Guide to York, England

A Roman fortress, then a Viking stronghold, followed by a Medieval wool-trading center, then an Industrial railway hub, and finally, a confectionary capital. In the centuries since its founding in 71 AD, the walled city of York has reinvented itself many times and, in doing so, has become inextricably woven into the rich tapestry of English history.

“It’s a diverse blend of culture and history, with hidden gems and unique experiences at every turn,” Alison Marden, an agent at Travel Counsellors and York native, says. Among its most iconic landmarks are York Castle (built after the 11th-century Norman conquest), the spectacular Gothic cathedral of York Minster, and the city walls, the oldest parts of which date back to Roman times. Within these walls, an easily walkable yet delightfully labyrinthine maze of cobbled streets awaits.

Nick Boardman of J&M City Walking Tours loves that York offers “a unique blend of old and new, with vibrant bars and restaurants, leading museums, street entertainment, and independent shops.” Some of those spectacular shops are found on the Shambles, a gorgeous street lined with haphazard, half-timbered houses and quirky boutiques that could easily double as Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. The city’s museums cover everything from the history of train travel to York’s Viking heritage, and travelers with a little more time on their hands will find themselves ideally situated for day trips to the wildly beautiful North York Moors or Yorkshire Dales.

Best Hotels

The Grand, York

Both Boardman and Marden recommend the 5-star hotel The Grand, York for its rich history and impeccable elegance. In a Grade II-listed Edwardian building that once served as the headquarters of the North Eastern Railway, discover a vaulted subterranean spa, farm-to-table fine-dining restaurant Legacy, and a choice of contemporary rooms or heritage suites. Some offer stunning views of the city walls and York Minster.

No. 1 York by GuestHouse

For Marden, No.1 York by GuestHouse is made special “by its impressive Regency architecture and distinguished appearance.” Expect a grand central staircase, soaring ceilings, and rooms filled with antiques. Pantries filled with complimentary treats and a concept restaurant inspired by local produce make this hotel a top choice for foodies. There’s also a cocktail bar, a cozy lounge for afternoon tea, and a bespoke spa.

Grays Court Hotel

Kings and knights have slept within the walls of Grays Court Hotel, originally built as the residence of the first Norman Treasurer in the 11th century. For Boardman, “its extensive country gardens bordered by the medieval city walls” are a particular highlight, while each of the 12 uniquely designed bedrooms offer different treasures ranging from four-poster beds to copper bathtubs and unrivaled York Minster views.

Hotel du Vin York

Housed in a Grade II-listed Georgian mansion in a peaceful neighborhood known as The Mount, Hotel du Vin York offers 44 timelessly elegant rooms and suites. Each is defined by bold color choices and original architectural elements for the perfect blend of old and new. Dining is a ritual at this hotel, with memorable experiences ranging from afternoon tea to Sunday lunch. Ask the sommelier to help you navigate the bistro’s extensive wine list.

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa

If you don’t mind staying two miles outside the city center, Middlethorpe Hall & Spa is a sanctuary set amid 20 acres of rolling parkland. Built in the 17th century and owned by the National Trust, it offers charming period decor — think canopied beds, sash windows, and antique furniture — and an award-winning restaurant that has twice been named the best in York. A swimming pool and spa complete the experience.

Best Things to Do

York Castle Museum and Clifford’s Tower

The interactive galleries of York Castle Museum provide an insight into more than 400 years of the city’s history. Take a stroll down a replica Victorian street, visit the subterranean cells of the Debtors’ Prison, or marvel at curiosities ranging from a 17th-century iron corset to a tin of Rowntree’s cocoa taken to Antarctica by Ernest Shackleton. Adjacent to the museum is Clifford’s Tower, built in 1069, providing spectacular views over the city from the top.

National Railway Museum 

The National Railway Museum, with its cavernous Great Hall filled with iconic, full-size locomotives, is a must for any train enthusiast. Don’t miss the world’s fastest steam engine, the Mallard, or the only Japanese bullet train outside Japan. Entry is free, although some exhibits require payment. The Flying Scotsman virtual reality experience and the Wonderlab (an interactive family learning space with live experiments and challenges) are also musts.

York Minster

Since the 7th century, York Minster has been the focal point for Christianity in Northern England. As well as being a place of active worship, the cathedral is a wonder of Gothic architecture, complete with ornate stonework, graceful flying buttresses, and a breathtaking collection of medieval stained glass. Come for a guided tour to climb 275 steps to the top of the Central Tower for panoramic city views, or explore 2,000 years of history in the Undercroft Museum.

York City Walls

York’s city walls are the longest and most intact of their kind in England, stretching for two miles around the historic city center. Although the oldest sections date back to Roman times, they have been added to, demolished, and renovated so many times that they now form a visual record of each major period since. A walkway runs along the top of the walls, allowing visitors the chance to explore this astonishing structure at their own pace, for free, at any time of year.

Jorvik Viking Centre

Jorvik Viking Centre is built on the site of the archaeological dig that uncovered the remains of the Viking settlement of Jorvik. The main attraction is a ride through the reconstructed city, where homes, shops, and even animatronic people and livestock have been painstakingly recreated to give visitors an idea of how it might have looked, sounded, and smelled in 960 AD. The center also includes museum galleries filled with genuine Viking artifacts.

