Although only the sixth-largest city in Yorkshire and having no official status, York is regarded as the county's capital, and is also positioned just east of its geographic centre. For 1800 years, it was the largest and most important city in northern England, though today has a rather modest population just shy of 200,000 people. Despite its size, York packs in more history and culture than many much larger places, and is a fascinating and beautiful destination any time of year.

York city centre is a compact and dense warren of mostly pedestrianised streets lined with centuries-old buildings in a mix of architectural styles, from Roman and Viking remnants, through timber frame medieval structures, to much grander stone and brick edifices from later periods. The centre straddles both banks of two rivers - the Ouse (pronounced ooze) and the Foss - which merge just south of the castle. At the city's heart stands the imposing York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, and the mother church for northern England's Anglican community. The Archbishop of York (Stephen Cottrell, since 2020) holds the third-highest office in the Church of England, after the King and the Archbishop of Canterbury. York's old town is completely encircled by a series of defensive medieval walls. At just over 2 miles (3.2 km) long, 13 feet (4 m) high, and 6 feet (1.8 m) thick, they are the UK's most extensive and best-preserved city walls.

Most visitor attractions are within or just outside these walls, so you will seldom find yourself venturing into York's outer neighbourhoods. However, if you do, you will find them pleasant and residential, mostly containing red brick houses from the 19th and 20th centuries. There is a modern university campus around Heslington in the south-eastern suburbs, a large racecourse called the Knavesmire in the south-west, and extensive parks along the Ouse's journey through the northern and southern suburbs. This urban sprawl is bounded by a modern day city wall of sorts: the ring road separates York from its rural surroundings, the well-endowed farmlands and villages of the Vale of York.

York has played a crucial role in many eras of English history, and the city's own story closely mirrors that of the country as a whole.

Evidence of human settlement in York dates back to 8000 BC, but the city wasn't founded until 71 AD by the Romans, who named it Eboracum, as a Latinisation of the Celtic Eburākon, meaning "yew tree place". Eboracum began as little more than a military outpost at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss, but quickly became one of the most important cities in Roman Britain, and from 211 was the capital of the Britannia Inferior province; Emperors Hadrian, Septimius Severus and Constantius I all visited during their military campaigns against the native Britons and Picts. The latter of the three actually died during his stay, and his son, the future Constantine the Great, was first proclaimed Emperor in the city by his generals. Constantine later converted to Christianity, and legalised freedom of religion throughout the Empire. Eboracum was prosperous and particularly attracted merchants and retired veterans of the Emperors' wars. Why said retirees apparently chose the damp and chilly Yorkshire climate over the Empire's many Mediterranean provinces remains one of history's great mysteries.

After Rome, the 5th century brought the arrival of the Angles - the first Englishmen. This period saw the expansion of the city's trading prowess, the founding of York Minster as a small wooden church, and a spell of political prominence under the Kings of Northumbria. By 735, the Minster was already important enough to be the seat of an archbishop. But Eoforwic ("place rich in boar"), as it was now known, proved too much of a success and quickly caught the attention of avaricious Norsemen: Vikings had been harrying and raiding the north of England since the 700s, but why sail for days just to snatch a pig and a bracelet and rush back to sea, when they could harvest this rich farmland for their own? So, in 866, a huge army of Danes captured Eoforwic and, realising that name was a hopeless mouthful, rechristened their new city Jórvík (pronounced "Yor-vik"). From here, they controlled pretty much all of northern and eastern England, in a region known as the Danelaw. Jórvík was pretty perfect as a Viking capital, since its inland location offered defence and shelter, while the Ouse provided their longboats easy access to the sea via the Humber. Even though Viking power waxed and waned over the centuries, large numbers of Scandinavian people settled permanently in the region, meaning Jórvík was a bilingual (Old English and Old Norse) city at the time of the Norman Conquest.

By 1066, the Vikings had once again been ousted by the Saxons, but nursed ambitions to return. Harold Godwinson was crowned King of England, but faced a combined invasion by his exiled brother Tostig and the Norse king Harald Hardrada. The invaders won a battle at Fulford just outside York, but King Harold marched north and defeated them at Stamford Bridge 15 mi (24 km) east. Yet, while his back was turned, William the Conqueror's Normans invaded from across the English Channel. Harold's exhausted army marched south again, this time to crippling defeat at Hastings. England came under Norman rule, and the Anglo-Saxon/Norse society that the country had developed, and York exemplified, was dismantled swiftly and brutally.

The Harrying of the North was a violent campaign of oppression against rebellious northerners in the years after the Conquest. From his castle in York, King William ordered the mass murder of civilians, demolition of numerous villages and burning of crops across the north of England, and York was also heavily damaged. As in the rest of the country, Normans became the new aristocracy, with the English and remaining Norse people reduced to serfdom. From this point on, the Normans consolidated their rule with the construction of castles, monasteries and great cathedrals. York Minster's Gothic design first took shape in the 12th century, while the present city walls, their gates (known as bars), and Clifford's Tower also cemented the Normans' impact on York's cityscape.

The late Medieval period produced much important architectural and cultural heritage, which are still evident today. The centuries-long construction of the Minster finally wrapped in 1472, while the higgledy-piggledy timber-frame shops of the Shambles mostly date from the 14th and 15th centuries. York's Mystery Plays, performing weird and wonderful Bible stories, were begun in the same era and continue to the present day. Then, in 1455, England was consumed by civil war: rival royals from York and Lancaster fought a brutal series of campaigns for control of the crown. Yorkist armies marched under the banner of a white rose, while their enemy Lancastrians followed the red rose, hence the name of this conflict, the Wars of the Roses. The last Yorkist king, Richard III, was finally defeated in combat at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, 30 years after the wars began. The Lancastrians' leader, Henry VII, became the first monarch of the Tudor dynasty, and both York in general and King Richard in particular were subsequently demonised.

The city's economy and status went into a long decline which wouldn't be recovered until after England's second Civil War, during which Royalist York was again on the wrong side of history, and besieged by the ultimate victors (Parliament) for 10 weeks in 1644. The siege and subsequent storming of the city destroyed many medieval buildings, but paved the way for fashionable new brick townhouses to be built as York regained its mojo in the late 17th and 18th centuries.

This resurgence in the city's wealth may have been what saved York's ancient streets from the smoke-stack industry which sprang up in many other northern towns from the late 18th century onwards. However, the industrial revolution didn't bypass York completely. In the 1840s, the first long-distance railway raced north from London to Edinburgh, and York's station was constructed as a cathedral of sorts in homage to the great connecting power of trains, while the locomotive yards next door kept the country's engines moving. The city found its other manufacturing niche soon after when the Rowntree family opened their chocolate factory. Many of their creations - among them KitKat, Aero and Smarties - are still staple snacks in the UK and around the world. The Rowntrees, known for their philanthropy, were Quakers, a religious group which has had a strong presence in York for three centuries, and whose members have done much to shape its development - they were also behind the burgeoning rail industry.

