9 Amazing Things to Do in York

If you're visiting York for sightseeing or simply want to sample cuisine but don't know where to start, here's what you want to hear, this guide breaks it down for you. From where to shop to the best boutiques and picks when it comes to city favorites, we'll tell you about the best things to do in York. We'll help you make the most of your trip with this guide. So kick back, relax, and have an experience of a lifetime.

Let's move on to the list of main attractions in the city and the things to do in York. You don't want to miss this, so keep on reading.

The York Dungeon is definitely one of the many best things to do in York - but it's not for the faint of heart. If you like horror themes and entertaining stories, prepare to head straight for it. Inside the dungeon, you will explore the world of York's dark past, dating back to more than 2000 years. The live immersive experiences which offer 360-degree views will walk you through various settings of the past, making you feel like a true time traveler. The Plague Doctor is a popular attraction that is gory on the details for the most part. Guy Fawke's Story will leave the audience in fits of laughter as you witness a man who tries very hard to bomb the Parliament in the olden days but comically fails.

Ever wanted to sit in a carriage and explore other things to do in York? The Highwayman will let you, except for a price - which you will soon find out.

After you are done exploring the dark depths of the dungeon, walk out to the daylight and grab a seat at the Goose & Gallows. It's a historic tavern that stays true to its word and offers plenty of drinks to sip on.

The last remnant of the York Castle, the Clifford's Tower was rebuilt by Henry III after it was taken down twice by William the Conqueror. Although out of the many things to do in York, there's not much to see inside, but we do vouch for the views from the top. Climb up the stairs up the hill, and you will enjoy the panoramic views of the city. The entry fee into the tower is £4.20 for adults and £2.50 for children between the ages of 5 and 15.

Address:Tower St, York YO1 9SA, United Kingdom

Timings:

Mondays to Fridays - 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, during the summers

Mondays to Fridays - 8:30 pm to 5 pm, during the winter season

Saturdays (all-year-round): 9 am to 5 pm

The Jorvik Viking Centre is a treat for adults and kids alike when it comes to fun things to do in York. Having opened in the 1980s, its attractions stay the same to this day and age. When you descend down the stairs, you will enter a room with a glass floor. Observe the Coppergate dig site and uncover the gems of the 1970s inside the museum. An interactive video display will help you tour the museum if you feel lost. There are various dwellings waiting to be explored inside, which is one of the interesting things to do in York here.

Take your kids to the time capsules where you will see works of art. The settings are very realistic, and you will find people of that era minding about their own daily activities. Various scents will rekindle the nostalgia within you, and the added commentary by the narrator helps your kids learn interesting information about the yesteryears. The museum houses many genuine Viking artifacts like shoes, combs, and jewelry, which you will be allowed to touch and handle as you choose.

Pre-booking tickets to this location is recommended since the huge crowds may force you to wait in long queues, which you can skip by getting the tickets beforehand. We recommend going for the fast-pass ticket sold there. If you're looking for hotels and more things to do in York nearby, the Pear Tree House is a beautiful place to stay at. It offers you a five-star stay, and if you fancy cottages instead of hotels, try The Gorgeous Cottages in York, which are known to span over 180 luxury properties throughout the city.

If the streets were the epitome of beauty, it would be The Shambles. From picturesque cafes to waves of crowds bustling in and out of its busy pathways, you'll find that visiting The Shambles is one of the many best things to do in York. It doesn't cost you a dime to go sightseeing here, and if you're a fan of Harry Potter, then you're probably already thrilled to visit it.

Wander around The Shambles Market, where you will feast your eyes on the finest pork pies and poultry. If you're a meat lover, you will enjoy the variety that's sold here. There's even Indian Street food available, and you can get local beer from the Shamble Bar. A tiny cheese store is there at the corner where you will get delicious local cheese. For other delightful things to do in York and to sample local delicacies, be sure to check the websites. Some of them are known to be open only from Tuesdays to Saturdays. You will find amazing seafood and vegan cuisine options too. If you are visiting with your family, take them to the Crepe Stall for a fun time, and if you're on a budget for shopping, try the second-hand stores here to discover hidden gems for a fraction of their original prices.

Want to master the art of making potions? Visit The Potions Cauldron for a fantastic wizardry experience. Try their hot chocolate frogs and Matcha tea. It will rekindle the spirit of nostalgia for Hogwarts within you. If you're feeling tired or weary, head over to the Chakra Therapy Rooms on the street and try out their deep tissue massages. We recommend the Swedish Fullbody Massage if it's your first time. Time will float, and by the time you're done, you'll leave feeling like a different person. It's good for the mind, body, and soul, and you get to sip on the finest herbal teas too.

Is your sweet tooth craving something out of all the things to do in York? Try the Monk Bar Chocolatiers of York. They are chock full of sweet treats and their chocolate shot is a must-try. Smooth and intrinsic flavors will burst in your mouth the minute you dig into their goodies, and when it comes to flavors, don't forget to sample their caramel and whiskey delicacies. Kids are also allowed to make their own chocolaty treats here, and if you're planning on taking a tour of the shop, be sure to set aside at least 1.5 hours. The fondue there is exceptional.

