Things to do in York
York is an ancient walled city packed with history: from Romans and Vikings to magnificent Georgian architecture and industrial heritage of the Victorian era, all significant periods of the past have left their trace here. A cathedral city and a major railway transportation hub, it has gorgeous green spaces, two rivers, and many haunted pubs, many centuries old. It can be challenging to decide where to go first, so make sure to use this list of the best things in York to make the most out of your trip.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best museums in York.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best museums in York.
The Shambles
What is it?
A narrow medieval street with timber-framed buildings where butchers' shops were located in the past.
Why should you go?
Probably the most famous historic pedestrian street in York, the Shambles still retains much of the 14th-century medieval fabric. In the past, it used to be where slaughterhouses and butcher stalls were located until the early 20th century, so imagine blood and guts flowing down these gutters. Currently, some of the shops still have meat hooks and shelves on which meat is displayed.
The street and its resident businesses are much more vegetarian these days, with a few Harry Potter themed shops and quaint little cafes.
Specialization
Historic streets and souvenir shopping
Perfect for
Your first day out in the city center
A narrow medieval street with timber-framed buildings where butchers' shops were located in the past.
Why should you go?
Probably the most famous historic pedestrian street in York, the Shambles still retains much of the 14th-century medieval fabric. In the past, it used to be where slaughterhouses and butcher stalls were located until the early 20th century, so imagine blood and guts flowing down these gutters. Currently, some of the shops still have meat hooks and shelves on which meat is displayed.
The street and its resident businesses are much more vegetarian these days, with a few Harry Potter themed shops and quaint little cafes.
Specialization
Historic streets and souvenir shopping
Perfect for
Your first day out in the city center
York Castle Museum
What is it?
A number of interactive exhibitions covering over 400 years of York's history and based in the buildings of a former prison.
Why should you go?
Dating back to 1938, York Castle Museum is not, strictly speaking, a museum but rather a set of immersive experiences that showcase different historical contexts of life in York. Its most iconic exhibit is Kirkgate, a recreated indoor Victorian street with shops and businesses and costumed guides. Other sections include prison cells (the building was a real Georgian prison, after all), a WWI display, a gallery with a set of artifacts from the 1960s, and a brilliant collection of toys from the last 150 years. Something for each member of the family!
Specialization
Immersive and interactive exhibition
Perfect for
Family activities
A number of interactive exhibitions covering over 400 years of York's history and based in the buildings of a former prison.
Why should you go?
Dating back to 1938, York Castle Museum is not, strictly speaking, a museum but rather a set of immersive experiences that showcase different historical contexts of life in York. Its most iconic exhibit is Kirkgate, a recreated indoor Victorian street with shops and businesses and costumed guides. Other sections include prison cells (the building was a real Georgian prison, after all), a WWI display, a gallery with a set of artifacts from the 1960s, and a brilliant collection of toys from the last 150 years. Something for each member of the family!
Specialization
Immersive and interactive exhibition
Perfect for
Family activities
Jorvik Viking Centre
What is it?
A meticulously reconstructed Viking village with all of its sights, sounds, and smells, plus a museum.
Why should you go?
For those looking for some fun things to do in York while also hoping to learn something about its history, the Jorvik is the place to go. This attraction is a recreated Viking settlement that has been painstakingly reconstructed, drawing upon archaeological evidence from the local excavation that took place in the 1970s. As a result, you get a chance to explore different contexts and settings of Viking life, from a typical home to a fish market, and meet life-sized animatronic mannequins of the local characters - from a blacksmith to a slave trader. Mind you, a Viking toilet has been recreated, too!
Specialization
Viking history
Perfect for
Kid-friendly educational fun
A meticulously reconstructed Viking village with all of its sights, sounds, and smells, plus a museum.
Why should you go?
For those looking for some fun things to do in York while also hoping to learn something about its history, the Jorvik is the place to go. This attraction is a recreated Viking settlement that has been painstakingly reconstructed, drawing upon archaeological evidence from the local excavation that took place in the 1970s. As a result, you get a chance to explore different contexts and settings of Viking life, from a typical home to a fish market, and meet life-sized animatronic mannequins of the local characters - from a blacksmith to a slave trader. Mind you, a Viking toilet has been recreated, too!
Specialization
Viking history
Perfect for
Kid-friendly educational fun
@dot_daleka
Related tours:
National Railway Museum
What is it?
A spacious free museum of British railway transport based in a former locomotive depot.
Why should you go?
Home to an extensive collection of around 100 historic locomotives, including the oldest ones that date back to the early 19th century, this must-see museum was established in the former York North locomotive depot in 1975. Among its most fascinating exhibits are the iconic Japanese high-speed train Shinkansen, the British steam locomotive Mallard, and the oldest mainline working locomotive on Britain's tracks that was built in 1923, Flying Scotsman. Thousands of railway-related items are part of the collection, inducing signaling equipment, tickets, uniforms, posters, and a whole lot of models.
Specialization
Transportation history
Perfect for
Vintage train enthusiasts and budding train drivers
A spacious free museum of British railway transport based in a former locomotive depot.
Why should you go?
Home to an extensive collection of around 100 historic locomotives, including the oldest ones that date back to the early 19th century, this must-see museum was established in the former York North locomotive depot in 1975. Among its most fascinating exhibits are the iconic Japanese high-speed train Shinkansen, the British steam locomotive Mallard, and the oldest mainline working locomotive on Britain's tracks that was built in 1923, Flying Scotsman. Thousands of railway-related items are part of the collection, inducing signaling equipment, tickets, uniforms, posters, and a whole lot of models.
Specialization
Transportation history
Perfect for
Vintage train enthusiasts and budding train drivers
York's Chocolate Story
What is it?
A visitor attraction and museum focusing on York's history of chocolate manufacturing, with treats included in the tour.
Why should you go?
This sweet little museum offers a guide through 4,000 years of chocolate history, with a particular focus on York and its chocolate-making background. You'll learn about York's signature brands Terry's, Craven's, and Rowntree's, explore the intricacies of the chocolate-manufacturing process, and even make some sweets of your own. Treats are, of course, included in the process. And don't forget to get some chocolate from the local shop: it's truly amazing.
Our walking tour of York’s most iconic attractions is also an opportunity to learn about York's chocolate traditions. Enjoy easy navigation and stories told by local experts.
Specialization
Local museum and sugary treats
Perfect for
Sweet tooths
A visitor attraction and museum focusing on York's history of chocolate manufacturing, with treats included in the tour.
Why should you go?
This sweet little museum offers a guide through 4,000 years of chocolate history, with a particular focus on York and its chocolate-making background. You'll learn about York's signature brands Terry's, Craven's, and Rowntree's, explore the intricacies of the chocolate-manufacturing process, and even make some sweets of your own. Treats are, of course, included in the process. And don't forget to get some chocolate from the local shop: it's truly amazing.
Our walking tour of York’s most iconic attractions is also an opportunity to learn about York's chocolate traditions. Enjoy easy navigation and stories told by local experts.
Specialization
Local museum and sugary treats
Perfect for
Sweet tooths
@yorkschocstory
Yorkshire Air Museum
What is it?
An aviation museum on the site of the former RAF Elvington airfield, a WWII Bomber Command station, home to an impressive aircraft collection.
Why should you go?
One of the largest independent air museums in Britain, and the only Allied Air Forces Memorial in Europe, this aviation museum is located within easy reach of the city of York — so if you're thinking where to go outside of the old town, this is a perfect option. The museum occupies a former airfield that served as a WW2 RAF bomber base and was restored in the 1980s after falling into disrepair. WWII aircraft represent the core of the collection (including a Spitfire and the Handley Page Halifax "Friday The 13th" bomber), while pre- and post-war machines are also on display (some are still in operation!)
Specialization
Aviation history
Perfect for
Aviation geeks and military history buffs
An aviation museum on the site of the former RAF Elvington airfield, a WWII Bomber Command station, home to an impressive aircraft collection.
Why should you go?