While its prominence and relative size in comparison to other cities have dwindled since the 19th century, and its status as capital of the north credibly challenged by the likes of Manchester and Leeds, York remains prosperous and lively; in 2018, it was named the best city to live in the UK by The Sunday Times. In 2021, the city celebrated its 1,950th anniversary, and today's visitor will easily recognise and marvel at just how well York has preserved aspects from every major episode of its history, as much in the way of culture and traditions as in the built environment.

Summer brings very long days and the best chance of sun and warmth, and is thus the finest time to make the most of the city's squares, parks and rivers. If you really like flat caps and whippets, then be sure to be in town on 1 August for Yorkshire Day, when a procession of proud Yorkshiremen march their white rose flags all through the streets. Summer visitors may also get the chance to see festivals dedicated to chocolate, early music and folk dance, and the really lucky may even catch a mystery play - although these follow an irregular schedule and don't take place every year.

On the other hand, summer is when everyone visits, so is not the best time if you don't like mingling with thousands of your fellow tourists. Besides, nobody comes to North Yorkshire for the weather, and summer washouts are just as likely as heatwaves, so why not take a punt on autumn or winter? Some of the city's key annual events, such as the Viking Festival and Christmas celebrations, take place in the chillier half of the year. What's more, you need short days in order to experience the magical atmosphere of a twilit evensong in the Minster, and you need to get cold to fully appreciate the cosiness of a hearty meal and pint next to a roaring fire in one of York's pubs.

By the way, if you're planning to use York as a base to explore the wider region's countryside and coast, then spring is the season for you. The fields and trees are at their greenest, wildflowers are in bloom, visitor numbers are fewer, and the late spring weather is often better suited to hiking and walking than high summer. And honestly, who doesn't love the sight of spring lambs gamboling about joyfully?

• Visitor information from Visit York
• 53.9612-1.08521 Visitor Information Centre, 1 Museum Street, YO1 7DT, ☏ +44 1904 555-670, [email protected]. M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su, bank holiday 10AM-4PM. A first port-of-call for maps, hundreds of leaflets, attraction discounts and impartial advice from local experts. (updated Nov 2022)

If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, you can save money by purchasing the Visit York Pass, a ticket which gives you access to almost 40 attractions in York and its region. The pass also includes a 24-hour ticket for the City Sightseeing bus tour, discounts on meals, car hire, taxis and more.

You can get passes for one, two, three or six days. The pass is digital and issued via email to your smartphone; buy online or at the Visitor Information Centre.

The pass is valid for 12 months after purchase and is activated once you enter your first attraction. The one-day pass is valid for one calendar day, not a 24-hour period. Two- and six-day passes are valid for consecutive calendar days. Three-day passes can be used for any three days out of six. Passes cover the entry fee of every participating attraction, but do not allow you to queue jump or to have privileged access. As with every tourist pass, the more attractions you visit, the more money you'll save; a downside to this approach is you might find yourself rushing around town instead of taking everything in.

• 53.3539-2.2751 Manchester Airport (MAN ^IATA), 85 mi (137 km) south-west of York, has global direct connections, including from North America, Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, East Asia, the Caribbean and pretty much everywhere in Europe. A direct train to York, operated by Transpennine Express, runs every 30 min, taking 1 hr 50 min. By road, from the airport, follow the M56 onto the M60 Manchester Ring Road (east/anticlockwise), then at junction 18 take the M62 towards Leeds. This takes you across Saddleworth Moor, the highest section of motorway in Britain; in good weather, it's very scenic, but snow and extremely dense fog can badly affect or even close the route any time of the year. At junction 29, take the M1 north. This soon merges onto the A1 (M), and from here you take the next exit for the A64 towards York.

• 53.865-1.662 Leeds-Bradford Airport (LBA ^IATA) is the closest airport to York, 31 mi (50 km) away by road. It has decent connections across western Europe, and is mostly served by budget carriers. Aer Lingus and KLM connect to their respective hubs at Dublin and Amsterdam Schiphol. The airport is north of Leeds, so you can mostly dodge the city traffic by following the A658 past Harrogate to the A59, where you pick up signs to York. By public transport, take bus A1 from the airport into Central Leeds. From here, you can take the train: Crosscountry, LNER and Transpennine Express all operate trains to York, taking 25 min and offering a 'turn-up-and-go' frequency.

• The London airports obviously have a huge range of flights, especially Heathrow (LHR ^IATA) and Gatwick (LGW ^IATA). However, by public transport you have to travel into central London before heading north to York from King's Cross Station: from Heathrow use a combination of the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express and London Underground; from Gatwick take the Thameslink train to St Pancras, adjacent to King's Cross. LNER trains depart King's Cross every 30 min and take roughly 2 hr. Alternatively, with a car you have to endure a long journey (at least 5 hours in good traffic) around the M25 ring road and up the A1.

Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain.

York is on the East Coast mainline, with LNER trains running every 30 min or so from Doncaster (20 min), Durham (50 min), Edinburgh Waverley (2 hr 30 min), Leeds (25 min), London King's Cross (2 hr) and Newcastle upon Tyne (1 hr). Hourly Crosscountry trains link to York from Birmingham New Street (2 hr 45 min – 3 hr 15 min), Bristol Temple Meads (4 hr 10 min), Plymouth (6 hr 15 min) and Sheffield (45 min – 1 hr). Transpennine Express trains run twice-hourly from Manchester Airport (1 hr 45 min), Manchester Piccadilly (1 hr 30 min) and Manchester Victoria (1 hr 15 min), via Huddersfield (47 min) and Leeds, and hourly from Liverpool Lime Street (2 hr 10 min). Transpennine and Northern branch lines run from Scarborough (50 min) and Hull (1 hr 10 min) on Yorkshire's east coast, and from Harrogate (40 min) and Knaresborough (30 min) in the west of the county. Although there are multiple train companies, times and prices for all can be found on the National Rail Planner or by calling ☏ +44 345 748 4950 (non-geographic).

King's Cross in London is adjacent to St Pancras International, the British terminus for high-speed Eurostar trains from the near continent. This very easy interchange brings York within 4 hr 30 min from Paris and Brussels, 3 hr 30 from Lille, and under 6 hr from Amsterdam.

