What to do and see in York, England: The Best Historic Sites

Also known as the “Oratory House”, the rectory to the Oratory Church of Saint Wilfrid (Duncombe Place) is a grade II* listed, early C18 town house, within the city walls. Behind its stucco façade is perhaps one of the cities best-kept secrets; its garden. It is open twice yearly, and admission is granted for a small admission fee, which goes towards the not-insignificant cost of maintenance. Those wishing to visit are encouraged to check the Oratory website for more information.

Step through 2,000 years of history with one visit to this house of dreams, where rooms are set up and furnished to mirror the grand styles from medieval times to the early 1900s. All created as part of one man's vision for his idea of a historic house. Find out about Frank Green and his particular ways and see his unique collection from his travels. At Christmas find every room filled with scents and decorations. The cafe serves it's award winning Christmas pudding scone for a limited time - served warm with brandy butter. Completing the visit, on selected days, head onto the roof tops on an attic tour or below stairs to see the site of one of York's most famous ghost stories. The place where a legion of ghostly Roman soldiers were spotted marching along a long buried Roman road.

Discover one of the finest medieval guildhalls in the world - home to York’s entrepreneurs for 660 years – and counting. Redoubtable tales, fascinating architecture and intriguing, rare artefacts, all under a stunning 14th Century oak roof… delve into York’s entrepreneurial past, present and future following stories of the “mystery of mercers” - business pioneers who made it happen: from the medieval wool trade, via the railways, chocolate and two universities to the 21st century Science City.

A fine example of a medieval guildhall in Europe, built 1357-62, which features historic collections of paintings, furniture, silver and other objects used over the centuries.

Castle Howard is one of England's finest historic houses, set in a thousand acres of sweeping parkland dotted with statues, temples, lakes and fountains. Inside discover world-renowned collections gathered by succeeding generations of the Howard family. Built over 300 years ago, today it still remains a family home.

Trinity Lane is the home to a medieval timber building called Jacob's Well, which was used as parish rooms of nearby Holy Trinity Church.

York Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York, positioned at the heart of city society and civic life for almost 300 years. A masterpiece of 18th century architecture and a celebration of the city it inhabits, York Mansion House and its infamous residents have a colourful history, filled with scandal, decadence and outlandish feasting. Following extensive restoration, in 2018 the house opened to the public for the first time, allowing all to experience this extravagant mayoral life, and take an interactive walk through York’s Georgian past. From July 22nd 2020, we’re delighted to be reopening with a series of brand new, bookable guided tours. With visitor safety our priority, we have put a number of steps in place to ensure you feel welcome, safe and comfortable during your visit with us. Head to our website to find out how we’ve been getting ready for this new chapter.

Located on the site of St. Crux Church that was destroyed in 1887, this building now functions as a café and a venue for special events.