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bookings@360stays.co.ukWhen you visit a well-known city, chances are you’ve already heard about the popular places to see, maybe from friends, travel blogs, or social media. But then there are cities you visit for the first time, with little expectation, and they completely surprise you. It feels like you’ve found a hidden gem, and suddenly you’re curious to explore more and experience the real heart of the place.
York is one of those cities. It is in the north of England, located between London and Edinburgh. York quietly impresses with its history, charm, and character. You’ll see cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and cosy little cafés that invite you to slow down and take it all in. A new visitor might not know where to begin, with many sights and stories packed into every corner.
We wrote this guide to the top York tourist attractions to help you have a memorable trip to one of England’s most historic cities.
Table of Contents
Let’s start the list with York Minster. It is a huge and beautiful Gothic cathedral located in the heart of York. Dating back to the seventeenth century, it is one of the largest medieval churches in Northern Europe. York Minster is famous for its stunning stained glass windows and detailed stone carvings.
When you visit, you can explore the vast interior, admire the intricate art, and learn about its history in the visitor centre. For those who love views, climbing the central tower offers stunning panoramas of York’s cityscape. So, make sure to wear some good shoes; climbing can be a bit of a workout, but it’s worth it.
Price: Adult/Senior – £20; Students (not studying in York) – £16; Child (17 and under)* – free with a paying adult.
The Shambles is another popular tourist destination in York City. These narrow, cobbled streets are lined with timber-framed buildings dating back to the 14th century. Many timber-framed buildings lean so closely together that you can almost touch both sides with your arms outstretched.
The street has become especially popular with Harry Potter fans, as it’s believed to have inspired Diagon Alley, you’ll even find wizard-themed shops like The Shop That Must Not Be Named. Along the Shambles, you’ll also find mixed tea rooms, independent boutiques, handmade sweet shops, and gift stores.
Price: Free to explore; shopping and dining costs vary.
A quick photo might be enough for many old city walls, but York’s ancient City Walls are worth every step of the full walk. Originally built by the Romans and later extended in the medieval period, these walls surround the historic city centre and are England’s longest intact town walls. The full circuit takes about two hours to walk at a steady pace, offering elevated views of York Minster and Clifford’s Tower.
Along the way, you’ll pass through ancient gatehouses (called “bars”) and towers, each with stories of battles, kings, and centuries of change. It’s a peaceful yet fascinating way to explore the city, and once you’re done, there are plenty of cosy tea rooms and brunch spots nearby to rest your legs.
Price: Free to walk. Gates close at dusk, starting from Fishergate Postern Tower in an anti-clockwise direction.
Just like Harry Potter fans have a place in York, Viking lovers do, too; their story starts at the JORVIK Viking Centre. This immersive museum recreates the Viking-age city of Jorvik, which once stood right where York is today. The centre was built by the York Archaeological Trust and opened in 1984.
Today, it brings the 10th century to life using lifelike mannequins, full-scale dioramas, and even the sounds and smells of a Viking settlement. Visitors ride through the exhibit in ‘time capsule’ carriages with audio commentary, making it feel like you’re actually travelling back in time. It’s a fascinating and family-friendly experience that mixes archaeology with adventure.
Price: Adults £17.50, children (5–16) £12.00, students £14.00.
Clifford’s Tower is another popular destination attracting thousands of tourists. It is the largest remaining part of York Castle, a famous medieval fortress in northern England. It sits on a steep hill and dates back to the 11th century. Inside, you can explore new walkways, old staircases, and even a rare medieval toilet made for King Henry III.
There are audio benches that tell stories about the Tower’s history, including important events like the 1190 tragedy and a big fire in the 1600s. The best part is climbing to the top, where you get incredible 360-degree views of York and the nearby countryside. So, it is definitely a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience York’s rich history and stunning views.
Price: Adults £9, children (5–17) £5.00.
The National Railway Museum in York is the largest collection of trains and railway history in the UK. It’s not an average railway you’d expect from the name. It’s home to famous locomotives like the Mallard, the fastest steam train, and the Duchess of Hamilton. Visitors can explore historic carriages, see real trains up close, and learn about Britain’s railway past through interactive displays.
The museum is not only for kids but for every age. Families will also love Wonderlab, where hands-on experiments bring engineering to life. You can also watch live trains from the viewing balcony. For extra fun, hop on the road train that runs between York Minster and the museum. It’s a great day out for all ages, especially for anyone curious about trains and history.
Price: Free entry; some special exhibitions may charge.
If you ask any local in York where to go for a bit of peace and fresh air, they’ll likely point you towards Rowntree Park. The park is named after the Rowntree chocolate family and is just a short walk from the city centre. It was opened in 1921 as a memorial and was York’s first public park. It still keeps much of its original charm.
A major restoration in 2003 helped bring the park back to life, blending its historic charm with modern features like landscaped gardens, sculptures, a skatepark, and a basketball court. Rowntree Park is also a lovely spot for picnics, walks, or a relaxing coffee at the café. A playground and tennis courts also make it great for families. You might even catch a local event or festival while you’re there.
Price: Free entry.
Now, if you’re someone who finds beauty in brushstrokes, sculpture, and creative expression, then York Art Gallery is a must-visit. It is home to a rich collection that spans centuries of art history from the 14th century. The gallery proudly showcases the works of York’s own William Etty, alongside famous names like L. S. Lowry, Paul Nash, and even J.M.W. Turner.
Today, the York Art Gallery holds one of the UK’s best collections of British studio pottery, with over 5,000 handcrafted ceramics that blur the line between craft and fine art. Its collection of 17,000+ works on paper includes beautiful sketches, detailed prints, and rare watercolours. So, you’d love the art gallery when you visit.
Price: Adults £8.50, children (5–16) £5.10.
River Ouse Cruises offer relaxing boat tours along the gentle River Ouse that flows through York. From the boat, visitors can see the city from a different angle, viewing historic buildings, the old city walls, and riverside parks. Many cruises include interesting commentary about York’s history, making the trip peaceful and educational.
Now, these cruises vary in length, from short trips lasting around 30 minutes to longer tours that can take up to two hours. Some even offer special themed cruises, such as evening dinners or seasonal events, adding an extra touch of fun to your visit. It’s an excellent way for families and couples to enjoy the city in a calm and scenic setting.
Price: vary depending on the length and type of cruise.
Lastly, the York Castle Museum is another great place to visit in York. No tourist destination list in York is complete without mentioning this museum. So, what is special about this museum? It offers a fascinating journey through everyday life in Britain across different eras. Its highlight is Kirkgate, a recreated Victorian street that lets you look back and see how people lived and worked.
With exhibits on fashion, toys, and wartime Britain, plus interactive displays and costumed guides, the museum brings history to life in an educational and fun way for visitors of all ages. The museum is housed in historic buildings once part of York Castle. Its interactive displays and costumed staff bring the past to life, making it easy for visitors of all ages to connect with history.
Price: Adult £17, Child £10.20.
