York

Rich in ancient history, romantic ambience and fun activities, York is the perfect holiday destination for couples, families, groups and the solo tripper. Renowned for its exquisite architecture, tangle of quaint cobbled streets, iconic York Minster and wealth of visitor attractions, York is a flourishing city.

Things to see and do

Imagine a city full of culture, art, history and heritage, combined with boutique shopping and a whole host of cosy bistros and pubs where you can sample some fine Yorkshire specialities. There has never been a better or more exciting time to visit York – the Original City Adventure.

Whether you're a first time or regular visitor, couple or family, there's a myriad of fascinating layers to discover throughout this beautiful and thriving city. Explore York's Roman, Viking, and Medieval heritage plus a wealth of attractions like the iconic York Minster, the newly refurbished JORVIK Viking Centre, the National Railway Museum, York Castle Museum and Cliffords Tower.

Walks and views

One of the best ways to enjoy York is to walk around the city walls. At 3.4 kilometres long, the beautifully preserved walls are the longest town walls in England and the completion of the entire circuit will take approximately 2 hours. Discover the historical highlights of the city on a free walking tour beginning in the Museum Gardens or if you’re feeling brave, why not meet the spooky residents of York on a ghost walk?

Eating and drinking

From regional treats and everyday essentials to superb meals in stunning venues, York is abundant with delicious North Yorkshire produce. Every year in September, The York Food and Drink Festival fills the city with delicious sights, smells and tastes for ten days and it’s a year-round food festival at the Shambles Market Food Court where you can enjoy cosmopolitan street food, free Wi-Fi and sheltered seating. Or sample the monthly Food Fayre at York Farmers’ Market on St Sampson Square, held on the first Friday of every month

.A trip to York isn’t complete without delving into its chocolate heritage. This year is an extra special year for chocolate in York because it’s Terry’s Chocolate’s 250th anniversary! Founded in York in 1767, Terry’s is a huge part of the city’s chocolate history. The famous Terry's Chocolate Orange was born in York at Terry’s Chocolate Factory.

Hear the fascinating tale of chocolate’s journey from Central America to York at York’s Chocolate Story, where you can make your own sweet treats. Monkbar Chocolatiers hand-makes all its wares on the premises and York Cocoa House is a chocolate emporium with workshops and a chocolate café. Plus, don’t miss York’s dedicated Chocolate Festival at Easter!

Festivals and events

York is the City of Festivals, with a vibrant and varied calendar of festivals and events to celebrate the unique character of the city. There’s something for everyone throughout the year, from the JORVIK Viking Festival in February which brings together 40,000 visitors from around the world and features exciting battle re-enactments, to the Early Music Festival which showcases music spanning five centuries in some of York's finest historic venues.

Don’t miss the Great Yorkshire Fringe, a key summer event in York’s entertainment calendar, bringing the best in comedy, cabaret, theatre and music. Get ready for Roman Military to storm the city as more than 50 Romans march through York’s streets for Eboracum Roman Festival and celebrate all things film at the BAFTA qualifying Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF) held right here in York.

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the York Christmas Festival, where you can enjoy a special shopping experience at St Nicholas Fair and festive themed events.

Facilities

York offers many parking options.
Cycle parking facilities are located throughout the city centre. The Cycle Hub Station on Wellington Row has 100 spaces and provides puncture repair.
VisitYork Shop
Pay and display car parks
B&Bs, hotels
Restaurants, cafés
Attractions
Pubs and bars
Supermarkets, shops
Cash machines, banks
Post Office
Toilets

Further information

Public transport: Train station for services to Leeds and London. Bus routes serve main towns and cities.

Visit York Information Centre
1 Museum Street
York
YO1 7DT
Tel: 01904 550099
Website

Insider tips

Mark Addy - Award-winning Actor from York

I would begin my York Adventure at York Art Gallery to see the new world-class Centre of Ceramic Art; it’s an impressive collection and houses the largest collection of studio ceramics in the UK. My afternoon would be filled discovering the guilds at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and catching a melodic performance at the National Centre for Early Music. To close the curtains on a day crammed with culture I would head to the stunning York Theatre Royal for a pre-theatre supper and show.

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