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Top 10 attractions in York

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York Minster
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in York

York Minster

7.5
4.6/5
427 reviews
York Minster is the largest Gothic church in England. Construction began in the early 13th century and was completed 250 years later. The church has the world's largest medieval stained glass and the world's oldest side porch. There are also some small collections inside, such as cherubs and shields from the feudal era. When visiting the church, you can choose the time when York Minster holds evening prayers, and enjoy the magnificent atmosphere of York Minster with the beautiful singing of the choir and the sound of the organ. Walk 275 steps to the top of the 71-meter-high central tower, which offers beautiful views of York. Walking along the city wall from BoothamBar to MonkBar, you can enjoy the majestic view of York Minster.York · 533m from downtown
Shambles
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in York

Shambles

7.2
4.6/5
149 reviews
Shambles is one of the best-preserved medieval streets in York. As early as 1086, the area was recorded in documents as a meat market, and from the 14th century, it gradually became a hub for butcher shops. Records show that in 1830, there were 25 butcher shops operating along the street, until they gradually disappeared by the early 20th century. The street retains timber-framed, overhanging buildings constructed between the 14th–15th centuries. The upper floors overhang the street, with the eaves on either side almost touching, and in the narrowest parts, the walls on both sides can almost be touched simultaneously. This overhanging design was not just for aesthetics—in the Middle Ages, the projecting floors shaded the meat below to keep it fresh longer, and the gutters between the raised stone slabs on either side of the road made it easy to wash away waste from slaughtering. Today, you can still see the original meat hooks and wide window ledges used to display meat on many of the shop exteriors, which are important traces identifying the street's historical identity. Today, the scene of butcher shops operating in the Shambles is gone. Walking through the ancient alleys, you will find antique shops, craft stores, bakeries, and specialty restaurants on both sides, with several narrow lanes branching off to the nearby open-air market.York · 462m from downtown
Whitby Abbey
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Whitby

Whitby Abbey

6.2
4.5/5
50 reviews
There are three types of monastic ruins in the world: ordinary monastery ruins, picturesque monastery ruins, and Whitby Abbey. Whitby Abbey is located on the East Cliff of Whitby, a small seaside town in North Yorkshire, England. The silhouette standing on the skyline is like a huge Gothic tombstone. This ancient and sacred building was built between the 11th and 14th centuries and is located in the center of the town overlooking the entire town. To get here, you need to step on the famous 199 steps up the side of the cliff. As you climb the steps up Whitby Abbey, you're bound to pass the equally spectacular St Mary's Church and its terrifying burial grounds, the latter a favourite for goth couples when they're in love. Whitby Abbey is more like a majestic movie location than a religious building. It's not hard to imagine why this colossal medieval building inspired the Victorian novelist Bram Stoker to make it the domain of Count Dracula during his holiday in Whitby, famous for writing about it. The vampire novel Dracula. The source of inspiration for the novel is Whitby Abbey, and the story scenes of this literary work also take place in the small town of Whitby.Scarborough District · 66 km from York
Clifford's Tower, York
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in York

Clifford's Tower, York

6.1
4.1/5
93 reviews
Clifford's Tower, York is located in the heart of York, England, United Kingdom, and is one of the important surviving architectural remnants of York Castle, as well as a representative medieval landmark in the area. It sits atop an artificial mound, surrounded by open grassy areas and historic buildings. The existing stone tower was mainly built in the 13th century, featuring a heavy stone masonry structure with a four-lobed floor plan composed of four circular protrusions, and its outer walls retain the architectural characteristics of a medieval castle. Most of its interior has become a ruin without a complete roof, but you can still see traces of stone walls, narrow window openings, old staircases, and parts of the chapel space. After renovations, walkways and stairs were added inside the tower, and a circular observation deck was installed at the top, where visitors can climb up to overlook York Minster, the rooftops of the old city, and the surrounding neighborhoods, and on clear days, even enjoy a view of the hills beyond the city.York · 737m from downtown
York City Walls
No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Northern England

York City Walls

5.9
4.7/5
173 reviews
York City Walls are located in the heart of York, North Yorkshire, England, and encircle the historic city center, making them one of the area's iconic urban landmarks. The existing structure spans approx. 3.4 km and is primarily constructed of magnesian limestone. Some sections of the wall were built atop earlier earthen defensive embankments, with architectural details such as gates, towers, battlements, and arrow slits preserved along the route. Its walkway connects major gates such as Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar, and Micklegate Bar. Along the walk, you can enjoy elevated views of York Minster, the city's rooftops, streets, and surrounding green spaces. Parts of the route pass through the Museum Gardens, where you can see remnants of the Roman-era walls and a polygonal tower.York · 243m from downtown
York Castle Museum
No. 8 of Best Things to Do in York