• 53.958-1.09293 York railway station, Station Road, YO24 1AB. Just outside the western walls, access the city north along Station Road for the Museum Gardens and Minster, or south via Queen Street to Micklegate and the Jorvik Centre. Bus stops for many services are in the station forecourt, and any bus that doesn't pass here is likely to run through Rougier Street just inside the walls. The excellent National Railway Museum is adjacent on the west and is signposted from the platforms. There is no left luggage service at the station; the nearest one is on High Petergate, about 50 m from York Minster. (updated Nov 2022)

National Express operate daytime and overnight coaches from Birmingham, Hull, Leeds, London, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Sheffield, and Sunderland. The coaches call outside the railway station, at 53.957-1.0914 bus stop RC for northbound services, and at 53.958-1.0925 bus stop RG for southbound services. Megabus do not serve York, but do call at Leeds.

Coastliner run two different bus routes (840 and 843) through York from Leeds (840, 843), Tadcaster (840, 843), Malton (840, 843), Pickering (840), Scarborough (843) and Whitby (840) every 30 minutes during the daytime and every hour in the evenings. Both routes have two calling points in York city centre: outside the railway station at stops RC and RJ, and on 53.959-1.0766 The Stonebow. The last buses to York depart Leeds at 11:20PM, Scarborough at 8:25PM, and Whitby at 5:36PM. Daytrippers from Leeds can get the last bus back from York at 10:02PM. (Nov 2024) Enjoy the view: Coastliner's 840 service has won the prodigious title of "Britain's most scenic bus route".

Wikivoyage has a guide to Driving in the United Kingdom.

From the south, take the M1 north to junction 32, then the M18 east to junction 2, A1 (M) north to junction 44 and finally the A64 east to York. Or you can stay on the M1 all the way to the A64, but it gets very congested around Sheffield and Leeds in rush hour. Lighter traffic may be found by taking the A1 all the way from London. From the north, approach via the A1 (M) onto the A59 east, or take the A19. If you're coming from the urban north-west, follow the M62 east onto the M1; from the Yorkshire Dales and Lakes, use the A59. Approach from Leeds using the A64, and from Hull (for ferries from Rotterdam) by the A1079.

The old city is not designed for driving and is positively hostile to parking. If you are just visiting York for the day, don't try to park in town. Instead, use one of the park and ride sites, located close to the ring road and well signposted from the main roads. Each site is connected to the city centre by a unique colour-coded bus route, generally every 15 minutes, seven days a week. A day's parking is free, and a return bus fare costs £3.80 (Nov 2024). However, you can't use the park and ride overnight, so if you are staying in York, make sure that your accommodation offers parking, or consider leaving your car at home.

'"`UNIQ--maplink-00000010-QINU`"'

Map of park and ride sites and other transportation

	Road access	Which bus?	Bus hours
53.928-1.1177 Askham Bar	from Leeds and the south-west from the south	3	M-Sa 6AM-8PM, Su 9:30AM-6PM
53.922-1.0748 Designer Outlet	from Selby and the south	7	M-Sa 7AM-10:30PM, Su 9:30AM-10:30PM
53.955-1.0179 Grimston Bar	from Bridlington and the east from Hull and the south-east	8	M-Sa 5AM-9:30PM, Su 9:30AM-6PM
53.982-1.05110 Monks Cross	from Scarborough and the north-east	9	M-Sa 7AM-9:40PM, Su 9:30AM-7PM
53.972-1.1511 Poppleton Bar	from Harrogate and the west from the north	59	M-Sa 7AM-6:30PM, Su 9:30AM-6PM
53.984-1.12312 Rawcliffe Bar	from Thirsk and the north-west	2	M-Sa 7AM-10:30PM, Su 9:30AM-10:30PM

• 53.962355-1.0842872 Yorbag, 20 High Petergate, YO1 7EH, ☏ +44 7561 852 654 (mobile), [email protected]. Daily 9AM-6PM. Centrally-located Visit York-endorsed left luggage service. No overnight service. Small bag (55cm x 35cm x 25cm or smaller): £4 up to 10 hr. Large bag: £4 up to 2 hr, £6 up to 10 hr. (updated Nov 2024)

The best way to discover York: the city centre is small enough to walk from one side to the other in 20 minutes, and there is only a short distance on flat terrain between most of the sights. That said, the winding, narrow streets can be confusing and aren't always well-signposted, so a map is handy.

Some streets within the old city (i.e. inside the city walls) are pedestrianised during the day, closed to all cars except disabled drivers and emergency vehicles between 10:30AM and 5PM daily. You can see a map of these roads, locally known as footstreets, on i-Travel York. Some streets are subject to additional controls, for instance the Shambles is pedestrian-only at all times. Take care walking around the city centre when the roads open to car traffic at 5PM, as they fill up quickly with delivery vehicles servicing local shops and businesses.

If you enjoy walking, you must do the 2-mile (3.2-km) city wall circuit (see below for details), which offers views all around and should give you a feel for York's layout. Additionally, footpaths line the River Ouse for most of its journey through the city north to south, and there is a lot of parkland to discover alongside with the promise of wildlife sightings - see i-Travel's wildlife walks booklet for ideas.

York is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the UK - there's an extensive network of cycle routes in and around the city, and most of the traffic controls have been set up to give cyclists priority. There are no significant hills in or around the city centre, which is a big help. The river path along the Ouse contains some wonderful bike routes out of the city. Also beware that police and CCTV operators take a very dim view of cycling without lights after dusk, or cycling in the city centre pedestrianised area before 5PM, and will hand out an on-the-spot £60 fine for doing so. Download your York Cycle Route Map for free from iTravel York.

• 53.945-1.0773 Get Cycling, 22 Hospital Fields Road, YO10 4DZ (1 mi (1.6 km) S of city centre, via riverside walk or buses 7, 18, 25, 26, 36, 42, 200, 415), ☏ +44 1904 636-812, [email protected]. M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM, Sa 8:30AM-5PM, closed Su and bank holidays. Cycle hire shop with a range of conventional, electric and tandem bikes and trikes. Also rents out disability-adapted and children's bikes. Maps and route suggestions available on request. Conventional/electric/kids' bikes: 4 hr £25/£40/£15, 8 hr £30/£45/£20, 24 hr £45/£60/£35, extra 24 hr £35/£50/£25. Other tariffs for tandem and disability bikes. 10% discount for groups of 10 or more. Helmets, locks and lights included. (updated Nov 2024)

Bus services connect all the points of interest in the city. Download a PDF of the city's network map here. A variety of operators run the individual routes, but thankfully you can still buy a ticket which works on every company and line in the city within a set period: All York costs £4.80 for one day, £8.40 for two days, £20.20 for five days and £37.80 for 10 days. (Nov 2024). The day tickets are not 24 hour passes, rather they are valid until midnight on the day of purchase. Some operators accept contactless payment by credit and debit card. These tickets are only valid on public bus services, and not on sightseeing tours.

That said, the majority of bus routes are operated by First York, a private company. Adult single fares are £2 under the national bus fare cap in England. in January 2025, the cap will increase to £3. You can purchase your ticket with cash or contactless.

Like everywhere else in the UK, all taxi services are provided by private companies, but the fares are metered and strictly regulated by the local government authority. In this case, it is the City of York Council which sets the rates, the details of which you can download from the city's website. During the daytime (7AM-10PM), the base fare is £3.40, while the nighttime (10PM-7AM) base fare is £4.40. To these, 20p is added for every 130 metres travelled. Higher rates exist at Christmas, New Year, on bank holidays, and for travelling to/from the Knavesmire on race days. There are small additional charges for pets and extra passengers. (Nov 2024)

All four of the following companies have apps for iOS and Android:

• Fleetways, ☏ +44 1904 365-365. (updated Nov 2024)
• Getaway Cars, ☏ +44 1904 707-070. (updated Nov 2024)
• Streamline Taxis, ☏ +44 1904 656-565. (updated Nov 2024)
• York Cars, ☏ +44 1904 765-765. (updated Nov 2024)

The best advice for driving in York is don't. The roads were designed for carts pulled by oxen, and the city council is actively discouraging car use through a combination of high parking charges and traffic-calming measures. If you are bringing a car to York, your best bet is to leave it in a park and ride, at your hotel, or if absolutely necessary, a city centre car park.

If you're using York as a base from which to explore the Yorkshire countryside, you will find all the major car hire companies in town, mostly by the railway station.

• 53.961944-1.0819441 York Minster (Cathedral of St Peter in York), Deangate, YO1 7HH, ☏ +44 1904 557-200, [email protected]. Minster visits: M-Sa 9AM-4:30PM, Su 12:30PM-3PM; Museum: M-Sa 10AM-4:30PM, Su 1PM-3:15PM; Worship: 4 or more services daily 7:30AM-6PM. Seat of the Archbishop of York and the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe, York Minster dominates the skyline and dates back to the 8th century at least. The inside of the cathedral has beautiful stained glass and several interesting and peculiar features – look for the modern statues signalling "Christ is here" in semaphore and the dragon hanging from near the ceiling. The Undercroft Museum, beneath the Minster, displays centuries worth of archaeological findings in an interactive display. Then, climb the 275 steps to the top of the Minster's Central Tower to experience panoramic views from York's highest spot (ages 8+ only). The nightly Evensong worship has haunting acoustics, and is the only way of accessing the cathedral on Sunday late afternoons. On the south side of the Minster outside, don't miss the 53.961826-1.0817452 statue of Constantine the Great, who was in 306 AD proclaimed emperor of Rome in York. At the far end of the plaza from this is a 53.961634-1.0818133 Roman column which was unearthed beneath the Minster and reerected in 1971 to mark the 1,900th anniversary of the city's founding. Once you've seen all this, relax in the 53.963206-1.0824794 Dean's Park - a simple expanse of grass and trees that affords views of the north side of the Minster. In spring or summer, you may catch a glimpse of nesting peregrine falcons. Adult £11.50, senior £10.50, student with ID £9, child under 17 free. Access to Minster, museum and guided tour included; £5 extra for tower. Worship, park and plaza free. York Pass accepted. (updated Mar 2021)

• 53.955856-1.0799925 Clifford's Tower, Tower Street, YO1 9SA, ☏ +44 1904 646-940. Daily 10AM-6PM. In the 11th century, the Normans built a castle here to keep the Vikings at bay and subdue the local population following their conquest of England. The Vikings being Vikings, they promptly smashed it, so the Normans built bigger and better - the tower you see today was the castle's keep. The tower was the scene of the infamous massacre of York's Jews in 1190. In 1684, its interior was wrecked by an explosion, but the hollow tower is now the oldest remnant of the castle. The rest fell into disrepair, before being re-built as a gaol, and in modern times housing the Castle Museum. Access is by very steep steps up the hillock; it's a bit like climbing a pyramid. After closure, you can still climb to the front door and look back over the square - this is especially atmospheric after dark. Adult £8.10, child £5.40, concession £7.30, English Heritage members free. (updated Jun 2022)
• 53.9568-1.080066 Fairfax House, Castlegate, YO1 9RN, ☏ +44 1904 655-543, [email protected]. Sa–Th 11AM–4PM, F entrance by guided tour only 11AM, 2PM. A Georgian townhouse built as the winter home for the Viscount Fairfax and his daughter, which has today been lovingly restored as a charming example of aristocratic life in York. It is decorated and furnished similar to how it would have been in the 1760s, almost exclusively using objects from the private collection of chocolatier Noel Terry (1889–1979). Giuseppe Cortese's elaborately-wrought stucco ceilings are a particular highlight, adorning half a dozen of the Fairfaxs' stately rooms. 'Gregory the Townhouse Mouse' will keep your kids entertained with his exploration trails around the property. Audio tours in eight languages. Adult £7.50, guided tour £9. York Pass accepted. (updated Dec 2021)
• 53.959734-1.0854687 Guildhall, St. Helen’s Square, YO1 9QN, ☏ +44 1904 553-979, [email protected]. Built in the 15th century as a meeting hall for the guilds of York, the Guildhall is now also home to the city council chamber. Guilds are associations of artisans and merchants of a particular industry akin to something between a professional association, a trade union and a monopolistic cartel. In the middle ages, these guilds had a dominant role in the economies of every English city. However, the Guildhall you see today is a faithful replica, as the original was mostly destroyed by bombing in 1942. Notice the stained-glass window depicting York's history. (updated Mar 2021)
• 53.962385-1.0866068 King's Manor, Exhibition Square, YO1 7EP, ☏ +44 1904 320-000. M-F 8AM-6PM. Now the very apt home for the University of York's Archaeology Department, this was a royal headquarters during the Tudor and Stuart dynasties (16th and 17th centuries). As this is a working academic building, you may have to content yourself with admiring the Grade I listed architecture from the outside, unless you can pass as a scholar that is! Respect the students and staff, or you'll ruin it for future visitors. Free. (updated Mar 2021)

