Is York,Worth Visiting? Why You Need to Visit this Charming English City
Yes, York, England is worth visiting for its blend of medieval history, stunning architecture like York Minster, and a vibrant cultural scene with charming cobbled streets and lively markets.
Only a short 2 hours train ride away from London, this gem of a city is easy to get to with plenty of trains running from London. Once here you will find York is a living, breathing postcard, full of charmíng cobblestone streets and hips cafes amongst medieval architecture. This city is a treasure chest of hidden gems, from its ancient walls and shadowy lanes to the cosy pubs.
After a year in London, I finally made my way to York for a weekend and my only regret was not visting sooner! Read ahead to find out what makes York worth visiting.
Is York Worth Going to?
Often touted as the ‘most beautiful city in England’, the stunning city offers plenty of English charm and unique things to do. Some highlight include –
- Exploring York Minster and walking along its ancient city walls
- Strolling the quirky, narrow lanes of The Shambles filled with shops and cafes,
- Exploring the cultural seen at the York Art Gallery
- Getting spooked with evening Ghost walk; and
- Grabbing a pint one of York’s cozy traditional pubs
How Many Days do you need in York?
You need about 2-3 days in York to get the most out of the city. This will allow you enough time to explore the city at a relaxed pace and see all the main attractions.
Can you do a day trip to York?
It is also possible to see York on a day trip, with trains running from 6am till 10pm. However a day trip to York can feel a little rushed if you’re trying to see everything and soak up the atmosphere here.
How to get to York
The easiest way to get to York in by train, with the train station located right in the center of York city. Trains run from cities throughout the UK, including from London.
London to York Train
There are multiple trains that run every hour from London to York from London’s Kings Cross station. Tickets can cost as little as £20 one way if booked in advance, or otherwise anywhere between £40 to £60 each way.
The easiest way to purchase tickets is on the LNER or Trainline websites. Alternatively, you can also purchase the tickets at Kings Cross station at the ticket machines.
London to York via Coach/ Bus
A good public alternative public transport option is the bus/ coach service to York from London Victoria Coach Station. Both the National Express and Megabus run regular buses services to York from as little as. However this is a longer journey, taking 4 to 6 hours. As such, getting the bus wouldn’t work for just a day trip, as such I would only suggest going with this option over the train, if you are planning an overnight/ 2-3 days trip to York.
London to York via Car
For those who love a good road trip, renting a car offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The drive takes roughly four hours, giving you the freedom to make pit stops at quaint villages or take in the stunning landscapes along the way.
The journey covers approximately 340 km (211 miles) and takes around four hours, depending on traffic. Use the M1 and A1(M) motorways for the fastest route.
York Travel Tips
- If you are travelling by train, make sure to book your tickets ahead of time, as these will be slightly cheaper than buying last minute. I recomend using Trainline app as this provide you with digital ticket which has a QR code for scanning, rather than having to pick up physical tickets at train station, saving you some time!
- Make sure you download google maps mark out where you want to go ahed of time!
- Although most things can be arranged on the day, I found its worth booking in advance any tours and musem visits!
- If you plan on doing a lot of tourist activities, consier getting a York pass, which provides free entry to over 30 of York’s top sights, including York Minster, the JORVIK Viking Centre, and the York Castle Museum, making it an invaluable tool for maximizing both your time (no lining up!) and saving money. Prices for the York Pass vary depending on the duration of the pass you choose—1, 2, or 3 days—with adult passes starting at around £75 for a two-day pass. These can be purchased from York Pass official wesbite.
Best time to Visit York?
Summer or Spring are the best time to visit York with the warmer weather bringing a vibrant atmosphere and sunshine, which is perfect leisurely walks along medieval city walls, blooming gardens, and lively festivals. Nonetheless, York has its own charm in winter, transforming into a festive wonderland with enchanting Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and cozy indoor attractions like the Jorvik Viking Centre and York Art Gallery.
Things to do in York – What to do in a day or two?
Explore York by climbing its famous Minster for sweeping views, walking its ancient city walls, and wandering through the Shambles for unique shops and local eats. Visit its museums and join a ghost tour to get a real feel for the city’s rich history.
Below were some of the higlights for me.
York Minister
No trip to York can be complete without visiting its most famous site – York Minster, one of the largest and most magnificent Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe.
York Minster is most famous for its breathtaking Gothic architecture and its remarkable stained glass windows, which are among the finest in the world. The Great East Window, in particular, stands out as a masterpiece of medieval stained glass art. This cathedral is also known for its towering central tower, which offers panoramic views of York for those willing to climb its steps.
Opening Times:
Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Sundays 12.45 – 3.15 Sundays.
The cathedral might open for sightseeing after Sunday services around 12:45 PM. Note that these times can vary due to special events or services, so it’s wise to verify before your visit
Ticket Costs:
Admission tickets to York Minster generally include access to the cathedral, the undercroft, and the interactive galleries.
Adult: £16
Children (under 16): Free when accompanied by a paying adult
York Tower add on:
For breathtaking views over York, consider climbing up the York tower, available at an additional cost. These are subject to weather conditions and physical fitness, as it involves climbing a lot of stairs.
*You also don’t need to go insiade York Minister to admire its beauty, I would the best shots I took in York were actually from Outside York Minister, admiring its gothic architecture from the York Minister Gardens just adjacent to it.
