This March, I’m heading to York, England for a weekend away, and I want to share everything I’m looking forward to with you guys before I go! When I was researching easy weekend trips from London, I came across York, and I was so surprised by everything this adorable little city has to offer. In this post, I’ll tell you about some of the things I’m most excited about, but be sure to check out my follow-up post in a couple of weeks to see everything I did and where I ate!
This post has been created in collaboration with Visit York. Head to their website for more information about the city!
Why York?
York is a historic walled city in northeast England, located near Leeds. It takes about two hours by train to get to York from London, making it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway from the capital city. I was initially drawn to the city by its English charm, but I was surprised to learn that the city has an impressive and interesting history dating back to the ancient Romans. You can explore York’s unique and fascinating history, which spans from the Romans to Vikings to the present day, at several attractions throughout the city. If history isn’t your thing, don’t worry; there are over 30 attractions in York, including lots of good shopping, great food, and unique experiences to enjoy on your trip.
Things to Do in York
With so many interesting things to do in York, it’s going to be hard to fit them all into one weekend. Here are some of my top things to do in York!
Explore History at the JORVIK Viking Centre: As I mentioned before, the Vikings once inhabited York, and today the city is home to a famous Viking museum called JORVIK. This museum actually has a ride-through attraction where you climb aboard a “time capsule” to explore 10th century York, and I can’t wait to see what it’s like!
Visit York Minster: York Minster is a stunning cathedral, known for being the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.
Go Back in Time at York Castle Museum: You can learn more about York’s history at York Castle Museum, a large museum built on the site of York Castle. Inside the museum, there is a replica of a Victorian-era street, so I’m really excited to check that out to see what life was like in the 1800s.
Walk Along the Shambles: The Shambles is one of York’s most iconic streets. While this street used to house butcher shops in the 1800s, today it’s one of the most photogenic parts of the city, with pretty half-timbered houses lining the street.
Go on a Ghost Tour: According to local legend, York is a very haunted city. I personally love ghost stories, so I can’t wait to take the ghost bus tour while I’m in York to learn about the spooky side of the city’s history.
Experience Medieval Alchemy at Barley Hall: Barley Hall is a medieval museum, and it currently houses an exhibition called Magic & Mystery, which focuses on the use of magic in the Middle Ages. I’m excited to visit the
“Climb Aboard” at National Railway Museum: York is home to yet another acclaimed museum: the National Railway Museum! Here, you can learn all about British railway history and grab a fancy spot of tea at the Countess of York.
Check Out One of the Many Festivals in York: York’s calendar is packed with festivals every year. One of their most famous festivals is the JORVIK Viking Festival, which celebrates the city’s Viking heritage. The city also hosts a Food and Drink Festival, York Fashion Week, and a Literature Festival every year! For a full list of York’s festivals, click here.
Shop at York Designer Outlet: If I have time, I’d love to check out the York Designer Outlet and do a bit of shopping for spring before I return to London!
#OnlyinYork – Exploring a Unique English City
With an array of unique attractions and experiences, you’re sure to have an exciting time in York. Using the York Pass can be a great way to maximize your time in York because it includes most of the major
This post has been created in collaboration with Visit York.
York is my favourite place, and has been for a number of years! I have family who live nearby, and in my childhood I spent many days at Jorvik or at the Designer Outlet! Then I moved to Leeds, started a relationship and the first trip I took with this man was to York for my 21st birthday to see a concert. Since then, we go at every chance we can-and last year we married there!