The Sweetest Attractions In York

York is a stunning and typically English city that could hold up a mirror to other parts of the country (Gloucester and Oxford particularly come to mind), but still dwells in individual character. Its dramatic stone walls encapsulate Viking-era heritage, Harry Potter themed stores reminisce in pop-culture, and the majestic York Minster reflects the wonders of human creativity, all while also having the unique history of being home to the founding families of the British chocolate industry. As a result York and its sweet attractions make it one the most popular tourist destinations of the north.

I’ve felt the pull to visit York for a few years, and after finally taking the trip, I can confirm that it is truly a buzzing hub that despite its small size, has so much to offer in the form of great contemporary elegance and antiquated charm. You can easily spend a day here and explore all the highlights, but spending a night is also worth your time and money so you can wander at your pace and have the beautiful narrow, cobblestone streets to yourself once the crowds of day trippers thin out at the end of the day. 

Besides, what could be better than a weekend of delicious treats and stunning walking routes that provide new perspectives?

Maybe the 365 pubs you have to visit – there is literally one for every day of the year!

Travel and Accommodation In York 

Although York may seem far from London, and I guess in a way it is, the train journey is just under 2 hours, making it a brilliant destination for a day trip or weekend getaway if you are searching for a beautiful town to explore up north. 

If you choose to spend more than a day, here are two lovely accommodation options:

• Hotel Indigo York
• The Parisi Hotel

Eight Incredible Things To Do In York  

York City Walls

The first attraction on every York itinerary is naturally, the Roman fortifications that once protected the city. Walking the length of York’s city walls and falling in love with the region from new heights and angles takes about 3 hours, but you don’t even have to hike the entire circuit to experience the beauty of this laid-back activity. 

York Minster 

York Minster is the largest, most domineering, medieval cathedral in Northern Europe and is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful Gothic buildings in the world. The grand structure and all its breathtaking craftsmanship took 250 years to build, and there is no wonder why – it can be seen on the horizon for miles around. So, if you get lost wandering the shambles, you will have a point of reference to get back to. 

York’s Chocolate Story

Home to the founding families of the British chocolate industry, no trip to York is complete without a dramatic and delicious tour of the chocolate factory. Learn all about how confectionary as it is today, came to be – with a particular focus on Rowntree’s (now Nestlé) and Terry’s – while tasting a diverse range of chocolate and making your very own white chocolate lollipop.

Fun fact: six million Kit Kats are produced in York daily, which is over one billion every year! 

The interactive nature of the exhibits and friendly staff left me wanting more and I couldn’t recommend this experience enough. You can book your tour with the link below!

St Mary’s Abbey

St Mary’s Abbey and its surrounding gardens are a lovely place to appreciate the city’s natural spaces during any season but is especially enjoyed in the summer when you can bring a picnic basket and lay around these historic ruins.

Wander The Shambles 

The Shambles give visitors a taste of one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. Although none of the original store fronts have survived (some properties still have exterior wooden shelves that are a reminder of when meat was served through shop windows), they have transformed into picture-worthy spots and have gained pop culture importance with the many Harry Potter inspired stores such as The Shop That Must Not Be Named.

Betty’s Tea Room

Head to the classic Betty’s Café Tea Rooms for their bookable traditional afternoon tea or queue up outside to get a seat inside their beautiful restaurant for a wonderful breakfast or lunch meal. I genuinely think this should be the main place you eat when you make your visit because while the food is a little expensive – the stylish experience and professional service is more than you could ever ask for.

There are two ways to get into Betty’s:

• Queue up outside – this is what I did and I only had to wait about 15 minutes
• Book an afternoon tea experience through their website

(You can discover other incredible bakeries in York here)

Cruise Down the Ouse

You saw the city from the heights of the walls, so why not admire it from the lows of the river by renting and sailing your own boat down the River Ouse?

Jorvik Viking Centre

Excavations that took place in the 1970s uncovered a Viking settlement beneath the streets revealing the city to new and exciting history. The site now houses a Jorvik (the Viking name for York) interactive exhibition that brings the 9th-century village to life with realistic sights and smells of the era. 

Visiting the Jorvik Viking Centre is very popular, so book your tickets online if you want to avoid the queues.

Average Cost For A Day Trip To York Per Person

Transport (train from London + local travel): £35

Accommodation: £0

Attractions: £45

Food and amenities: £40

Practical Information About York

Location: England, United Kingdom

National Languages: English 

Currency: Sterling Pound

Neighbouring Countries: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland