The 7 Best Things To Do in York England

Even though I spent just 2 nights in this English city, I think I found some of the best things do in York.

If I had more time, I would have gladly dug deeper and probably found even more awesome experiences.

But I think this is a good “starting point” list.

If you’ve been reading this blog, then you know I’m more of a nature gal than a city gal.

However, York is definitely a city that I really like.

And I admit, I’ll go back to uncover more of York and its surrounding areas.

So let’s get started on this fascinating English city.

 

Where is York?

York is located in Northeast England, specifically in the Yorkshire and the Humber region.

It’s a city of about 208,000 so not a large city, but big enough to offer up quite a bit to do.

This fascinating city was under Roman rule way back in the day, then the Vikings came (and went) and then it was eventually put under Norman rule when they conquered the island of Britain.

Situated on the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss, York became an important city as the English empire grew.

While it was not as prominent politically during the 1600’s and 1700’s, it was culturally significant.

It was in the early to mid-1800’s that York became a center for the railways and engineering became an important aspect of this northern city.

On a side note, something I learned in my research is that York was a center for early photography.

One more reason for me to return!

Okay.

So let’s move onto the best things to do in York!

 

The 7 best things to do in York (when you don’t have a lot of time)

Visit the York Minster then stay for Evensong

The number 1 reason for visiting this incredible city is to see the York Minster, or the York Cathedral.

The building that is there now is not the first one that was built on this site.

Supposedly the first church built on the York Minster site was a quickly constructed wooden one back in 627.

And over the years, the site has seen some sort of church in various forms.

But the Gothic cathedral you see now was started in 1080 and then added to and changed a bit in the mid-1200’s in that true Gothic style.

It was in 1472 that all the towers were complete and the York Minster was officially consecrated.

So it took a while for the York Minster to become the York Minster.

It’s impressive as hell!

Stained glass windows, high vaulted ceilings, towers, the crypt and a splendid organ.

There is a lot here.

Give yourself enough time to really walk through this grand and magnificent cathedral.

And if you time it correctly, you can wander about then be treated to the ceremony known as Evensong.

What is Evensong?

This is a short service that centers on the singing of the York Minster Choir.

Typically it takes place around 5pm, but check the website for the exact time.

The ceremony lasts about 30 minutes or so and is religious to some extent.

But all are welcome.

Just be respectful.

Space is limited, so do get in line early for this.

Even if you are not religious, like me, you’ll appreciate the beautiful voices as they echo off this stunning building.

I actually got a little emotional.

Visiting the York Minster is certainly one of the best things to do in York.

But pairing your visit with the Evensong ceremony will be one the most memorable experiences you’ll have.

Period.

 

Take a walking tour of the city and its walls

York is first a Roman city so there have been walls here for quite some time.

Sure they’ve been rebuilt over time, but York has more miles of intact wall than any other English city.

And taking a walking tour that includes walking on those walls is one of the best things to do in York.

I took a tour with Yorkwalk which had daily walks available — no reservations necessary — for about £6 in 2017.

I believe they no longer have these daily public walks but they do still take reservations for groups, no matter the size, for guided tours.

However, there are other choices for walking tours in York and most will include walking parts of the city walls because the walls are such an important piece of York’s history.

A good guide will tell you about the history of this this intriguing city, weaving in stories and legends.

Walking up on the walls will give you some fabulous views as well as a sense of the history of York.

The other thing to notice as you walk around the city is that some of the gates, which they curiously call bars, are still intact.

In fact there are 4 of them.

Do take a walking tour of this captivating English city.

It’s one of the best things to do in York.

 

Wander The Shambles

More than likely you’ll get a glimpse of The Shambles on your walking tour.

But my advice is to come back and see it again after your tour.

Because you’ll want to slow down and really experience it.

So what are The Shambles?

Well this is an old street that was once the home to the butchers of York.

Now there is a mix of all kinds of shops on this narrow street.

It’s a fun spot in York to wander about dreaming of what was life was like in the 1500’s.

And it’s rumored to be J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books.

You’ll find a few Harry Potter inspired shops on the street.

I also found a delightful chocolate shop.

Get your camera ready and let your Harry Potter imagination go.

The Shambles is one of the best things to do in York — especially for Harry Potter fans and photographers.

 

Have a spot of tea at Betty’s

Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms is a York institution.

There are 2 locations in York and 4 other locations outside of York.

You can certainly go all out and treat yourself to the whole English afternoon tea experience.

This is wonderful thing to do in York and a fabulous idea if you are celebrating a special occasion.

You’ll have to book that experience in advance.

I simply dropped in as a solo traveler and had tea and a delicious treat.

