York packs a punch for a city break offering a rich blend of history and culture, stunning architecture and plenty of things to do. All the sights and the city centre are easily walkable from the railway station making it perfect for a car free short break. The medieval walls of the city mean that it has remained a compact city, perfect for a weekend away.
Get the most out of your time on a car free city break in York with my top 10 things to do in York taking in history, culture and architecture.
This guide to a car free city break in York and the 10 best things to do in York while you're there will cover:
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Why York is great for a car free city break
York is served by regular trains from major railway hubs such as London, Birmingham and Leeds and can be reached in as little as 2 hours by train from London.
York’s architecture is impressive and nowhere more is this true than the stunning York Minster, one of Northern Europe’s largest Gothic cathedrals. Walks along the ancient city walls provide panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Take a glimpse into Jorvik’s Viking past at the Jorvik Viking Centre where you will journey through reconstructed Viking streets. If you have a sweet tooth you can visit York's Chocolate Story. The Shambles, a picturesque medieval street, will feature on most walking tours which offer the opportunity to appreciate the history and culture with a local guide. A river cruise offers a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective. A visit to York at any time of year offers all the ingredients for a memorable city break.
If you have more time then I’d recommend extending your stay and indulging in my 6 day car-free ‘best of Yorkshire’ itinerary, based out of Leeds or York, and taking in the best that Yorkshire has to offer by train. And consider a visit at Christmas when York Christmas Market features as one of my top 10 UK Christmas markets.
Where to stay in York
To get the most from a visit to York I’d recommend staying at least a couple of days in one of these York hotels that are centrally placed for all the sights:
- Malmaison – spectacular rooftop city views
- Radisson Hotel – riverside and 10 mins walk from the main sights
- Hilton York – in the heart of historic York opposite Clifford’s Tower
The best 10 things to do on a car free city break in York
Here is my pick of the best 10 things to do in York. Try the York City Pass to get entry to 20 city centre attractions (including 1-7 in the list below – please check before booking). The pass also includes entry to more sights worth a visit slightly further afield such as Castle Howard, the North York Moors Railway, and the Yorkshire Arboretum.
1. York Minster – experience the stunning gothic cathedral both inside and out. General admission tickets include an excellent free tour of the cathedral. There are also ‘Hidden Minster’ and ‘Tower tours’ available for an additional charge. The Tower tours reward you with unrivalled views across York.
2. Jorvik Viking Centre – immerse yourself in a reconstruction of the houses, workshops, and backyards of the Viking-age city of Jorvik. Journey through Viking-age streets, witnessing life as it was in 10th-century York.
3. National Railway Museum – get up close to iconic locomotives and explore the engineering marvels of railways around the world at this free museum.
4. Explore history at the Yorkshire Museum or York Castle Museum. Both will inspire you with the stories, history, art and culture of York and North Yorkshire through their various permanent and temporary exhibits.
5. York Chocolate Story – discover the history of chocolate and how it is inextricably linked to the history of York through names such as Rowntree and Terry, two York families that shaped the local chocolate industry and created global brands. Includes chocolate treats and hands on experiences.
6. Red bus tour – explore all the major sights with wonderful views from the open top bus tour. Unlimited access for 24 hours makes this a great way to get to all the attractions that you want to see.
7. Cruise the River Ouse – experience York from a different angle and take your pick from a range of cruises including a fish and chip cruise, happy hour cruises, daytime sight seeing or take control of your own small self drive boat.
8. Walk the city walls – walk the most complete city walls in England and get panoramic views across the city of York. Walking the walls takes about 2 hours and you can download self guided walks and audio guides.
9. Take a small-group walking tour – absorb yourself in the history of the stunning history of York with a local guide.
10. Spend time with cats – explore York’s traditional connection to cats through the York Cat Trail, spotting historic cat statues dotted on buildings across York. The original cat statues were placed on buildings to frighten away rats and mice which can carry plague and illness. Rest your weary legs at the Cat Cafe where you can enjoy coffee and cake in the company of cats! Book in advance.
Whilst you’re in the area why not indulge your nostalgic side and take a day to experience the North York Moors Steam Railway? My guide covers the best ways to enjoy the railway which connects the top North York Moors attractions. Take in the beauty of the moors from the comfort of a vintage railway carriage; visit Whitby for a seaside day out or enjoy the railway tea rooms, photography opportunities or tours to get up close to the steam locomotives.