If you’re planning a trip to England, York is likely on your list. But, can you plan York in a Day? Let’s find out!
First, a little history before your Day in York.
York was founded in 71 AD and is rich in history. The city was founded by the Romans and they lived and ruled the city for 3 centuries. Vikings invaded in 866AD but despite the perceived history of violence, they were quite peaceful and provided a lot of growth for the city in agriculture and trading. York is a picturesque medieval city and has so much to offer. From its ghost walks and spooky stories to its Viking & Roman history, all the way around to the beautiful York Minster.
Population: 156,135
Size: 33.7 km2 (13.0 sq mi)
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber
Worth Visiting?: Absolutely Yes
Interesting Facts: York’s old city walls are the most complete in England, mostly constructed in the 12th Century. At 3.4km long, it takes about two hours to walk the walls of York. With over 365 pubs, you’ll never be thirsty in York. Beware of ghosts on a night out! York is believed to be one of the most haunted cities in the world!
Can you see York in a Day?
The quick answer is yes.
If you have more time we suggest at minimum 2 days and 3 nights in York to see all of the sights. We live in Sheffield, so York is a 1-hour 15-minute drive for us on the M1. It is a place we will be returning to multiple times and cannot wait to continue to explore.
You can also catch the train, which takes the same amount of time.
- 4-hour train from Bath (approx.)
- 3-hour train from London
- 1-hour 30 train from Manchester
What Not to Miss While on Your Trip.
York Minster
York Minster is the first thing on our list of what to do with a day in York. Dating back to the 7th century the Minster has so much history to offer. The stained glass and carved stone are truly exquisite and should not be missed. Here you will see the single largest piece of stained glass in the country called “The Great Window”. There is also an Undercroft Museum that is free entry with your cathedral ticket.
Tickets into the cathedral are £16 per person, or £22 if you wish to climb the tower (which you know we did if you’ve read any of our blogs before).
If you’re not afraid of heights we would definitely suggest you climb the tower! It is the highest point in York and gives you the most stunning view of the city. The Tower Climb is 275 steps and stands 197 ft tall. Breathtaking (literally).
Make sure you make York Minster part of your plan for the day. You won’t regret it. Tickets can be purchased online with timeslots. It may seem steep of a price but it costs £30,000 a day to run so all of a sudden that seems pretty reasonable.
Clifford’s Tower
Clifford’s Tower has some sad history surrounding it. In 1190, many from York’s Jewish community were trapped inside, and lost their lives, during one of the worst antisemitic massacres of the Middle Ages. Today it’s used to commemorate the lives lost and give an insight into the history of the tower.
It was originally built to subdue the rebellious north by William the Conqueror but has been many other things since then. It has been a Royal Mint, a medieval stronghold, and a garrison in the Civil War.
Tickets are only £8.50 and the Tower is open daily from 10 am-6 pm.
Even if you don’t wish to go inside, taking in the views from the exterior is essential. It is not far from the main part of town and sits right beside the York Castle Museum.
York Castle Museum
If museums aren’t your thing then just scroll past this part. That being said, if you do like museums, definitely don’t cross past this part!
The York Castle Museum is a complex establishment. There are many different exhibitions for you to wander through. We found some a lot more interesting than others, but that just comes down to personal preference. Our top favourites were:
- Kirkgate: The Victorian Street
- York Castle Prison
- Raindale Mill
- 1914: When the World Changed Forever
You can purchase tickets in advance online (£14.50) or buy them as a walk-in (£16). Children receive a discounted rate (£8.75/£9.75). The Museum is open 11 am-5 pm and Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am-5 pm.
Stroll Down the Shambles
The Shambles is one of the best-preserved shopping streets in England. This street used to be full of butcher shops and slaughterhouses, hanging fresh meat daily throughout the street. Now it is home to many bespoke shops for all sorts of items and food.
Spend some time wandering the streets and popping into any shop that suits your fancy.
Make sure you stop at The York Ghost Merchants and grab the most adorable ghost figurine. Also, if you like Harry Potter, you’re sure to pop into The Shop that Must Not Be Named. While it’s believed that J.K. Rowling drew her inspiration from The Shambles for Diagon Alley, she has never confirmed this. If you’re fancying a sweet treat then try Monk Bar Chocolatiers or the Blue Bird Bakery.
The Shambles Market is also just around the corner and is open daily from 9 am-5 pm.
Stop and have lunch at The York Roast Co.
There is nothing, NOTHING! better than a pork sandwich with stuffing, applesauce, and crackling.
Eat in or take out, definitely stop at The York Roast Co. for a quick lunch. Trevor had their famous Yorkypud Wrap and can also vouch that it’s a top choice. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to snap a picture before Trevor had already taken a bite.
If you have more than a Day in York, here are more suggestions for spending your time.
- Go on a Ghost Tour of York (there are a bunch!)
- St. Sampsons Square
- JORVIK Viking Centre
- The Yorkshire Museum
- National Railway Museum
- Ouse River Sightseeing Tour
- Coppergate Shopping Centre
- Castle Howard
- Walk along York City Walls
- Breezy Knees Garden
- York Dungeon
- Yorks Chocolate History
- York Cold War Bunker
If you’re looking for some tips on travelling in England, give our England Travel Guide a read! As always, any questions or comments please feel free to send them our way!
Hey saw daddyo!!!!