Some posts here on ARoseTintedWorld may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy a product or register, then I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. I may also use products from the companies mentioned in these posts. Thank you for supporting my blog!
Last week whilst my gorgeous other half was on his half term holiday, we decided to go on some days out. With Elizabeth we went on A Trip To Sea Life Manchester. But on one of the days when Elizabeth was at nursery we decided to go on a day trip to York.
*This is a collaborative post – for more details please see my Disclosure Policy
A Day Trip To York
We are very lucky to live in Leeds, which is about 20 miles away from York. We are even on a direct train line, with trains departing many times a day. There is a brilliant bus service from central Leeds. But on this occasion we decided to drive. York has a great park and ride system, and there are also plenty of car parks in and around the city.
Really a day trip isn’t long enough to see all of York’s attractions. If you need a longer stay you may want to visit a website and rent a flat in York. Or see Northumberland Family Diaries post on what to look for in a family friendly hotel.
It was a beautiful day. Not too cold and the sky was cloudless and sunny. We parked up and made our way into the centre of the city. Having been to York on many occasions together we didn’t really have a set plan, just to see a few different things.
We have been to a lot of the museums in York in our time together, so where did we go this time?
York Art Gallery
We have never been, and so we decided that it might be a nice idea to visit. Unlike Leeds Art Gallery, it is not free. However, for a set price, you can get access to York Art Gallery, The York Castle Museum, and the Yorkshire Museum.
Downstairs has mainly modern art, with several large media installations taking up large sections of the ground floor.
Upstairs however, has a much more tradition set of galleries. There is a large gallery of classic portraits and landscapes, a ceramics gallery, and a feature gallery.
The whole of the museum is quite hands on, and very geared up to younger visitors. Some of the exhibits do quite obviously expect to be touched! There are lots of questions dotted around designed to provoke young interest and interaction. And the gift shop of the museum is filled with excellent learning resources and quality art materials.
The Shops
It is almost impossible to take a day trip to York and not do any kind of shopping! York has such a brilliant selection of high street shops, niche shops and designer brands (including my favourite Mulberry factory shop on Swinegate). I almost but not quite got away without a purchase!
A Walk Around The Walls
No trip to York is complete without a walk around the walls. Or at least a section of the walls. York has the most intact walls of any city in England. Most of them date from 1200-1400, but some of the foundations are Roman (when York was called Eboracum) and when the Danes took over in the 10th Century AD they made the defences their own.
A full walk of the walls takes about 2 hours. We walked the section between Peasholme Green and Bootham Bar (behind the Minster) on this occasion. You get some amazing views of the Minster, and some lovely glimpses into peoples gardens! There are even some museums on the walls, and it is quite emotional to think that you are walking in the footsteps of so much history.
See more about the walls and find a map on the brilliant Visit York website.
We also had an amazing lunch. There are just so many places to eat. But a particular favourite of mine is Betty’s Tea rooms. Just be prepared to wait at busy times. (Please do try their ‘Fat Rascals’.)
This of course is just a small selection of the attractions on offer in this wonderful historic city.
But what if you want to spend more time than a day trip to York?
What are my top recommendations of other things to do in York?
York Minster
York Minster is one of the world’s greatest cathedrals. A church has been on this site since 627AD, but the current Minster was begun in the 12th Century.
A breathtaking space with some amazing features, it has survived fire and lightening. Definitely worth a visit. But there is a charge.
Visit its website here.
The York Dungeon
The York Dungeon is an attraction that takes your back in history to some of the darker and more grizzly days of York’s vast history.
Using some great live action and recreations you will meet and find out more about some of York’s more notorious characters. The Vikings, Dick Turpin and Guy Fawkes all have a very close association with York. They are all represented in this thrilling experience that is not for the faint hearted. Definitely not one for the children!
Book ahead, as it does get busy. Be prepared to queue on busier days.
The website is here.
The York Castle Museum
This museum is placed upon the foundations of the ruined York Castle. It even has a section of the museum devoted to the prison part of the old castle. It even possibly housed Dick Turpin in his final days.
The museum brings history to life, with lots of different sections including a full reconstruction of a Victorian Street. I would certainly suggest that you devote a good 3-4 hours to visit here.
Find the York Castle Museum website here.
Jorvik Viking Centre
This is one of the most exciting recreations of the past. You travel back in time to when the Danes took over York – or Jorvik as it was then called. The sights and smells of the times are totally brought to life before you.
In 1978 they wanted to build in the Coppergate area of York. But then they discovered the ancient remains of a settlement. They had discovered some great finds from the viking age, an age that had only previously had a few very chance archaeological discoveries under its belt.
Such was the richness of the dig that they made a whole museum to preserve the site. Jorvik was born.
Find out more here.
The York Railway Museum
The Royal Armouries are in Leeds. The National Railway Museum is in York. Both are free to visit. If that isn’t enough evidence that you need to visit Yorkshire then I do not know what is!
We visited with E on a separate day. See what happened on our trip to the railway museum.
Find out more about the museum and its exhibits here
Clifford’s Tower
One of the saddest stories of York took place within the walls of this tower, which is situated opposite the York Castle Museum, and forms the keep part of the original York Castle.
It was an important part of the Norman defences of the city. But in 1190, 150 local Jews died within its walls, committing suicide so as not to fall into the hands of the mob surrounding them. A very sad tale.