Missing church? Go to the Margaret Clitherow Shrine, which is a small chapel dedicated to the renown St. Margaret Clitherow. You will learn about her life, sacrifices, and many tales about the dark history of York. St. Margaret was martyred in 1586 for protecting Catholic priests, and although the interiors are peaceful, it is laden with many memories. Sit here, pray, reflect, and take a few moments to wind down here at the end of your day.

The York City Walls stretch miles away, and although you could cover them in 2 hours, it's best to spend a day exploring the restaurants and attractions nearby them. The walls run up to 3.4km, and the medieval structures reveal that they've stood the tests of time. The views are great, and walking around the walls is a great way to explore the city. You will be able to see the Minster from a section that's between the River Ouse and Mickelgate.

Walking around the well-preserved walls will familiarize you with the history of England, and the first site we recommend seeing are the bars and gatehouses which served as the entrance during ancient times. The best starting point is the Bootham Bar, and if you're exploring, we suggest working your way section by section for a pleasant experience. As you journey through your walk, you will pass by various properties and see back gardens. A nice little stop is the Robin Hood's Tower for a bit of stretching, and if you plan on getting off the walls, be sure to see the full view of the Micklegate Bar. Get back on the walls when you can, and be sure not to miss the York Railway Station to your left. You will get plenty of opportunities for taking photos along the way, so get your cameras ready!

Out of the many things to do in York, you don't want to miss out on visiting the York Designer Outlet. It's a sizzling hotpot of the latest fashion brands with high-street deals and more. You will find the latest sportswear, designer jewelry, and housewares being stocked up by outlets daily and there is a huge food court with different cuisine options as well.

A children's play area is available, and you don't have to worry about car parking spaces since there are over 2800 of them (and free too!)

The outlet is just 10 minutes away from the York City Center and the fastest way to get there is by taking the Park and Ride link that connects directly to the outlet. Stop by Pizza Express if you're craving for authentic Italian food inside the outlet. And be sure to watch out for popular brands when going shopping here since they sometimes give exclusive discounts of designer items by up to 60% of the MRP.

Visit the outlet for a bit of retail therapy and if need an excuse to just visit - window shopping works too. The outlet is very clean, tidy, and airy, which means roaming around inside in itself a visual treat.

Address:St Nicholas Ave, York YO19 4TA, United Kingdom

Timings:

Mondays to Fridays from 10 am to 8 pm

Saturdays from 9 am to 8 pm

Sundays from 10 m to 6 pm (bigger stores are open from 11 am to 5 pm)

Bank Holiday Monday - 10 am to 8 pm

Closed on Christmas Day

Peter Rabbit and Friends is a gift shop and kids' store. If your kids have enjoyed the show 'The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends', they will love visiting this store. It is housed with official merchandise and you'll find figurines of characters of the show as well.

There are DVDs, storybooks, and so much more available here. And it's just not Peter Rabbit! The outlet has other characters like Jemima Puddle-Duck, Mrs. Tiddlywink, etc. Visiting this store is like taking a trip down memory lane for most parents, and they have gift items for babies too. Since it's a tiny gift shop, it won't take you too long to tour it. As you explore its interiors, you will find different kinds of animals while walking around. There's a delightful garden, and a walk-around quiz for kids makes the visit much more interactive. The staff there is very warm and friendly and will gladly assist you if you have any questions.

Address:2 St Martin's Pl, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3DD, United Kingdom

Timings:Sundays to Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm

One of the best things to do in York for tea connoisseurs is to visit the Hebden Tea Company. If you've never heard of blends like Bvummbwe and Paksong Wu, you're in for a whole world of tea!

It's no surprise that Britians love their tea, and this store is a manifestation of that love. You'll find quirky products such as loose-leaf tea, Darjeeling tea, and many kinds of blooming tea balls as well. Most of the customers who visit the store are very knowledgeable about different types, and if you fancy a chat over tea, this is the place to be.

Their best-selling blend is Lady Hebden, which is an infusion of black tea, early grey, and orange. There are flavored teas up for sale inside the store, and many people smell the teas too. They source their tea leaves from suppliers all across the world, most notably - Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and China. You will sometimes find tasting events being held inside the shop and although it's a cozy but small outlet, you'll learn a lot about teas if you pay a visit.

The Imaginarium is a quirky lifestyle store that is located next to the Yorkshire Soap Company. Here you will find plenty of affordable luxuries that transform your home into a delightful wonderland. The staff is accommodating and will guide you in your interior design endeavors if it's your first time. Be it touching up your home or a full overhaul, the store offers everything you need to lift the mood.

Various gift items are stocked up in this store from pen holders, mirrors, wall mounts, and photo frames. Scented candles, books, and merchandises of your favorite characters are available too. Although the prices may be on the higher side, you will find that they are justified. The Christmas shop is behind the store and thrives during the winter season. The shop is just beautiful to walk around in, and there is a magnificent chandelier hanging from the ceiling. A cozy fireplace is inside, too, and walking through the store is like taking a trip through fairyland on Earth. It's just that good and definitely one of the best things to do in York.

Address:6 Blake St, York YO1 8QG, United Kingdom

Timings:

Mondays to Fridays - 10 am to 6 pm

Saturdays - 10 am to 7 pm

Sundays - 11 am to 5 pm

When you're visiting York for the first time, it can be daunting to go look for the right hotels and more. Gift yourself the magic of adventure by indulging yourself in a tour through the city.