One of the largest independent air museums in Britain, and the only Allied Air Forces Memorial in Europe, this aviation museum is located within easy reach of the city of York — so if you're thinking where to go outside of the old town, this is a perfect option. The museum occupies a former airfield that served as a WW2 RAF bomber base and was restored in the 1980s after falling into disrepair. WWII aircraft represent the core of the collection (including a Spitfire and the Handley Page Halifax "Friday The 13th" bomber), while pre- and post-war machines are also on display (some are still in operation!)
Specialization
Aviation history
Perfect for
Aviation geeks and military history buffs
@sta64canonman
York Art Gallery
What is it?
An art gallery in the center of York that houses a collection of paintings and decorative art from the 14th century to the contemporary period.
Why should you go?
This gallery hosts a comprehensive collection of local and international art, with over 1,000 works on display, including Italian, Dutch, German, and French masterpieces. The exhibition's core is predominantly represented by British art from the 16th century onwards. Lucas Cranach the Elder, Rembrandt, Henri Fantin-Latour, William Etty, and L. S. Lowry are among the major artists featured here, as well as some contemporary ones such as David Hockney and Damien Hirst. Among the exhibits are also prints, watercolors, and a lovely pottery collection from Yorkshire, China, and Korea.
Specialization
Arts and culture
Perfect for
A quiet afternoon with the art
An art gallery in the center of York that houses a collection of paintings and decorative art from the 14th century to the contemporary period.
Why should you go?
This gallery hosts a comprehensive collection of local and international art, with over 1,000 works on display, including Italian, Dutch, German, and French masterpieces. The exhibition's core is predominantly represented by British art from the 16th century onwards. Lucas Cranach the Elder, Rembrandt, Henri Fantin-Latour, William Etty, and L. S. Lowry are among the major artists featured here, as well as some contemporary ones such as David Hockney and Damien Hirst. Among the exhibits are also prints, watercolors, and a lovely pottery collection from Yorkshire, China, and Korea.
Specialization
Arts and culture
Perfect for
A quiet afternoon with the art
York Cold War Bunker
What is it?
A semi-subterranean Cold War-era bunker built to monitor nuclear explosions and fallout in Yorkshire.
Why should you go?
Fed up with Vikings and Victorian art? Thinking about cool things to do in York that are not that historic? Look no further: the Cold War bunker is the place to go to discover the fascinating — and, until recently, secret — local history of the international nuclear rivalry. This space was built in 1961 and operated until 1991 when it was the regional headquarters and control center for the Royal Observer Corps's No. 20 Group YORK. Behind its blast-proof doors, you'll find perfectly restored equipment, an air filtration and generating plant, a kitchen and canteen, dormitories, and an operations room.
Specialization
Cold War history, military technology
Perfect for
Both technology geeks and history buffs
A semi-subterranean Cold War-era bunker built to monitor nuclear explosions and fallout in Yorkshire.
Why should you go?
Fed up with Vikings and Victorian art? Thinking about cool things to do in York that are not that historic? Look no further: the Cold War bunker is the place to go to discover the fascinating — and, until recently, secret — local history of the international nuclear rivalry. This space was built in 1961 and operated until 1991 when it was the regional headquarters and control center for the Royal Observer Corps's No. 20 Group YORK. Behind its blast-proof doors, you'll find perfectly restored equipment, an air filtration and generating plant, a kitchen and canteen, dormitories, and an operations room.
Specialization
Cold War history, military technology
Perfect for
Both technology geeks and history buffs
@scottish.geek
York Army Museum
What is it?
A compact and informative British Army museum with a particular focus on two local regiments.
Why should you go?
Housing the collections of the Yorkshire Regiment and the Royal Dragoon Guards, local infantry and cavalry regiments, this museum covers over 300 years of military history (with WWI represented in more detail). Cold weapons and firearms, uniforms, personal artifacts of soldiers, documents, and models — all of this neatly organized, described, and put into context by expert staff — make this museum an exciting place to visit even if you're not that much into matters of war. Check out the horse model in the center: it's the visitors' favorite.
Specialization
Military museum
Perfect for
Military history fans
A compact and informative British Army museum with a particular focus on two local regiments.
Why should you go?
