With more attractions per square mile than any other city in the UK, York is full of culture, art, history and heritage.
Immerse yourself in must-see attractions, iconic historic buildings, vibrant performing arts, as well as charming pubs, cosy cafés, exquisite fine dining restaurants and unique boutique retailers.
Let this guide be your inspiration for a truly unforgettable adventure in York.
Be sure to drop by the Visit York Visitor Information Centre, where our welcoming team is ready to enhance your experience and ensure you make the most of your visit.
Sightseeing scan the QR code to find out more and get your tickets
The official open-top tour of York, every 30 minutes, 7 days a week.
With so many things to do and attractions to see, York is the perfect place to hop-on to one of our open top buses and explore the English heritage. We’ll take you to the finest attractions that this thriving city has to offer! Your ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you can complete a full loop of the bus tour first and then hop off at all the places you want to see.
National Railway Museum
Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ | 03300 580 058 railwaymuseum.org.uk
FREE ENTRY
Looking for a day out for the family, come rain or shine?
Visit the National Railway Museum, home to iconic locomotives and extraordinary collections celebrating the past, present and future of the railways.
Families will love Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery, filled with fully interactive experiences, experiments and live science shows that bring the principles of engineering to life. Flying Scotsman fans can experience the famous locomotive in a new way with the Flying Scotsman VR Experience.
Book free museum entry at railwaymuseum.org.uk
Clifford’s Tower
Tower Street, York YO1 9SA | 01904 646 940 english-heritage.org.uk
Clifford’s Tower is one of York’s must-see sites, offering unrivalled views over the heart of the ancient city and an unforgettable insight into its turbulent past.
Explore the tower’s history with story benches and soundscapes before heading up the stairs to take in the city skyline from the panoramic roof deck.
JORVIK Viking Centre
19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT | 01904 663 031 jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
JORVIK Viking Centre is a ‘must-see’ for visitors to York.
Discover the lives of the inhabitants of 10th-century York as you travel around the reconstruction of the city. All that you see during your visit is based on archaeological evidence found during the Coppergate excavation, with emphasis on recreating every detail of the experience. Pre-booking is essential.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Visit North Yorkshire
Stay longer and explore further.
There is so much more to explore on York’s doorstep. From dramatic moors and rolling dales to charming coastal resorts and welcoming market towns, North Yorkshire is the perfect place for an unforgettable day out or short break.
Home to two National Parks, North Yorkshire is rich in unspoilt countryside and breathtaking landscapes. Amongst the natural wonders, discover market towns filled with independent shops, museums, historic buildings, spas, and delicious delights for foodies to enjoy.
Visit North Yorkshire and experience a warm, Yorkshire welcome.
northyorkmoors.org.uk
North Street, York YO1 6JD allsaints-northstreet.org.uk
York’s finest medieval churchworld famous stained glass. Painted angel ceiling. Roman column. Medieval style tile pavement. Site of the 1421 “York Visions“ of the Virgin Mary foretelling death of Henry V, and baby’s coronation. Normally open.
Beetle Bank Open Farm
A family farmyard adventure awaits! With a large petting barn, two adventure playgrounds, ride-on toys, animal encounters, alpaca walking and so much more! You're sure to have a farmtastic time!
Breezy Knees Gardens
Common Lane, Warthill, York YO19 5XS | 01904 488 800 breezyknees.co.uk
One of Northern England's largest gardens with over 20 acres full of colour all summer. Described by Monty Don as beautiful, featuring extensive borders and absolutely loads more. Specialist perennial nursery and café.
Enjoy a guided tour and generous whisky and gin tasting at Yorkshire’s pioneering, sustainable distillery. Rated 5* on TripAdvisor. Tours run Wednesdays and Saturdays; pre-book online or by phone.
Dreamery Gardens & Museum
Enter the realms of magic in England’s lost fairy gardens. Set within 100 acres of glorious woodland with 1.5km of imaginative nature trails winding through.
Discover one of the finest medieval guildhalls in the world – home to York’s entrepreneurs for 660 years –and counting.
National Centre for Birds of Prey
Home to the largest collection of these wonderful birds in the country, including eagles, vultures, owls, hawks and falcons who live in over 50 spacious aviaries. A trained team of birds flies free every day. Allow at least 2–3 hours and bring your camera!
Step into history on York’s best reviewed historical walking tour. Meet under the two towers of York Minster and experience the sights and stories of the former ‘Capital of the North’. Tour times: Every day at 11am. Additional tours April to October at 3pm.
Fun for all the family! 12 hole mini golf, 9 hole footgolf, floodlit golf driving range with auto tees and a 9 hole golf course. Relax with a coffee and cake in the café bar after your game.
For more than 280 years York Theatre Royal has welcomed and entertained York’s residents and visitors, offering a diverse programme of worldclass theatre for audiences of all ages to enjoy!
Enjoy home-cooked Italian cuisine and fine wine, all with a strong Sardinian influence in this unique family-run cellar restaurant located underneath the City Walls at the Micklegate entrance.
Drake’s, located moments away from York Minster and Shambles, serves traditional, freshly cooked Yorkshire fish and chips. Our fully licensed restaurant has something for everyone – gluten free and vegan options, great wine and local ales. In a rush? Grab a takeaway!
Experience pure indulgence at Heavenly Desserts York – the city’s ultimate dessert destination. Treat yourself to artisan creations, croffles, and brunch in a beautifully elegant setting. A must-visit for every sweet lover!
Enjoy Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine in York, known for exceptional quality, friendly service and a welcoming familyfriendly atmosphere. Visit York Tourism Awards 2023 Taste of England Award finalist. 15% discount – with this guide. (minimum spend £30, excludes race days/public holidays) 21–22 Bootham, York YO30 7BW | 01904 613 366 therajyork.co.uk
The Coppergate Centre
Coppergate Centre, York YO1 9NT coppergateshopping.com
Culture, shopping and food & drink, all in one place – where Vikings rub shoulders with designer brands, wizard golf, affordable fashion and delicious fare.
A vintage paradise stocking handpicked, curated classic and on trend vintage fashion from the 50s to the early 00s.
Independent family owned model shop situated next to Monk Bar.
Stockists of Model Railways, Plastic Kits, Diecast models and more for over 60 years. Famous brands including Hornby, Airfix & Scalextric.
A shop full of lucky cats, including Maneki Neko and pretty gemstone cats. Star of the show is our collectable range of Original Lucky Cats, designed in York and handmade in England.
Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm, Sunday 11am-5.00pm 45
A paradise for cat lovers, with feline themed goods that you and your cat might not need but will really, really want. Worldwide shipping. Home of the York Cat Hunt.
Join us at York's only cat café to enjoy drinks and delicious, locally made cakes in the company of our cats!
