Six Must-Not-Miss Attractions in York
There're plenty of things to see and do in this majestic walled city
York Minster
One of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, there’s so much to enjoy at York Minster this summer. Learn about the impressive restoration of the St Cuthbert stained glass window, depicting the life of one of the North’s most significant saints. Marvel at Treasures: Yorkshire’s People and Parishes which is an exciting exhibition that brings together the silver, gold and diamonds of Yorkshire that have survived its turbulent history. The Minster also hosts regular concerts and music acts so be sure to check their website for an up to date programme of events.
Deangate, York YO1 7HH
01904 557200
yorkminster.org
The York Dungeon
Satisfy your morbid curiosity with this creepy journey through the darkest corners of York’s 2,000 year history. Actors armed with frightening (but fun) facts bring history to life with the help of plenty of gory special effects across 10 immersive shows. The dungeon covers everything from the plague to Guy Fawkes and everyone’s favourite highwayman Dick Turpin, as well as the city’s ghosts. It’s scary good fun!
12 Clifford Street, York YO1 9RD
thedungeons.com/york
Jorvik Viking Centre
Experience life in 10th century York at Jorvik Viking Centre. Their famed time-capsule ride takes you back to the Viking city of Jorvik, using archaeological evidence from the Coppergate excavation to recreate every detail, from the flora and fauna to the breeds of animals and natural dyes that characterised life in this historic city. Step off the time capsule and make your way through their state-of-the-art galleries showcasing a unique collection of real artefacts from York’s Viking past. This is history as you’ve never experienced it before.
19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT
01904 615505
jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
York’s Chocolate Story
Learn about York’s delicious history with chocolate and the three families who made York the UK’s home of chocolate at York’s Chocolate Story. Book a guided tour to learn about everything from how chocolate came to the UK to the industry secrets that make York the ‘chocolate city’. At the end of the tour, experience a live demonstration from an expert chocolatier (with samples to enjoy of course). There are plenty of activities to get stuck into as well, including regular chocolate masterclasses and truffle-rolling. Make sure to stop by the shop before you leave!
King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
01904 527765
yorkschocolatestory.com
York Castle Museum
When it opened in 1938, York Castle Museum heralded the beginning of a new type of museum in the UK, where objects are displayed in context, as part of the street, workshops and domestic rooms that make up the museum’s immersive displays. Kirkgate, York Castle Museum’s Victorian street, is always a highlight, as are the original prison cells that held our favourite antihero, Dick Turpin. Their current temporary exhibition, 70 Objeks & Tings shares stories of the Windrush Generation through 70 everyday objects and experiences.
Eye of York, York YO1 9RY
01904 687687
yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk
Yorkshire Museum
One of the earliest purpose-built museums in the country, Yorkshire Museum opened in 1830 built in the grounds of York’s Abbey, St Mary’s. The collections focus on York and North Yorkshire archaeology and science and its galleries display some of Britain’s finest archaeological treasures from the city’s Roman, Viking and medieval past. Don’t miss the chance to travel back through 150 million years of history in Yorkshire’s Jurassic World.
York YO1 7FR
yorkshiremuseum.org.uk
