5 Places to Explore in York

York is the most charming city to explore. It's like stepping back into medieval times with the cobbled streets, breath-taking cathedral and stone walls that surround the city.


Not only is this beautiful city filled with history, stunning views and so many quaint coffee shops there is literally hundreds of things to do in York that are dotted all over the city. It’s a wonderful place to discover and makes an ideal place for a city break. There are so many wonderful attractions that you can visit when you're in this city, all within a walking distance of one another. York is well known for having more than 365 pubs, one for every day of the year. Two of the most famous ones are The Guy Fawkes Inn, where Guy Fawkes was born and The Golden Fleece, said to be the most haunted pub in York.

We have been wanting to take a trip to York for quite a while, but we never seem to get around to it. So when the chance came to celebrate our anniversary away, we knew exactly where to go. For this trip, we thought it would be fun to go glamping. An outdoor camping trip with luxury amenities is a great way to get back to nature, explore new places, and experience the outdoors.

There was nothing quite like spending time in an adorable camping pods hosted on Airbnb to simply relax and unwind. York was just a half-hour away, so it was a great location to get a glamping experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city in the evenings.

We had the most amazing weekend in York enjoying the stunning architecture, breath-taking views and listening to many interesting ghost stories along the way. It should be a place on everyone's bucket list. So, with that in mind we thought that we would share some of our favourite little spots with you for you to enjoy as well.

York Minster

There's only one place that could come first on out list of favourite spots in York and that's without a doubt the stunning views of York Minster. It is one of the worlds most magnificent cathedrals, beautiful from the inside and out and full of history.


A walk around York Minster isn't one to miss, it is surrounded by some lovely gardens and cobbled streets. Don't forget to take a moment to explore all the adorable little streets around this beautiful city where you can capture the true essence of York.

York Minster is the biggest medieval cathedral in Northern Europe, and considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful Gothic buildings. It took over 250 years to build and the craftsmanship is breath-taking; you can’t help but stare and wonder about how they managed its construction nearly 900 years ago.

The Shambles

The Shambles is a little history filled cobbled street of York that is a firm favourite among Harry Potter fans being often described as a real-life Diagon Alley. Although it retains its original charm, the modern-day Shambles is a sweet-smelling experience with many a treat for Potter fans. Visit The Potions Cauldron at No. 9 ¾ to experience their magical apothecary or even book a potion-making experience.


The York Ghost Merchants is the most remarkable shop on the most extraordinary street in the most haunted city in the world. It is definitely not one to miss. For a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir, the York Ghost Merchants is the place to go. Select a cute ghoul figurine from the hundreds on display in this Georgian-styled shop. Try them out in the staging area, name them and take one home.


Also on the Shambles is The Shop that Must Not be Named, complete with official Harry Potter merchandise, a cast of Potter-mad staff and even broomstick parking. It’s the ideal place to pick up a new wand grab a chocolate frog or replace your old cloak.


Clifford's Tower

With over 800 years of history and boasting one of the best views in the city, Clifford’s Tower has long been one of the best places to visit in York. It is situated on a small hill overlooking the city, and while there's not a lot to see inside the tower itself, the view from the top is totally worth the breathing taking views of the busy city. The views from the top are unmissable, but make sure you also have a seat on one of the listening seats where you can hear local residents bring fictional characters to life, each representing a different chapter in the tower’s past.

The York Dungeon

The York Dungeon experience is unlike any other in the city. As soon as you enter you will know that you're in for a real scary treat, so don't expect to walk around a museum of things from the past and boards to read. This is more like horrible history brought to life. The York Dungeons will make you laugh, scream, and maybe, even cry.

The York Dungeon combines theatrical actors, spin-chilling special effects, scenes to create a truly unique walk through experience, with a lot of laughs along the way. You’ll come face to face with some of York’s most notorious characters, before heading to the tavern to calm your nerves. There are not a lot of places where you can allow yourself to scream like a Viking, see the plague doctor, stand trail, or be held up by a highwayman?

Ghost Bus Tour of York

There are lots of places in York that are thought to be haunted, but these spooky stories are not often mentioned on traditional sightseeing tours. The Ghost Bus Tour of York will help you discover all the dark history of York looking at haunted sights such a The Shambles, York Minster, Clifford's Tower and Dick Turpin's Grave. York is full of ghoulish stories, and a ghost tour is the best way to find out about them.

York is an amazing city to visit with so many hidden gems to discover. It is a quintessentially English city with so much history and unlike any other city. The ancient walls surround incredible local businesses, attractions, shops, accommodation and eateries, with exciting events every day and inspiring festivals every month of the year. It is one not to miss.

14 comments

  1. These are such neat places! It is nice to have unique destinations to check out.

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  2. Write more casual comment thanking the author for the information about do not include website in comment

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  3. Love the portrayal of York. Will note down these places to visit during my next trip.

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  4. I have never been to York and it is somewhere I keep talking about visiting at some stage as so many things I want to do and see

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  5. Thanks for this sharing with list of awesome places to visit when at York. It's on my to travel list. So I'm saving your post here so can be my travel reference. I'm so in love with York Minster on your list. Cheers SiennyLovesDrawing

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  6. Marie Cris Angeles4 May 2023 at 11:28

    New York is in my bucket list. So thanks for all this amazing places, now I have an idea where to go in New York!

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  7. Wow, there’s something for all the family with a wide range of family friendly attractions and opportunities to explore here.

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  8. Thank you for this. I was nspired by the options above and built my own itinerary.

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  9. The York Minister is stunning for sure! I've heard a lot about it but never been. I would love to see it in person.

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  10. York is such a wonderful city to explore, we love it there. We are so lucky to have so much history in the UK

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  11. Your blog post about exploring York is fantastic! I loved how you described each of the five places with such detail and enthusiasm, making me want to visit them all. Your writing style is engaging and informative, and your photos are beautiful.

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  12. I went to York for the first time a few years ago and did all those things and loved it. But I didn't go into the ghost merchants shop and I really wish I did. There are a few things I'd still love to do so I'd be keen to go back again x

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  13. I appreciate how you included a mix of historical and modern attractions, and I can't wait to check them out for myself. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to more travel guides from you!

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  14. I haven’t been to York in a while, since before Covid, but it’s definitely an amazing city and so much history to enjoy. I need to take my kids there, I think.
    Karen - Catskidschaos.com

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