, too.
It’s also a bright and beautiful big space to linger with pals. Other bakeries you must visit include the York icon, Haxby Bakehouse . Owner Phil provides his epic signature French-style sourdough to many of York’s best food shops, cafes, and restaurants and has an enticing bakery and deli in Haxby.
Paul Cosgriff, a former chef, heads up Cosgriff and Sons, a micro-bakery – highlights include his formidable pastries, kick-ass sourdough sandwiches (think slow-cooked beef cheek and chilli jam) and filled doughnuts – the lemon meringue is a thing of beauty. Bluebird Bakery’s petite flagship shop is tucked away in the Little Shambles, with a bigger cafe in Acomb that also hosts events. Go for the vast range of loaves stacked high in the window and the delicious curry puffs.
Insider tip: Heppni is centrally located not far from York Minster on Swinegate, take a break after climbing to the top – its cosy-cool design is very hygge. With the Yorkshire food movement moving onwards and upwards and placing the area firmly on the map for its Michelin accolades – The Good Food Guide crowned Helmsley and the Howardian Hills as the Most Exciting Food Destination of 2024 – it’s possible to visit some of Yorkshire’s finest restaurants by starting in York at Tommy Banks’ Michelin-starred Roots, steered by head chef Will Lockwood – try The Signature Menu. Just a short journey out of York, visit Mýse in Hovingham for an incredible tasting menu with excellent wine pairings and a sleepover in Mýse Cottage (the brand-new rooms are launching in September 2024).
The restaurant, helmed by Josh and Victoria Overington, won its first Michelin star this year after being open for just seven months. An iconic Michelin winner, The Black Swan at Oldstead is also on the radar (just a 20-minute drive away) for its legendary tasting menu with Alice Power as head chef and Callum Leslie as the executive chef, as is The Abbey Inn at Byland, built in 1845 as a monk’s home, the Banks families’ latest pub with rooms. Head chef Charlie Smith serves a creative menu at Abbey – think innovative Sunday roasts, Dexter beef burgers and fun, fruity soft serves.
In Harome, find a famed Michelin restaurant in the region, Andrew Pern’s, Star Inn : an extraordinary classical dining experience led by Andrew and chef-director Stephen Smith, focusing on seasonal, flavour-packed dishes. Finally, Pignut in Helmsley, with its six tables, celebrates the natural world with its 4 or 8-course tasting menu both with sustainability in mind. All restaurants are around 30 to 40 minutes from York by car.
Insider tip: Spend some time in Harome and spy the gorgeous, mushroom-topped, chocolate box cottages on your walking route. Hop over to Helmsley and try the bluebell-blanked Rievaulx Abbey walk – and see the golden ruins of one of England’s most powerful Cistercian monasteries – for the longer hike you need. A visit to York’s crown jewel, the mighty York Minster is a must.
Northern Europe’s largest medieval Gothic cathedral, is a stunner and dates back to 1470 – the jaunty, golden architectural masterpiece is majestic even from the outside. Once inside, it’s hard not to be enamoured by all its compelling features like the intricate and ornate ceiling in the Chapter House, the lofty, hallowed corridors and one of the main fascinations — the beautifully crafted stained glass windows like the Rose Window. Book a Hidden Minster Tour , where expert guides take visitors to hidden spaces – such as the Chapter House roof and old Mason’s Loft – that are normally closed to the public.
Once above the terracotta rooftops, take in the wonderful 360 views of the city and beyond as far as the White Horse of Kilburn, the trek up is so worth it. A new addition this year is A Night at the Movies , with Ignite Concerts, where The Ebor String Quartet will play the music from iconic film scores in the cathedral such as ET, Star Wars and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, with Alistair Griffin on vocals, by candlelight. Insider tip: a local tip, the festive Christmas carols at York Minster are breathtaking as is Castle Howard’s annual Christmas installation – in 2024, it’s Alice’s Christmas Wonderland with a Mad Hatter’s afternoon tea.
Address: York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH Website: yorkminster.org Bettys is an absolute landmark in the city and there’s something wonderful about it. Get a prime table in the gloriously old-school main cafe, where monochrome-dressed staff serve up delicious food and confectionery, cakes and pastries to lucky guests.
Highlights on the cafe menu include the signature Swiss rosti – tip, try the breakfast version – and the homemade schnitzel, fish and chips and handmade burgers. Make sure to order coffee: it comes with all the niceties, in a silver pot with a side of cream. For those that only have time to swing by, some takeout patisserie will pimp up a WFH day — the vanilla slices are fluffy and crisp, vanilla-sweet, custard-cream pieces of pure patisserie joy.
Insider tip: a popular feature, the seasonal window displays are second to none – kids will especially love the festive confections and the chocolate Easter bunny. Address: Bettys Café Tea Rooms, 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP Website: bettys.
co.uk The most frequented street in York prize goes to The Shambles . It would be remiss not to mention it – this perfectly imperfect, medieval, cobblestone street used to be the home to York’s butchers and now is a favourited sight.