• 53.95785-1.0787989 Merchant Adventurers' Hall, Fossgate, YO1 9XD, ☏ +44 1904 654-818, [email protected]. Su-F 10AM-4:30PM, Sa 10AM-1:30PM. Remarkable timbered guild hall, built by city merchants between 1357 and 1361. The great hall was where they gathered for business and socialising, the undercroft was an almshouse for the poor and sick, and in the chapel all mercantile sins were conveniently forgiven. Good café on-site. Adult £6.50, concession £5.50, under 17s free. York Pass accepted. Admission includes audio tour in English / written guide in other languages. (updated Mar 2021)
• 53.9598-1.0977110 National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, YO26 4XJ (Adjacent to York railway station. Bus: 2, 10, or take the road train from the Minster), ☏ +44 333 016 1010, [email protected]. Daily Apr-Oct 10AM-6PM, Nov-Mar 10AM-5PM. The largest railway museum in the world, with a magnificent collection of locomotives, rolling stock, railway equipment, documents and records. The bulk of it is British, but there are also great snorting monsters from China and the U.S. Highlights include Queen Victoria's opulent Royal Train, famous locos such as Stephenson's Rocket and Mallard, and a first-generation Shinkansen - the only one outside of Japan. When it's not cruising the rails in summer, Flying Scotsman overwinters at the NRM. Out in the yard, a steam-engine hauls rides in the summer, and a miniature railway operates year-round. And the best thing for railbuffs: the museum is in sight of York station and has a viewing deck overlooking the East Coast Main Line!. Museum and all exhibitions free. Steam rides £4, miniature railway £3, under-2s free. (updated Mar 2021)
• 53.959289-1.08003411 Snickelways. These are the famous medieval (and later) alleys and narrow streets that thread the centre of the city, typically lined with timber frame and brick houses and shops. They are all pedestrianised in the daytime, and indeed most are too narrow for vehicles to use. See Mark W Jones' book A Walk Around the Snickelways of York (ISBN 1871125723) or its hardback companion The Complete Snickelways of York (ISBN 1871125049) with their quirky, hand-written descriptions, and follow his suggested route taking in 50 of the snickelways within the city walls. Jones himself coined the term for his books in 1983, as a triple portmanteau of the Yorkshire dialect words snicket and ginnel, and their standard English equivalent alleyway. (updated Dec 2021)

• 53.962764-1.08097312 Treasurer's House, Minster Yard, YO1 7JL, ☏ +44 1904 624-247, [email protected]. Sa–Tu noon–4PM -- confirm on website. Grade I-listed town house and garden dating from the 12th century that acted as the official residence of York Minster's treasurers over the centuries. Frank Green, heir to an industrialist's fortune, purchased it in 1897 and transformed it into a lavish pad to flaunt his enormous wealth and eclectic decorating tastes and collection of art, antiques, and furniture. Today it is managed by the National Trust, and the visitor can discover both Green's dizzying collection and the contrastingly calming gardens. Like all good Trust properties, there's an on-site shop and café. Adult £9, child £4.50. NT members free. (updated Oct 2022)
• 53.9561-1.080913 York Army Museum, 3 Tower Street, YO1 9SB, ☏ +44 1904 461-010. Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM. Contact via Facebook and X. The museum brings together the collections of one of the Army's oldest cavalry regiments - the Royal Dragoon Guards, dating from 1685, with one of its newest infantry regiments - the Yorkshire Regiment, which was only formed in 2006. Charting the relationship between Yorkshire and the Army going back centuries, the collections span medals, standards, uniforms, firearms, swords and soldiers' personal effects, with interactive exhibits and many tales of individual courage and hardships to bring the history to life. Adult £5, child aged 5-16 years £2.50, under 5 years free, concession £4, service personnel 50% off applicable ticket. York Pass accepted. (updated Mar 2021)
• 53.9599-1.084814 York Mansion House, St Helen's Square, YO1 9QL, ☏ +44 1904 553-663, [email protected]. W-Su, bank holidays 10:30AM-5PM. The grand official residence of the Lord Mayor of York, dating from 1732, holds an unparalleled collection of civic gold and silver, plus extensive items of furniture, ceramics, glassware and art. Gastronomes will be interested in the daily cooking demonstrations in the authentically-restored 18th-century kitchen. Adult £6.50, concession £5, child £3.50. York Pass accepted. (updated Mar 2021)

An independent charitable trust, York Archaeology, runs four attractions which can be visited on various individual or combined tickets. The most useful of these is the Triple Ticket, valid for 12 months, and allowing you entrance to three of the Trust's attractions: Jorvik, Barley Hall and DIG. This is available for £18 per adult, £14.50 per concession, and £12.50 per child.

• 53.9578-1.0805615 Jorvik Viking Centre, 19 Coppergate, YO1 9WT (within the Coppergate Shopping Centre), ☏ +44 1904 615-505, [email protected]. Daily Apr-Oct 10AM-6PM, Nov-Mar 10AM-4PM, longer hours during school holidays. Reconstruction of York as it might have looked 1000+ years ago. The visit takes the form of a sit-down ride as you experience the sights, sounds, smells and diverse languages and faces of everyday 10th century life, with the aid of animatronics, dioramas and touchscreen technology. Although a bit like the Viking version of It's a Small World, everything you see has been meticulously researched and the centre is itself built on the archaeological remains of the real Jórvík. Audio commentary available in 15 languages. After the ride is a collection of artefacts, including replicas - for more visit the Yorkshire Museum. Adult £12.50, child 5-16 years £8.50, concession £10.50. Fasttrack entry with Pastport. York Pass accepted. (updated Mar 2021)
• 53.96083-1.08258616 Barley Hall, 2 Coffee Yard, off Stonegate, YO1 8AR, ☏ +44 1904 615-505, [email protected]. Daily 10AM-3PM/4PM. Reconstruction of a medieval townhouse. Built in the 14th century by the monks of Nostell Priory in Wakefield, but serially chopped, changed and neglected over the centuries. By 1970 it was a plumber's storeroom, on the brink of demolition. It's now been rebuilt to how it was in the 15th century, discarding later additions. Its detractors say this was more like a retro-fit and prettification of history, but it's difficult to see how anything more "authentic" could have been made viable, and it can be accurately described as a large piece of experimental archaeology carried out by experts. Adult £6.50, child 5-16 years £3.50, concession £5. Combo ticket with Jorvik: adult £15, child £10, concession £12. York Pass accepted. (updated Mar 2021)

• 53.955836-1.09087617 Micklegate Bar, Micklegate, YO1 6JX. Micklegate Bar was first recorded in the 12th century, but reuses stone from an earlier Roman gate. It has long been the official entrance to the city of York for royalty, and welcomed Queen Elizabeth II during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. The indoor exhibition closed in 2025, but you can still view the very impressive exterior. Free. (updated Apr 2025)

The fourth attraction, DIG, is listed in the Do section below.

The York Museums Trust operate several civic museums and galleries.