Housing the collections of the Yorkshire Regiment and the Royal Dragoon Guards, local infantry and cavalry regiments, this museum covers over 300 years of military history (with WWI represented in more detail). Cold weapons and firearms, uniforms, personal artifacts of soldiers, documents, and models — all of this neatly organized, described, and put into context by expert staff — make this museum an exciting place to visit even if you're not that much into matters of war. Check out the horse model in the center: it's the visitors' favorite.
Specialization
Military museum
Perfect for
Military history fans
@yorkarmymuseum
York Minster
What is it?
A magnificent centuries-old Gothic cathedral that is one of the largest of its type in Northern Europe.
Why should you go?
Standing on the site where the first church was founded in the 7th century, the current building was completed in 1472. Among the most impressive elements of the edifice are its stained glass windows. Make sure to check out the rose window in the south transept that dates back to 1515 — it was restored after being shattered into 40,000 pieces in the massive fire of 1984. Another feature is its Central Tower (we encourage you to climb the 275 steps and enjoy the panoramic views of the city). The Undercroft Museum in the vaults beneath the cathedral displays the city's Roman, Viking, Saxon, and Norman history.
Specialization
Religious architecture and history of religion
Perfect for
An afternoon visit while exploring the old town
A magnificent centuries-old Gothic cathedral that is one of the largest of its type in Northern Europe.
Why should you go?
Standing on the site where the first church was founded in the 7th century, the current building was completed in 1472. Among the most impressive elements of the edifice are its stained glass windows. Make sure to check out the rose window in the south transept that dates back to 1515 — it was restored after being shattered into 40,000 pieces in the massive fire of 1984. Another feature is its Central Tower (we encourage you to climb the 275 steps and enjoy the panoramic views of the city). The Undercroft Museum in the vaults beneath the cathedral displays the city's Roman, Viking, Saxon, and Norman history.
Specialization
Religious architecture and history of religion
Perfect for
An afternoon visit while exploring the old town
Related tours:
Fairfax House
What is it?
One of England's finest Georgian townhouses with richly decorated interiors that offers a glimpse into the life of 18th-century upper classes.
Why should you go?
Fairfax House was historically the winter home of Viscount Fairfax and his daughter Anne. In the mid-18th century, it was remodeled by the renowned Yorkshire architect John Carr. The building features some of the most elegant plasterwork and woodwork that has been painstakingly restored in the 1980s after some years of neglect. The opulent atmosphere of period rooms is highlighted by the exquisite collection of furniture, clocks, silver, and paintings. Overall, the townhouse is a marvelous combination of coziness and grandeur.
Specialization
Historic architecture and design
Perfect for
A respite in dreary winter weather
One of England's finest Georgian townhouses with richly decorated interiors that offers a glimpse into the life of 18th-century upper classes.
Why should you go?
Fairfax House was historically the winter home of Viscount Fairfax and his daughter Anne. In the mid-18th century, it was remodeled by the renowned Yorkshire architect John Carr. The building features some of the most elegant plasterwork and woodwork that has been painstakingly restored in the 1980s after some years of neglect. The opulent atmosphere of period rooms is highlighted by the exquisite collection of furniture, clocks, silver, and paintings. Overall, the townhouse is a marvelous combination of coziness and grandeur.
Specialization
Historic architecture and design
Perfect for
A respite in dreary winter weather
Clifford's Tower
What is it?
The ruined Norman keep of York Castle, standing atop the mound in the city center.
Why should you go?
The most prominent surviving part of the original medieval castle, Clifford's Tower is one of the most recognizable local landmarks. Throughout the centuries, it has served as a royal mint, a medieval stronghold, a storage facility, a Civil War garrison, and part of a prison complex. The tower has seen some grim episodes, including a massive pogrom in the 12th century and executions of traitors by hanging from its top. Currently, it offers some of the most stunning views of the city skyline and the Minster and is a popular York attraction.
Specialization
Historic site and observation deck
Perfect for
A daytime visit while sightseeing in the historic center
The ruined Norman keep of York Castle, standing atop the mound in the city center.
Why should you go?
The most prominent surviving part of the original medieval castle, Clifford's Tower is one of the most recognizable local landmarks. Throughout the centuries, it has served as a royal mint, a medieval stronghold, a storage facility, a Civil War garrison, and part of a prison complex. The tower has seen some grim episodes, including a massive pogrom in the 12th century and executions of traitors by hanging from its top. Currently, it offers some of the most stunning views of the city skyline and the Minster and is a popular York attraction.