Try out the shops including The Shop That Must Not Be Named , Monk Bar Chocolatiers and Shambles Kitchen . In the adjoining Shambles Market , there is a fishmonger, a butcher, a baker, food, flower and craft markets, indie shops and eats. In the market, you can eat your way around the globe, snaffle some crafty trinkets and treat yourself to a bunch of your favourite blooms.
Our picks for eats include Stam and Maria Greek Street Food , Krep , and Dough Eyed Pizza . Insider tip: get to the long-established pie shop The Shambles Sausage and Pie Company before midday to bag the best pies. Start with a walk along York’s City Walls , known as the “Bar Walls” – they’re a piece of history that’s truly unique to York.
The ancient Roman walls that ring the city were originally built for defence and there are two miles (3.4km) of surviving masonry. Walking the historical walls, travellers can see the city from all the best angles: the whole route takes around two hours but with the various entrance and exit points, it’s possible to go for a shorter stroll too.
Insider tip: one section to pick is the part overlooking Grays Court Hotel , its beautiful gardens and York Minster’s gothic glory. Even better, stop by Grays for lunch en route to town – the gardens were made for lingering on a summer's day. Take the kids on an autumn tree watch and see the kaleidoscope of colours from above.
York’s museum scene is stacked and it’s possible to have copious days out trekking around them – creative and colourful Tansy beetle sculptures have taken over York until the end of September 2024. For a dose of art and culture, go to York Art Gallery – try adjoined Sketch for a coffee pit stop afterwards. For kids, try the Yorkshire Museum for Yorkshire’s Jurassic World, and for everyone, York Castle Museum showcases over 400 years of York’s past.
Its neighbour, the recently renovated Clifford’s Tower , the largest remaining part of York Castle and the former centre of the government for the north of England, has a wraparound panorama of the city from the revamped viewing deck. Insider tip: the most impressive (and also free) museum has to be the National Railway Museum . It’s a trainspotter’s dream: wander the beautiful collection of locomotives, see the world’s fastest steam train, the Mallard, or Shinkansen , the Japanese bullet train and the new interactive, science-themed Wonderlab has 18 hands-on challenges and many live experiments for children.
The York’s Museum Gardens are planted firmly in the city's heart and are an essential stop at any time of year — pack a picnic and go for some flower power. There’s plenty of space among the colour-bright flora and fauna, and the sprawling old ruins and gardens are dotted with benches. Kids love spotting the resident squirrels and peacocks in the gardens; adults love stopping by The Star Inn the City waterside terrace.
There are some great riverside walks from the gardens and access to another York icon — York Explore Library , York’s landmark public library and home of the city archive. Designed by Walter Brierley and opened in 1927 – its hushed archives on the top floor are reminiscent of Trinity College Dublin . Other green spaces to visit include the beautifully-kept Homestead Park , or popular Rowntree Park – an incredible, well-kept park close to the centre that has woodland walks, playgrounds, a skatepark, and a library cafe.
A brilliant project, Make Space for Girls runs events throughout the year for empowering teenage girls and women in the park. Insider tip: visit the secret garden at Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens just outside the city, in the pretty village of Stillingfleet. It’s a labour of love by a local family – get lost in its maze of gardens and jungle of greenery – finishing in its flower-fringed tea shop.
York’s confectionary past spans chocolate dynasties such as Terry’s and Rowntree’s – not forgetting the iconic Chocolate Orange or Yorkie. Book tickets for York’s Chocolate Story to get an overview of its sweet-toothed history and join a truffle-making class – a winning subject and class to excel in. Pop by York Cocoa Works for a custom-made hot chocolate from the menu (try the white chocolate), buy a gift of freshly-made fudge from York’s Fudge Kitchen or swing by one of the old-fashioned sweet shops – a bag of rhubarb and custard, please.
Insider tip: buy some milk chocolate salted caramels from local chocolatier Andrew Thwaites – it is a life-changing event. The spa and wellness scene in York is finally ramping up a notch. There are bespoke spa treatments, wellness sessions, and luxurious health suites: the options are growing – making York’s spa day game strong.
Book a spa afternoon at The Grand Hotel , York’s five-star hotel, the spa packages come with access to the glassy pool and steam room. For massages, go to No.1 by Guest House — there’s a soothing menu of treatments.
In the lavender-scented hotel basement spa, therapists offer a bespoke service – take home some Pinks Boutique wild mint oil. On the outskirts of York, visit timeless Middlethorpe Hall for a country retreat spa session and tea on the grounds straight out of Bridgerton . Insider tip: visit Pool Bridge Farm on the outskirts of York for its lakeside saunas and serene wild swimming lakes.
