York & Vale of York

Ancient City Walls, leisurely boast trips and fantastic shopping...

Jorvik Viking Centre

The City Walls in Spring

The River Prince

York Minister

Panel 1
Panel 2
Panel 3
Panel 4

If you are looking for a cultural getaway or a romantic weekend break then visit York and be inspired. Renowned for its exquisite architecture, tangle of quaint cobbled streets and the iconic York Minster, York is fast developing a flourishing, cutting-edge scene.

Delve into the city's vibrant café culture, take time out to enjoy some of the country's most talented street entertainers or simply watch the world go by while sipping a drink by the river.

A city of contrasts and exciting discoveries, York is a place where the old encompasses the new and the commonplace meets with the unexpected. Broaden your mind with a visit to world class museums or a variety of festivals held throughout the year catering for all ages and interests.

York's wealth of attractions could keep even the most determined visitor occupied for weeks. A visit to the York Minster, the largest Gothic Cathedral north of the Alps goes without saying. Jorvik Viking Centre an award winning experience transports you to a Viking settlement 1000 years ago and the National Railway Museum with the finest collection of trains in the world.

The National Railway Museum (NRM) is a museum in York forming part of the British National Museum of Science and Industry and tells the story of rail transport in Britain and its impact on society. It has won many awards, including the European Museum of the Year Award in 2001. It is the home of the national collection of historically significant railway vehicles, as well as a collection of other artefacts and both written and pictorial records.

Transport yourself back to the dark and grizzly history of the Roman city of York in the York Dungeons. Live actors, shows and interactive special effects ensure that you face your fears head on in this unique experience. Everything that you see is based on real historical events from the Labyrinth of the Lost Roman Legion, to the chilling tale of highwayman Dick Turpin, torture and the plague. York Racecourse is to the southwest of the city. The most famous race to be held at York on an annual basis is the Ebor Handicap, which is run during the Ebor Festival meeting in August. The course also stages three of the UK's 31 Group One races, the International Stakes, the Nunthorpe Stakes and the Yorkshire Oaks.

Things to do in York & Vale of York

Beningbrough Hall and Gardens

This grand 1716 Georgian mansion, with impressive interior set in park and gardens makes a great day out for all the family. Explore the acres of gardens and wilderness in the play area, sample local produce in the restaurant and find out all about Georgian life.

Read more about Beningbrough Hall and Gardens (External)

Barley Hall

Barley Hall is a stunning medieval townhouse, once home to the Priors of Nostell and the Mayor of York. Until the 1980’s the house was hidden under the relatively modern facade of a derelict office block.

Read more about Barley Hall (External)

Breezy Knees Gardens

Explore the 14 acres of gardens packed with over 6,000 different varieties of flowers, shrubs and trees. The gardens have been designed through careful successional planting to be at their best throughout the summer.

Read more about Breezy Knees Gardens (External)

Castle Howard

An historic 18th century house with extensive collections, sweeping park lands and famous gardens. Outdoor tours, events, exhibitions and guides. Adventure playground, plant centre, farm shop and gift shop.

Read more about Castle Howard

City Screen

This unique cinema has been dubbed one of the finest in Europe. It comprises of three large screens showing both independent and mainstream films. The cinema also boasts a riverside café-bar, restaurant and nightly live music.

Clifford’s Castle

Once a central stronghold of York Castle, the Tower has a turbulent past. It was at the heart of William the Conqueror's fearsome campaign to stamp out resistance in the north after his invasion in 1066.

Read more about Clifford’s Castle (External)

Creepy Crawlies Adventure Play Park

Creepy Crawlies is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon with the children and, unlike the weather, the fun is guaranteed. York’s premier children’s adventure play park boasts almost 2 acres of challenging, imaginative and exciting indoor & outdoor activity areas.

Read more about Creepy Crawlies Adventure Play Park (External)

DIG - An Archaeological Adventure

Owned by the same archaeologists who discovered the Viking-Age City and created JORVIK Viking Centre, DIG offers you a unique archaeological adventure to get you on your way to becoming a real archaeologist.

Read more about DIG - An Archaeological Adventure (External)

Fairfax House

Fairfax House is the finest Georgian townhouse in England. The house is owned by York Civic Trust who carried out major restoration work in the 1980s to return this magnificent building to its former glory.

Read more about Fairfax House (External)

F1 Racing

Located on the York’s only Leisure Park at Monks Cross F1 racing offers high quality F1 Premier karting in the only indoor venue in North Yorkshire. Refreshments are also available on site.