York and the surrounding areas are bursting with astounding quality short immersions and full day adventures. From mostly personal experience, our concierge or front desk team have checked out these experiences, so you can be assured of a memorable day.
Please enjoy the photos and verbiage with kind thanks to our friends at VisitYork.
York Minster
“Discover one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, a masterpiece in stained glass and stone and a sacred space which has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England since the 7th century. Marvel at the Great East Window, the largest single expanse of medieval stained glass in the country, take a guided tour filled with stories from the building’s 800-year history or visit the Undercroft Museum to explore the remains of a Roman barracks and the cathedral’s links to Viking York.” – VisitYork
National Railway Museum
“Escape the day-to-day and join National Railway Museum for a journey through time. Get up close to icons of the rails including Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive. Discover how high-speed rail travel began and journey back in time to experience the working life of a station. Explore over 200 years of history and find out how railways shaped our world.” – VisitYork
The York Museum and the York Museum Gardens
“Housing some of the finest collections of archaeological and geological finds in Europe, the Yorkshire Museum, is the ideal first port of call for any trip to York.
The museum is situated in York Museum Gardens, an idyllic haven with an array of plant species, wildlife, and historical features to explore. Established in the 1830s by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society, the gardens are famed for their fantastic collection of trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs set against the stunning backdrop of the medieval ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey.” – VisitYork
JORVIK Viking Centre
“With its world-famous ride taking visitors around the sights, sounds and smells of Viking-age York, and state-of-the art galleries showcasing our unique collection of 1,000 year old artefacts, visit JORVIK Viking Centre to discover York’s fascinating Viking legacy.” – VisitYork
Cliffords Tower
“Standing as a proud symbol of the power of England's medieval kings; the tower was originally built by William the Conqueror to subdue the rebels of the north, it was twice burned to the ground, before being rebuilt by Henry III in the 13th century. With sweeping panoramic views of York and the
surrounding countryside, it isn't hard to see why Clifford's Tower played such a crucial role in the control of northern England.” – VisitYork
The Shambles
“Shambles is one of York's most famous landmarks and one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. With its cobbled streets and overhanging buildings, it is believed to have been the inspiration behind Diagon Alley from the movie adaptation of the Harry Potter series.” – VisitYork
City Cruises York - Sightseeing Tours
“Step on-board and take a seat on the top deck or wrapped up warm in our enclosed saloon - wherever you sit you will have a great view to uncover the history of our ancient city and the immense impact the River Ouse has had on its development. From the impact of flooding over the centuries to its prosperity as an inland port, bringing precious goods from across the globe into York, including the humble cocoa bean, that super-charged York’s world-famous chocolate industry.” – VisitYork
Whitby Abbey
“Recently named Britain’s most romantic ruin, Whitby Abbey is set high on a cliff above the Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby. Founded in 657 by St Hilda, Whitby Abbey has over the years been a bustling settlement, a kings’ burial place, the setting for a historic meeting between Celtic and Roman clerics, the home of saints including the poet Caedmon, and inspiration for Bram Stoker, author of Dracula. Discover how over 2,000 years of history make the Abbey one of England’s most important archaeological sites.” – VisitYork
Castle Howard
“One of Britain’s finest stately homes, situated just outside York in the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Built over 300 years ago by Sir John Vanbrugh, today it remains home to the Howard family. Discover the House at your own pace, admiring its awe-inspiring architecture and interiors, with something to capture everyone’s imagination. Enjoy stunning scenery all year, with almost 1,000 acres of Grade 1 listed parkland and gardens to explore.” – VisitYork
