The Historic City of York Is Encircled by Ancient Walls — and Its Gothic Minster Is One of the Largest in Europe
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Walk Down the Shambles
The Shambles is one of the most famous streets in the United Kingdom, not just York. It’s also one of the world’s oldest and best-preserved medieval streets. Believed to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series, this breathtaking street is a sight to behold.
Most half-timbered buildings down this narrow cobblestone street date back to the 14th century. However, the Shambles was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book of William the Conqueror in the 11th century. As such, walking down the street is like a journey through time.
In addition to its fascinating architecture, the Shambles is home to many exciting shops. Two of my favorites are the Shop That Must Not Be Named and the York Ghost Merchants.
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Have Fun at the JORVIK Viking Centre
The JORVIK Viking Centre is one of York’s best family-friendly tourist attractions. Between 1976 and 1981, archaeologists excavated the remains of a Viking settlement in the heart of York city center. After the excavations, the JORVIK Viking Centre was created above the site.
This world-famous tourist attraction brilliantly recreates the excavated part of Jorvik, revealing what life was like over 1,000 years ago in Viking York. The center’s main attraction is an immersive ride that takes visitors around a reconstructed Viking settlement. Led by an audio guide, visitors learn everything there is to know about JORVIK through lifelike mannequins, Viking-style buildings, and real smells.
Afterward, you can explore a small museum containing Viking objects found during the excavations.
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Walk the City Walls
Walking the city walls is one of the most popular things to do in York. York has been surrounded by walls in one form or another since Roman times. The stone walls we can currently walk along have stood since the 13th and 14th centuries.
However, restoration work has been carried out in places to keep the walls walkable for visitors. Free to access, almost the entire city is still surrounded by walkable walls. As such, you can expect magnificent city views and a marvelous insight into York’s rich history.
Along the 2.1-mile (3.4-kilometer) walk, you’ll also find information boards detailing the wall’s history. The walls are mostly flat, so walking them isn’t difficult.
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Visit the York Minster
The York Minster is one of York’s most iconic tourist attractions. Easily one of Europe’s most impressive cathedrals, the Minster was built over 250 years, between 1220 and 1472. However, the site has been the center of Christianity in the north of England since the 7th century.
The Minster’s impressive Romanesque, Gothic, and Perpendicular Gothic architectural styles, along with its stunning stonework, vibrant stained-glass windows, and enormous hall, blow visitors away. Admittedly, the minster’s facade is enough to satisfy you, but it’s well worth going inside, too.
You’ll find ornate decorations and a panoramic viewpoint platform offering unparalleled city views. It’s worth noting that the York Minster entrance ticket is valid for 12 months.
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Enjoy a Drink in Valhalla, York
Valhalla York is one of the best pubs in York. Founded in 2017 and ideally located next to the Shambles, this cozy pub celebrates the city’s Viking heritage with a unique Viking theme. You’ll be transported to Viking Britain as soon as you step inside.
The walls are adorned with Viking-themed decorations, guests sit at long wooden tables, and the food menu consists mainly of Viking-inspired dishes. You can also buy Viking souvenirs, such as horn tankards. We strongly recommend at least stopping by for a drink.
The drinks menu has everything from craft ales and ciders to spirits and soft drinks. Regarding food, Valhalla York serves delicious Yorkshire-style tapas and platter boards.
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Visit One of the Most Haunted Pubs in Britain
If you’re brave enough, you can also have a drink and something to eat in one of Britain’s most haunted pubs. Renowned for being York’s most haunted pub, the Golden Fleece has been around since 1503. Just steps away from the Shambles, this pub is known for its many ghosts.
Visitors have reported seeing several ghosts, the most famous being Lady Alice Peckett, wife of John Peckett, the former mayor of York. Other famous beer-drinking ghosts in the Golden Fleece include One Eyed Jack, a Canadian airman, and Roman soldiers. The pub is so haunted that it appeared on the TV show Most Haunted.
