Guidebook - York & Surrounding Areas
Sightseeing
There are many things to see & do in York - this is just a selection...
York Minster is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals.
Since the 7th century, the Minster has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England and today remains a thriving church rooted in the daily offering of worship and prayer. The Minster was built for the glory of God. Every aspect of this ancient building - from the exquisite, handcrafted stone through to the unrivalled collection of medieval stained glass - tells the story of Jesus Christ.
209 locals recommend
York Minster
DeangateYork Minster is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals.
Since the 7th century, the Minster has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England and today remains a thriving church rooted in the daily offering of worship and prayer. The Minster was built for the glory of God. Every aspect of this ancient building - from the exquisite, handcrafted stone through to the unrivalled collection of medieval stained glass - tells the story of Jesus Christ.
The Shambles is an old street in York, England, with overhanging timber-framed buildings, some dating back as far as the fourteenth century.
91 locals recommend
Shambles
ShamblesThe Shambles is an old street in York, England, with overhanging timber-framed buildings, some dating back as far as the fourteenth century.
An award-winning museum for the whole family!
**My Favourite Museum in York!**
126 locals recommend
York Castle Museum
Tower StreetAn award-winning museum for the whole family!
**My Favourite Museum in York!**
York has, since Roman times, been defended by walls of one form or another. To this day, substantial portions of the walls remain, and York has more miles of intact wall than any other city in England. They are known variously as York City Walls, the Bar Walls and the Roman walls.
York Bar Walls Nunnery Lane
MicklegateYork has, since Roman times, been defended by walls of one form or another. To this day, substantial portions of the walls remain, and York has more miles of intact wall than any other city in England. They are known variously as York City Walls, the Bar Walls and the Roman walls.
FREE ENTRY
The National Railway Museum is a museum in York forming part of the Science Museum Group. The museum tells the story of rail transport in Britain and its impact on society.
153 locals recommend
National Railway Museum
Leeman RoadFREE ENTRY
The National Railway Museum is a museum in York forming part of the Science Museum Group. The museum tells the story of rail transport in Britain and its impact on society.
York Art Gallery is a public art gallery in York, England, with a collection of paintings from 14th-century to contemporary, prints, watercolours, drawings, and ceramics.
118 locals recommend
York Art Gallery
Exhibition SquareYork Art Gallery is a public art gallery in York, England, with a collection of paintings from 14th-century to contemporary, prints, watercolours, drawings, and ceramics.
FREE - The Cat Trail - This free fun trail will guide you around York. Highlights include Clifford’s Tower, Shambles and York Minster, plus lots of cats! Pick up a trail leaflet in store, have some FREE fun in York, see the sights and find the cat statues on our self-guided tour. The trail starts at The Cat Gallery shop and takes an hour or so.
The Cat Gallery
45 Low PetergateFREE - The Cat Trail - This free fun trail will guide you around York. Highlights include Clifford’s Tower, Shambles and York Minster, plus lots of cats! Pick up a trail leaflet in store, have some FREE fun in York, see the sights and find the cat statues on our self-guided tour. The trail starts at The Cat Gallery shop and takes an hour or so.
FREE - The Association of Voluntary Guides to the City of York (AVG) offer daily free 2-hour walking tours to visitors from all over the world.
They have been offering complimentary guided tours around York since 1951. Their team of 80+ local expert guides take great pleasure in showcasing our beautiful city.
The tours are free; there is no need to offer a tip.
Association of Voluntary Guides to the City Of York
FREE - The Association of Voluntary Guides to the City of York (AVG) offer daily free 2-hour walking tours to visitors from all over the world.
They have been offering complimentary guided tours around York since 1951. Their team of 80+ local expert guides take great pleasure in showcasing our beautiful city.
The tours are free; there is no need to offer a tip.
JORVIK Viking Centre is a must-see for visitors to the city of York and is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK
181 locals recommend
Jorvik Viking Centre
19 CoppergateJORVIK Viking Centre is a must-see for visitors to the city of York and is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK
National Trust Property - Five acres of garden rooms where the Terry family once lived. With formal terrace and pond, herbaceous borders, wildlife pond and historic glasshouse on the edge of York racecourse.
7 locals recommend
Goddards
27 Tadcaster RdNational Trust Property - Five acres of garden rooms where the Terry family once lived. With formal terrace and pond, herbaceous borders, wildlife pond and historic glasshouse on the edge of York racecourse.
York Dungeon is a tourist attraction in York, England. York Dungeon depicts history of the dungeon using actor led shows, special effects and displays of models and objects.
76 locals recommend
The York Dungeon
12 Clifford StYork Dungeon is a tourist attraction in York, England. York Dungeon depicts history of the dungeon using actor led shows, special effects and displays of models and objects.
Castle Howard is a stately home in North Yorkshire, England, within the civil parish of Henderskelfe, located 15 miles north of York. It is a private residence and has been the home of the Carlisle branch of the Howard family for more than 300 years.
220 locals recommend
Castle Howard
Castle Howard is a stately home in North Yorkshire, England, within the civil parish of Henderskelfe, located 15 miles north of York. It is a private residence and has been the home of the Carlisle branch of the Howard family for more than 300 years.
