Top 13 Things To Do in York: Explore the Best of the City

Explore the best things to do in York, a city filled with history, charm, and adventure around every corner! Stroll through medieval streets, marvel at York Minster, and step back in time at the Jorvik Viking Centre. Dive into adventure and discover all the incredible experiences the city offers!

Prepare yourself for an extensive selection of tours and activities in York. Adding these to your trip will make your vacation full of fun, thrills, and excitement. Moreover, a rewarding vacation awaits if you choose from a wide range of well-planned York itineraries to help you maximize your time and explore hidden gems.

Enjoy flexible travel options with the biggest selection of train tickets to York, departing from a variety of convenient locations. Let’s go and have fun as we guide you to the top 13 things to do in York while you plan your adventure!

13. Discover York’s History of Witches

Experience York's haunted past on a walking tour to uncover the city's history of witches and supernatural legends. During the 16th and 17th centuries, witch trials took place in the area, and many accused witches were imprisoned in York Castle as they awaited trial or execution.

Due to its sinister past, York’s narrow streets and old buildings are full of spooky stories. Areas like the Shambles were once home to people who practiced herbal medicine, which was sometimes mistaken for witchcraft. According to some legends, condemned witches cursed those who accused them.

On your visit, you can explore sites linked to this dark past. A York Dungeon entry ticket lets you experience chilling tales through immersive storytelling. These experiences are some of the best things to do in York if you want to discover hidden spots and eerie tales!

12. Create Your Own Chocolate Bar in York

Craft your own chocolate bar in York, a city celebrated for its rich chocolate-making heritage. During the experience, expert chocolatiers guide you through the process, allowing you to design, mold, and decorate your delicious creation. It’s one of the best things to do in York for chocolate lovers of all ages.

As an alternative, you can take a chocolate manufactory and tasting journey in York for an even deeper dive into the city’s chocolate scene. This experience lets you witness the process of turning cocoa beans into chocolate bars while sampling handcrafted treats made on-site.

11. Escape to the Yorkshire Dales

A great place for guided day trips from York, the Yorkshire Dales feature beautiful landscapes, charming villages, and a peaceful countryside feel. Here, you can explore rolling green hills, limestone cliffs, and winding rivers. This is an ideal adventure for those looking for things to do in York beyond the city.

Join the Yorkshire Dales day trip from York to explore stunning attractions like Bolton Castle and Aysgarth Falls. You also have the chance to take a day tour from York to the World of James Herriot Museum and locations in the All Creatures Great and Small television series.

For more things to do around York, the Dales are great for hiking trails, nature photography, and food tastings in village pubs. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera, and dress for the weather. Also, check out local events and festivals during your visit for a chance to experience the region’s culture and traditions.

10. Embark on a Treasure Hunt Adventure Through York

If you love puzzles and history, try the immersive murder mystery in York. This treasure hunt, set in 1491, sends clues to your phone through the Telegram app. As you solve the mystery, you'll explore York’s medieval streets, seeing famous sights and hidden gems while learning about the city’s past.

The adventure covers 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) and includes two optional pub breaks. Along the way, you'll dive into York’s history and mysterious side while solving interactive puzzles. This storytelling adventure offers a unique and engaging experience for those looking for things to do in York.

If you prefer a more customizable experience, try the fun, flexible treasure hunt around York. This self-guided tour lets you use your phone to access clues and maps. It’s one of the best things to do in York, offering a unique way to experience the city without the constraints of a traditional group tour.

9. Take Photos in the Museum Gardens

Join a photography walking tour in York, which includes a visit to the peaceful Museum Gardens. This greenspace near the Yorkshire Museum is perfect for picnics, walks, and nature lovers. With its wildlife and birdwatching opportunities, taking photos here is one of the top things to do in York.

The gardens cover 4.04 hectares (10 acres) and are home to a range of flora, providing a peaceful setting for visitors. Highlights include the Ruins of St. Mary's Abbey, a historic site dating back to the 11th century.

If you want a comprehensive tour of York’s top attractions, consider joining a small group tour of the best of York on foot. This walking tour includes visiting the Museum Gardens, one of the best things to do in York, where you can enjoy the peaceful ambiance while learning about the area's rich history.

8. Unveil York's Past at the Yorkshire Museum

Step back in time by joining city tours in York that explore the Yorkshire Museum. This fascinating museum offers an in-depth look at the region’s history, covering prehistoric, Roman, Viking, and medieval eras. It is one of the top things to do in York for those interested in uncovering the city’s rich past.

The Yorkshire Museum features incredible collections. This includes the Coppergate Helmet, one of the best-preserved Viking helmets. It also showcases the Ivory Bangle Lady, a Roman-era burial highlighting York’s diverse history. Other highlights include Roman mosaics, medieval jewelry, and Jurassic fossils.

