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Why visit York
Museums
Get better acquainted with York and spend a day at one of its many museums. Whether your interest is piqued by the power of transportation, art, or history you’ll find a wealth of knowledge and intrigue at these cultural sites. Here are a few of our favourites for exploring past and present.
York Castle Museum
Travel back in time and immerse yourself in the everyday life of ancient York. Standing on the former York Castle, the museum provides a stunning re-creation of what life was like in Victorian Britain, complete with shops, homes, and even ghastly prison cells. Our guides say it’s a great site for history buffs.
Yorkshire Air Museum
Discover fascinating feats in aviation at the Yorkshire Air Museum. Sitting on a former World War II airfield, these impressive grounds illustrate York’s past and present contributions to the field of aviation. Take flight and head here while you journey through York.
National Railway Museum
If you prefer trains to planes and automobiles, head to York’s National Railway Museum. Touted as one of the greatest railway museums in the world, you’ll be in awe of the million-plus locomotive-related objects found here. We recommend capping off your visit with a stop at the refurbished Countess of York dining car for a spot of tea and delicious cakes and sandwiches.
York Art Gallery
Art lovers will be impressed by the eclectic collections exhibited at the York Art Gallery. Discover works ranging from 14th century Italian panels and 17th century Dutch masterpieces to 20th century works by LS Lowry and David Hockney. Inside the gallery, be sure to look out over another historic site, Exhibition Square.
History
York may be small in size, but it has played a considerable part in shaping England’s history. And while the city is a vibrant, modern metropolis, you’ll come to find out that much of the original medieval architecture has remained immaculately preserved. Explore the walled city with one of our local experts and get a glimpse into UK’s yesteryear when you visit these historic sites.
Clifford's Tower
We recommend starting off your historical sightseeing adventure with a visit to the imposing Clifford’s Tower. First constructed by William the Conqueror in an effort to gain control of northern England, the tower served as a prison and a mint. Be sure to go to the top of the tower to see breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
York Minster
Visit one of Europe’s best-kept cathedrals in the world, York Minster. Our guests marvel at the sheer size of this remarkable Gothic structure that holds over 2,000 years of English history within its walls. If you happen to pay York Minster a visit, we recommend heading to Undercroft, the Minster’s newest attraction which educates visitors on the building’s construction and its role throughout the wars of England.
The Shambles
When in York, we love taking guests down the enchanting winding road known as The Shambles. Initially home to many local butchers, this walkway now features cafes, local jewelers, and delicious eateries. Our local experts say that as your trek along the street, you’ll get unique views of York Minster’s grand silhouette.
City Walls
There’s no better way to experience York than by ambling along its iconic City Walls. Take a leisurely walking tour with a local guide and learn the role the walls played in helping to defend the city’s inhabitants since Roman times. As you traverse this elevated stone structure, you’ll take in a whole new view of the city.
Attractions
Continue to delve into the pleasures found in York by visiting some of its most interesting attractions. From its gorgeous churches to stately castles, York’s Gothic charm is deftly woven into the many sites you’ll see while in this city. Here are some favourite spots we think you’ll enjoy exploring.
York's Chocolate Story
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, we suggest you head to York’s Chocolate Story. Discover the city’s long-standing connection with this confection as you learn the chocolatier art yourself. Don’t worry¬ – you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample the sweet stuff.
York Cold War Bunker
For a historical attraction with a unique spin, we recommend heading to the York Cold War Bunker. Virtually untouched since its creation in the 60s, you’ll get a chance to explore the control rooms that were very much in use until the 1990s. Even if you aren’t a history buff, this is a fascinating look at how one city was prepared to deal with potential nuclear fallout.
Jorvik Viking Centre
See how the Vikings once lived as you experience the sights, sounds and even smells of 10th-century York. At the Jorvik Viking Centre, you’ll see how the Norse people came to inhabit the city we know as York today. If you’re looking for an accurate representation of ancient York with a bit of sensory fun, this is the perfect attraction to check out.
St. Michael's Church
You’ll find York is filled with a number of picturesque churches. St. Michael’s Church is a favourite of many of our guests. Featuring gorgeous glass windows and an exquisitely ornate 18th-century altarpiece, the church is a marvel of art in a place of holy faith. Be sure to keep this religious site on your travel list.
