A Mini Guide to York

Last Updated on 21st January 2019

Arriving in York I felt like I had stepped back in time. This walled city is immersed in history with its Roman roots and Viking legends. Medieval buildings line streets, housing independent boutique stores and trendy cafés. World renown museums give recognition to York’s important contribution to England’s railway and confectionery manufacturing history.

Whatever you do, do not book in for a Lord of the Rings marathon at the IMAX that finishes the morning you plan to travel. Sightseeing while sleep deprived is fun! You find these random photos on your camera and you inadvertently visit the places on your ‘must-do’ list without knowing you have.

How to Get There

Trains to York from London leave on a regular half-hourly basis, with either Grand Central or London North Eastern Railway, and takes approximately 2 hours. If you are travelling from elsewhere in the UK, York station is served by train services running from most of the major cities in England and Edinburgh, Scotland.

Where to Stay

I stayed in an independent boutique Hotel 53 (53 Piccadilly) which, as of 2018, is now a Holiday Inn. The hotel remains largely the same with exception of some improvements by the new owners. Prices are budget to mid-range, £65 – £120, depending on the time of year. The restaurant was pleasant, I enjoyed the food. It’s a 20 minute walk from the train station and is very near to all the local attractions and main shopping area.

If you are look for somewhere to stay that is more budget, Safestay hostel (88-90 Micklegate) has beds in a shared dorm for £15 – £20.

Top 10 Things to Do in York

Here is what I wanted to do while in York, while I was sleeping:

1. Train Spot Indoors

You might have guess by now that I am a train travel freak. Needless to say the National Rail Museum (Leeman Road) was at the top of my must-do list. With over 100 trains and 300 years of rail history under its roof, the National Rail Museum in York is the most popular museum of its kind in the world. It’s the only place outside of Japan where you can jump aboard a Japanese bullet train. Entry is free.

2. Pop around to Betty’s for Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea at Bettys Tea Rooms (6-8 St Helen’s Square) is a must while in York! Opened in 1936, its design was inspired by the founder’s trip on the Queen Mary ocean liner. If you want to guarantee a spot at Bettys they only take reservations for their Lady Betty Afternoon Tea which is served in the Imperial and Belmont rooms. Otherwise, it’s a queuing only system.

3. Admire the View from York Minster

Climbing the 275 steps of the York Minster tower (Deangate) will reward you with the best view of the city. But don’t just visit the tower! Take time to explore this impressive Gothic cathedral, you won’t regret it.

I searched high and low for the York Minster during my visit. When I couldn’t find it I assumed it was outside the city. Editing my photos, I discovered a few that where taken within a couple metres from the Minster. How could I not notice it? It’s massive!!

4. Visit my Dad’s (Clifford’s) Tower

Clifford’s Tower (Tower Street) is mighty impressive so much so they named it after my father. York Castle was built in the 11th century under the orders of William I. The ruins that remain, known as Clifford’s Tower (the keep of the castle) was added to the castle in the 12th century. Climbing the hill to the Tower affords you wonderful panoramic views of York. Entry is only £5.40 or £6.00 with a donation/gift aid.

5. Shop in the Most Picturesque Street in Britain

The Shambles not only describes my visit to York but is a glorious medieval cobbled street lined with 600 year old wooden buildings. Voted Google’s Most Picturesque Street in Britain, The Shambles is full of unusual buildings which house shops and restaurants. It is also host to many tours and ghost walks, and even got its first mention in the Doomsday book.

6. Walk the Walls

York’s walls aren’t there for decoration. This ancient monument was originally built to protect a Roman fort in 71 AD and was then steadily rebuilt over the centuries by various occupants of the city. At two miles long, you can walk around these walls at your leisure, Friends of York Walls have compile this guide for visitors to follow.

7. Discover Yorkshire’s History

The York Museums Trust comprises of five museums (all museums have an entry fee, except the Gardens):

Yorkshire Museum which sits surrounded by the York Museum Gardens is one of UK’s first purpose-built museums and houses five collections covering biology, geology, archaeology numismatics and astronomy
York Museum Gardens, after visit the Yorkshire Museum take time to explore the stunning botanical Gardens
York Art Gallery where you can find a vast collection of paintings spanning more than 600 years
York Castle Museum founded by Dr John Kirk and houses his extraordinary social history collection, reflecting everyday life in Yorkshire
York St Mary’s a beautiful medieval church which has been converted to a contemporary visual art space

JORVIK Viking Centre is also worth visiting. This museum houses a large collection of 10th century artefacts found in York and has a reconstruction of 10th century Viking York.

8. Pay Your Respects to a Highwayman

I happened upon Dick Turpin’s grave (George Street) completely by accident. On my way back from exploring the city I discovered this ‘park’ behind the hotel. This park turned out to be the unassuming graveyard of St George’s church across the road. While records indicate that Turpin may be buried at St George’s, it appears that this grave may simply be a monument which was put up in 1918, and his actual burial spot is unmarked.

Now what is spooky about this find is the random photos on my camera shortly after I took photos of Turpin’s grave, none of which I remember taking; crooked, out of focus pictures of individual graves. Then there are photos of the not-that-special trees in the graveyard. It is possible that I accidentally press down on the shutter button, which it’s quite hard to do on my camera.

9. York Chocolate Story

York is truly the home of British chocolate! Rowentree’s, Terry’s and Cowan’s were all founded in York. York Chocolate Story (King’s Square) is a must for chocoholics and non-chocoholics, taking you through a trip of York’s chocolate history and gives you an opportunity to sample some of York’s chocolatey delights at the end of your tour.

10. Get Lost

Did you know that York is home to Europe’s biggest maze? York Maze is a maze made of maize (try saying that quickly). It isn’t only a maze, there are other attractions for everyone to enjoy including a crazy golf course and an obstacle course. For coffee addicts like me there is the amazing Kernel coffee shop in a beautiful old brick barn.

Is there anything I’ve missed off my list that you think should be there? Comment below if I have so I can visit when I next go to York.

Happy travels!

L x