Places to Visit in York
With its ancient city walls, medieval cobbled lanes and atmospheric buildings, York is steeped in history and learning about the city’s provenance is easy to do. Everywhere you turn, you're reminded of an element of York’s page-turning past.
From the wealth of fascinating museums to York Minster and its breathtaking stained-glass windows, and awe-inspiring look-out points with panoramic views, there are so many fantastic places to visit in York.
The city also enjoys a lively theatre scene with many big-name acts as well as up-and-coming artists treading the boards.
Further afield, there's also much to explore and, with excellent public transport, it couldn’t be easier to explore your wider surroundings and see what else Yorkshire has to offer.
One of the leading racecourses in the world and one of Britain’s oldest, here you can see stunningly beautiful racehorses in action. But it’s not just about the horses. Alongside the racing calendar, the venue is a live music destination as well as host to family and fashion events. It’s a great day and night out on the fringes of the city.
RACECOURSE ROAD, KNAVESMIRE ROAD, YORK YO23 1EX
One of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals and the largest medieval cathedral in northern Europe is just a short walk from your new front door. It’s going to be one of those places your visitors will want to see, so get to know it beforehand and you’ll prove yourself a knowledgeable host. You can book to climb the 275 steps to the top of the central tower, and see all of York and beyond from the highest point in the city.
DEANGATE, YORK YO1 7HH
Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top of the tower and test your head for heights with an open-air wall walk. It is almost all that remains of William the Conqueror’s York Castle, and has not only served as a prison but also a royal mint in its time. On a clear day from the top, see if you can spy the North York Moors.
TOWER STREET, YORK YO1 9SA
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cliffords-tower-york/
This is the place to see entertainers as varied as Dara O’Briain and Katie Melua. The Barbican offers a diverse programme of events, from live bands, to snooker, to family and community events. Comedy is a firm favourite here though, with special stand-up nights, as well as faces familiar from TV taking to the stage.
PARAGON STREET, YORK YO10 4AH
Producing great drama in York since 1734, the theatre re-opened in 2016 following a major renovation. Thankfully, its Georgian façade and Edwardian interior remain untouched, and every year the theatre entertains more than 200,000 people with a wide variety of performances, events and activities, including the much-loved annual panto. Oh yes it does!
ST LEONARD’S PLACE, YORK YO1 7HD
Take a ride through Viking-age York and learn the fascinating history of your new city. Regarded as one of Britain’s most exciting archaeological discoveries, unearthed 30 years ago when construction on Coppergate Shopping Centre began, Jorvik gives an insight into the workings of the 9th century Viking city. The centre has been completely restored following major flooding in 2015. You will find lifelike scenes, precious artefacts and authentic sounds and smells.
19 COPPERGATE, YORK YO1 9WT
Explore our Hungate development in York.