York Castle Museum

4.5
4.8/5
43 reviews
York Castle Museum is located in the southeast of York Castle, converted from a former prison. Although it is called the Castle Museum, the exhibition content is very extensive. Each themed exhibition area provides different historical life records and collection displays. The museum houses daily objects from the past 400 years, including old TV sets, radios, washing machines and vacuum cleaners. It also introduces the life of the Yorkers from 1580 to 1980, including Victorian and Edwardian style street scenes and houses. Visitors can also visit the prison where the well-known thief Dick Tambing was held, or enter an Edwardian-era popular pub. Life-size old streets with bakeries, banks, bars, and tailors create a sense of time staggering.York · 746m from downtown
Castle Howard
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Ryedale District

Castle Howard

6.5
4.8/5
157 reviews
Castle Howard is about 24 kilometers northeast of York City, and is owned and lived by the Howard family for generations. This huge mansion is decorated with paintings of many famous people. The castle is surrounded by rolling hills, rose gardens, RayWood forest gardens and cylindrical mausoleums. Its gorgeous and elegant shape is not inferior to Windsor Castle. Influenced by the well-known novel "Brideshead Revisited" (the original novel of "After the Wind and Rain"), people have a deep impression of the historic Howard Castle. In summer, concerts are also held in the courtyard, attracting a large number of local residents and tourists every time.Henderskelfe · 20.9 km from York
River Ouse

River Ouse

3.5
4.0/5
22 reviews
The River Ouse is located in North Yorkshire, England. It is the sixth longest river in the United Kingdom along with the Hungry River in the same county, with a total length of 84 kilometers. It divides York into east and west, with the main part on the east. The most concentrated place for Yorkers is the River Us, especially after 3:00 pm, people gather by the river in twos and threes. There are tables and chairs placed by the restaurant on the riverside. Everyone buys beer and sits by the river to drink. Some people even pull their suitcases and come directly to the river to bask in the sun.York · 14 km from downtown
CitySightseeing York

CitySightseeing York

3.2
5.0/5
1 reviews
In York, a historic city in northern England, City Sightseeing York offers visitors a time-travelling experience. This iconic sightseeing bus, with its unique route and convenient transportation, takes visitors to explore every corner of the city. Taking City Sightseeing York, you can easily visit many places of interest in York. From the magnificent York Minster to the ruins of the ancient city walls to the medieval streets full of stories, each attraction carries York's profound historical heritage. The professional Guide on the bus will Guide the historical background and cultural stories of each attraction in detail, so that you can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery, but also deeply understand the cultural connotation of the city. In addition to its rich historical sites, York also attracts countless tourists with its unique customs and food. During the sightseeing, you can taste authentic English Afternoon Tea and experience the leisurely life of York people. At the same time, York's markets and shops are also a paradise for shopping enthusiasts, where you can find a variety of exquisite handicrafts and Souvenir. City Sightseeing York has become a must-see way for tourists to explore York with its convenient and comprehensive services. Whether you are a history lover or a food and shopping seeker, you can find your own fun and gains here.York · 771m from downtown
The Web Adventure Park

The Web Adventure Park

3.2
3.0/5
3 reviews
TheWebAdventurePark is an extended type of amusement park. The recreational facilities in the park are perfect and the management is standardized, which is very suitable for parent-child amusement and group building.Wigginton · 2.3 km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in York

Featured Cultural experiences in York

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City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
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4.5/5
· 258 reviews
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Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works
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4.5/5
· 74 reviews
Duration: 75 mins
English
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From€30.30
Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting
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Duration: 75 mins
English
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From€43.62
York Audio Tour: Bishophill Echoes-Minsters, Markets & Mysteries
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
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20% off
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Original Harry Potter Locations Tour : Guided Tour of York
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4.7/5
· 333 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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93.7% of travelers recommend
From€18.79
York: "All Creatures Great and Small" Yorkshire Dales Tour
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4.9/5
· 185 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
Free cancellation
26 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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York Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate
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4.9/5
· 30 reviews
Duration: 70–75 mins
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30 consecutive positive reviews
From€20.60

Featured Food & drink in York

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York: Introduction to Chocolate Making Experience
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Duration: 2.5 hrs
English
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5% off
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York: Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works
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4.9/5
· 164 reviews
Duration: 1 hr
Free cancellation
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100 consecutive positive reviews
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From€29.80€31.37
York: Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate
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4.9/5
· 72 reviews
Duration: 75 mins
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72 consecutive positive reviews
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York: Fish and Chips Cruise
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4.4/5
· 13 reviews
Duration: 45 mins
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York: Villainous History & Rum Tasting Experience
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 30 mins
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York: Gin Tasting Experience at York Distillery
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
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Featured Outdoor experiences in York

