Day Trip to York

Updated 03/2022

If you only have one day to visit York, then this day trip to York itinerary will help you get the most out of your short visit.

This itinerary is designed to introduce you to the best that York has to offer. It includes historical attractions, beautiful architecture, quirky gems as well as ideas for the best places to eat and drink in York.

You will not need to drive, use public transport or take a taxi; this itinerary can be covered on foot. Please note, all timings in this itinerary are tried and tested but are approximate.

I guarantee that your day trip to York will inspire you to return another time for an extended stay.

 

Day trip to York itinerary

 

Breakfast in York

 

Choose a breakfast location near York Minster.

I recommend the quirky Perky Peacock on Lendal Bridge, The Star Inn the City, Brew and Brownie on Museum Street or the Judges Lodgings on Street. All of these are a 5 – 10 minutes walk from York Minster.

The Perky Peacock (North Street, YO1 6BE) is a charming cafe set in a 14th century round tower adjacent to Lendal Bridge. This is a great option if you are visiting York by train as you will walk past it on the approach to York Minster. Diners can sit outside or in the towers’ atmospheric dungeon. The cafe opens at 8am and coffee is a speciality here.

Across the river is the Star Inn the City (Museum Street,  YO1 7DR). You access the Star by the cobbled lane near the entrance to Museum Gardens. The Star has an elegant interior and a outdoor terrace with lovely river views. The Star offers cooked breakfasts and I highly recommend the full Yorkshire breakfast or their signature Breakfast in a Bun. Both will set you up for the day!

For breakfast with a view, enjoy a full Yorkshire breakfast at the historic The Judges Lodgings (Lendal Street,YO1 8AQ). this luxury hotel has a restaurant and bar, all of which is housed in a Grade 1 listed townhouse. Their restaurant and terrace have great views of York Minster.

Alternatively, grab a light breakfast at The Brew and Brownie, a local favourite, on Museum Street. You can eat in or get a breakfast bun to go. This cafe opens at 9am.

 

 

York Minster (allow 1- 1/2 hours)

 

Any visit or day trip to York should start with the cathedral that dominates the city skyline, York Minster. The 15th century Gothic cathedral is the largest of its kind in northern Europe and is an unmissable York attraction.

You can self tour the cathedral or join a guided tour to discover the stories and fascinating detail of this religious edifice. Tours last approximately 50 minutes and run every hour (or more frequently in peak periods). 

See largest expanse of stained glass in the world, the Great East Window, handle historical artefacts in the Undercroft Museum or sit in a bishop’s seat in the decorated Chapter House. 

Visitors over 8 can climb the 275 steps of the Minster’s central tower for an incredible birds eye view of York. 

Cost – Minster only tickets cost £12.50 for adults/seniors and students are £9.50. Four children under 16 can enter for free with one paying adult.

Combined Minster and Tower tickets cost £18.50 for adults, £15.50 for students and £6 for children aged 8 – 16. Tickets must be pre-booked online here. 

Tip – York Minster is occasionally closed for special events, wedding etc. Check opening times in advance of your visit. The cathedral is free to enter during service times but it will not be open for sightseeing.

Read our detailed guide to visiting York Minster here. 

Exit right out of York Minster and visit Dean’s Park at the back of the cathedral. This pretty green space is popular with Yorkies and it offers fantastic views of the Minster. It is also home to the cathedral library.

Leave the park by the opposite gate to view The Treasurers House.

This quirky National Trust property is a 19th century house that was renovated to look like a medieval house. The gardens are free to enter but there is a fee to enter the house. It is one of York’s hidden gems and is worth a visit if you have time.

There is a Roman road beneath the cellar of this fully furnished house which is alleged to be one of the most haunted places in York.

Continue along the cobbled lane to the black and white buildings of St William’s College on College Street.

St William’s College was built in 1465 and was named after a previous Archbishop of York, William Fitzherbert, who was a grandson of William the Conqueror.

Continue along College Street, turn left at the end onto Goodramgate. Ahead of you you will see Monk Bar and the city walls.

 

 

Monk Bar and York city walls (allow 45 mins – 1 hour)

 

The City of York has four medieval gateways (called ‘bars’) that were once used as the main access routes into the city. They are Monk Bar, Bootham Bar, Walmgate Bar and Micklegate Bar. 

Just to confuse you, the roads that lead up to the bars are called ‘gates.’

Goodramgate leads to Monk Bar, which is the largest and most ornate of the four bars. The cramped, narrow staircase that accesses  Monk Bar and the city walls is the best entrance to any of the medieval bars.  However, it is not pushchair or wheelchair accessible. Pushchairs will need to be folded and carried. 

 

Monk Bar

A wooden door set into the left hand side of Monk Bar reveals a set of steep narrow steps that brings you up to the city walls. You will have to wait for anyone coming down the stairs before you venture up.

The 14th century Monk Bar was a four storey, self contained fortress and is the only bar in York that has kept it’s portcullis. You can still the original medieval arrow slits and ‘murder holes’ that were used for dropping nasty things on to invaders below. Kids will love it.