• 53.963001-1.08632318 York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, YO1 7EW, ☏ +44 1904 687-687, [email protected]. Daily 10AM-5PM. A public art gallery with a collection of paintings, prints, watercolours, drawings and ceramics from the 14th century to the contemporary era. The Burton Gallery hosts Italian and Flemish Old Masters, and early 20th century modern art, while an 18th century automaton clock featuring Hercules, waterfalls and dancing figures has pride of place. Look out for paintings by York natives William Etty and Albert Moore. There are regular temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Adult £7.27, student £5.60, child free. (updated Jul 2020)

• 53.9556-1.0782719 York Castle Museum, Tower Street, YO1 9RY (next to Clifford's Tower), ☏ +44 1904 687-687, [email protected]. Daily 9:30AM-5PM. Outstanding museum of everyday life with exhibits to appeal to all ages. Highlights are Kirkgate, a recreated Victorian street, and Half Moon Court, an Edwardian street, exhibitions of York's confectionery industry, plus costumes and toys through the ages. The site includes a former prison, in which you can experience the cells, and imagine what it was like in 1739 when infamous highwayman Dick Turpin was awaiting his execution by hanging. There are numerous special exhibitions and events throughout the year. Adult £10.90, student £8.40, child free. (updated Jul 2020)
• 53.9618-1.0874420 Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens, Museum Street, YO1 7FR, ☏ +44 1904 687-687, [email protected]. Daily 10AM-5PM. Interesting, and quite good for curious children. Features permanent displays of Roman and medieval riches, including the Vale of York Hoard of Viking treasure. There are also natural history sections dedicated to astronomy, biology and geology. A long-term exhibition exploring Yorkshire's Jurassic World uses VR technology and up-to-date research to engage you in the county's prehistoric past. Adult £7.27, student £5.60, child free. (updated Jul 2020)
  • 53.96152-1.0884821 York Museum Gardens (outside Yorkshire Museum), ☏ +44 1904 687-687, [email protected]. Daily 10:30AM-6PM. Free tours every Su 1PM. This extensive botanical collection is a great place for a picnic. Perambulate through a variety of borders (butterfly-friendly, oriental, prairie), not missing out the fern garden and rockery. Daffodils and bluebells abound in spring. The gardens are not just for nature lovers, however, as they also contain much significant archaeology: the third century Roman fortification known as the 53.961-1.08722 Multangular Tower, which only saw action 14 centuries later during the English Civil War; the remains of 53.961-1.08623 St Leonard's Hospital, where the poor and sick of medieval York were cared for physically and spiritually; the ruins of the Benedictine 53.962-1.08824 St Mary's Abbey, which date from 1088 and once rivalled the Minster for grandeur. The small 53.961-1.08825 York Observatory, which was constructed in 1832/33 and is still in working condition, is also located in the gardens. It's open most days 11:30AM-2:30PM, plus some winter evenings for public astronomy events. Free. Wheelchair accessible. (updated Mar 2021)
• 53.9572-1.080526 St Mary's Church (not to be confused with St Mary's Abbey), Castlegate, YO1 9RN, ☏ +44 1904 687-687, [email protected]. M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-6PM, closed W. A Saxon church, though most of the current building dates from the 13th century. Its 47 m steeple is the tallest in York and it has some fine stained-glass windows. Deconsecrated in the 1950s, St Mary's was reborn as a contemporary art venue in 2004, and now hosts exhibitions throughout the year. Until at least 31 August 2021, the church is fully dedicated to a major exhibition: the UK première of Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, which has come to York following successful runs in Amsterdam and several other European cities. The "Experience" is a 360-degree multisensory digital presentation of hundreds of the Dutch post-impressionist's works, allowing you to see through the eyes of the great man himself and gain an insight to his unique mind. Access to building normally free. Van Gogh: Adult £13, concession £11, child £9. York Pass accepted. (updated Mar 2021)

As well as the Minster, York has a number of parish churches which are of architectural or historical interest:

• 53.9584-1.086327 All Saints, North Street, North Street, YO1 5JD, ☏ +44 1904 728-122, +44 1904 867-113. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 10:15AM-6:30PM. Colourful angels smile cheekily down at you from the ceiling in this 12th century church, which is grade I-listed due to having the finest collection of medieval stained glass windows in the city. The most famous window, dating from around 1410, depicts the Prick of Conscience - a popular Middle English poem. Free. (updated Jul 2020)

• 53.958167-1.08069428 All Saints Pavement, 32-37 Coppergate, YO1 9NR. Daily 9AM-7PM. Best viewed from the outside, from where you can admire its unusual octagonal tower. All Saints is also the civic church of various city guilds and the garrison church of the Royal Dragoon Guards. Free. (updated Jul 2020)
• 53.9612-1.080329 Holy Trinity, Goodramgate, 70 Goodramgate, YO1 7LF (Enter via an unassuming gated archway opposite Tesco Express. Wheelchair access via Petergate next to Poundland), ☏ +44 1904 613-451. W-Sa 11AM-3PM. Peaceful and atmospheric grade I-listed 12th century church that you won't find unless you're looking for it. The wooden box pews and stone altar are once-common rarities from an early period in church history. Free. (updated Jul 2020)
• 53.9566-1.0888130 Holy Trinity, Micklegate, Micklegate, YO1 6LE, ☏ +44 1904 593-608, [email protected]. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa Su 9AM-4PM. Founded prior to 1066, this is the only pre-Reformation monastic building in York that is in use today. The wooden beams supporting the roof are breathtaking, and there is a small interactive exhibition about those medieval monks and their priory, making use of touchscreens and 3D imagery. Free. (updated Jul 2020)
• 53.9604-1.083531 St Helen Stonegate, 5 St Helen's Square, YO1 8QN, ☏ +44 1904 636-512. Daily dawn-dusk. A largely 15th century building, but built on a site important in Roman times and possibly founded as early as the 8th century, this is now a quiet refuge from the city's bustle. It also serves as an atmospheric and intimate concert venue. Free. (updated Jul 2020)
• 53.9593-1.0845932 St Martin-le-Grand, 13 Coney Street, YO1 9QL, ☏ +44 1904 636-512. Daily 9AM-5PM. Named for Martin of Tours, the bulk of the church dates from the 15th century, and what was the Great West Window depicts 13 moments from the saint's life. The building suffered heavy fire damage during an air raid of 1942, but fortunately much was restored, including some perky grinning gargoyles and a very attractive 17th century clock which adorns the façade. Free. (updated Jul 2020)
• 53.962-1.08933 St Olave, 8 Marygate Lane, YO30 7BJ. Daily dawn-dusk. Believed to be the oldest church dedication to Olaf, patron saint of Norway, it once lay in the shadows of St Mary's Abbey and is still within the abbey grounds. In the English Civil War, it formed part of York's defences during the Parliamentarians' siege of the city. Today, the churchyard is a green oasis, and St Olave's maintains its links with Scandinavia. Free. (updated Jul 2020)
• 53.9549-1.091834 The Bar Convent, 17 Blossom Street, YO24 1AQ, ☏ +44 1904 643-248, [email protected]. M-Sa 10AM-5PM. Founded in the 17th century, when Catholics were widely persecuted in England, the convent is still home to a community of nuns, members of the Congregation of Jesus. In a small interactive museum, you can discover the brave sisters' remarkable story, from their underground origins hidden in plain sight of the authorities, right through to their survival under the bombs of the Luftwaffe. There is also an on-site café and 'secret' garden, as well as B&B-style accommodation. Adult £5, child £2, concession £4. York Pass accepted. (updated Jul 2020)

For other nearby attractions, see North York Moors and North Yorkshire.

