York is a city that combines history and modern times.
Things to see in York include archaeological flights, modern art galleries, historical buildings, and so much more. The city of cultural diversity that has existed since Roman times is an ideal place for history buffs to visit. It is also a fantastic place to visit in England by train.
Let’s dive into the best places to explore in York for your first time in the city!
What Are the Things to See in York for a First-Time Visitor?
If you are visiting York for the first time there is so much for you to do and see. Try staying for a couple of days so that you do not miss out on anything interesting.
York Minster
This fascinating building with Roman roots and a huge role in Viking York is one of the top things to see in York. The stone and glass artworks are painting a picture of an incredibly interesting past, while your tour guide will help you understand the historical context and importance of this cathedral.
You can explore the Undercroft Museum to learn more about the cathedral’s connections to Viking York and the Great East Window, the biggest single span of mediaeval stained glass in the nation. For sweeping views of the city, climb the Central Tower, or go on a Hidden Minster Tour to see areas that are typically off-limits to the general public.
JORVIK Viking Centre
Step back in time at the JORVIK Viking Centre. In the core of York City lies a well-known must-see tourist attraction. They transformed the heritage attraction experience and brought the past to life unlike anything before.
Each of these people you will encounter in the exhibit, who have been brought to life using the most cutting-edge animatronics technology, has a complex life story that is based on discoveries made in Coppergate as well as other important Viking sites. You can immerse yourself in the Viking Age as our ride takes you through the replica city of Jorvik.
National Railway Museum
If you are fascinated by the railway, this place is for you. You can explore the past of the railway in the UK, as well as the present and the future. You can browse through halls and discover the tales, locations, and engineering wonders that lie behind the railways.
The museum is home to iconic locomotives and lovely collections. See innovations that have changed the world, including the Japanese Bullet Train, and interact directly with Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive.
York Castle Museum
If you are interested in discovering 400 years of the past, come to York Castle Museum. From the iconic Victorian thoroughfare Kirkgate to seeing the infamous convicts in the eerie cells and to the swinging 1960s, you can see hundreds of years of York’s history in this location.
This year, York Castle Museum has activities for all ages. The hundreds of historical artefacts in our galleries truly bring the past to life, and our exhibitions guarantee captivating presentations and cutting-edge new approaches to understanding York’s past.
York’s Chocolate Story
World is a better place with some chocolate in it, don’t you agree? You may learn the history of the most famous chocolate brands, the techniques used to make them, and even how to become a chocolatier yourself here. You will travel through the city where Chocolate made history on a fully guided tour, which includes three floors of interactive exploration.
York is famous for its chocolate, and exploring its history while also tasting incredible products is the best of all the things to see in York. York’s Chocolate Story is a fun and educational guided tour that traces the development of York’s most illustrious chocolate-making dynasties and their best-known products.
Clifford’s Tower
At one of York’s most famous locations, you can immerse yourself in centuries of history while taking in breathtaking views of the historic city. Save this location for your list of the best things to see in York.
Clifford’s Tower, which William the Conqueror constructed to conquer the insurgent north, has served as a mediaeval fortification, a royal mint, and a Civil War garrison. On the location of the tower, a violent mob imprisoned York’s Jewish population in 1190, leading many of them to choose suicide over being killed in one of the deadliest antisemitic murders of the Middle Ages.
Museum Gardens
For those who like strolls through beautiful gardens, while smelling flowers and different trees, Museum Gardens are a place to be. The Yorkshire Philosophical Society established the York Museum Gardens in the 1830s, and since then this is the unique gem of the city where travellers and locals come daily to enjoy the ambience.
The gardens now extend to the back of the York Art Gallery thanks to recent renovations, and they include an Artists’ Garden and an Edible Wood. Also, do not miss the scenic ruins of St Mary’s Abbey and St Leonard’s Hospital, which are ideal for a photoshoot.