It was busy but I was seated pretty quickly.

A trip to Betty’s is one of the best things to do in York for those who want to have that quintessential English experience.

And they have some tasty gluten free treats for those of us who have gluten issues.

I’m a fan of the English/Irish tea experience, so for me this really was one the not-to-be-missed experiences in York.

And if you’re not a tea lover, you can still have something from their bakery because they have loads of delectable treats that you absolutely must try.

My Little Mama’s name was Betty so this was an extra special visit for me.

 

Eat at Cafe No 8 Bistro

I had a delicious meal at this trendy bistro.

Located near Bootham Bar — one of the old gates — Cafe No 8 Bistro serves up simple, fresh quality dishes.

It’s a small place, but I was thoroughly impressed by the food and the service.

The wine list is good too.

There is a lovely outdoor seating area for when the weather cooperates.

Do make reservations to ensure you get a table.

But don’t miss this wonderful restaurant as it is one of the best in York.

PS I missed taking photos of my food! Epic fail!!

 

Wander the Museum Gardens

I think one of the best things to do in York is to simply wander about the gardens near the Yorkshire Museum.

I was fortunate to be in York in late May so the garden was so green and blooming like mad.

The garden has some Roman ruins as well as the remnants of St Mary’s Abbey.

If you go on a walking tour, you’ll learn a bit about these sites.

But it’s all the gorgeous plants and flowers with little spots to sit that I really loved.

The Museum Gardens are a wonderful place to slow down for a bit and relish in all the foliage.

Grab some take away food and sit and eat in a peaceful spot, perhaps sitting and chatting with your travel partner or a local.

If you love to photograph flowers, then meander about and click away.

I wish I had spent a bit more time here as it’s just so beautiful.

Next trip!

 

Stay at No. 21 York

No. 21 York is one of the best places to stay in York.

I can’t say enough about Simon and Andrea and their lovely guesthouse.

First of all the location is excellent.

It’s a quiet street that is a short walk to the city center.

In fact, it’s only about 1/2 mile to the York Minster and the same to the rail station.

It’s a small Victorian House with just 7 rooms, so for me, it’s perfect.

Their breakfast is one of the best I’ve had in all my travels — locally sourced and tasty as hell.

They catered to my gluten sensitivity without hesitation.

In fact, they sent me on to my Airbnb stay in London with a loaf of gluten free bread!

I know.

How nice is that?

I was sorry to only be staying 2 nights.

Truly one of the best things to do in York is to stay at No. 21 York and delve into the breakfast!

 

Other experiences to have in York — otherwise known as Lynne’s “next time” list

Visit the National Railway Museum

This is one of the sites that was on my “maybe” list.

I simply didn’t have the time.

But the railway is a big deal in York so this museum is a great place to go for a better sense of the city’s history.

It’s also listed as one of the best things to do in York so really, it’s a no brainer!

 

Take a ghost tour

I passed a ghost tour on my way back No 21 where I was staying and thought, “York would be a fabulous city to take a ghost tour!”

It really looked fun and the guide and the tourists looked as though they were really into it.

Next time!

 

Walk along the River Ouse

There are actually some trails that run along the River Ouse so I think walking or running along one of these trails could be one of the best things to do in York.

I did say could because I’m not sure what the trails are like — the quality of trail itself and the scenery.

But I’m guessing it would be a splendid way to see the true York.

 

Taste some beer at Brew York Craft Brewery

When I was in York there was a small pub called the Yorkshire Terrier that had beer from York Brewery.

In fact, I think this was one of their signature pubs.

Anyway…

This craft brewery was then bought by Black Sheep Brewery a couple of years ago.

So the York Brewery isn’t really the York Brewery.

Too bad as the beer was tasty.

But now there is a craft brewer called Brew York.

Now I think this was around in 2017 when I visited York.

But it’s really come into its own in the past couple of years.

So I’d be sure to visit their tap room on my next visit.

If you’re a beer lover, do put this on your list.

 

Visit Clifford’s Tower

One of those sites that makes the best things to do in York list is Clifford’s Tower.

I missed this site on this trip so I’ll be sure to tour it next time.

Clifford’s Tower is actually some of the last remaining pieces of York Castle.

It’s pretty much just the castle keep but it looks very cool and — since it sits up on a hill — you get some fabulous views of the city and the Yorkshire countryside.

This tower also happens to be an English Heritage Site so it has to be worth a look.

 

Booking.com

 

Have you been to York?

Do you think this is a good “best things to do in York” list?

If you have some experiences to add, let me know.

With just 2 days and nights, I know I missed a lot which is why I want to go back.

So many places, so little time…

 

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