• 54.02053-1.2135735 Beningbrough Hall, Beningbrough, YO30 1DD (8 miles (13 km) north of city centre off the A19 - follow brown signs. Free parking. No convenient public transport access), ☏ +44 1904 472-027, [email protected]. The hall and galleries are closed until summer 2023. Garden only: daily 10AM-5PM. 18th-century mansion in Italianate Baroque style, now managed by the National Trust. It is the red-brick creation of John Bourchier, who was inspired by the Grand Tour of Europe he took as a 20-year-old. Inside, it's all gilt and ornate white plaster, with an ever-changing rotation of over 100 period portraits on permanent loan from the National Portrait Gallery in London, while outside the gardens are rich, extensive and diverse. Eclectic too are the attractions on offer: Beningbrough is no staid stately home, with dogs welcome in the gardens and children well catered for by heaps of activities throughout the year, bicycle hire and several themed walking routes with such intriguing titles as 'Top ten trees of interest'. A restaurant, shop and adventure playground complete the package. Adult £13.50, child £6.60 (£11/5.50 in winter). York Pass accepted. NT members free. (updated Oct 2022)
• 53.956389-1.11747336 Cold War Bunker, Monument Close, YO24 4HT (off B1224 Acomb Road, 1 mile (1.6 km) west of city centre. Park on Acomb Road or at Carlton Tavern; Bus: 1), ☏ +44 1904 797-935. Apr-Oct: F-Su 10AM-5PM, Nov-Mar Sa Su 10AM-5PM. From the 1960s to the 1990s, behind blast-proof doors, sat volunteers of the Royal Observer Corps, waiting to log nuclear bomb explosions in the region and monitor radioactive fallout. Fortunately they had a quiet few decades at the office. It is now English Heritage's most modern property, and also one of its spookiest. Visit only by guided tour, which takes an hour and includes a film and thorough radiation decontamination. Adult £10, concession £9, child £6. York Pass accepted. EH member free. (updated Mar 2021)
• 53.9403-1.1040537 Goddards House, 27 Tadcaster Road, YO24 1GG (1¾ miles (2.7 km) south-west of centre. Bus: 4, 12, 13, 840, 843, ZAP), ☏ +44 1904 771-930, [email protected]. Apr-Oct: W-Su 10:30AM-5PM, mid-Nov to mid-Dec: Th-Su 10:30AM-4PM. The family home of Noel Goddard Terry, of the Terry's chocolate company. Built in 1927 in Arts & Crafts style, but mostly furnished in Georgian, parts of the house are open to the public to offer glimpses of what the Terrys' family life would have been like, but some of the building is a regional office of the National Trust. On the other hand, the typically English gardens can be visited in their entirety, and you can hunt down birds, bees and butterflies like a true twenties gent. Adult £5, child £2.50, NT member free. (updated Jul 2020)
• 53.9561-1.111338 Holgate Windmill, Windmill Rise, YO26 4TX (1½ miles (2.4 km) west of centre. Park on Acomb Road (YO24 4AE) or at Carlton Tavern (YO24 4HA). Bus: 1, 5, 5A, P+R Turquoise), [email protected]. Mill open for tours on irregular weekends 11AM-4PM, very frequently in summer, but seldom in winter. Mill shop every Sa 10AM-noon. Full calendar here. One of York's more unusual sights is this 18th century windmill, unique in Britain for having five sails, which sits rather conspicuously in the middle - literally - of a very ordinary residential street. After falling into disuse in the 1930s, the mill was painstakingly restored to working condition by volunteers between 2001 and 2012. On open days, you can see the sails moving, then go inside the mill and understand how the power of wind is harnessed to turn the millstone and grind wheat and spelt into flour. The same volunteers are on hand to answer your questions and sell you some of their freshly-ground flour!. Adult £3, child (5-18 years) £1. (updated Mar 2021)
• 53.961-1.0087539 Murton Park, Murton Lane, Murton, YO19 5UF (4 miles (6.4 km) east of centre, just outside ring road (Grimston Bar). Bus: 747 from York station to Murton village - limited service, see timetable here), ☏ +44 1904 489-966, [email protected]. Farming museum: Easter-October daily 10:30AM-4:30PM. Living history: school holidays daily, same hours. DVLR: Su, bank holidays, same hours. Three attractions in one:
  The Yorkshire Museum of Farming takes visitors through a typical year on the farm, and charts the industry's development from the 1800s to the 1960s, with farming equipment and lovable animals to meet too. Explore reconstructions of a dairy parlour, blacksmith's forge and veterinary surgery which features equipment from James Herriot's famous clinic in Thirsk. Special focus is on an indoor exhibition about the Women's Land Army, who helped keep Britain fed during two world wars, and paved the way for postwar gender equality. Afterwards, take a walk along the nature trail to discover the rich diversity of wildlife that lives on farmland.

  

  
  The Danelaw Centre for Living History presents a number of recreated rural dwellings from Yorkshire's past, from Iron Age, Saxon/Viking villages and a Roman fort, to a Tudor homestead and wartime farm. As it is used as an outdoor history classroom during term time, access to the centre for the general public is limited to weekends and school holidays, and if you want to make the most of the 'living history' aspects (reenactors, stories from long ago, hands-on activities, weapons training etc), you'll need some children with you. The range of cool stuff for them to do will make you wish you were a kid again. To find exactly which activities are happening on which days see the site's events page.
  The Derwent Valley Light Railway is the half-mile remnant of a line which once linked York to Selby. Nowadays, you can enjoy unlimited - if admittedly short - diesel-hauled rides from Murton Park's cute little station. And if you're still put out at not being able to join your little Vikings in defending their village from attack, you can console yourself by learning to be a train driver, with a practical lesson from one of the DVLR experts. Once you've learnt the ropes, you can drive your loco the length of the track and back - sorry, kids, you have to be 18 or over. Adult £11, child/concession £9, includes all living history activities (when available) and unlimited access for one year. Locomotive driving experience (adult only): £10. (updated Jul 2021)
• 53.9248-0.9653140 Yorkshire Air Museum (Allied Air Forces Memorial), Halifax Way, Elvington, YO41 4AU (7½ miles (12 km) south-east of city centre on B1228. Bus: 36, X36 (M-Sa), 18a (Su - limited service). Read times and details here), ☏ +44 1904 608-595, [email protected]. W-Su 10AM-4PM (summer until 5PM). The former site of RAF Elvington (a WWII bomber command station and base for the Free French Air Force) has been converted into a large open-air museum. In addition to over 60 historic aircraft and vehicles, many original elements of the RAF base - such as the air traffic control tower, hangars and an officers' mess - remain as testament to the sacrifices of airmen and women in all conflict. It also hosts the only Allied Air Forces memorial in Europe. Dogs on leads welcome. On-site NAAFI-style canteen. Information brochures in five European languages available. Adult £12, child 5-15 years £5, under 5 free, concession £9. York Pass accepted. (updated Mar 2021)