Specialization
Historic site and observation deck
Perfect for
A daytime visit while sightseeing in the historic center
York Maze
What is it?
A huge maize field with a maze and a host of rides and attractions, open in the summer and over Halloween.
Why should you go?
One of the best places to go with kids for a day out in the country when you also don't want to travel too far. Over 20 rides, shows, and attractions — all of them located in the largest maize field in the UK, created from over one million plants. There's something fun in every corner: slides, climbing zones, obstacle courses, dinosaurs hiding in the fields, mazes of illusions, and a true highlight of the place — tractor rides, an exciting and very hands-on experience. We recommend visiting during Halloween: spooky entertainment in a late-autumn cornfield is surely a-maze-ing as hell!
Specialization
Outdoor kid-friendly activities
Perfect for
A whole day of fun with the kids
A huge maize field with a maze and a host of rides and attractions, open in the summer and over Halloween.
Why should you go?
One of the best places to go with kids for a day out in the country when you also don't want to travel too far. Over 20 rides, shows, and attractions — all of them located in the largest maize field in the UK, created from over one million plants. There's something fun in every corner: slides, climbing zones, obstacle courses, dinosaurs hiding in the fields, mazes of illusions, and a true highlight of the place — tractor rides, an exciting and very hands-on experience. We recommend visiting during Halloween: spooky entertainment in a late-autumn cornfield is surely a-maze-ing as hell!
Specialization
Outdoor kid-friendly activities
Perfect for
A whole day of fun with the kids
@yorkmaze
The Snickleway Inn
What is it?
One of the oldest and most haunted pubs in York with a great selection of ales.
Why should you go?
This snug little pub, with parts that date back to the 15th century and a cozy beer garden, has retained much of its historic character and is one of the best places to go for a pint or two when you're on a pub crawl downtown.
With York being one of the most haunted cities in the world, this fine establishment reportedly is home to five ghosts. These include the specter of Marmaduke Buckle, a disabled man who hanged himself from the beam in the 18th century, another entity that can throw tools at the staff in the cellar, and Mrs. Tulliver with her cat, Seamus who tends to rub up against the legs of patrons.
Specialization
Historic pubs
Perfect for
Fans of ghost stories (and beer)
One of the oldest and most haunted pubs in York with a great selection of ales.
Why should you go?
This snug little pub, with parts that date back to the 15th century and a cozy beer garden, has retained much of its historic character and is one of the best places to go for a pint or two when you're on a pub crawl downtown.
With York being one of the most haunted cities in the world, this fine establishment reportedly is home to five ghosts. These include the specter of Marmaduke Buckle, a disabled man who hanged himself from the beam in the 18th century, another entity that can throw tools at the staff in the cellar, and Mrs. Tulliver with her cat, Seamus who tends to rub up against the legs of patrons.
Specialization
Historic pubs
Perfect for
Fans of ghost stories (and beer)
@thesnicklewayinn
York City Walls
What is it?
Walkable medieval walls encircling the historic City of York and offering great views of the old town.
Why should you go?
York City Walls, or the Bar Walls, date back mainly to the 13th century and are among the best-preserved and most complete town walls in England. The footpath is about 3.4 km long and goes through four main and two smaller bars (or gatehouses). About 4 m high, the walls offer excellent views of the city's major landmarks, including the Minster and the Museum Gardens.
Prepare to climb some steps, but remember there are plenty of nice spots along the way to sit down and relax — so if you're thinking about what to do in York on a sunny afternoon that involves a bit of exercise, this is an excellent idea.
Specialization
Ruins and landmarks
Perfect for
Those who love medieval structures and have healthy knees
Walkable medieval walls encircling the historic City of York and offering great views of the old town.
Why should you go?
York City Walls, or the Bar Walls, date back mainly to the 13th century and are among the best-preserved and most complete town walls in England. The footpath is about 3.4 km long and goes through four main and two smaller bars (or gatehouses). About 4 m high, the walls offer excellent views of the city's major landmarks, including the Minster and the Museum Gardens.
