Things to do in York
Once you are settled in the Tower, the many wonders of York await you. And they are all within easy walking distance thanks to the compact layout of the city and the Tower’s exceptional central location.
York is a city that truly has it all. Soak up the history and culture, sample the finest national and international cuisine, enjoy world-class entertainment and more in this wondrous old city.
A Historic Haven
Romans, Vikings, the English Civil War… York occupies a prominent position in British history. With over 2,000 listed buildings and dozens of historic landmarks scattered amongst the ancient streets, you can immerse yourself in York’s fascinating past.
Take a guided tour around the more famous sites, or simply roam the city, an homage to architecture through the ages.
A Historic Haven
Romans, Vikings, the English Civil War… York occupies a prominent position in British history. With over 2,000 listed buildings and dozens of historic landmarks scattered amongst the ancient streets, you can immerse yourself in York’s fascinating past.
Take a guided tour around the more famous sites, or simply roam the city, an homage to architecture through the ages.
A Cultural Experience
York also plays host to many renowned cultural attractions. Discover the untold wonders of eminent museums and galleries, then revel in a performance at one of the iconic theatres. With a wealth of venues varying in size and quirkiness, there’s something to suit all tastes.
Indulge Your Tastebuds
York offers infinite ways to pleasure your palate. You are truly spoilt for choice, with hundreds of exceptional eateries dishing up fabulous local and international cuisine.
Michelin-guide restaurants conjure up culinary wonders with the region’s finest produce, and pop-up stalls offer street food from around the globe. Whatever takes your fancy, you will find it in York’s abundance of restaurants, cafés and delis.
Somewhere to whet your whistle post-meal? York is overflowing with options. Countless old-world free-houses serve up locally brewed ale as they have done for centuries, while a vast array of stylish and unique bars offer top-notch wines, gins and cocktails. You can even enjoy a horn of mead at the UK’s best Viking bar!
It is easy to get overwhelmed when choosing from such a range of mouthwatering options. The Guardian’s 10 best places to eat in York provides a good starting point for your search.
And the Yorkshire Food Guide’s 17 Best Bars in York is a great roundup of York’s variety of watering holes.
Indulge Your Tastebuds
York offers infinite ways to pleasure your palate. You are truly spoilt for choice, with hundreds of exceptional eateries dishing up fabulous local and international cuisine.
Michelin-guide restaurants conjure up culinary wonders with the region’s finest produce, and pop-up stalls offer street food from around the globe. Whatever takes your fancy, you will find it in York’s abundance of restaurants, cafés and delis.
Somewhere to whet your whistle post-meal? York is overflowing with options. Countless old-world free-houses serve up locally brewed ale as they have done for centuries, while a vast array of stylish and unique bars offer top-notch wines, gins and cocktails. You can even enjoy a horn of mead at the UK’s best Viking bar!
It is easy to get overwhelmed when choosing from such a range of mouthwatering options. The Guardian’s 10 best places to eat in York provides a good starting point for your search.
And the Yorkshire Food Guide’s 17 Best Bars in York is a great roundup of York’s variety of watering holes.
A Shopper's Paradise
York’s status as a trade hub stretches back millennia, and it is as strong as ever today. No trip to York is complete without meandering along The Shambles, York’s bustling nucleus, and browsing its assortment of eclectic boutiques. And just around the corner, you will find Shambles Market, awarded Britain’s best outdoor market and complete with live music and a food court.
York is home to over 200 independent stores, ranging from quirky craftwork and locally-produced fare to luxury apparel. Of course, you will find all the household names of the high street here as well. And if you are on the hunt for something special from the world’s leading fashion houses, McArthurGlen’s York Designer Outlet is a short drive from Lendal Tower.
A Feast for Festivals
York is known as one of the UK’s most festive cities. Whatever the time of year, you are almost guaranteed to find an enthralling and immersive festival taking over part of the city.
Several festivals throughout the year celebrate the best of the region’s food, music, literature and fashion, and of course, York’s iconic racecourse hosts huge meets from May to October.
Many festivals provide a great addition to your family trip. The York Chocolate Festival is sure to go down a treat, while the York Ice Trail is a magical experience, with dozens of astonishing ice sculptures lining the streets. Kids brave enough to visit around Halloween will find the ancient city draped in spooky regalia.
And if you are looking for somewhere for your festive getaway, nowhere in the UK does Christmas quite like York.
A Feast for Festivals
York is known as one of the UK’s most festive cities. Whatever the time of year, you are almost guaranteed to find an enthralling and immersive festival taking over part of the city.
Several festivals throughout the year celebrate the best of the region’s food, music, literature and fashion, and of course, York’s iconic racecourse hosts huge meets from May to October.
Many festivals provide a great addition to your family trip. The York Chocolate Festival is sure to go down a treat, while the York Ice Trail is a magical experience, with dozens of astonishing ice sculptures lining the streets. Kids brave enough to visit around Halloween will find the ancient city draped in spooky regalia.
And if you are looking for somewhere for your festive getaway, nowhere in the UK does Christmas quite like York.
A Base for Adventures
Though the tangled alleys of the city centre offer plenty of scope for exploration, it is well worth venturing beyond the city walls during your stay. York is superbly situated within an hour’s drive of magnificent countryside, UNESCO world heritage sites and gorgeous, quintessentially British coastline.