Things to do in York

York · 533m from downtown

425 reviews

York Minster is the largest Gothic church in England. Construction began in the early 13th century and was completed 250 years later. The church has the world's largest medieval stained glass and the world's oldest side porch. There are also some small collections inside, such as cherubs and shields from the feudal era. When visiting the church, you can choose the time when York Minster holds evening prayers, and enjoy the magnificent atmosphere of York Minster with the beautiful singing of the choir and the sound of the organ. Walk 275 steps to the top of the 71-meter-high central tower, which offers beautiful views of York. Walking along the city wall from BoothamBar to MonkBar, you can enjoy the majestic view of York Minster.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in York

Shambles

7.2

York · 462m from downtown

149 reviews

Shambles is one of the best-preserved medieval streets in York. As early as 1086, the area was recorded in documents as a meat market, and from the 14th century, it gradually became a hub for butcher shops. Records show that in 1830, there were 25 butcher shops operating along the street, until they gradually disappeared by the early 20th century. The street retains timber-framed, overhanging buildings constructed between the 14th–15th centuries. The upper floors overhang the street, with the eaves on either side almost touching, and in the narrowest parts, the walls on both sides can almost be touched simultaneously. This overhanging design was not just for aesthetics—in the Middle Ages, the projecting floors shaded the meat below to keep it fresh longer, and the gutters between the raised stone slabs on either side of the road made it easy to wash away waste from slaughtering. Today, you can still see the original meat hooks and wide window ledges used to display meat on many of the shop exteriors, which are important traces identifying the street's historical identity. Today, the scene of butcher shops operating in the Shambles is gone. Walking through the ancient alleys, you will find antique shops, craft stores, bakeries, and specialty restaurants on both sides, with several narrow lanes branching off to the nearby open-air market.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in York

The York Dungeon

6.6

4.5/5

23 reviews

York Dungeon is a tourist attraction in York. The entire dungeon depicts the dark history of Yorkshire for 2,000 years, and the staff vividly restores them through performances. As you walk around the dungeon, you'll hear creepy screams, steel crashing, and more. You'll also learn about all the supernatural, frightening and bizarre events that have happened in Yorkshire history. Dungeon actors and performances will appear around every dark corner, and you can experience York's dark past and learn about local lore through all your senses - seeing, hearing, touching, smelling. There's also the Golden Fleece bar, where ghosts surround drinkers; there's also a Tudor room famous for the raging Henry VIII.

York · 719m from downtown

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Scarborough District

Whitby Abbey

6.4

4.5/5

51 reviews

There are three types of monastic ruins in the world: ordinary monastery ruins, picturesque monastery ruins, and Whitby Abbey. Whitby Abbey is located on the East Cliff of Whitby, a small seaside town in North Yorkshire, England. The silhouette standing on the skyline is like a huge Gothic tombstone. This ancient and sacred building was built between the 11th and 14th centuries and is located in the center of the town overlooking the entire town. To get here, you need to step on the famous 199 steps up the side of the cliff. As you climb the steps up Whitby Abbey, you're bound to pass the equally spectacular St Mary's Church and its terrifying burial grounds, the latter a favourite for goth couples when they're in love. Whitby Abbey is more like a majestic movie location than a religious building. It's not hard to imagine why this colossal medieval building inspired the Victorian novelist Bram Stoker to make it the domain of Count Dracula during his holiday in Whitby, famous for writing about it. The vampire novel Dracula. The source of inspiration for the novel is Whitby Abbey, and the story scenes of this literary work also take place in the small town of Whitby.

Scarborough District · 66 km from York

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in York

Clifford’s Tower

6

4.1/5

93 reviews

Clifford’s Tower is located in the heart of York, England, United Kingdom, and is one of the important surviving architectural remnants of York Castle, as well as a representative medieval landmark in the area. It sits atop an artificial mound, surrounded by open grassy areas and historic buildings. The existing stone tower was mainly built in the 13th century, featuring a heavy stone masonry structure with a four-lobed floor plan composed of four circular protrusions, and its outer walls retain the architectural characteristics of a medieval castle. Most of its interior has become a ruin without a complete roof, but you can still see traces of stone walls, narrow window openings, old staircases, and parts of the chapel space. After renovations, walkways and stairs were added inside the tower, and a circular observation deck was installed at the top, where visitors can climb up to overlook York Minster, the rooftops of the old city, and the surrounding neighborhoods, and on clear days, even enjoy a view of the hills beyond the city.