There is a small fee paying museum inside the bar, the Richard III Museum, which charts the life and death of the York born last Plantagenet King. 

 

York City Walls

It is free to access and walk York city walls which are the longest city walls in England. A full circuit of the 3.4 kilometre medieval era walls will take around two hours. The walls are one of the best free things to do in York.

However, this section from Monk Bar to Bootham Bar is the most scenic. 

Turn left when you reach the walls at Monk Bar and proceed along the walls towards York Minster. 

The walls wind behind York Minster, the Treasurer’s House, Dean’s Park and the pretty garden of Gray Court Hotel. You will take a lot of photographs on this walk! It is a lovely, peaceful walk and is much loved, and used, by York residents.

Some of the walls and towers in this section – such as Robin Hood’s Tower – were built in the Victorian era. These were built on or alongside the medieval walls which are themselves built upon Roman era walls. 

When you arrive at Bootham Bar, exit to street level. Walking the walls is one of the most romantic things to do in York. 

Tip – York city walls open at 8am and close at dusk. They are closed to the public in icy conditions. The paths are narrow and unfenced in places so keep children close.

Watch your step as well as the views as there are several steps on route and I have seen people trip.

Coffee stop

 

Take a break at either The Lamb and Lion pub at the base of Bootham Bar or grab a coffee from York Art Gallery opposite Bootham Bar.

The Lamb and Lion pub has a gorgeous garden with fantastic views of York Minster.

Alternatively, cross the road and get a takeaway coffee from York Art Gallery. Behind the gallery is the Edible Wood which, as the name suggest, is full of edible plants. Many are poisonous so do not try any!

Walk through the Edible Wood to Museum Gardens.

 

Museum Gardens (allow 30 minutes)

 

If your day trip to York is on a sunny day, a walk through Museum Gardens is a must.

This landscaped park is a tranquil spot but it is also home to several York attractions.

You can visit the fee paying Yorkshire Museum if you have time. Free attractions in the gardens include the exterior of the 15th century Hospitium, the 13th century remains of St Mary’s Abbey and the 3rd century Roman era Multiangular Tower. This tower is the best preserved Roman remains in York.

There is also a tiny 19th century Observatory in the middle of the gardens which is the oldest working observatory in Yorkshire.

Kids can follow the free to download Squirrel Trail to discover the garden’s main attractions.

 

 

York City Centre and The Shambles (allow 30 minutes)

 

You can do this walk in 1o minutes but slow down, take your time and look around.

Exit Museum Gardens and cross the road into Lendal which leads to York City Centre.

You will shortly arrive at St. Helen’s Square. On your right is a large pink facade Victorian house, The Mansion House. This is the elegant home of the current Lord Mayor of York. You can also see Betty’s, a 100 year old vintage tea room which is a York institution.

Turn left onto St Helen’s Square and walk towards Stonegate. You can see York Minster at the end of the street.

The architecture along Stonegate is fantastic so don’t forget to look up! Highlights include Mulberry Hall, home of Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop and the 400 year old Punch Bowl Pub.

If you have time to spare on your York day trip, look out for the snicket (the York word for alleyway) that leads to Barley Hall, an historic medieval town house.

When you reach the crossroads at the end of Stonegate, turn right to walk along Low Petergate. At the end of Low Petergate, you will find Kings Square. This is a popular spot for street entertainers and it is home to York Chocolate Story.

In the right hand corner of the square, is the entrance to The Shambles.

 

 

The Shambles (30 mins)

 

The Shambles is one of the most popular tourist locations in York and the historic street has been voted ‘Best Street in Britain.’

It is a short, narrow cobbled street lined with lopsided buildings. These buildings are tightly packed together and their overhanging first floors make The Shambles appear dark and gloomy. Strolling along this street feels like stepping back in time and The Shambles is said to be the inspiration for J.K Rowling for Diagon Alley in her Harry Potter novels.

There are cafes, a pie shop, sweet shop and several souvenir and wizarding shops. This street was once home to the butchers of York and if you look carefully, you can still see metal hooks dangling from the shops where meat was hung in medieval times. The wooden ledges on the shop fronts is where meat was displayed and it is these ledges that give The Shambles its name.

Tip – Look out for a modest wooden door halfway down The Shambles. This door leads to the Shrine of St Margaret Clitherow, a chapel dedicated to the York born saint who lived on The Shambles with her butcher husband in the 16th century.

 

Places to eat lunch in York

 

Turn right into The Shambles Market for a lunch. There are several excellent pop up food stalls and communal seating.

Alternatively, on the far side of the market is The Market Cat which serves delicious, freshly made pizzas. Make sure you grab a booth on the third floor. There are fantastic views of York Minster, The Shambles and the market.

 

Clifford’s Tower and York Castle Museum (allow 2 – 3 hours)

 

There are many options for how to spend your remaining time in your day trip to York.