York Dungeon
One of the most interesting things to see in York is the York Dungeon, which features an incredible ensemble of theatrical actors, stages, and effects. You can take a tour of several live actor productions that depict York’s turbulent history over the past two centuries.
Take in eye-catching effects, compelling storytelling, and custom-built sets while meeting well-known figures from York’s past, such as Vikings, Guy Fawkes, and Isabella Billington.
If you consider yourself brave enough, watch the scariest show in Dungeon history, Survive the Witch at York Castle.
York Cold War Bunker
This impressive bunker reveals the hidden history of Britain’s Cold War. You will enter through the blast-resistant doors to explore York’s fascinating history. This fantastic monument of the past can be visited on guided tours only, so keep that in mind so you can book your ticket in advance.
York Cold War Bunker, which was in use from the 60s to the 90s, was built as a hub to track fallout in the event of a nuclear war. You will watch a short documentary, and at the end of your visit, you will be able to purchase souvenirs.
St Mary’s Abbey
One of the richest and most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England is now reduced to its ruins. Visitors may still see the walls of the abbey church’s nave and crossing, where the monks worshipped and sang, as well as the cloister, where they washed clothes.
This location was one of the most important ones in the city’s history, as this is where two major events happened. The first one is William the Conqueror’s reinforcement of his hold on the North. The second one is the reformation of the church by Henry the Eighth.
York Art Gallery
The collection of paintings at York Art Gallery spans more than 6 centuries and includes classics from the 17th and 18th centuries as well as contemporary pieces by David Hockney and LS Lowry. You can also see an amazing collection of British Studio Ceramics.
The Burton Gallery is home to the finest artworks that the museum has. Here you can see Italian Old Master paintings, as well as Dutch and Flemish Old Master paintings. They have artworks from Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, but also the early 20th century contemporary painters’ works.
Yorkshire Air Museum
On the site of the former RAF Elvington bomber base, you will find one of the largest independent aviation museums in the UK. The museum has several exhibits and you can spend the entire day here but do not worry, because you can take a break at the museum cafe and have a snack to fill the energy.
The station where the museum is located was representative of the several ones that were dispersed throughout all of Britain during World War Two. There were almost 30 active airfields only in the York region. If you are an aviation fan this place is a must-see for you when visiting York for the first time.
Treasurer’s House
King James I was entertained by Sir George Young at Treasurer’s House in 1617. During the 18th century, gentry families, solicitors and clergy made Treasurer’s House their townhouse. Frank Green acquired the townhouse in 1897 and turned it into the eclectic show home you see today.
You can visit Treasurer’s House on a tour between April and October, or wander around the house as it is adorned for Christmas later on. Pre Booking your tour is advised because slots get filled out fast and there is only limited availability.
York Army Museum
For army fans things to see in York include York Army Museum. The Prince of Wales’s Own Regiment of Yorkshire and the Royal Dragoon Guards have items housed at York Army Museum.
One infantry and one cavalry, spanning more than 300 years of British military history, are based on the histories of earlier regiments. The museum also houses the collection of the contemporary Royal Yorkshire Regiment, which is a branch of the Prince of Wales’s Own.
Breezy Knees Gardens
This is another hidden gem for all nature lovers visiting York for the first time. Visit this beautiful garden that features 20 actresses of land filled with colourful plants, flowers and trees. It is located a short drive from the city centre and is perfect for a morning or evening stroll.
When you visit you will be able to walk around award-winning gardens, visit a specialised perennial nursery, and grab a cup of coffee or tea at a cafe with wonderful views. No pre-booking is needed for a visit, you can pay an admission fee at the entrance and have a wonderful day filled with a beautiful smell.
Keep Exploring the UK
Regardless of whether you’ve taken a plane, train, or automobile to York, you’ve only just scratched the surface of what the UK has to offer! Consider heading further up north to beautiful Scotland and discover fun things to do in Edinburgh and beautiful landscapes to explore.
