Things to see and do in York

September 18, 2017

York

5 Unmissable things to see and do in York

Why not plan a weekend in York and see what is has to offer? It is full of history and architecture. There are so many things to see and explore including The Shambles, York Minster, Bootham Bar and much more!

1. The Shambles in York

The Shambles in York is often known as a famous medieval street with an amazing past and history.
It features lots of independent shops, boutiques, cheerful cafes and restaurants, making it a fabulous tourist attraction. It also won most picturesque street in Britain, offering history and culture. Most buildings are timber-framed, dating back as far as the fourteenth century, making it a popular location for photographers and artists.

Address
The Shambles
York
YO1 7LZ
York Tourist Information
01904 8550099
www.insideyork.co.uk/what-to-see/shambles

2. York Minster

There are lots to discover at York Minster such as hidden tours, the Undercroft and more! You can learn all about the history with the hidden guided tours, showing you world famous stained glass windows, historic artifacts, and inspiring architecture.

It’s also a great place to visit with the kids, where they can build York Minster out of LEGO and explore Minecraft, new to York Minster making it the perfect day out with the kids.

Discover treasures and collections from over 2,000 years of history, from roman tile to communion silver. The library also holds extensive printed history for you to explore.

Opening times
Open daily from 7am – 6.30pm. Visit website for service times and more information.
Sightseeing
Weekdays & Saturdays: 9am – 5pm
Sundays: 12.45pm – 5pm
Undercroft
Weekdays & Saturdays: 10-5pm
Sundays: 1 – 5pm
www.yorkminster.org/home

3. St Helen's Square

St Helen’s Square is situated in the heart of York, popular with shoppers and tourists who enjoy the historic buildings. Back in the medieval times, the building was used as a theatre and a courtroom. Located by St Helen’s Square, is a famous Tea Room called Betty’s which is well known for its service, food, and drinks.

At St Helen’s Square, there is a parish church founded near to a thousand years ago. It is not only known for a place of worship, but a must see for York’s thousands of visitors and a great venue for events and exhibitions.

“One of the prettiest squares!” – TripAdvisor review

Location
City Centre
York
YO1 8QN
England
www.insideyork.co.uk/what-to-see/st-helens-square

4. Clifford's Tower

Clifford’s Tower in York offers stunning panoramic views of York. Also known for as one of the most loved landmarks in York. It has many attractions to offer such as, tours of the tower, wall walk and views and educational historic events. You can climb right to the top of the tower to reach the open air walk, where you will enjoy the panoramic views of old York. It is the best place to be, to discover the castle and its surroundings.

The stone tower was built in the reign of Henry II and on site, there is a historic model of how the building once looked.

Opening times
View the website for more information on seasonal opening times
Prices
Adult: £5.00
Child 5-15 years: £3.00
Family 2 adults 3 children: £13.00
Prices are valid from April 2017 – 29th March 2018
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cliffords-tower-york

5. Bootham Bar

Bootham Bar dates back to the Roman times and is on the site of the four main entrances to the Roman Fortress. The gate to the York’s city walls looks out towards Bootham.

Bootham Bar has beautiful architecture, popular with the locals and tourists worldwide. With an entrance inside the main chamber, you will be able to see the portcullis. There are beautiful views out to the city, also where the old Roman road use to be.

The Wall Trail of York’s City walls comprise 2 miles of surviving stone. They are known as the longest town walls in England, built in the 13th century. York’s medieval city walls offer an amazing elevated walk around the city and are even more popular when the daffodils are out!

Opening times
The points where you can access the walls are opened and closed daily.
You can walk the walls from 8am to dusk.
Prices
Free entry

Top 5 kid’s activities

Kids will love a weekend in York. Experience York's Chocolate Story, or go on a sightseeing boat trip - there's so much to do and see!

1. York's Chocolate Story

York's Chocolate Story

York’s history is a little different from other cities, once you discover York’s Chocolate Story. There is so much to discover about York, with over 300 years of its history with chocolate, including many famous chocolate brands.

All chocoholics will love York’s Chocolate Story, as you’ll be able to watch chocolatiers make delicious chocolate treats and also learn how many famous brands make chocolate.

It’s a fun chocolate exhibition for all of the family to enjoy, with many things to do and discover. You can even try at making a chocolate bar yourself! There is nothing better than an interactive chocolate experience...although saying that, if you can't get here today, for those of you feeling creative, here's a fabulous chocolate babka with mixed nuts recipe complete with step-by-step pictures and detailed instructions! You can find it here: https://www.jenreviews.com/babka/

Opening times
Monday to Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Adult: £11.50
Senior/Student: £10.50
Child 4-15 years: £9.50
Under 4’s: Free
Address
Kings Square
York
North Yorkshire
YO1 7LD
England
Contact details
01904 527765
www.yorkschocolatestory.com

2. Yorkshire Museum

There are so many things to discover at Yorkshire Museum, including astronomy collections, archaeology, geology and biology. Yorkshire Museum’s archaeology collection is one of the most comprehensive in a regional British museum outside London.

The York Observatory was built in 1832 and 1833 and is the oldest working observatory in Yorkshire and is an important part of the Astronomy Collection.

Also, there are many exhibitions to discover, where you can meet people of the empire and the life of the extinct. This gallery is perfect for kids to learn and discover more about dinosaurs, sea monsters and other extinct animals.

Opening times
Monday to Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Prices
Adults: £7.50
Kids: Free
Address
Museum Gardens
York
North Yorkshire
Contact details
01904 687687
www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk

3. York Castle Museum

York Castle Museum

York Castle Museum is one of Britain’s leading museums, where you can discover how people use to live in York by having household objects on display, as well as shops, streets and prison cells.

It opened in 1938 and was named after the former York Castle. There are also displays of historic toys, fashion, armour, farming equipment and much more! There is so much to discover and learn, which makes it perfect for children on school holidays and even school trips.

Prices
Adults: £10.00
Kids: Free
Opening times
Monday to Sunday: 9.30am – 5pm
Address
Eye of York
York
North Yorkshire
YO1 9RY
www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

4. National Railway Museum

National Railway Museum

If your children love trains, they will love the National Railway Museum, which is the biggest railway day out! There is so much to discover at the museum such as trains, history, and rides – Perfect for all ages!

At the museum, you learn all about the winding of engines and turntables, which is great for curious minds. Also, you can even go on a steam or diesel ride!

In the workshop, you will find out all about the traditional restoration skills of the engineers and craftsmen, and even have fun building your own models using fun interactive displays!

The admission is free, so bring all train enthusiasts to enjoy!

Address
Leeman Road
York
North Yorkshire
YO26 4XJ
Opening times
Monday to Sunday 10am – 5pm
Prices
Free
Rides are seasonal - check before visiting 01904 621261
www.nrm.org.u k

5. York Boat

York Boat

Why not go on a York Boat trip to discover York? Enjoy lunch or dinner while seeing the beautiful sights of York. You can even hire a boat, or get a self-drive boat – fun for all of the family!

If you’re coming as a family, there are many family options. Visit the website for more information.

Prices
Adult: £9.00
Child: £5.00
Concessions: £8
Opening times
Opening hours are subject to change. View website for more information
Address
The Boat Yard
Lendal Bridge
York
North Yorkshire
YO1 7DP
Contact details
019024 628324
www.yorkboat.co.uk