York · 737m from downtown

No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Northern England

York City Walls

5.9

4.7/5

173 reviews

York City Walls are located in the heart of York, North Yorkshire, England, and encircle the historic city center, making them one of the area's iconic urban landmarks. The existing structure spans approx. 3.4 km and is primarily constructed of magnesian limestone. Some sections of the wall were built atop earlier earthen defensive embankments, with architectural details such as gates, towers, battlements, and arrow slits preserved along the route. Its walkway connects major gates such as Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar, and Micklegate Bar. Along the walk, you can enjoy elevated views of York Minster, the city's rooftops, streets, and surrounding green spaces. Parts of the route pass through the Museum Gardens, where you can see remnants of the Roman-era walls and a polygonal tower.

York · 243m from downtown

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in York

National Railway Museum York

5.8

York · 1.5 km from downtown

118 reviews

National Railway Museum York is located near York railway station and is a museum that focuses on railway vehicles, engineering technology, and railway transport. The museum features multiple exhibition spaces that house and display steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, railway carriages, and related equipment from different eras. Among them, the Great Hall displays steam locomotives, a replica of Stephenson's Rocket, and a Japanese Shinkansen train, allowing visitors to observe the appearance, structure, and technical features of different trains up close. Other exhibition halls use historical carriages, station facilities, signage, and exhibits to present the operation of railway stations and the passenger travel experience, making it suitable for railway enthusiasts, families, and visitors interested in transport engineering.

No. 7 of Best Things to Do in York

York's Chocolate Story

4.6

4.3/5

28 reviews

Whether you're a sweet tooth enthusiast or a visitor captivated by the sweet stories behind chocolate, you won't be able to resist stopping by York's Chocolate Story when in York. The delightful aroma in the air will surely capture your heart—why not follow your senses and step inside for a cup of hot chocolate to warm your stomach? Of course, the various handmade chocolate cakes at York's Chocolate Story won't disappoint your taste buds either. After indulging, whether it's "York Chocolate" or other chocolate treats, they're all worth taking home across the seas to share with family and friends.

York · 449m from downtown

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in York

York Castle Museum

4.6

4.8/5

43 reviews

York Castle Museum is located in the southeast of York Castle, converted from a former prison. Although it is called the Castle Museum, the exhibition content is very extensive. Each themed exhibition area provides different historical life records and collection displays. The museum houses daily objects from the past 400 years, including old TV sets, radios, washing machines and vacuum cleaners. It also introduces the life of the Yorkers from 1580 to 1980, including Victorian and Edwardian style street scenes and houses. Visitors can also visit the prison where the well-known thief Dick Tambing was held, or enter an Edwardian-era popular pub. Life-size old streets with bakeries, banks, bars, and tailors create a sense of time staggering.

York · 746m from downtown

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in York

JORVIK Viking Centre

4.5

4.4/5

35 reviews

The Jorvik Viking Centre is a popular tourist attraction for both entertainment and education. York was once ruled by foreign Vikings, and the current name York is derived from the Viking language Jorvik. In this center, the Vikings' history in York is restored to visitors' eyes with wonderful pictures and relics. Visitors can take a time car tour to see life in York starting in AD 948, all of which will be presented in a 1:1 model. Along the way, not only can you see the simulated scenery, but also the smells and sounds of the time will be reproduced. In addition, the staff here are all dressed in traditional Viking costumes. They will appear in every corner of the center at any time, explaining to the visitors little knowledge such as Viking clothing and accessories.

York · 611m from downtown

York · 865m from downtown

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Private Tours in York

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10D9N • United Kingdom + London + Edinburgh + Windermere Town + Cambridge + Oxford + York

Mandarin/EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Enjoy high-quality value accommodations throughout your journey – Stay in selected hotels for comfort and relaxation after each day of exploration. · Travel with ease and flexibility – Dedicated private transfers with your own English-speaking driver ensure seamless transportation, allowing you to focus on the experience. · Personalized service from start to finish – Your dedicated concierge is available to assist with arrangements, recommendations, and any special requests throughout your journey.