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You could even stay at the Golden Fleece if you dare.
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Explore the City on a Ghost Tour
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore York is on a ghost tour. York is considered one of Europe’s most haunted cities, so, unsurprisingly, many ghost tours occur. However, in my opinion, the Original Ghost Walk of York is the best.
Established in 1973, this ghost tour is believed to be the first exclusive Ghost Walk in the World. It is led by a team of highly knowledgeable, friendly, and seriously funny guides who know the city inside out. Tours run every night, starting at the King’s Arms pub at 8:00 p.m.
The tour captures the imagination by telling the history of York through thrilling ghost stories. You’ll visit the Guy Fawkes Inn, York Minster, and the Blue Boar.
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See Where Guy Fawkes Was Born
Visiting where Guy Fawkes was born is one of the top things to do in York if you love history. For those who don’t know, Guy Fawkes, also known as Guido Fawkes, was heavily involved in the failed Gunpowder Plot in 1605. In 1605, Guy Fawkes attempted to assassinate King James I of England by blowing up the British Parliament with gunpowder.
Today, millions of people worldwide celebrate Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night to commemorate the failure of the Gunpowder Plot. The story began at the Guy Fawkes Inn, next to the York Minster.
Guy Fawkes was born in this medieval inn in 1570. Today, visitors can stay in a room called Guy Fawkes Cottage. Unsurprisingly, it’s believed the inn is haunted.
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Explore the National Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum is one of the most popular attractions in York. Perfect for families, train enthusiasts, and historians, this fascinating museum tells the story of rail transport in the UK and around the world. It features many fascinating exhibits centered on train history and a vast hall with beautifully preserved trains.
The Central Hall is the museum’s main highlight. Here, you can explore real-world locomotives, including the iconic Mallard 75, which still holds the steam locomotive world speed record. The Central Hall also features a Japanese bullet train (Shinkansen).
Better yet, when it’s not soaring across the UK, the world-famous Flying Scotsman calls the National Railway Museum home.
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Climb Up Clifford’s Tower
Like York Minster, Clifford’s Tower offers exceptional views of the city. It’s also one of York’s most historic landmarks, having witnessed many historical events. Initially built in the 11th century, Clifford’s Tower is one of the most extensive remaining parts of York Castle. However, it burned down in 1190 after a horrific antisemitic massacre took place on the site.
The stone tower we can see today was constructed in the 13th century. While it may now be a tourist attraction offering a 360-degree view of the city, it has also served as a prison treasury and law court.
Most of York, including York Minster, can be seen from the Clifford’s Tower roof deck.
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Step Back in Time at York Dungeon
York Dungeons is one of my favorite attractions in York, and I’m sure it will quickly become one of yours. This immersive tourist attraction transports visitors through 2,000 years of York’s dark history through exciting sets, special effects, and exhilarating storytelling. There are ten live-action shows to enjoy and countless tales to hear.
During your adventure through the dungeons, you’ll meet many famous characters from York’s past, including Guy Fawkes, Isabella Billington, and the Vikings. If you’re unfortunate, you might even be called upon to participate in one of the shows.
Laughs, screams, and maybe even tears can be expected in York Dungeon, the perfect activity for families.
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Tuck Into Street Food at Spark
Food enthusiasts searching for their next bite must visit Spark, York’s best street food market. Street food markets are popular in the United Kingdom, and Spark is the perfect example of why they are so loved. Here, you can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, good vibes, and delicious cuisine from around the globe.
You’ll thoroughly enjoy walking around the market, checking out what each restaurant and bar offers. Then, once you’ve decided what you want, you can find a seat and order everything from your phone. Spark has something for you, whether you want pizza and burgers or Greek gyros and Brazilian meats.
When I visited Spark, I particularly enjoyed the pizza from Rad Pizza Shop and the burgers from Clucking Oinks.
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