Top things to do in York
Attractions, tours and activities in York
York: the city's best neighbourhoods
Find a great area to stay in York
About York
Including tips for the best time to visit York
A visit to York will transport you back to medieval England, with a labyrinth of ancient streets, Gothic buildings and timber-framed houses. This snapshot of history is further enhanced by a wide selection of museums that cover various aspects of York’s captivating past.
Many of York’s historical highlights are encircled by another piece of its past – its beautifully preserved city walls. You can complete a full circuit of them in around two hours on foot. Their centuries-old ramparts make for wonderful vantage points where you can take in views over the city. The heart of York’s historic core is The Shambles, a 14th-century cobbled street known for its timber-framed houses which loom over the cosy cafes, sweet shops and boutiques below. The seventh-century cathedral of York Minster is the city’s architectural crown jewel, with its Gothic-style facade towering above everything else swept up its shadow. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the 275 steps of the central tower to meet the Minster gargoyles and take in a soaring view over York.
You can delve deeper into York’s fascinating history at one of its many museums, whether it be admiring the world’s fastest locomotive at the National Railway Museum or observing 1,000-year-old artefacts at JORVIK Viking Centre. See the last remains of York Castle at Clifford’s Tower and take in panoramic views of York from another perspective.
Tonight
From £63 per night
This weekend
From £335 per night
Next weekend
From £266 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | GBP |
| Language | English |
| Average weekend price | £137 per night |
| Average weekday price | £124 per night |
| Typical stay | 1 night |
Points of interest in York
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in York
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York Barbican
0.4 miles from city centre
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York City Walls
0.3 miles from city centre
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Grand Opera House
0.1 miles from city centre
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York Designer Outlet
2.5 miles from city centre
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York Minster
0.3 miles from city centre
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Goodramgate
0.2 miles from city centre
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Clifford's Tower
0.2 miles from city centre
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York Castle Museum
0.2 miles from city centre
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York Dungeon
0.1 miles from city centre
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The Shambles York
0.1 miles from city centre
York reviews
What other travellers say about York
The history of the city is accessible through good signage.
29 April 2024
The history of the city is accessible through good signage. The city streets are not very clean and there are too many beggars and vagrants hanging around to hastle people in the streets. Too many shops were selling cheap imported tat. One major irritation was that the Tourist information centre in the city centre was closed from 2.00pm, for "staff training" on the Friday afternoon when we were visiting, which impacted in a negative way on our trip,
The hotel was in a great position to see all that York had...
29 April 2024
The hotel was in a great position to see all that York had to offer. There is so much to see and do that I wish I’d booked for longer. Some places were far too expensive but more reasonable venues could be found. I’d recommend York to anyone. There is plenty to see without any cost
Great historical city.
29 April 2024
Great historical city. Masses of small and large shops, restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes. The city centre is quite compact which makes sightseeing fairly easy. It gets very busy at peak times. Park and ride services are much cheaper than inner city parking.
A beautiful city if you are looking for a city break.
25 April 2024
A beautiful city if you are looking for a city break. We walked everywhere so didn't need to take a taxi. It seemed like the traffic got very busy at time though due to the one way system which a lot of people complain about.
It was a lovely city to visit.
23 April 2024
It was a lovely city to visit. So much history!! Easy to get around on foot and by bus. Great places to eat and drink. Lots of shopping options - usual high street brands and lots of local businesses. Loved York Minster and the Shambles...
We've been going to York since the 1950s and still find...
21 April 2024
We've been going to York since the 1950s and still find undiscovered places! A great city, steeped in history with hundreds of attractions, cosy ancient pubs, and plenty of excellent restaurants.
Popular places to stay in York
Stay in some of the best accommodation York has to offer
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Coppergate Apartments York City Centre, York
From £135 per night
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Central York Apartment - Skeldergate YO1 York City Centre, York
From £165 per night
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Mistletoe Cottage York, United Kingdom
From £166 per night
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The Enchantment Chamber York City Centre, York
From £231.84 per night
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7 Precentor's Court York City Centre, York
From £335 per night
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Other accommodation in York
Choose from a wide variety of places to stay in York
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Apartments
From £51 per night
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Cabins
From £66 per night
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Cottages
From £60 per night
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Glamping Sites
From £80 per night
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Serviced Apartments
From £56 per night
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Holiday Homes
From £60 per night
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Guest Houses
From £21 per night
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Hostels
From per night
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B&Bs
From £30 per night
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Homestays
From £52 per night
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Campsites
From per night
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Luxury Tents
From per night
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Self Catering Accommodation
From £56 per night