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12D11N • United Kingdom + London + Cambridge + York + Edinburgh + Windermere Town + Manchester

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Experience Britain's best: from Edinburgh Castle to the Cotswolds, from Chatsworth to Shakespeare's home, plus free time in London and 5 star hotel stays throughout. · Enjoy dedicated private transfers with professional drivers and customer support for a worry-free journey. · Stay in carefully selected hotels that perfectly balance comfort, location and local charm.

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12D11N • United Kingdom + London + Oxford + Windermere Town + Glasgow + Luss + Edinburgh + York + Brighton

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Step into Chatsworth House, stand atop Edinburgh Castle, taste Scotland's finest whisky, wander medieval York, punt in Cambridge, and hike the Seven Sisters Cliffs. · Stay in carefully selected hotels that perfectly balance comfort, location and local charm. · Enjoy dedicated private transfers with professional drivers and customer support for a worry-free journey.

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Group Tours in York

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4D3N • United Kingdom

Max. 50 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationRoom sharing availableGroup Tours

7 reviews

Weekly guaranteed departures/Join the tour in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh/Bilingual Chinese-speaking guide throughout/Comfortable air-conditioned coach · In-depth one-day tour of London, visiting The British Museum * Explore the university town of the University of Cambridge and experience the dual charm of academics and history · [1 hr London Citywalk] Led by a local Chinese-speaking guide, from Buckingham Palace to the majestic Big Ben, stroll along the River Thames

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7D6N • United Kingdom

Max. 50 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationRoom sharing availableGroup Tours

101 reviews

[Trip2EU anniversary celebration: big instant discounts for group travel] Join/leave from multiple cities / bilingual Chinese-speaking guide / guaranteed room sharing for solo travelers · Seasonal options: "Line A (Apr–Sep) Scottish Highlands", "Line B (Oct–Mar) Stonehenge + Bath + Bibury" · In-depth British tour [The British Museum + Cambridge + Harry Potter filming locations + Shakespeare's hometown + Lake District + 1 hr London city walk]

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6D5N • United Kingdom

4.7/5

26 reviews

Max. 50 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationRoom sharing availableGroup Tours

Discover curated Europe itineraries, experience authentic British charm, and savor gentlemanly refinement! Enjoy full commentary from your Chinese-speaking tour leader and guide, and travel abroad with peace of mind! · [Limited Time Offer (April-September)] Includes a tour of the Scottish Highlands, featuring Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Loch Ness Monster legend, and Loch Lomond (this product) [Limited Time Offer (October-March)] Visit Stonehenge, the World Heritage town of Bath, and the English countryside of Bibury (Product links available from customer service or search ID: 60812944) Explore the prestigious university town of Cambridge and experience its blend of academic excellence and historical charm. *A must-see filming location for Harry Potter, instantly transporting you to the magical world. *Visit Strathford, the birthplace of Shakespeare, and encounter Lake Windermere in the English Lake District. Bicester Village, brimming with British style, is a collection of brands where you can make the most of your free time. · Weekly guaranteed loop tour | Year-round operation with guaranteed departures | Guaranteed room sharing for solo travelers | Semi-independent tour with multiple join/leave cities | Customizable duration

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6D5N • United Kingdom

Max. 25 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationDeposit acceptedRoom sharing availableGroup Tours

11 reviews

Explore England and Scotland, experience the recommendations from Divas Hit the Road, and enjoy a comprehensive tour of British scenery · Centuries-old castles in the United Kingdom + historic universities + classic English towns, all in one trip~ · Accompanied by a Chinese-speaking tour guide throughout your trip, ensuring smooth communication and a more enjoyable travel experience

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3D2N • United Kingdom

4.8/5

2 reviews

Max. 50 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationRoom sharing availableGroup Tours

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6D5N • United Kingdom

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Max. 50 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationRoom sharing availableGroup Tours

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7D6N • United Kingdom

Max. 25 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationDeposit acceptedRoom sharing availableGroup Tours

1 review

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7D6N • United Kingdom

Max. 50 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedRoom sharing availableGroup Tours

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Free things to do in York

Shambles

7.2

York · 462m from downtown

149 reviews

York City Walls

5.9

4.7/5

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York · 243m from downtown

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5.8