Best Shopping

The Shambles

As one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe, Marden calls the Shambles “a must-see in York for its charming cobbled streets and delightful overhanging buildings.” Those who feel as though they’ve just stepped into J.K. Rowling’s Diagon Alley can dive further into the wizarding world at The Shop That Must Not Be Named, purveyor of all things Potter. Boardman also recommends Käthe Wohlfahrt, a year-round Christmas shop.

York Chocolate Story

In the 1800s, Rowntree’s Cocoa Works and Terry’s of York opened factories in York, making the city famous worldwide for its confectionery. Today, you can learn the story of icons, including the KitKat and Terry’s Chocolate Orange at York Chocolate Story, an immersive experience that lets you in on the secrets of chocolate making (and tasting). Afterward, the shop is a treasure trove of sweet treats that double as perfect souvenirs.

Designer Outlet York

Nestled in beautifully landscaped grounds just south of the city center, McArthur Glen Designer Outlet York is Marden’s recommendation for “fantastic designer deals all year round.” The mall houses more than 100 designer and popular high street names, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Paul Smith, and The North Face, and offers discounts of up to 60 percent on many items. Free parking and a wealth of dining options add to the outlet’s appeal.

Best Restaurants

Skosh

Located just beyond Micklegate Bar (one of the 12th-century gateways to the city), Skosh has earned a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award for its exceptional small plates. Expect high-quality Northern English ingredients — from Lindisfarne oysters to Whitby crab — served with Asian flair in a rustic dining room with an open kitchen. As Marden puts it, this restaurant offers “the unique experience of enjoying refined dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Pairings Wine Bar

Staying with the small plates theme, Pairings Wine Bar offers a convivial, wine-focused dining experience within a stone’s throw of the castle. A wide range of premium wines and spirits can be sampled in a tasting flight format that allows you to compare each one side by side. Beverages are then served in partnership with local cheeses, charcuterie, fish, and desserts that have been carefully chosen to bring out the best in each other.

The Royal Oak

There are many quintessential English pubs in York, but Boardman says The Royal Oak stands out for its ideal Goodramgate location, its timber-framed building — the oldest parts of which date back to the 15th century — and its top-notch Sunday roast. Throughout the rest of the week, this is the place for pub grub classics, including handmade steak and ale pies and beer-battered fish with chips. At the bar, you’ll find real ales and local lagers on tap.

Tabanco by Ambiente

Both Marden and Boardman have only good things to say about Tabanco by Ambiente, an informal and authentic Spanish tapas and sherry bar on historic Walmgate Street. In summer the sunlit courtyard is an atmospheric spot for sharing steaming pans of paella, while every fourth Sunday welcomes the restaurant’s popular Music Quiz. Boardman also praises this spot for its “excellent customer service and family-friendly vibe.”

The Blue Barbakan

For something completely different, head to The Blue Barbakan on Fossgate. This much-loved York institution serves traditional Polish and other Eastern European cuisine, sometimes with a Western European twist. Absolutely everything is made on the premises, so whether you come for a Polish toast breakfast, a borscht lunch, or a pierogi supper, you’re guaranteed high-quality, fresh fare served with a smile on quaint blue-and-white china.

Best Time to Visit

York is a year-round destination with benefits to every season. Summer (June to August) offers the best chance of good weather, while Boardman says January is ideal if you wish to avoid the crowds. Both experts recommend considering the city’s many festivals when deciding when to visit. For Boardman, York Unlocked is a personal favorite, offering “a chance to see buildings that are closed to the public for the rest of the year.” It takes place at the end of September or the beginning of October — a period that also coincides with the 10-day York Food Festival.

For Marden, February’s week-long Jorvik Viking Festival is a highlight, with traditional crafts, workshops, combat performances, and feasts taking place all over the city. Finally, York’s Christmas Market is legendary. In the weeks before Christmas Parliament Street and St. Sampson’s Square are transformed by alpine chalets selling mostly local crafts — just be sure to book accommodation well in advance because December is exceptionally busy.

How to Get There

Although Leeds Bradford Airport is the closest airport to York, Manchester Airport is often the better choice since it welcomes non-stop flights from many US cities and also has regular, direct trains to York city center. If you’re already in the UK, Marden says, “York is one of the most accessible cities in the country thanks to its excellent rail connections.” Direct trains from Edinburgh take 2.5 hours, while it’s possible to travel from London or Manchester in under two. Boardman recommends that those traveling by car consider making use of the city’s Park & Ride service, since “parking in York can eat into your day and your budget.”

How to Get Around

Bus

Although the center of York is very walkable, the city is also served by a comprehensive bus network offering both local and regional routes. iTravel York is your one-stop destination for bus information, including detailed timetables. Buses are operated by a number of different companies, so the simplest option is often to purchase an All York pass that permits travel on all of them for a day, week, or month. There’s also an All York Family option.

Tour

A tour is a great way to find your feet in York or to explore beyond the surface on a return trip. Check out J&M City Walking Tours for an educational yet fun insight into the city’s history or, if you’re feeling brave, an evening ghost tour inspired by York’s murkier past. Boardman also recommends Best of Britain Yorkshire Day Tours or Mountain Goat Tours for expeditions beyond the city to Whitby, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors.