How Long To Spend There?
We would recommend spending 2-3 days in York; whilst it is a small city, it contends with Manchester as one of the most visited cities in the north due to its deep history and attractions.
Step back in time to 10th century York and discover the city’s legacy. Meet the residents and take a tour with your Viking guide! Discover the artefacts uncovered during the Coppergate dig and listen to the stories of what life was like living in Viking York. There’s even a Jorvik Viking Festival which takes place every year! Witness combat performances and get involved in a range of workshops to get a feel for the city’s fascinating past.
Awarded the title of the most picturesque street in Britain, this Medieval shopping alley is a must-see on any visit to York. Quaint cafes, chocolate shops and antique dealers have replaced the butchers that once traded on York’s narrowest alley but the lane has kept its historic charm! Think this street looks familiar? With its timber framed shop fronts and cobbled alleyways, it’s thought to be the inspiration behind the infamous Diagon Alley. There’s no shortage of tributes to the boy wizard. All Potter fans should visit, ‘The Shop That Must Not Be Named’ and ‘The World of Wizardry’ for that extra touch of magic.
As ‘Europe’s most haunted city’, no visit to York is complete without discovering the ghosts and ghouls that walk the city walls. Choose from a number of ghastly guides and journey back in time to learn of the murders and mysteries that have earned York its eerie reputation. For something a bit different, check out York’s only comedy-horror theatre experience and hop on-board the Ghost Bus. Lasting around 1 hour 15 minutes, you’ll take a whistle stop tour of some of York’s spookiest attractions. Visit Clifford’s Tower, York Minster and Dick Turpin’s Grave on this terrifying top-rated tour.
Chocolate played an essential role in York’s history, helping the city to establish its wealth. Head to York’s chocolate story and learn about the exotic origins of some of York’s most famous brands. Learn from the experts and discover how to taste chocolate like a pro and be amazed by the skills of the professional chocolatiers. Don’t forget to take a trip to the cafe and try the luxury hot chocolate on offer!
Many train lines run through York; making it very easy to access form most cities in the UK such as Manchester, Liverpool, Durham and Oxford. There are also 4 trains a day from London to York.
Getting Around?
Most of the central town is pedestrianised, which means walking is the best way to explore York. Many of the surrounding roads are often congested so driving is not advised! Buses do run in and around York, a day ticket will cost around £4.