Not quite sightseeing but if you like shopping then this shopping centre may be of interest to you with its discounts on international designer and high street fashion brands and homeware.
81 locals recommend
York Designer Outlet
Saint Nicholas AvenueNot quite sightseeing but if you like shopping then this shopping centre may be of interest to you with its discounts on international designer and high street fashion brands and homeware.
Food scene
There are so many cafes, restaurants, street food available to suit all budgets - here is just a selection. ..
(I would recommend booking any restaurants in advance especially at weekends and throughout the summer/peak periods as they quite often get fully booked!).
Located within the city walls, a little off the beaten track on North Street (Adult only {14+yrs} restaurant)
28 locals recommend
The Whippet Inn
15 North StLocated within the city walls, a little off the beaten track on North Street (Adult only {14+yrs} restaurant)
Experience exquisite French dining in an upbeat Bistro atmosphere in the centre of York.
35 locals recommend
Rustique
28 CastlegateExperience exquisite French dining in an upbeat Bistro atmosphere in the centre of York.
Italian restaurant with a cosy, classic interior, cocktails & heated courtyard for al fresco dining.
50 locals recommend
Lucia Restaurant
13 SwinegateItalian restaurant with a cosy, classic interior, cocktails & heated courtyard for al fresco dining.
Located in the old Engine House on the edge of York's Museum Gardens, close to the historic Lendal Bridge and Tower, The Star Inn The City has an enviable riverside position.
79 locals recommend
The Star Inn the City
Museum StreetLocated in the old Engine House on the edge of York's Museum Gardens, close to the historic Lendal Bridge and Tower, The Star Inn The City has an enviable riverside position.
Skosh is ... A bespoke dining room with an open concept kitchen designed specifically to create a unique experience, in which to enjoy uncomplicated, yet refined dishes in a comfortable and informal manner.
73 locals recommend
Skosh
98 MicklegateSkosh is ... A bespoke dining room with an open concept kitchen designed specifically to create a unique experience, in which to enjoy uncomplicated, yet refined dishes in a comfortable and informal manner.
Partisan is a vibrant, independent coffee shop, licensed restaurant and arts space on Micklegate in York.
41 locals recommend
Partisan
112 MicklegatePartisan is a vibrant, independent coffee shop, licensed restaurant and arts space on Micklegate in York.
Michelin-starred dining... combining innovative cooking techniques with one-of-a-kind ingredients and exceptional service.. (Advance booking essential)
41 locals recommend
Roots York
68 MarygateMichelin-starred dining... combining innovative cooking techniques with one-of-a-kind ingredients and exceptional service.. (Advance booking essential)
Bars with food options
There are so many bars in York, and if you wanted to you could visit a different pub for each day of the year! Many serve food, here is just a small selection..
The Hop combines traditional real ale, a fantastic range of drinks, wood-fired pizza and live music to create an innovative vibe.
33 locals recommend
The Hop York
11-12 FossgateThe Hop combines traditional real ale, a fantastic range of drinks, wood-fired pizza and live music to create an innovative vibe.
For snug and easy sitting, the cellar bar offers the perfect escape to hunker down for brunch, lunch or a relaxing drink. With vaulted ceilings, there's an exclusive atmosphere to experience. Enjoy our two unique bars, serving all day, to catch up and unwind. We’ve an outdoor terrace for eating and drinking, and watching the world go by.
13 locals recommend
The Judges Lodging Bar
9 LendalFor snug and easy sitting, the cellar bar offers the perfect escape to hunker down for brunch, lunch or a relaxing drink. With vaulted ceilings, there's an exclusive atmosphere to experience. Enjoy our two unique bars, serving all day, to catch up and unwind. We’ve an outdoor terrace for eating and drinking, and watching the world go by.
On the corner of Shambles Market, our three-storey venue boasts spectacular views across the rooftops of the city to York Minster. You can expect a traditional city centre pub with a modern twist, the perfect place to catch up with friends, unwind after work or simply find a comfortable, space to indulge in our excellent selection of craft beer and delicious pizzas.
7 locals recommend
The Market Cat
6 JubbergateOn the corner of Shambles Market, our three-storey venue boasts spectacular views across the rooftops of the city to York Minster. You can expect a traditional city centre pub with a modern twist, the perfect place to catch up with friends, unwind after work or simply find a comfortable, space to indulge in our excellent selection of craft beer and delicious pizzas.
Famed for its impressively huge collection of beers, & its rich and varied history, the medieval ale house will always be associated with its quirky taxidermy animal collection, and the staff who truly embody the spirit of "Madness"!
The rear end of this fantastic building began life as part of a Norman House dating back to c.1180AD, believed to be the oldest of its kind in York. The building as it can be seen from the street has survived much adversity, through wealth & poverty, decimating fires, and even the widening of the narrower streets that took place many centuries later. Other parts of the city were not so fortunate to have survived, beams & cobbles intact.