Prepare to climb some steps, but remember there are plenty of nice spots along the way to sit down and relax — so if you're thinking about what to do in York on a sunny afternoon that involves a bit of exercise, this is an excellent idea.
Specialization
Ruins and landmarks
Perfect for
Those who love medieval structures and have healthy knees
York Ghost Tour
What is it?
A self-guided audio tour of York's dark secrets and sinister history.
Why should you go?
York is known to be one of the most haunted cities in the world, with over 500 recorded hauntings, according to the Ghost Research Foundation International. Taking into account its tumultuous history that involved the Vikings and the Romans, the Norman conquest and the Plague, the grim medieval times, wars and executions, and the Blitz — there well might be a specter in every corner of this town, from Roman legionnaires to quite a few ghostly cats. What any self-respecting fan of the spooky and macabre must do is explore some of the dark tales connected with York's landmarks with our tour.
Specialization
Urban history, local stories
Perfect for
Fans of really dark history
A self-guided audio tour of York's dark secrets and sinister history.
Why should you go?
York is known to be one of the most haunted cities in the world, with over 500 recorded hauntings, according to the Ghost Research Foundation International. Taking into account its tumultuous history that involved the Vikings and the Romans, the Norman conquest and the Plague, the grim medieval times, wars and executions, and the Blitz — there well might be a specter in every corner of this town, from Roman legionnaires to quite a few ghostly cats. What any self-respecting fan of the spooky and macabre must do is explore some of the dark tales connected with York's landmarks with our tour.
Specialization
Urban history, local stories
Perfect for
Fans of really dark history
Yorkshire Museum and Gardens
What is it?
Home to a diverse collection of artifacts, from coins to fossils, in the center of a tranquil botanical garden with picturesque ruins.
Why should you go?
Yorkshire Museum hosts an extensive collection of objects covering the fields of biology, geology, archaeology, numismatics, and astronomy. There's also an impressive range of fossils, specimens, artifacts, jewelry, and other treasures.
One of the greatest things about it is its location in a beautiful park, Museum Gardens, home to some impressive historic structures. These include the remains of the west corner of the Roman fort of Eboracum, ruins of the medieval St Mary's Abbey, and what's left of St Leonard's Hospital chapel and undercroft. Check out our audio tour that also includes a visit to the gardens.
Specialization
Natural history
Perfect for
A quiet afternoon in the museum followed by a picnic in the gardens
Home to a diverse collection of artifacts, from coins to fossils, in the center of a tranquil botanical garden with picturesque ruins.
Why should you go?
Yorkshire Museum hosts an extensive collection of objects covering the fields of biology, geology, archaeology, numismatics, and astronomy. There's also an impressive range of fossils, specimens, artifacts, jewelry, and other treasures.
One of the greatest things about it is its location in a beautiful park, Museum Gardens, home to some impressive historic structures. These include the remains of the west corner of the Roman fort of Eboracum, ruins of the medieval St Mary's Abbey, and what's left of St Leonard's Hospital chapel and undercroft. Check out our audio tour that also includes a visit to the gardens.
Specialization
Natural history
Perfect for
A quiet afternoon in the museum followed by a picnic in the gardens
@hatton_newcastle
York Cemetery
What is it?
A slightly ungroomed but beautiful and peaceful cemetery with abundant wildlife.
Why should you go?
Founded in 1837, York Cemetery is undoubtedly not one of the most manicured burial grounds; it resembles a somewhat overgrown nature reserve. Once a prospering burial ground, it fell into disrepair for a couple of decades around the 1960s until local activists tried to take matters into their own hands.
Nowadays, it is a functioning cemetery, a serene albeit partly unkempt park, and a wildlife haven: if you're lucky, you can spot a hedgehog, a fox, an owl, or even a deer. Joseph Terry, who was behind Terry's confectionery company's success, is buried here, among a few other notable locals.
Specialization
Cemetery
Perfect for
A peaceful afternoon on your own
A slightly ungroomed but beautiful and peaceful cemetery with abundant wildlife.
Why should you go?