Uncover the hidden treasures of the Yorkshire Museum, including rare manuscripts and ancient coins. For a flexible and immersive experience, join a self-guided walking tour in York with a mobile app. Adding this tour to your itinerary is a great way to conveniently explore more things to do in York.

7. Join Ghost Tours in York

Join the award-winning ghost tour of York and explore the city’s haunted spots with expert guides who bring eerie tales to life. York’s history and ghostly legends make it the perfect place for a spine-chilling adventure. These ghost tours in York blend history and storytelling, giving you a glimpse into the city's spooky side.

For an even deeper dive, experience Mad Alice’s award-winning bloody York tour and uncover the gruesome past that has shaped the city. There's also the historical ghost walk that leads you through York's shadowy alleyways and recounts chilling tales from previous centuries.

These ghost tours are among the best things to do in York and offer a unique way to experience history. Tours can fill up quickly, so book one to two months in advance. Dress warmly, as the tours typically run in the evening.

6. Enjoy Scenic Cruises on the Ouse River in York

Take a relaxing evening cruise along the Ouse River to see York’s historic landmarks and countryside from a new perspective. A cruise lets you unwind while learning about the city’s fascinating past and breathtaking surroundings, making it one of the top things to do in York.

If you prefer a more sunny experience, a daytime sightseeing boat cruise in York is ideal. You'll pass iconic landmarks like the York Museum Gardens and Clifford’s Tower while enjoying informative commentary on the city’s culture and history.

Since this is one of the best things to do in York, book your tickets one to two months in advance. This is to secure a spot, especially if you're visiting during the busy months of July and August. Dress in layers, as the weather can change at any time.

5. Explore the York City Walls

Discover the York City Walls on a private walking tour to explore the ancient barriers that have stood for centuries. These medieval walls encircle the city, offering stunning views of York's historic landmarks and charming streets.

As you walk along the walls, your guide will share fascinating stories about the city’s history, from Roman times to the present day. You’ll have the chance to visit key points of interest along the way, including the iconic Clifford’s Tower and the breathtaking York Minster, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Walking along the city walls is one of the top things to do in York, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the walk can take more than two hours, and don’t forget your camera to capture the views!

4. Visit York’s National Railway Museum

If you plan to visit the National Railway Museum, you can join a five-day city break in York with an itinerary. The museum offers an in-depth look at the history of rail travel, featuring an extensive collection of locomotives, carriages, and exhibits.

Exploring the museum is a must-do activity in York, and its highlights include iconic engines like the Flying Scotsman and Mallard, showcasing the evolution of steam-powered trains. You can also explore the museum's interactive displays, tracing the railway system’s development from its early days.

The National Railway Museum provides an engaging experience for all ages. With its free admission and family-friendly activities, it's an educational experience and, indeed, one of the best things to do in York.

3. Experience the Jorvik Viking Centre

A Viking walking tour in York with a private guide can help you explore the Jorvik Viking Centre, one of the city's top attractions. This immersive museum brings the Viking Age to life with an impressive collection of authentic artifacts featuring tools, weapons, and even human remains.

As you explore the Jorvik Viking Centre, you’ll be transported back to the 10th century on a thrilling ride through reconstructed streets. It lets you experience Viking-era York and learn about the people who shaped the city’s history and development.

One of the best things to do in York includes a visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre. It’s a family-friendly attraction with interactive exhibits and activities for children. With a private guide, you can explore at your own pace and fully immerse yourself in the city’s fascinating Viking past.

2. Shop and Eat at the Shambles Market in York

Take a city walking tour in York to explore its top sights, including the Shambles Market. One of the oldest and most famous markets in York, Shambles, is located in the heart of York and is known for its lively atmosphere.

The market offers a variety of products, including handmade crafts, unique clothing, and vintage items. You can find fresh produce, street food, pastries, artisanal cheeses, and locally brewed drinks. Join a food tour in York to sample local delicacies and discover even more flavors.

Come on weekends for the widest selection of stalls. Keep an eye out for street performers who add a lively atmosphere to your shopping experience. A market visit is a must for those looking to experience the local flavor and culture, making it one of the top things to do in York.

1. Join a Walking Tour To Discover York Minster

Step into history and uncover the secrets of York Minster with the shared walking tour in York. As one of Northern Europe's largest and most magnificent Gothic cathedrals, York Minster has been a center of Christianity and an active place of worship for over 1,400 years.

Joining a guided experience can help you discover the cathedral’s past while navigating through York’s storied streets. Explore the cathedral’s interiors, admire the stained-glass windows, and marvel at the stonework. Climbing the tower rewards you with breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

York Minster is not just a church—it’s a symbol of the city’s history, culture, and religious heritage. Whether you're interested in architecture or breathtaking views, visiting this landmark is one of the top things to do in York. It’s among the most iconic attractions in England, drawing visitors from all over the world.