6 Things to do in York
From cosy pubs, to enchanting walks, to informative tours, there’s something for everyone in historic York.
Visit the Minster
A trip to York is not complete without visiting the glorious Minster.
Whether you explore inside, or simply admire it from Dean’s Park, the Minster’s beautiful gardens, it is always worth the visit.
Tickets to the Minster cost £16 for an adult, £14 for students not studying in York, and is free for anyone under 17 years of age, or anyone who is a resident of York, including York students. If you want to climb the tower too, tickets come to £22 (adult), £20 (students not studying in York) and £6 for anyone under aged 8-17 (children under the age of 8 are not permitted to climb the tower).
More information can be found here.
2. Take a stroll down the Shambles
Naturally, next on the list is the famous Shambles.
With an abundance of quirky shops (many Harry Potter themed!), the Shambles is sure to keep you busy.
Taste teas, buy a ‘ghost’, and maybe even have lunch at the Shambles market (I recommend the Thai stall and the burrito stall - so yummy).
3. Have a wander around the Museum Gardens
Whether it’s snowing, blossom is falling, or it’s in full bloom, York’s Museum Gardens are a lovely way to relax and see some history.
Bonus: York’s Art Gallery is just next door, so if you’ve only got one hour, or you’ve got three, have a quiet wander. Find more information here.
The Museum Gardens is home to an ice cream stand in the summer, which serves tea and coffee all year round.
Speaking of coffee…
4. Enjoy a hot drink at one of the many cosy coffeeshops York has to offer
This is Gatehouse Coffee - my personal favourite. It is tucked away within the walls, family-run, and the coffee is exquisite.
If you find yourself in York and in need of caffeine, here are a few more of my favourites: 200 Degrees, Kiosk (better to take-away, it’s quite small inside!), Little Blondie Bakery (no seating), Coffee Culture, Spring Espresso, and The Perky Peacock (set within a tower!). The tearooms on College Street are also lovely.
5. Quench your thirst in another way at one of York’s many pubs
Famously, York has 365 pubs, so, you could stay for a year and visit a different one each day if you wanted to!
A few cosy favourites of mine include: The Cross Keys, The Royal Oak, Lendal Cellars (underground), Ye Olde Starre Inne (oldest pub in York), and Brew York.
6. Learn something!
York is a city full of history. There are many things to see, do and learn whilst you’re here.
Take a ghost tour, visit York’s Chocolate Story for a tour and a treat, spend a few hours in the Railway Museum, or go to the Jorvik Viking Centre to learn about York’s history.
That was definitely more than six things…