Things to do in York

We’ve chosen our top things to do when visiting York

The York Minster

No trip to York is complete without a visit to the city’s most iconic building, The York Minster. Built in the 7th Century, the York Minster is one of Europe’s largest and most impressive cathedrals. Explore the Misters rich history from the Roman Emperor who changed the course of Christianity to the great fires that devastated parts of the building.

Whilst here climb the steps to the top or delve into the Undercroft for a wealth of history.

For those wanting to admire its beauty from the outside, why not drop into Deans Park to the north side of the York Minster for magnificent views. The park is also home to The Old Palace, the Cathedral library.

Location: York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
Website: www.yorkminster.org
Cost: From £12 per adult, under 16s free with a paying adult
Parking: none, York Minster is at the end of the street

Castle Howard

On the outskirts of York lies Castle Howard, home to generations of the Howards family for over 300 years and one of the great palaces of Europe.

Used as the set location for a number of films and series including Victoria, the Castle Howard palace oozes grandeur. Explore inside the house with a house tour, visit the exhibitions detailing the history of the property and see inside its chapel. Outside the gardens are just as impressive with a lake, fountains, parklands and an adventure playground.

Plus, with a farm shop and garden centre you can take a little of Castle Howard home.

Location: Castle Howard Estate, York, YO60 7DA
Website: www.castlehoward.co.uk
Cost: £12.95 per adult, £8.50 per child
Parking: Onsite

York City Walls

Built in the medieval era of York, the York City Walls surround the central area of the city and provide the perfect elevated position to see the sights. Walk up the stairs at many of the tower points across the city and start your walk.

The locals call the walk the ‘Bar Walls’, and for very good reason, at every set of steps is a pub or a bar. Perfect for breaking up your walk.

Location: Walls cover the circumference of the city, many points of entry. One of the flights of steps is directly outside The Fat Badger.
Website: www.yorkwalls.org.uk
Cost: Free
Parking: No parking available

York Maze

A short car ride away is Europe’s largest maze of maize, crafted by artists annually with seasonal themes and family attractions galore. This unique day out has a variety of mazes to explore all crafted from over 1 million plants of maize, the size of 8 Wembley football pitches!

There’s much more than maize at this day out with rides, attractions, pig racing and refreshments to name a few. It is a full day out for the whole family.

Location: Elvington Lane, York, YO19 5LT
Website: www.yorkmaze.com
Cost: £14.75 per child, £15.75 per adult
Parking: Free, on-site parking.

Museum Gardens

Set in the heart of central York is a registered botanical garden, complete with its own observatory. Surrounding a number of listed buildings and scheduled monuments is a highly maintained garden for all seasons, founded and cared for by the York Museum Trust. The gardens are also home to St Marys Abbey ruins, a pavilion lawn and the artists garden.

The gardens are the perfect location to take a break from the hustle of the city, to take a picnic for a tranquil lunch or a stroll within the grounds.

Location: Museum Gardens, York, YO1 7FR
Website: www.yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk
Cost: Free
Parking: None, but just a stone’s throw away from The Fat Badger.