52 locals recommend
House Of The Trembling Madness
48 StonegateFamed for its impressively huge collection of beers, & its rich and varied history, the medieval ale house will always be associated with its quirky taxidermy animal collection, and the staff who truly embody the spirit of "Madness"!
The rear end of this fantastic building began life as part of a Norman House dating back to c.1180AD, believed to be the oldest of its kind in York. The building as it can be seen from the street has survived much adversity, through wealth & poverty, decimating fires, and even the widening of the narrower streets that took place many centuries later. Other parts of the city were not so fortunate to have survived, beams & cobbles intact.
Now called The Fat badger - Right inside the bar walls, with the best beer garden in York, it’s easy to see why it's one of the most loved Yorkshire Inns in the city.
16 locals recommend
Lamb & Lion Inn
2-4 High PetergateNow called The Fat badger - Right inside the bar walls, with the best beer garden in York, it’s easy to see why it's one of the most loved Yorkshire Inns in the city.
A Restaurant & Skybar with great views sitting above the city on the seventh floor. (Pre-booking is preffered).
Sora
A Restaurant & Skybar with great views sitting above the city on the seventh floor. (Pre-booking is preffered).
Historic Pubs
A real ale and world beer freehouse nestled in the heart of the beautiful and historic city of York. Housed within a stunning three storey, 16th century building just off the famous Little Shambles
9 locals recommend
Pivní York
6 Patrick PoolA real ale and world beer freehouse nestled in the heart of the beautiful and historic city of York. Housed within a stunning three storey, 16th century building just off the famous Little Shambles
Famed for its impressively huge collection of beers, & its rich and varied history, the medieval ale house will always be associated with its quirky taxidermy animal collection, and the staff who truly embody the spirit of "Madness"!
The rear end of this fantastic building began life as part of a Norman House dating back to c.1180AD, believed to be the oldest of its kind in York. The building as it can be seen from the street has survived much adversity, through wealth & poverty, decimating fires, and even the widening of the narrower streets that took place many centuries later. Other parts of the city were not so fortunate to have survived, beams & cobbles intact.
52 locals recommend
House Of The Trembling Madness
48 StonegateFamed for its impressively huge collection of beers, & its rich and varied history, the medieval ale house will always be associated with its quirky taxidermy animal collection, and the staff who truly embody the spirit of "Madness"!
The rear end of this fantastic building began life as part of a Norman House dating back to c.1180AD, believed to be the oldest of its kind in York. The building as it can be seen from the street has survived much adversity, through wealth & poverty, decimating fires, and even the widening of the narrower streets that took place many centuries later. Other parts of the city were not so fortunate to have survived, beams & cobbles intact.
The Blue Bell is York's smallest Public House. It is Grade II* Listed and it's untouched Edwardian decor is the oldest in the city.
20 locals recommend
The Blue Bell
53 FossgateThe Blue Bell is York's smallest Public House. It is Grade II* Listed and it's untouched Edwardian decor is the oldest in the city.
The Black Swan pub was originally an early 15th century merchant’s mansion and is the place where various ghostly sightings have occurred. “There is a ghost of the gentleman in a bowler hat who appears to be impatiently waiting for someone at the bar
9 locals recommend
The Black Swan
23 Peasholme GrnThe Black Swan pub was originally an early 15th century merchant’s mansion and is the place where various ghostly sightings have occurred. “There is a ghost of the gentleman in a bowler hat who appears to be impatiently waiting for someone at the bar
“Guido Fawkes was born on this very spot in 1570 in the shadow of York Minster and was baptised in St. Michael Le Belfrey, just across the street. Centuries have passed, but this historical building is so well preserved you could be forgiven for thinking it happened just yesterday.
31 locals recommend
Guy Fawkes Inn
25 High Petergate“Guido Fawkes was born on this very spot in 1570 in the shadow of York Minster and was baptised in St. Michael Le Belfrey, just across the street. Centuries have passed, but this historical building is so well preserved you could be forgiven for thinking it happened just yesterday.
Places to Visit Outside of York..
There are many places to worth visiting in reach of York, here are just a few options for days out ..
Robin Hood's Bay is a picturesque old fishing village on the Heritage Coast of the North York Moors
Robin Hood's Bay and Beach
Robin Hood's Bay is a picturesque old fishing village on the Heritage Coast of the North York Moors
Staithes was once one of the largest fishing ports in the North East, now this hillside gem is a treasured based for exploring Yorkshire’s cliff top paths and discovering the delights of rock pooling and fossil hunting on the small sandy beach.
Staithes
Staithes was once one of the largest fishing ports in the North East, now this hillside gem is a treasured based for exploring Yorkshire’s cliff top paths and discovering the delights of rock pooling and fossil hunting on the small sandy beach.
National Trust Property - This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique place made of two moments in history. Where medieval strength blends with 18th century eccentricity to create a landscape full of secrets, curiosities and breathtaking views.
10 locals recommend
Visitor Centre (Fountains Abbey)
National Trust Property - This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique place made of two moments in history. Where medieval strength blends with 18th century eccentricity to create a landscape full of secrets, curiosities and breathtaking views.