York’s been called the “ Most haunted city in Europe ” and there have been many ghost stories and sightings such as the Grey Lady at York Theatre Royal. Many of York’s notable buildings have recorded eerie activities and, of course, there’s always a long queue for the little ghost souvenirs from The York Ghost Merchants . Picks for tours and walks include The Bloody Tour of York , The York Ghost Bus Tour , The Original Ghost Walk of York or The Deathly Dark Tour .
Insider tip: visit The Golden Fleece pub which is reportedly the most haunted pub in York with 15 ghosts. Or, visit when the ghosts are on display in York Museum Gardens if all else fails – these pretty silver-mesh ghosts are dotted all over the Museum Gardens every year. The York Cat Hunt is a quirky local walking trail around York.
In 1920, Sir Stephen Aitcheson put two cat sculptures on his building in Low Ousegate – possibly to scare away rats – and the idea caught on and other people followed suit, using little cat figures as lucky charms. In 1979, architect Tom Adams started to design buildings with little black cats planted on top to further the tradition. Now there’s quite the selection.
You can join the York Cat Trail at the Cat Gallery Shop . The walking trail takes in all the fabulous felines around the city and its surroundings. Insider tip: end with a visit to York’s only cat cafe, The Cat’s Whiskers .
Have a cuppa with the kitties or just tag along for the purr-fest. Address: The Cat’s Whiskers, 46 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF Websites: thecatswhiskersyork.co.
uk The York Races mean the crowds land on the South Bank neighbourhood throughout the racing season – truth be told, for locals, there’s often a comedy sight or three – as previously suited and booted visitors leave the racecourse looking discombobulated. But it’s a bonus having easy access to York Racecourse and its annual line-up of events – there’s more than horse racing on offer. The venue plays host to many established events, including concerts, conventions, fairs and shows.
The Music Showcase Weekend includes racing and live music; the CAMRA Beer and Cider Festival is always a hit. Insider tip: go for Comic-Con – a cool expo for anime fans. Address: York Racecourse, Racecourse Road, Knavesmire Road, York YO23 1EX Website: yorkracecourse.
co.uk As a city packed with imbibing establishments (more than 365) – where do you start? There are plenty of cosy old pubs , sleek wine bars and cocktail spots. But really, York does old boozers best.
Notable pubs to mention are the Guy Fawkes Inn for its marvellously wonky wooden floors and a history lesson on Yorkshire’s notorious plotter. For a more modern beverage – including carefully crafted cocktails – the beer garden at The Fossgate Social is one of our favourites. Insider tip: go to The Blue Bell .
York’s smallest pub should be high on your agenda – it’s a little wood-panelled Edwardian beauty, dating back to 1798. Once inside, it feels a bit like an Irish snug. Go for the local banter and impeccable service, this is a place where they’ll always remember your name.
York’s indie scene is what makes it so special – the abundance of independent shops , makers and bakers makes it easy to support locals. Slap-bang in the centre, Shambles Market is the place to swing by; or visit Goodramgate, Fossgate or the Fifth Quarter of Gillygate and Bootham just outside of the city belt. Once in the suburbs, it’s Bishopthorpe Road.
The roster of festivals happening in York every year keeps growing and includes York Ice Trail , Jorvik Viking Festival , York Chocolate Festival , York Food and Drink Festival , York Festival of Ideas , Fossgate Festival, York Pride , York Christmas Festival , and York Fashion Week – and, the list goes on. It’s worth planning a visit around one of the big festivals to tap into the buzz. Insider tip: just outside the city in the North York Moors National Park try the Dark Skies Festival – go stargazing or join an astrophotography workshop in a spectacular countryside location.
York’s theatre scene is hopping but the main venues to look out for include York Theatre Royal , The Grand Opera House and York Barbican – all hosting a stream of international events and performances. Formerly The Odeon, Everyman York offers a deluxe film experience. It's the only place for movie night: the small screening rooms, luxe seating and in-cinema menu make for the best tickets in town – go for the latest releases or a true classic like It’s a Wonderful Life at Christmas.
Insider tip : a former working men’s club, The Crescent , is the coolest performance and live music venue with gigs, DJs, billiards, video games, pool – and local ales, of course. Go for The Escape Club, a big community disco for all. As York is ideally located within striking distance of the wild Yorkshire countryside it’s easy to access some pretty walks and cycle routes.
Insider picks include cycling the planets – cycling from York to Naburn on the York Solar System route . This local route is a scale model of the solar system (and 6.4 miles, 10km) running along the old East Coast mainline railway.
There are models of all the planets dotted along the route (65), and it takes in the surrounding countryside from York Racecourse, allowing a stop at Brunswick Organic Nursery and continuing to the petite village of Naburn and the locks – a beautiful enclave of York with a picturesque marina and several country loop walks. Insider tip: Other top rides include the riverside cycle from York city centre to Beningbrough Hall or drive there and do the circular walking route with the ‘secret beach’ for fetching English countryside scenes..
