York landscape, with York Minster and City Walls, a couple of things to do in York

Must-try Things to do in York

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Discover the 10 best things to do in York 2023

Are you looking for things to do in York? Then, you’ve come to the right place! Discover a plethora of York things to do with our extensive travel guide

This city is not only a lovely one to visit or live in, it also boasts plenty of things to do. There are historical landmarks, such as Beningbrough Hall, lovely streets, exciting attractions, fantastic theatre, and delicious restaurants. Various clubs and pubs are open practically every single day, as well as a variety of events; making York ideal for adults looking for fun things to do!

York Attractions

Find a wealth of history and culture within the city centre, where the impressive York Minster can be found, offering you and your loved ones the opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world.

Some other iconic York attractions include the York National Railway Museum, a thing to do in York that’ll be a hit with the family, Yorkshire Museum, Castle Howard, and Shambles. The latter is ideal for romantic things to do in York, being moments from a range of dining spots for dates.

Still wondering what to do in York?

You won’t be bored here as there are ample things to do in York! Visit the myriad museums or spend the day at the best racecourse in the country. Explore the ancient walls, a free thing to do in York, where you’ll find rows of independent shops and delicious eateries. On a rainy day, you can spend a day at the Jorvik Viking Centre or The York Dungeon, and learn all about ancient Viking history.

Keep reading to find an amazing range of things to do in York…

  • 01. York Minster

    Deangate
    York
    YO1 7HH

    01904 557200

    This 7th-century building offers a 2,000-year journey of the city’s history through interactive underground chambers as well as offering breath-taking views of surrounding York.

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  • National Railway Museum

    02. National Railway Museum York

    Leeman Rd
    York
    North Yorkshire
    YO26 4XJ

    0333 016 1010

    Explore this award-winning, free museum set in the city of York, home to famous locomotives and a collection of engineering firsts.

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  • Shambles, York

    03. Shambles

    Shambles
    York
    YO1 7LX

    Meander down one of the world’s most famous streets, lined with shops and eateries, as well as an interesting history.

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  • circular hedge maze

    04. York Maze

    Elvington Lane
    York
    North Yorkshire
    United Kingdom
    YO19 5LT

    01904 608000

    If an outing packed with fun in York is on the agenda, we recommend booking a visit to York Maze. Ample fun for all the family awaits.

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  • a selection of chocolates

    05. York Chocolate Story

    3-4 King's Sq
    York
    North Yorkshire
    United Kingdom
    YO1 7LD

    01904 527765

    Welcome to York Chocolate Story, where the history of chocolate comes to life. Explore the rich heritage of York’s chocolate industry and indulge in the delicious world of cocoa.

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  • 06. The York Dungeon

    12 Clifford St
    York
    YO1 9RD

    01904 632599

    Take a 75-minute journey into the history of York’s history and face your fears head on during this unique experience.

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  • Fishermen in Jorvik Viking Centre, York

    07. Jorvik Viking Centre

    19 Coppergate
    York
    YO1 9WT

    01904 615 505

    This award-winning attraction stands on one of the most famous discoveries of modern archaeology, allowing for a ground-breaking experience for any visitor to York.

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  • Beningbrough Hall Front View
    Image Credits: Ilsleyl - CC BY-SA 4.0

    08. Beningbrough Hall

    Beningbrough Hall
    Gallery and Gardens
    York
    YO30 1DD

    01904 472027

    Beningbrough Hall is a National Trust gem that makes for an idyllic day out for all ages, with access to the property’s gardens, facilities and play area. This is a dog-friendly landmark, so you can bring your furry friends around the eight-acre gardens, too!

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  • Castle Howard
    Image Credits: jcw1967 - CC BY 2.0

    09. Castle Howard

    Castle Howard
    York
    YO60 7DA

    01653 648333

    You’ll find this historic gem on the northern fringes of York. A fantastic day out for families and friends, this astonishing landmark offers gardens, tours, talks and shops!

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  • A group of people visiting a museum

    10. Yorkshire Museum

    Museum Gardens
    Museum Street
    York
    YO1 7FR

    01904 687687

    Discover thousands of years of York’s history through the showcasing of some of Britain’s archaeological treasures.

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