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The Yorkshire Dales Tour from York
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4.8/5
· 93 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
Free cancellation
44 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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Day Tour from York, UK: North York Moors National Park + Whitby Town
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 7.3 hrs
English
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From York: Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour
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4.9/5
· 40 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
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97.5% of travelers recommend
5% off
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From York: Whitby, North York Moors & Steam Railway Day Trip
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4.9/5
· 145 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
100 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York
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4.8/5
· 152 reviews
Duration: 495 mins
Free cancellation
97.4% of travelers recommend
From€94.50
North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York
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4.9/5
· 254 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
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96.9% of travelers recommend
From€67.85
From York: North Moors and Whitby Tour
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4.9/5
· 376 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
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98.1% of travelers recommend
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Featured Day tours in York

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Ghost Bus Tour of York
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4.5/5
· 625 reviews· 36 booked
Duration: 60–75 mins
English
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Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around York with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems
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4.9/5
· 94 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
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94 consecutive positive reviews
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The Deathly Dark Tour of York
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4.9/5
· 2.8k reviews· 26 booked
Duration: 90 mins
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97.8% of travelers recommend
From€16.97
Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.
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4.9/5
· 503 reviews
Duration: 90 mins
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100 consecutive positive reviews
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From York: Herriot and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip
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4.9/5
· 48 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
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48 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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From€66.33€69.83

Free things to do in York

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Private Tours in York

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What travelers say about York

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随风入梦喵February 26, 2026
5.0
Well worth a visit. The exterior features a newly built sculpture of Queen Elizabeth, while the interior boasts a distinctive collection of sculptures of past British monarchs. Admission is free for those under 17, and guided tours are available at set times. The stained-glass windows are beautiful. After your visit, you can stroll along the ancient city walls, which are both historically poignant and interwoven with the daily lives of local residents – a truly unique experience.

York Minster

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도저언May 25, 2023
5.0
I heard that Shambles Street is a good place to visit, and when I actually went there, there were a lot of shops to visit, so it was nice! I heard that it is famous for its ghost shops, but there was a long line in front, so I couldn't go in.

Shambles

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suifeng2019April 13, 2020
4.0
The ruins of the monastery stand alone on the cliff. When Bram Stoker saw it, it must have been in such a dilapidated state, gazing at the northern coastline. The towering columns and famous rib arches are majestic and profound, silently telling us what happened in the past.

Whitby Abbey

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ElbikJanuary 10, 2025
5.0
My first time visiting this tower ,all the staff was extremely friendly and helpful .We really enjoyed visiting this beautiful piece of history and we adore york. Was so happy to know it is english heritage so everytime we go somewhere we try and make use out of our membership.Was a wonderful structure been made for the stairs nice and strong. We enjoyed the roof top being able to have a clear 360 view was magnificent well worth all the climbing up both stairs .

Clifford's Tower, York

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Chloe YuenMay 18, 2023
5.0
There is a round arched entrance at the city gate that says York Wall 🏰 Entrance, there is no charge. The city wall is centered on York Cathedral ⛪️, we spent about 1 hour around the city wall, and after going up to the end to walk back down, requires a little physical strength 💪🏻, if there are young children with you have to think Clear. The road along the city wall is slightly narrow. If you are facing someone, you have to give way before you can continue🥲. But the view from the city wall is beautiful✨, looking inside is more beautiful like a fairy tale🌷. The walls of York, which have existed since Roman times, are still quite intact.

York City Walls

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RebekkaGladwin87May 11, 2025
5.0
top day , top attraction we loved it , even has quite room for overwhelmed children etc it's fab ,staff fab 👌

York Castle Museum

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118***07July 9, 2025
5.0
It is a very worthwhile place to visit. The building itself and the collections are extremely low-key and luxurious. A family has accumulated wealth and art over several generations. The true aristocratic cultivation is really cultivated from childhood.

Castle Howard

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小鱼儿2015December 1, 2019
4.0
The River Ouse is a very special river here. This river is also quite interesting. The River Ouse is also a very long river. Some boats can be transported on the River Ouse here, and there are several small bridges that are also quite interesting.

River Ouse

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Stuart AyrisJuly 31, 2026
5.0
The bus was on time and very smart. The tour guide, Steve, was personable, knowledgeable and humourous, really adding to the experience. Really interesting tour that gives you a great taster of a fascinating city.

CitySightseeing York

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M43***62December 8, 2020
3.0
We loved our visit, inside spotless & quiet. Everything good...except for the haunted house....I am not one to complain and my child loves scary spooky things but this haunted house (at a soft play not just a fair!) featured a man hanging, a woman with her guts hanging out & a man screaming in an electric chair. Not the spooky vampires, ghosts & monsters I’d prepared for! Definitely not suitable for the children that are attending.

The Web Adventure Park

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in York?

Don't miss these attractions in York: York Minster, Shambles, and Whitby Abbey. If you like Cultural experiences, try City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works.

You can give Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works and York: Introduction to Chocolate Making Experience a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Ghost Bus Tour of York, Round-trip from Manchester + York Minster + Harry Potter fun tour (Chinese/English private charter optional), and Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around York with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 15, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in York is around EUR 15.75 – EUR 614.82. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.