What you choose will depend on your interests. You may wish to tour the Georgian era townhouse Fairfax House or visit the 660 year old Merchants Adventurers Hall.  Chocoholics should visit York Chocolate Story or York Cocoa House. Shoppers might like to browse the boutiques of Fossgate or Stonegate.

You may be surprised that I have left Jorvik Viking Centre off this day trip to York itinerary. Jorvik is a fantastic attraction and worth visiting (especially if you have more time such as a weekend in York). But if you are only in York for a day trip, then I would choose Clifford’s Tower and York Castle Museum over Jorvik.

From The Shambles market, walk along Parliament Street and through Coppergate to reach Clifford’s Tower and York Castle Museum. This walk will take around 10 minutes.

 

Clifford’s Tower (allow one hour)

 

*Closed until April 2nd 2022*

This open top tower is the remains of a Norman keep, built in the motte and bailey style, on top of an artificial hill. The hill is all that remains of the 11th century York Castle built by William The Conqueror.  

A set of steep stone steps lead to the open keep where displays chart the history of this iconic York building. Kids can dress up and try their hand at medieval games. You can take a further set of narrow winding steps to the open parapet for a fantastic 360 degree view of York city centre. 

Clifford’s Tower has recently undergone extensive conservation works which included installing the new roof deck. 

Cost – Adults cost £8 and children pay £4.80. A family of five costs £21. English Heritage members are free.

 

York Castle Museum (1-2 hours)

 

Directly opposite Clifford’s Tower is York Castle Museum that charts the history of the city of York. 

This fascinating and entertaining museum has wide ranging sections including the 1960’s and York in the World Wars.  Adults will enjoy reminiscing in the toys through the ages sections but my favourite exhibit is Yorkshire homes through the ages. The 1980’s kitchen IS my childhood kitchen. 

The highlight of the museum is Kirkgate, a fully recreated Victorian street with shops, a schoolhouse and a police station. 

Kids will love this dimly lit cobbled street and entering the different buildings to meet the real life ‘Kirkgate residents. These costumed actors will share what life ‘is’ like in Victorian York.

This 18th century building was once used as the courthouse and prison for the city of York.

You can still visit the cramped, eerie prison cells where prisoners such as Dick Turpin were interred. Life like holograms of prisoners will tell you about crime and punishment in the 19th century. It may not be suitable for younger children. Don’t miss the information board at the exit of the cells which tells you what happened to each of the real life characters you met.

 

The River Ouse 

 

If the weather is favourable and you have time left in your day trip, York can be seen from a different perspective by visiting the The River Ouse.

The river flows through the city centre and its riverbanks are a popular spot for local residents.

Across the road from Clifford’s Tower is a small park. Walk through this park to reach the River Ouse.

Enjoy a tree lined stroll along the paved riverbank or take a one hour sightseeing cruise with City Cruises. You can even hire your own Little Red Boat for one hour. 

 

Where to eat dinner in York city centre

 

There are so many places to choose from in York city centre.

If you have time, you may just catch dinner at iconic Betty’s Tea Rooms in St Helen’s Square. Unfortunately, the tea room shuts at 6pm but if you can make it, they have an affordable children’s menu.

You will be served by bow tied waiters in a gorgeous vintage setting whilst listening to a classical pianist. Betty’s is a Yorkie favourite and for a good reason. Pick up a Fat Rascal in the on site shop before leaving.

The Cosy Club on Fossgate has one of the better children’s menus in York.

They have breakfast items available till 5 pm and a good range of dinner and desserts, all of which are affordable. It is also a lovely, lively place to eat. The restaurant is in what once was York’s first cinema and is luxuriously decorated in an art deco style.

There are the usual chain restaurants too. My pick of the bunch would be Ask on Blake Street near York Minster. The restaurant is in a grand old building called the Assembly Rooms. How often do you eat pizza surrounded by columns, frescos and chandeliers?

If you’re on a date day in York, check out my recommendations of the 14 best romantic restaurants in York here. 

 

After dinner on a day trip to York

 

Before you leave York, you may be able to squeeze in one last unique York experience.

York is reputedly one of the most haunted cities in England. As a result of this, there are several walking ghost tours to choose from.

Ghost tours start at a family friendly time, usually between 7pm and 8pm. They last for 1 -2 hours. You will discover new locations for your future visits, learn about York’s gruesome past and the stories of some of the people who lived and died in the city.

Tours are entertaining with an emphasis on fun rather than scary frights and gruesome details. You can check out our recommendations for ghost tours in York here. 

If you think your kids would prefer something other than ghost stories, a brand new walking tour has started led by local magician The Magic Hatter. Called the Wizard Walk of York, this 1 hour 10 minute tour is for children and families aged 6 – 10 years.

The highly entertaining tours runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 6pm and 4pm on weekends. Check times in advance of your visit.

 

 

You will have earned a good rest after this activity packed day trip to York. Be prepared to fall in love with York; you will leave planning a return trip!

If you wish to return to York for an extended stay, check out our posts on the best hotels in York for kids and our days out from York section.