Attractions in York - Yorkshire

Featured attractions

2nd Infantry Museum

You require an appointment if you want to visit this working military barracks on the edge of the ancient and historic city of York. The area has a long history associated with the military, and the local people are very...

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All Saints Church

The tower of All Saints is a unique octagonal feature which traditionally burned a light for travellers making their way through the dense Forest of Galtres to the north of York. One of two churches with the name All Saints,...

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All Saints North Street

It is thought that a church has existed on the site prior to Norman times. However, the present church is probably one of York’s finest mediaeval places of worship. All Saints is one of 2 churches within the city of...

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Archaeological Resource Centre (The ARC)

The ARC provides visitors with a fascinating opportunity to discover York’s history in an unusual way. It is actually a working archaeology unit but it provides visitors with a remarkable insight into the previous residents of the city as well...

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Assembly Rooms

York Assembly Rooms were built by public subscription and completed in 1735. The assembly rooms were intended for dancing and other social activities and was most probably the earliest neo-classical building in Europe, based on Palladio’s interpretation of Roman...

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Bar Convent Trust, The

Situated close to the railway station and York town centre, the Bar Convent is open from 8.00am to 4.00pm and is the oldest living convent in the UK. The museum tells the story of Mary Ward, our foundress and the...

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Barley Hall

Barley Hall is an excellent example of a 15th Century timber-framed house which was built on the site of a former monastery. Today the hall is open to the public and it depicts life in the 15th Century during the...

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Bedern Hall

Bedern Hall is a mediaeval building in one of York’s oldest districts. The Bedern area had degenerated into slums until it was redeveloped in recent times. Bedern Hall survived the upheaval of the district and it boasts a rich history....

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Bishopthorpe Palace

The official residence of the Archbishop of York, Bishopthorpe Palace was built in 1250 by Archbishop Walter de Grey. The house is built using local magnesian limestone on the site of a former manor which also provided building materials for...

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Black Swan

Probably York’s most authentic heritage inn. Originally built in 1417, the present building bears testament to the lack of spirit-levels at the time! With creaking floors and slanted doorways as well as beams with a purpose (rather than for mock...

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Bootham Bar

Bootham Bar is one of York’s famous gateways through the city walls. It stands at the point originally occupied by the Roman entrance known as the Porta Principalis Dextra although the outer archway dates from the Norman period.In 1501 a...

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Borthwick Institute

The Borthwick Institute is one of the key treasures held by the prestigious University of York on its Heslington campus, close to the historic city. It is filled with archives that have been collected from across the world over...

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Castle Howard

Begun in 1699, and taking over 100 years to complete, Castle Howard is still the home of the Howard family and is arguably one of the most beautiful stately homes in England. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, the house is...

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Clifford’s Tower

The Tower is all that remains of York Castle and it is thought its name comes from Sir Roger Clifford who was hung here in 1322. The tower also has a place in one of the darkest episodes in the...

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Constantine Statue

Constantine the Great was crowned Emperor of Rome whilst visiting the city with his father, Constantius Chlorus, in AD306. His father died in York and Constantine was immediately proclaimed Emperor by the legions. Constantine returned to Rome to assume his...

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Council for Archaeology

The Council for British Archaeology is the main academic body that oversees the work of the archaeologists working in the United Kingdom. Their headquarters is run with two purposes in mind. Firstly as an advisory panel and research...

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DIG

DIG is an exhibition located in the historic city of York that relates to the massive archaeological programme that has gone on in and around the city in the last hundred years or so. As we know, York is...

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De Grey Rooms

The De Grey Rooms is a fine 19th Century building located on the junction of Exhibition Square and York’s finest crescent – St Leonard’s Place.Originally built by public subscription, the De Grey Rooms housed the officers mess of the Yorkshire...

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Fairfax House

One of England’s finest 18th Century buildings, Fairfax House had fallen into an extreme state of disrepair before York Civic Trust renovated it during the early eighties. Whilst doing so, a number of fine features crafted by leading artisans were...

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Heslington Hall

Heslington Hall is now the University of York’s principal administrative building but can trace its history back to Elizabethan times. The house was built for Thomas and Elizabeth Eynns in 1568. Eynns was Secretary and Keeper of the Seal to...

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Hospitium

The Hospitium is a picturesque 14th Century listed building overlooking the Yorkshire Museum and Museum Gardens in the heart of the City of York. One of the oldest surviving timber framed structures in York today, the Hospitium is a wonderful...

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Impressions Gallery

The Impressions Gallery was established in 1972, and quickly became renowned as one of the most important contemporary photography galleries in Europe. Over the decades the gallery has found a passion for digital art, exhibitions of which are shown...

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Jacob’s Well

One of the most unusual houses in York, Jacob’s Well is a truly unique mediaeval building which is now a part of the Priory Church of Holy Trinity. Jacob’s Well was originally part of the priory but over time fell...

