What to do and see in York, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips

March 19, 2018 Harland Bartelt

Just two hours north of London by rail, the city of York holds 1900 years' worth of history in its ancient walls. The Romans built the city in 71 AD, and the Vikings captured it in 866 AD. Stop by the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens for a look at what the Roman and Vikings left behind (they must have packed light when they left). From there, move on to the York Castle Museum for a not-so-quick overview of the most recent 400 years.
Restaurants in York

1. National Railway Museum

Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ, England +44 844 815 3139
Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

National Railway Museum

For a fantastic day out for the whole family in York, visit the award winning National Railway Museum. Get up close to over 300 years of fascinating history in York's only National Museum. Explore our giant halls full of trains and railway legends including the majestic Duchess of Hamilton, step on to the futuristic Japanese Bullet Train or marvel at the stunning opulence of the Royal Trains. Get on board awe-inspiring locomotives, watch our engineers at work in the Workshop, uncover hidden treasures in the Warehouse and make tracks to the outdoor area. The children can let off steam in our outdoor play area, and our miniature railway ride is perfect for the whole family. Every weekend and throughout the school holidays, the kids can enjoy a lively programme of events, including science shows, story telling, steam rides, craft activities and special events. Please note that calls to our listed phone number (0844...) cost 4.25p per minute plus your phone company's access charge.

Reviewed By AlexDragon

Great displays and loads of interesting things to see even if you’re not a train spotter!
Had a Japanese bullet train. Some of the massive old steam engines were amazing to see how big they are when standing next to them.
Royal carriages and loads of other things to see.
Worth a visit if in York.

2. York Minster

Minster Yard, York YO1 7HH, England +44 1904 557201
Excellent
71%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

York Minster

Dating back to medieval times, this splendid Church of England Cathedral features magnificent 14th- and 15th-century stained glass, stonework and elaborate tombs.

Reviewed By johnwdibbs - York, United Kingdom

There will be many reviews about this wonderful Cathedral but as you wander round this magnificent structure please visit the undercroft as this is an excellent feature in its own right detailing the previous Roman and Norman constructions on the same site.
To climb the tower, with its spectacular views over the city, is on a timed basis and you need to book in and pay an extra charge, I would recommend booking in as soon as you arrive otherwise all the times may be taken later.

York YO1 7LZ, England +44 1904 500750
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Shambles

Shambles (or The Shambles as it is often referred to) is a street in the city centre of York with a long and interesting past. Dating Back to Medieval times it was once the street of the Butcher Shops. Today the Shambles is Europe's most visited street, attracting tourist, shoppers and business clients.

Reviewed By jemLiverpool - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Full of mainly tacky Harry Potter shops,could be lovely if it had the right type of goods,still nice though to spend some time there.

4. Brew York

Enterprise Complex Walmgate, York YO1 9TT, England +44 1904 848448
Excellent
89%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 151 reviews

Brew York

Brew York Craft Brewery & Tap Room is ashowpiece brewery in the centre of York incorporating a beautifully industrial Tap Room and riverside Beer Garden. You can drink within touching distance of the stunningly modern brewhouse equipment and relax in a laid back and friendly Tap Room. Brewery tours with a twist are also available on Fridays and Saturdays.

Reviewed By SuperStu007

You may not find this place in some uptight York Tourist information pamphlet for jerks and squares, but maybe, just maybe, if you’re navigating the mean streets, ducking and diving between establishments, looking for an edgy encounter with interesting locals.
However you find it, the beer is excellent and the service friendly. In a city full of character this place manages to go even further and add a certain je ne sais quoi to a night of drinking and socialising, with characters you’ll never forget, however hard you try. Hipsters go elsewhere, this place is for real.

5. York Brewery

12 Toft Green, York YO1 6JT, England +44 1904 550907
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 564 reviews

York Brewery

Founded in 1996, York Brewery has been producing quality handcrafted ales with passion ever since. The brewery can be found tucked up inside York’s city walls, a stone’s throw from Micklegate Bar, the historic royal entrance to the city.

Reviewed By FosterW21 - Sheffield, United Kingdom

Finished off an evening in York with a couple of drinks here. Quality of beer excellent, and quirky old fashioned armchairs in lounge area. Clearly popular with regulars, but friendly and very relaxing. Had been on the tour before, which was very interesting, but just wanted a quiet place for a good beer, and this fitted the bill.

