Speciality Museums • History Museums
Top Things to Do in York, North Yorkshire
Things to Do in York
Popular things to do
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- Likely to Sell Out
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- History Museums
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at York.
Top Attractions in York
Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
Neighbourhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins • Scenic Walking Areas
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Public Transportation Systems
Architectural Buildings • History Museums
Speciality Museums • History Museums
Military Museums • History Museums
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- davidbroadhurstBedford, UK8 contributionsIf you have any interest in the railways, there is no better museum to visit. Steam engines galore. Diesel and electric locomotives. Record breakers and Royal trains. What’s not to love and all with free entry.Written 22 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Betsy HCalabash, NC72 contributionsBeautiful cathedral. Just be advised that (at least when we were there) you couldn't buy entry tickets at the Minster, you had to do it online.Written 26 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Samantha B2 contributionsI can see why it’s a must visit , interesting and informative museum, just what is needed, can spend as
Long as you want, we took a couple of hours around, specially enjoyed the Victorian street.
Was worried due to various reviews, but although an old building this makes its charm, the cafe offering was more than what was needed, we enjoyed some quality cakes, sandwiches and lovely Yorkshire tea!
I am not local but would otherwise be back!Written 27 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Jela WWest Sussex, UK230 contributionsWorld famous ‘Shambles’ offer a super shopping experience with a mix of chains and independents. Pedestrianised areas make for a nice ‘mooch’ around the shops and cafes. Everything is within walking distance. Lots of nooks and crannies to explore.
Allow plenty of time for a good wander throughout the area.Written 18 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Sarah8 contributionsHallowscream is by far the best scary night out. The characters are great and the houses are so fun. A top tip is to not look or act scared around the actors and they won't bother you as much, I walked through the houses laughing and although the experience was still terrifying, the actors singled out my more scared looking friends, which was great for me.Written 13 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Paul JDushanbe, Tajikistan766 contributionsWe actually stumbled on a tower entrance across the town when going to a laundry, and walked counter clockwise around the city toward the Minster. Just amazing to see the lovely parkland, the historic sites and enjoy the outside.Written 20 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- swift-simbaCamberley, UK6,571 contributionsThere is a lot to see. There are a lot of planes and vehicles to see. There are a number of exhibits to see all with information boards to read that explain the exhibits.
The cafe was reasonably priced ad their meal deal was good value. There are a choice of places to sit and enjoy your lunch.
My husband was very pleased to see a Fairy Gannet plane as when he was in the navy on HMS Ark Royal they had one on it then.
He was also pleased to see a Nimrod aircraft too as he had worked on parts for her.
There is a lot to see and if you have any interest in planes or have been in the forces it is the place to go.Written 25 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - paigenoahjudeCheshire, UK58 contributionsIt was great from start to finish.Very interesting and you get treats along the way.The children loved it and they made their own chocolate lollipops too.Also a shout out to our guide “Gina” who was excellentWritten 28 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- IvarthebonelessDerby, UK45 contributionsI used to visit this splendid historical home frequently in the past and fell in love with it. Since the ' Lock Down's ' etc I have not been able to do this. Since my last visit another member of the Howard Family has taken charge. The house is run as a limited company, with the head of the family acting as Director and Managing Director I believe. Things have changed, and I am not sure if it's for the best. A lot of the antiques, paintings and other artefacts I used to admire were no longer on display. Are they in storage, or are they sold off to help finance what must be a very expensive private home to maintain ? The Room Guides are helpful and cheerful but do not seem as well informed as they used to be in the past. I further understand they are now ' Volunteers ' and are not paid as they used to be. Can't be a good thing when the retail and catering staff are paid. Well, that's my disappointment over. Castle Howard is still a splendid place to visit. House and grounds are amazing. It is not really a castle, but a palace and private home to the Howard family . Sadly, to me, having seen the place over many years it no longer has the ' homely ' feeling, but I will still keep going.Written 24 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- LCGPreston, UK56 contributionsCame here with my partner today and we loved the ride and the experience however little has changed since I was a child and I would’ve loved to have seen more parts added. I feel like it could’ve been slower because I couldn’t hear the voices of the models. The first section of the museum seemed rushed as we were not told that this would be a third of the museum. However the floor was so damaged you could barely see the underfloor exhibit. The staff in the museum were very rude. A young girl served me on the tills. I said to her how excited I was that the gift shop sells the same bracelets I bought as a child and have worn for almost 15 years. She didn’t say anything in response. The other staff were very kind and welcoming and made my day. The man who made the coins were great and made the experience so much more interactive.Written 17 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Steve TKendal, UK31 contributionsAn amazing place. It was easy to find and well signposted. Lots of parking too. The entry fee is worth every penny. I am not a garden buff, but even I enjoyed this place. It’s a feast for the eyes. My favourite part was the conifer garden it’s really beautiful. There were lots of sitting places to rest, look and listen. The café was very good value, decent coffee and lovely cakes. We visited on a weekday so it was nice and quiet. One word of advice…use the toilet at the cafe before you stroll to the gardens it’s a bit of a walk back. This place is a must see!Written 19 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- JohnHavant23 contributionsBeen waiting to do this since lockdown having seen it advertised and thought "that's different"
Not the most cheerful of subjects but fascinating and the young guide was very knowledgeable and delivered with a good degree of humour without taking away from seriousness of that time, given current world issues, food for thought.Written 24 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Lucy Z4 contributionsWe had a brilliant family day out here. I took my 2 year old and newborn baby and my daughter loved it. We spent nearly 4 hours here as there was loads for her to do, and the entry price is very reasonable.Written 26 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- grafranAndover, UK515 contributionsThe guided tour was excellent. The leader was a young American, who was extremely knowledgeable. He presented the information in a relaxed and easily comprehensible manner. His enthusiasm and personality shone through the whole visit. Brilliant!Written 24 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- HiggyBristolBristol, UK313 contributionsThis is a lovely place to come and relax with friends as there is big open spaces and it is such a beautiful park which is set between the River Ouse and the Yorkshire Museum. There is also quite a few squirrels as well!Written 18 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about York
- The top attractions to visit in York are: See all attractions in York on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in York according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in York on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from York according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Steam Trains, Whitby, and the North York Moors Full-Day Tour from York
- North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York
- Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York
- Private "All Creatures Great and Small" Yorkshire Dales Tour from York
- Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York
- The most popular things to do in York with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- National Railway Museum
- Shambles
- The Bloody Tour of York
- Shadows of York
- White Rose York Free Tours - Day Tours