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Jorvik Centre

One of York’s most popular visitor attractions, the Jorvik Centre depicts life as it was 1,000 years ago under Viking reign. The centre recreates buildings found on its exact site as well as displaying thousands of artefacts including original timbers...

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Kings Arms

The Kings Arms has become infamous as the picture of York when the floods come! The pub is often photographed submerged below the River Ouse due its low level location beneath Ouse Bridge. Visitors are able to see where the...

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King’s Manor

King’s Manor is a beautiful building which dates back to the 13th Century and housed the Council of the North following the dissolution of the monasteries. Indeed it was Henry VIII who built its wine cellars. The building’s entrance displays...

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Lendal Bridge

A Victorian construction across the River Ouse, Lendal Bridge links the city with the railway station and its northern districts. The parapet of the bridge features the ornate designs of the white rose of York, the crossed keys of the...

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Mansion House

Restored by York Civic Trust in 1998, the Mansion House is now worthy of its accolade as the premier building of the City of York. Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York during his (or...

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Margaret Clitherow Shrine

Saint Margaret Clitherow was a butcher’s wife who converted to Catholicism and permitted mass to be said in her house despite this being a crime at the time. Her house on the Shambles was eventually searched and sufficient evidence gathered...

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Marston Moor Monument

The battle of Marston Moor was fought on the evening of 2nd July 1644, was the largest battle ever fought on English soil and of strategic importance to the outcome of the English Civil War. The memorial monument to...

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Merchant Adventurer’s Hall

Built between 1357 and 1361 it is one of the finest guildhalls still in existence. Its original use was as a hospital dedicated to the Blessed Virgin but became the meeting place of the Guild of Mercers and of the...

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Merchant Taylors’ Hall

Just underneath the city wall, the Merchant Taylors’ Hall appears from the outside to be a 17th Century building. However, underneath this more recent exterior, lies a fine 14th Century building which boasts an impressive mediaeval roof which covers the...

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Micklegate Bar Museum

Micklegate Bar is the royal entrance to the city of York and most of England’s sovereigns (notable exceptions include Richard I and Henry VIII) have entered the city through Micklegate Bar. As a result of this royal connection, and its...

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Millenium Bridge

The latest crossing point for the River Ouse was opened in 2001 and its design was based on the spokes of a bicycle wheel. This design is significant as the bridge was intended to provide a strategic crossing place for...

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Multangular Tower

The only Roman tower still in existence in the city, the Multangular Tower, was once part of the Roman defences about the time of the 2nd or 3rd centuries AD. Later, the tower was incorporated into the city walls although...

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National Centre for Early Music

The National Centre for Early Music is a project which made its home in St Margaret’s Church. The church is mediaeval and had been empty for some years before being restored. The church has some architectural significance including an impressive...

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National Railway Museum

Discover the story of the train in a great day out for all the family. The National Railway Museum mixes fascination and education with hours of fun and best of all it’s free! Not only are we the home of...

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Red House, The

The Red House is an impressive 18th Century building close to York Minster which now operates as an antique centre. However the building, formerly a town house, was built for Sir William Robinson who was both MP and Lord Mayor...

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Regimental Museum

The Regimental Museum is a joint representation of the Royal Dragoon Guards and the Prince of Wales’ Own Regiment of Yorkshire. Both regiments can each trace over 300 years of military history which can be seen at this museum. On...

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Richard III Museum

The Richard III Museum is located in Monk Bar – one of York’s mediaeval entrances to the city. It is an appropriate location as the upper room was supposedly added in 1484 at Richard’s request. The museum is an unusually...

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Roman Bath Inn

How many pubs can boast Roman remains as part of their attraction? Well the Roman Bath Inn takes its name from the remains of Roman baths which were discovered beneath the pub in the 1970s. The pub was formerly known...

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Rowntrees Park

Rowntrees Park was opened in 1920 by the chocolate manufacturer and philanthropist Joseph Rowntree and represents one of York’s most prized and visited open spaces. Here you will find flat green bowls, picnic areas, public tennis courts and children’s play...

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Shambles, The

York’s most famous street. Most of its buildings date from the 15th Century and it was a mediaeval street occupied by butchers and takes its name from the ‘shammel benches’ used by these tradesmen. The street was notorious for its...

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Shandy Hall

It was between 1760 and 1767 that the eccentric parson Laurence Sterne wrote his famous tale Tristian Shandy. The early 15th Century house is a beautiful example of local building methods of that time, and is surrounded by a...

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St Helen’s Church

A church has existed on this site since 1235 and included a churchyard which was sold to allow the creation of St Helen’s Square with the graves being moved to a small plot nearby on Davygate. So many corpses had...

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St Mary’s Abbey

William II founded St Mary’s Abbey as a Benedictine Monastery in 1088. The abbey receives a mention in Charles Dickens’ novel Nicholas Nickleby which refers to a monk living in St Mary’s. The abbey was eventually closed by Henry VIII...

