York

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Narrow laneway of 'The Shambles', which is a centre piece of historic York.

©TJ Blackwell/Getty Images

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Overview

No other city in northern England says 'medieval' quite like York, a city of extraordinary cultural and historical wealth that has lost little of its pre-industrial lustre. A magnificent circuit of 13th-century walls encloses a medieval spider's web of narrow streets. At its heart lies the immense, awe-inspiring York Minster, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. York's long history and rich heritage is woven into virtually every brick and beam, and the modern, tourist-oriented city – with its myriad museums, restaurants, cafes and traditional pubs – is a carefully maintained heir to that heritage.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

York Minster

York

York Minster is the largest medieval cathedral in northern Europe, and one of the world's most beautiful Gothic buildings. Seat of the archbishop of York,…

National Railway Museum

York

York's National Railway Museum – the biggest in the world, with more than 100 locomotives – is well presented and crammed with fascinating stuff. It is…

Jorvik Viking Centre

York

Interactive multimedia exhibits aimed at bringing history to life often achieve exactly the opposite, but the much-hyped Jorvik manages to pull it off…

Merchant Adventurers' Hall

York

York's most impressive semi-timbered building is still owned by the fraternity that built it almost 650 years ago and it is the oldest surviving guildhall…

Treasurer's House

York

This historic home, which once housed York Minster's medieval treasures, is an anomaly: in the 19th century it was bought by Yorkshire industrialist Frank…

Museum Gardens

York

In the grounds of the peaceful Museum Gardens, you can see the Multangular Tower, a part of the City Walls that was once the western tower of the Roman…

Yorkshire Museum

York

Most of York's Roman archaeology is hidden beneath the medieval city, so the superb displays in the Yorkshire Museum are invaluable if you want to get an…

York City Art Gallery

York

As well as an impressive collection of Old Masters, York Art Gallery possesses works by LS Lowry, Pablo Picasso, Grayson Perry, David Hockney, and the…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

With its Roman and Viking history, and medieval core, York is one of England’s must-see cities. Here's our round-up of the best things to do there.

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Day Trips

York's sights are thoroughly captivating, but this northern city is also an ideal base for adventures through the wildly scenic Yorkshire countryside.

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Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from York

Public Transport

6 easy day trips from York to see moorlands, markets and coastal castles

Jan 15, 2022 • 7 min read

York's sights are thoroughly captivating, but this northern city is also an ideal base for adventures through the wildly scenic Yorkshire countryside.