6. Breezy Knees Gardens

Common Lane | Warthill, York YO19 5XS, England +44 1904 488800
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 292 reviews

Breezy Knees Gardens

20 acres of extensive Gardens featuring over 7,000 different varieties of flowers, shrubs and trees. One of the largest Gardens in Northern England if woodland and parkland are excluded.

Reviewed By MedEngland - England

I didn't realise that these beautiful Gardens only open between 1st May and 30th September. so I'm glad I visited just before its downtime. I really loved seeing all the different Gardens with so many landscaping design ideas. The weather wasn't the best, so the Café was a very welcome venue for a light lunch. Am seriously considering taking out a Season Ticket for 2018.

7. Fudge Kitchen York

58 Low Petergate | York, York YO1 7HZ, England +44 1904 645596
Excellent
84%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 283 reviews

Fudge Kitchen York

Reviewed By JARYED - Manchester, United Kingdom

You are always greeted warmly at Fudge Kitchen. Watching how they make the fudge is genuinely interesting. You can choose any fudge to sample from a wide choice. I love fudge but even I have to admit £6:00 a slice is a little steep. I acknowledge that they use the finest ingredients but would still make a good profit at £4:00 a slice!

8. York Cold War Bunker

Monument Close, off Acomb Road, York YO24 4HT, England +44 1904 797935
Excellent
74%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 609 reviews

York Cold War Bunker

Experience the threat of nuclear war at York Cold War Bunker! On a fascinating guided tour, learn how volunteers would have played a vital role in ensuring that Britain could survive a nuclear attack. The atmospheric 1960s semi-subterranean bunker is just as it was when stood down in 1991, and the one hour guided tour is enhanced by a short film. Summer opening (25th March - October 31st): Wednesday - Sunday, plus bank holidays, between 10am and 6pm. Entrance by guided tour only, at the following times: 10:00, 11:15. 11:45, 13:00, 14:15, 15:30, 16:45.

Reviewed By Gavandi - Lincoln, United Kingdom

Cold War? Remember it? This was a great reminder on this period in my life. Didn’t realise just how much stuff went on behind the scenes during these years. 1 hour we’ll spent.

9. Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens

Stewart Lane, Stillingfleet, York YO19 6HP, England +44 1904 728506
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 212 reviews

Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens

Reviewed By Stuart D

On finally having a day free when they were open (note not open every weekend and then only for a few hours) we travelled the 20 miles to visit. We were then told that we could not use card to pay unless over £10 but entrance was £10. At no point did the lady suggest that we could purchase a plant to cover this and was so dismissive of us that sadly we left. I dont know how these business survive in the modern world. I was planning on paying enterance, having lunch and buying a number of plants but the customer service was so appalling that we spent nothing and this is their loss. Wouldnt go back and wouldnt suggest anyone else to. Went elsewhere and supported another local business that seemed very happy to have us and our business

10. York Maze

Dunnington Lodge Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT, England +44 1904 607341
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

York Maze

York Maze is an a-maizing day out for the whole family. The attraction is based around a giant maze, made from maize plants. We open during the school summer holidays,to give families an amazing day out. With over 20 different rides and attractions, the kids will be kept busy for the whole day! York Maze also runs halloween events for families in the daytime, and teenagers and adults at night during the Halloween half term. We finish the year with a huge firework spectacular set to music, on November the 5th every year. When we are not open to the public, we host weddings in our beautiful barn comlex. It's the perfect setting for a rustic wedding!

Reviewed By tony r - leeds

We got the first slot intake period at 7am for Hallowscream and just as well because whilst there were hardly any queues for the first few "mazes" but by 8.30 the place was packed. Even though the time slot is in 40 minutes - it probably won't take you 40 minutes to get round everything - so its best not to get there too late. All the different mazes were "themed" from the futuristic 2073 to the butchery of the Flesh Pot. All the mazes involved going from room to room not knowing what to expect next as actors jumped either jumped out or something or other went bang. One or two of the mazes involved crouching and/or feeling disorientated. Overall, the mazes were quite long and well designed taking roughly 10-15 minutes each and there was things to do outside of the mazes with the live show and the virtual reality zombie headsets.

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