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St Michael-le-Belfrey

Located in the shadow of York Minster, St Michael-le-Belfrey is built on a site upon which a church has been in existence since 1294. It is most famed as being the church in which Guy Fawkes was baptised on 16...

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St William’s College

St William’s College is dedicated to St William of York who was a nephew of King Stephen and probably a great-grandson of William the Conqueror. The college building was originally a home for York Minster’s Chantry Priests and was later...

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Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal has been producing theatre for more than 250 years in its current location. Previously known as the New Theatre, it became ‘Royal’ in 1769 at the princely sum of £500 to acquire its royal patent. The theatre...

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Treasurer’s House

As its name suggests, the Treasurer’s House was once home to the Treasurer of York Minster and the building lies within the Minster’s shadow. Its foundations were built on Roman ruins which added substance to the famous ghost story from...

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Walmgate Bar

Walmgate Bar is one of York’s famous gateways through its city walls, and visitors will be able to see the marks left by cannons and bullets during the Siege of York in 1644. Walmgate Bar is unique amongst the other...

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York Castle Museum

The Castle Museum claims to be England’s most popular museum of everyday life which is based at the Eye of York – a name which signifies it is the centre of the Yorkshire Ridings. The building is on the site...

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York City Art Gallery

The York City Art Gallery first opened in 1879 for the Yorkshire Fine Art Exhibition as a temporary building. Three years later the building which houses the current gallery was built as a permanent fixture. The gallery’s collections are organised...

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York City Walls

The City Walls are one of York’s most impressive and popular attractions with an estimated 1 million visitors per year. The walls were built during the Roman occupation of Ebor (the Roman name for York) and have been added to...

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York Cold War Bunker

The most modern site to be owned and operated by English Heritage, this bunker represents an unusual, spine-chilling and fascinating addition to their portfolio. In service between 1961 and 1991, the bunker was the home of the Number 20...

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York Deanery

York Deanery is the residence of the Dean of York Minster who is responsible for all administrative matters concerning the Minster. His residence is located to the rear of the Minster and was built in 1939 alongside the Dean’s Park....

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York Dungeon

The York Dungeon recreates episodes from the city’s gruesome past and is a popular attraction with children and families. The story of Dick Turpin, who was executed at York, is described in great detail as are events such as the...

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York Guildhall

The guildhall is at the hub of the City of York’s civic affairs and enjoys a pivotal role in the city’s history. The present guildhall was built in 1455 on the site of a predecessor building and has overseen events...

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York Heritage Centre

The City of York is one of the most historic, beautiful and most visited tourist cities in the country. This heritage centre and library is located at the very heart of this city and makes for a fascinating place...

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York Market

York boasts the brightest and arguably best daily open market in the North. Newgate market has 120 stalls in a market square within Europe’s largest single pedestrianised area. Prominent since the Middle Ages, Newgate market is the heart and soul...

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York Maze

York Maze is a limited Summer season attraction that claims to the biggest maze in the world! Please check, by phone or internet, before travelling. The maze is recreated every year in a maize field near the A64 by-pass, so...

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York Minster (York Cathedral)

York Minster is the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe. Prayer has been offered here for nearly one thousand years. Over two million people visit York Minster every year, whether as a tourist or a pilgrim. From Roman times to...

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York Motte

York Motte (a motte is a mound) once formed half of a pair of castles which overlooked the River Ouse, the other being Clifford’s Tower which still retains its appearance of a defence fortification. York Motte is an earthwork motte...

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York Racecourse

Probably the north’s finest racecourse, the ‘Knavesmire’, as it is known locally, is rich in both its racing heritage and as part of the city of York’s history. The racecourse stages some of the country’s leading flat races annually, culminating...

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YorkBoat

Sit back and relax as the picturesque sights of York City and country sail by onboard a Daytime City Cruise with live Captain’s commentary, sailing February - November from 10.30am. For an entertaining evening with a difference, join our...

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Yorkshire Air Museum

This museum is based at an actual World War Two bomber command station. There are a series of displays that relate to the history of the command post and generally military aviation. The control tower is open, and...

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Yorkshire Museum & Gardens

The museum was designed by William Wilkins in 1829 to house a geological collection it quickly began to attract large numbers of visitors. However, due to a lack of sufficient finance and neglect it soon fell into disrepair and a...

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Yorkshire Museum of Farming

The Yorkshire Museum of Farming was opened in 1982 with a range of exhibits from Burton Constable which had been accumulated by the East Yorkshire Farm Machinery Preservation Society. Today, visitors are able to view how agriculture in Yorkshire has...

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Yorkshire Yeomanry Museum

This intimate museum carries a small collection of artefacts from the Yorkshire Yeomanry Regiments. Amongst the collection is an interesting photographic archive and a selection of records that chart the history, growth and development of the regiment. Visitors...

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