York, United Kingdom

Things to do

2 days in York

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk a stretch of the medieval city walls, the longest in England.
  2. AfternoonVisit York Minster, then wander the crooked Shambles.
  3. EveningJoin a ghost walk through the old city, York claims to be England's most haunted.

Day 2

Visit the free National Railway Museum.

What to eat

A Yorkshire pudding with roast and a tea at a classic tea room.

Local tips

Make the most of York

Beat the crowds

The Shambles is busiest midday. Walk it early in the morning.

Best photo spot

York Minster from the city walls, which you can walk for free.

Getting there

Trains from London take about 2 hours. The centre is walkable.

Don't miss nearby

The North York Moors and the coastal town of Whitby.

Good to know

Walking the medieval walls is free. York Minster has an entry fee; climbing the tower costs extra.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near York

Our most hidden places around York: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of York to take with you.

65 km away
66 km away
82 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to York

Getting there

  • Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)40 km away
  • Manchester Airport (MAN)105 km away
  • Manchester95 km away
  • Durham95 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryUnited Kingdom

Questions

York: good to know

Is York worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. Medieval city walls, a vast Gothic minster and crooked half-timbered lanes.

How many days do you need in York?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit York?

You can visit all year. The Shambles is busiest midday. Walk it early in the morning.

How do you get to York?

The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), about 40 km away. Trains from London take about 2 hours. The centre is walkable.

What is there to see near York?

Nearby hidden places include Manchester (93 km), Durham (96 km) and Lake Windermere (127 km).

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