York has a very special place in heart, I got engaged in York, I lived there for awhile, it’s a place I keep returning back to and one day would like to call it home again. In my opinion, York has something for everyone and should be on everyone’s UK bucket list! So here are my tips for making the most of your trip to York by doing as the locals do!

What to Do in York – The Best York Attractions

Really there are endless things that you can do in York but some of my favourites are:

York Minster

Really no visit to York is complete without a visit to York Minster. It is perhaps York’s most iconic site and will not disappoint. The architecture is simply stunning and the inside tour is fascinating. If you are feeling energetic then walking to the top of the tower offers unrivalled views of the city.

Please note: Children must be aged 8 to climb to the top of the tower.

Combined tickets for visiting the inside of the Minster and to climb the Tower are:

Adult – £15
Seniors and Students – £14
Child (ages 8-16*) – £5

Take a ghost tour

Being such an old city, York is full of ghost stories. Take a a ghost walk to learn more about York’s more gruesome and spooky history. Our personal favourite tour is the Original Ghost Walk that leaves nightly at 8pm from the Kings Arms, the pub which famously floods!

Tickets: £5.00 Adults – £4.00 Children

Shop in the Shambles!

The Shambles is perhaps the UK’s best example of a Medieval Street. There are lots of quaint and tourist friendly shops (Parents beware there is a Harry Potter shop!). The shops all overhand the street and in my opinion there is no other street quite like it! It is particular special to visit during the festive season!

Nearby there is also the York Chocolate Story which tells you all about York’s sweet history and is great for all the family!

National Railway Museum

This is definitely a family favourite and one of the best things to do in YOrk with kids and is even great to do on a rainy day.  The National Railway Museum has a great collection which includes the Mallard, and a Shinkansen train. It’s a great day out for all the family!

The Castle Museum

The Castle Museum is another great rainy day activity. It is a great museum with my favourite exhibit being a replica Victorian street.

Cost for out of town visitors: Adults £10.00 and children free with paying adult.

Walk the City Walls

York is  beautiful walled city and a great way to see it is from the wall themselves. The walls allow you to see the whole of the city and see the city from a different angle. And the great thing is it’s free!

For those with more time on their hands check out our ideas for the best day trips to take from York! 

Where to Eat in York

York is a city full of great restaurants and eateries. Some of my favourites are:

Kapadokya 50, YO1 6PL

This was our regular haunt when we lived in York. I love Turkish food and this is some of the best Turkish food I’ve had in the UK.

Oscar’s, YO1 8AZ

This is a family friendly favourite. They do great burgers and have really friendly staff who are very accommodating of children.

Where to Drink in York

Best Cup of Coffee York

The best cup of coffee for York has to be Coffee Culture! On the historic Goodramgate, Coffee Culture is over three floors in a higgledy piggledy old building and is just full of rustic character.

Best Tea in York

I am going to admit something, despite the queues that line around Betty’s teashop and the people hordes of people who flock there everyday as I local I never went to Betty’s tearoom. I regret this! But the queues have to mean something right? So if you want a cup of tea and afternoon tea then you probably want to check out the famous Betty’s tearoom! I have it on very high authority that if you want a traditional tea experience then Betty’s is the place for you.

Best Pub in York

This is likely going to be a controversial choice. York is a city full of amazing pubs so picking just one favourite is an impossible task. But here are my favourites:

Evil Eye

A York Legend! Evil Eye has perhaps one of the greatest ranges of alcoholic beverages that I have ever seen in a pub. It also has a legendary Sunday roast!

Guy Fawkes Inn

If you want a historic pub then Guy Fawkes is the place for you. Guy Fawkes Inn is the birthplace of Guy Fawkes. With large open roaring fires and amazing pies, the Guy Fawkes Inn is the a quintessential English pub. If you want food, then for me the only choice is there amazing pie!

Pivni

This is Wandermust’s Daddy’s favourite place in York for a drink. If you are about craft beer person, then you will love Pivni.

Looking for more York suggestions then check out this handy list

Have you ever been to York? What do you recommend doing?