Founded in 1837, York Cemetery is undoubtedly not one of the most manicured burial grounds; it resembles a somewhat overgrown nature reserve. Once a prospering burial ground, it fell into disrepair for a couple of decades around the 1960s until local activists tried to take matters into their own hands.
Nowadays, it is a functioning cemetery, a serene albeit partly unkempt park, and a wildlife haven: if you're lucky, you can spot a hedgehog, a fox, an owl, or even a deer. Joseph Terry, who was behind Terry's confectionery company's success, is buried here, among a few other notable locals.
Specialization
Cemetery
Perfect for
A peaceful afternoon on your own
@young_preservationist
Gin Tasting at York Gin
What is it?
An exciting way to learn everything about England's signature drink in a very empirical manner.
Why should you go?
Based in a 16th-century building, York Gin is a haven for gin lovers that sells classics such as London Dry, Old Tom, and Navy Strength gins, as well as fruit and flavored gins. Their gins are explicitly inspired by York's history — from one of the city's ghosts to its chocolate history.
The tastings are an excellent way to explore the history of gin-making, learn some tasting tips, and discover the myths and legends surrounding the botanical-based spirit. Generous sampling is, naturally, part of the experience (and some of the best stuff to do after all that sightseeing).
Specialization
Alcohol tasting
Perfect for
Gin connoisseurs and novices
An exciting way to learn everything about England's signature drink in a very empirical manner.
Why should you go?
Based in a 16th-century building, York Gin is a haven for gin lovers that sells classics such as London Dry, Old Tom, and Navy Strength gins, as well as fruit and flavored gins. Their gins are explicitly inspired by York's history — from one of the city's ghosts to its chocolate history.
The tastings are an excellent way to explore the history of gin-making, learn some tasting tips, and discover the myths and legends surrounding the botanical-based spirit. Generous sampling is, naturally, part of the experience (and some of the best stuff to do after all that sightseeing).
Specialization
Alcohol tasting
Perfect for
Gin connoisseurs and novices
Foss Fairy Trail
What is it?
A riverside walk along the trail with cute little fairy houses and a constantly developing local community initiative.
Why should you go?
If you've run out of ideas of what to see in York now that you've done all the top things from our list — we've saved the sweetest experience for last. Foss Fairy Trail is a constantly-growing little settlement of tiny fairy houses scattered along the pathway by the river Foss. It was started by a local woman during the lockdown and has since become a little magical retreat for many residents of the neighborhood. New houses keep appearing in this adorable enchanted village, so just keep your eyes peeled! There's also a picnic area with tables and benches.
Specialization
Urban trail, community art
Perfect for
Those who need a little magic in their lives
A riverside walk along the trail with cute little fairy houses and a constantly developing local community initiative.
Why should you go?
If you've run out of ideas of what to see in York now that you've done all the top things from our list — we've saved the sweetest experience for last. Foss Fairy Trail is a constantly-growing little settlement of tiny fairy houses scattered along the pathway by the river Foss. It was started by a local woman during the lockdown and has since become a little magical retreat for many residents of the neighborhood. New houses keep appearing in this adorable enchanted village, so just keep your eyes peeled! There's also a picnic area with tables and benches.
Specialization
Urban trail, community art
Perfect for
Those who need a little magic in their lives
@fossfairytrail
FAQ
- 1What are the must-see attractions to visit in York?
- York Minster
- The Shambles
- Clifford's Tower
- National Railway Museum
- York Art Gallery
- Yorkshire Air Museum
- 2What are the best things to do in York with kids?
- York Castle Museum
- National Railway Museum
- York Maze
- Jorvik Viking Centre
- York's Chocolate Story
- Foss Fairy Trail
- Piglets Adventure Farm
- 3What are the best outdoor activities in York?
- The Shambles
- Yorkshire Air Museum
- York City Walls
- Yorkshire Museum Gardens
- Foss Fairy Trail
- York Cemetery
- 4What are the best indoor activities in York?
- National Railway Museum
- York Minster
- Jorvik Viking Centre
- York Cold War Bunker
- The Snickleway Inn (or any other haunted pubs - The Golden Fleece, Ye Olde Starre Inne, The Old White Swan — York has quite a few of those!)
- Fairfax House
Related tours:
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