York City Walls
For the perfect experience, kick off your journey early in the morning. This not just beats the crowds but also catches the walls in the soft, golden light – a dream for photographers. Starting at Micklegate Bar gives you a sense of grandeur right from the get-go, leading you through layers of history with each step.
As you walk along, Bootham Bar is a must-stop. Here, the contrast of ancient stones against the bustling city life makes for an Instagram-worthy snapshot. Don’t rush; the beauty of York’s walls lies in the leisurely pace, allowing for stops to admire the views or to delve into a little history.
Midway, make a detour to the York Minster. It’s not directly on the wall path, but this architectural masterpiece is too mesmerizing to miss. Plus, the surrounding gardens offer a serene spot to rest and perhaps enjoy a quick snack.
Continuing on, the stretch near Monk Bar offers panoramic views of the city. It’s an ideal spot for those postcard-perfect shots, capturing the essence of York from an elevated perspective.
We concluded our walk as the sun begins to dip, finishing at Clifford’s Tower. The golden hour light makes the tower glow, providing a stunning backdrop to end your adventure. Here, the vibrant atmosphere is palpable, with nearby cafes and restaurants buzzing. The walk of the castle walls was an absolute highlight of our trip! The Castle wall experience in my opinion makes York worth visting on it own.
York Art Gallery
Located at exhibiton square, close to York Minister, the York Art Gallery offers an unexpected sanctuary away from the bigger tourist crowds. The gallery, with its welcoming facade, promises a dive into both contemporary and classic art forms, delivering on every front. For those looking to immerse themselves in the art scene, this spot is a must-visit.
Navigating the gallery’s collections, were were amazed at the diversity and range of the exhibitions showcased here! Our highlights were the video immersives and the Japanese Ukiyo prints exhibition.
Opening Hours
10am to 5pm Wednesday to Sunday.
*the gallery is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Tickests: £7 for adults
The Shambles
A visit to York is a must if you are a Harry Potter fan. A walk through Shambles (aka ‘Diagon Alley’ for the Harry Potter fans) makes York worth visting in its own right! Walking the alleways in Shambles feels like stepping straight into a storybook, with its overhanging timber-framed buildings and cobbled streets. This remarkably well-preserved street, is often bustling with locals and visitors especially around the more notable Harry Potter themed shops in the area.
Shambles is said to be one of the inspirations for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series, and a stroll down this narrow lane echoes the enchanting, bustling shopping street where Harry Potter first discovered his magical heritage. The resemblance can be seen from the slightly crooked, age-old buildings that lean into each other to the assortment of specialty shops lining the streets
Notable shops in Shambles
- The Shop that must not be Named and Potions Cauldron: Amazing place worth checking out for all the Harry Potter fans! Highly recomend the Butterbeer!
- Betty Team Rooms: Nestled within the heart of the Shambles, York, Bettys Tea Room is a must if you’re on the hunt for a British afternoon tea experience. I highly recomened ordering the the tea and scones (with jam and cream) for the quenessential experience! With its Art Deco interiors and polished silverware, Bettys had all the ambiance for a proper British tea experience.
- Hebden Tea: Best and wide collection of all sorts of funky tea flavours to sample! Honestly of the best stores to sample and buy teas, chocolates and gifts. They also do amazing sample tastings.
- Kiosk Coffee: Cute coffee shop serving some of the best coffee in York!
Brew York
One of the more unique experiences to York which am I so glad I did because it was actually the most memorable and fun evening!
Brew York are famous for their craft beer and brewery tasting tours. This was a fun and interactive tour where we learnt all about the brewing process while sampling some delicious mini beers!
There is an ambiance that exuded warmth and authenticity, reminiscent of the best kind of gathering spots where both locals and travelers converge for a taste of something real.
It was enlightening to peel back the layers of the brewing process, gaining insights from the passionate brewers themselves, all while we got to sample a nice range of their collection.
I recommend booking ahead of time to ensure you get a spot as these can get busy, especially in the summer months. Brew York is worth visting even if you are a complete novice like I was when it comes to beer. The tours are desgined to a casual, fun introduction to beer. I would also recomend booking an evening slot.There is a lovely outdoor area that spills out across the brewery with great ambienance right by some excelllent bars and restaurants.
York Museum Gardens
Open daily from dawn until dusk, these beautifully landscaped gardens offer a serene escape, free of charge, making it an ideal spot for anyone looking to unwind amid nature and history. The gardens envelop some of York’s most ancient ruins, including the atmospheric remains of St. Mary’s Abbey, providing a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls or impromptu photo sessions.
If you’re interested you can also check out the Abbey itself, it once stood as one of the wealthiest and most powerful monasteries in England at the height of its power. The Abbey’s surviving walls and foundations offer a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to marvel at the scale and craftsmanship of medieval architecture.
York Ghost Tour
Diving into York’s ghostly shadows with a ghost walking tour is a great way to learn some history with a scare.
From my research before visiting, the best tours I came across were:
1. The Original Ghost Walk of York, promising chills and thrills
Cost: £7 per person
2. Ghost Hunt of York, where the darker side of the city’s history is unveiled
Cost: £8 per person
3. York Ghost wak experience, blending humour and horror
Cost: £6 per person
If you’re visiting over the popular summer months, then definitely book your spot ahead of time as these can get filled up quickly.
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