• 53.9597-1.07971 GR8escape (escape rooms), 4a Colliergate, YO1 8BP, ☏ +44 7897 122 834 (mobile). Daily, pre-booked time slot. No guaranteed entry if you turn up without a reservation. Email via online contact form. Your team is put in one of three themed rooms (Atlantis, NYPD, Ministry of Wizards), and you have 60 minutes to solve a series of puzzles and codes in order to escape. Teams from 2 to 6 players, ages 8 years and up with accompanying adult. M-F £48-78, Sa Su £54-88. Prices are per team and vary according to the number of players. (updated Jul 2020)
• 53.938611-1.09752 Horse racing (The Knavesmire), Knavesmire Road, YO23 1EX (1 mile (1.6 km) south of the city centre. Bus: 197 shuttle operates between railway station and course on race days), ☏ +44 1904 620-911, [email protected]. Regular flat-racing events Apr-Oct, though the big fixture is Ebor Races in late August. York has been going to the races since Roman times, and the current site, in use since the early 18th century, is one of England's largest horse racing venues. Racegoers to the County Stand must adhere to a formal dresscode. Outside that, dressing up smart is not required, but does add to the sense of occasion. £5-300, depending on race and desired seats. (updated Mar 2021)

• 53.959573-1.0780233 Jorvik DIG, St Saviour's Church, St Saviourgate, YO1 8NN, ☏ +44 1904 615-505, [email protected]. Daily, hours vary, last admission one hour before closing. Hands-on experience for children, who are briefed and then let loose on fake archaeology pits to turn up what they can. The 'synthetic soil' means germaphobe parents can relax and wonder why they've been charged an entry fee to sit and watch. After the dig, the kids can handle real finds discovered on actual York Archaeological Trust digs. Adult £7, child/concession £6.50. Combo ticket with Jorvik Centre: adult £15.50, concession £13, child £12. York Pass accepted. Booking recommended. (updated Mar 2021)
• 53.9472-1.08254 Rowntree Park, Terry Avenue, YO23 1JQ (Walk: follow the New Walk along the Ouse for about 1 mile (1.6 km) from town, then access via the Millennium Bridge. Bus: 11, 26), ☏ +44 1904 553-392, [email protected]. M-F 8AM-dusk, Sa Su 9AM-dusk. Named for the Rowntree company, which gifted the park to the city, and dedicated to company employees lost during the First World War, this is a 30-acre green flag oasis next to the Ouse. Facilities include tennis and basketball courts, a skate park, children's playground and café. Use the Millennium Bridge to cross over the river and grab something cold from the 53.945-1.08121 Two Hoots "ice cream boat" (☏ +44 7903 813 701), which is moored on the opposite bank on fine afternoons. Free. (updated Mar 2021)
• 53.956897-1.081965 York Dungeon, 12 Clifford Street, YO1 9RD, [email protected]. Daily, mostly 10AM-5PM, with periodic late night adult-only events. Knock-about version of horrible history, suitable for ages 8+. 75-minute tour with storytelling and a very liberal interpretation of historical events that will keep you laughing and screaming. Part of The Dungeons international franchise, run by Merlin Entertainments. Walkup prices: adult/child from £17; online prices: adult from £13, child from £12 with timed entry. York Pass accepted. Merlin Pass holders free. (updated Mar 2021)
• 53.93874-0.986856 York Maze, Elvington Lane, YO19 5LT (5 miles (8 km) east of city centre on the B1228. Bus: 36, X36 (M-Sa); timetable and details here.), ☏ +44 1904 607-341, [email protected]. Summer. The largest 'maize maze' in Europe. Each year is different; the 2018 maze was shaped like two giant Jurassic Park dinosaurs. There are numerous other activities, such as mini-mazes for children, quadbiking, games such as crazy golf, and funfair-style fun like pig racing (seriously), stage shows and rides. Grill restaurant and café on-site. Be prepared for an assault of corny puns about how 'a-maize-ing' everything is. Adult £16, senior/child £15, under 3 years free. 50% off all prices for disabled visitors and their carers. £1 discount when bought online in advance. (updated Mar 2021)

• Hallowscream (Will provide private bus shuttle from Memorial Gardens, YO26 4ZF), ☏ +44 1904 607-341, [email protected]. Autumn. In autumn, things get gory at the York Maze: five night mazes stalked by insane scientists and bloodthirsty monsters, plus scary sideshows and seasonal food and drink. Wrap up warm, wear suitable footwear and prepare to get wet - regardless of whether it rains. £20-£42, depending on date and type of ticket. Add £8 for bus return ticket. Tickets by online reservation only. Aged 14 and over only, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. (updated Mar 2021)

• 53.96-1.08037 York's Chocolate Story, King's Square, YO1 7LD, ☏ +44 1904 527-765. Daily 10AM-4PM (start time of last tour). Email via online contact form. A guided tour telling you all about York's historic role in the confectionery industry. Find out about the origins of chocolate and the city's big name brands, hear testimonies of the people employed by local factories, watch chocolate-making demos and taste some of the good stuff yourself. As a bonus, you can make your own chocolate lolly (full chocolatier workshops can be arranged upon appointment). There is a café and chocolate shop at the end of the visit. Adult £15, child 4-15 years £12.50, under 4 years free. (updated Mar 2021)

• 53.9553-1.0818 City walls walk, ☏ +44 1904 551-550, [email protected]. Daily 8AM-dusk. Enjoy the great views, and try to imagine yourself in the role of city watch keeping a lookout for approaching enemy armies. The walls are medieval, built on Roman foundations, though the Station Road bridges are modern. The total walk is around 2 mi (3.2 km): if short on time or energy, the best section is along the western perimeter from 53.96271-1.08519