It stands on a mound. Be prepared to climb a lot of steps, and then some!
Now owned by English heritage.
A Boat Ride on the Ouse
Why not take a boat ride along the River Ouse that runs through the centre of this beautiful city? It is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours relaxing and learning more of its history whilst the city floats by.
The Yorkshire Museum
This museum is set in the grounds of the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, and part of the ruined walls. It has beautiful free to enter gardens that you can sit in and have a picnic (I have done this many times), but the museum itself houses dome brilliant exhibitions. Again, it is part of the Museum Trust.
The museum website is here
A Ghost Walk
Lastly, I would love to go on a ghost walk in York. Sadly I have never managed to do one. There is so much rich history in this beautiful city that it is plain to see why there are some brilliant ghost stories associated with the buildings and people that have lived there. Dare you do a ghost walk?
Reading this post back, it does sound like I have been sponsored by the York tourist board to write a glowing report. I wish this were so, but actually these are all my own thoughts and I wasn’t paid to write this post in the slightest. I can just totally recommend a visit to Yorkshire. And York in particular.
Want even more ideas for your stay in York? Why not read this post from a local Nikki at YorkshireWonders, which has so many more places to visit.
And See my post here for more ideas on Free Things To Do In York – for if you are on a tight budget.
Fancy a day trip to York?
We had a fabulous time. Have you ever been on a day trip to York? Have I spoken about your favourite attraction or is there something new that I could visit next time I go? I would love to find out if so! Do tell me below, or contact me on social media.
Need a longer stay? See Northumberland Family Diaries post on what to look for in a family friendly hotel.
Enjoyed this? How about more ideas for Days Out in Yorkshire?.
Thanks for the memories. I was at uni in York and I loved it! The York dungeons are amazing too, definitely worth another visit. #POCOLO
The York Dungeons update every few years, which makes them definitely worth revisiting. But I love that I can still find new things to do even after all these years.
York is such a lovely place! Spent a lot of my childhood there x
The architecture and history make it one of my favourite places!
Looks like a wonderful place. Very cool. Thanks for sharing it. #BlogCrush
Thank you for reading.
York is wonderful! I have visited it many times, for shopping and touristy things as well. The last time we went The Castle Museum and Jorvik Centre were excellent. I am originally from Hull, so it wasn’t too far away. #PoCoLo
The shopping is just brilliant. One of my favourite places to go in the run up to Christmas. Thank you for reading.
I love to go on short city breaks from London. York is on my travel list. Bookmarking this post, for when I plan mine. Thanks! 🙂
– Aditi
http://www.aditispen.com
Thank you for reading, and I hope that you absolutely love York!
thanks for sharing, I grew up just outside York in Copmanthorpe and have been back to visit many times, my son lived in Leeds until the middle of last year and is now in Australia, I’ll need to find an excuse to go back there on my next uk trip #pocolo
Aw, I’m glad if it brought back some good memories. Thank you for reading.
What a lovely way to spend your day. York is such a beautiful place, it has been quite a while since we were last there.
Thanks for sharing with #MMBC. 🙂
It is always great to visit, whatever you choose to do. Thank you for reading.
I love going on ghost walks, they are such fun and once I even saw an unexplained light in a building with no electricity. Everyone got spooked. #AnythingGoes
I’m sure a ghost walk in York would be a suitably scary experience!
Sounds like a fun day trip with so much to see and do. #MMBC
There is so much to do in York. It really is one of my top recommendations for a visit!
I love York but have never visited the art gallery, I shall have to put it on my list next time I visit as the BFG exhibition sounds right up my street! #triedtested
I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t ever been either. Definitely worth a look.
Sounds wonderful … a great place to visit. maybe one day … #TriumphantTales
If you like museums and history, it is definitely worth the trip.
It sounds like you had a lovely day out. I haven’t been to York since I went on a school trip (And that was a VERY long time ago.) I didn’t realise just how much there was to do there. I may have to plan a trip next Spring or Summer. Thanks for sharing.
#keepingitreal
There really is so much to do and see, Anne. Thank you for reading!
I visited York many years ago and really liked it – should go back #triedtested
It is definitely worth a longer trip than just one day!
what a fab day out, you fitted so much in without a little one in tow. We visited York a few years ago with a friend who had high expectations of a day like yours. We pointed out having a 2 year old in tow would be a bit different to what he was used to. I think we did well walking the old wall, visiting the Minster, the local park and feeding the ducks. It’s a beautiful City, you’re lucky to have it so close for a day trip.
I went with E by train over the summer, and as you say, it is far different with a little one around. We walked a little bit, but she got so tired that I ended up cutting the day short and we were home by about 2pm!
York is such a stunning city and full of history. Can’t beat checking out a tea room when I am there X #triumphanttales
There are so many tea shops to choose from, but Betty’s is the most iconic.
A ghost walk sounds interesting. So many old stories hidden in those walls. #keepingitreal
The walls are truly amazing, definitely so many stories to be told.
Thank you for reading, I’m sure that anyone could find something to enjoy.
The Art Gallery used to be free in my teens – I’m surprised you have to pay now.
We love Bettys and a walk around the city walls too.
Yes, I think the change came with a huge outcry a few years ago. But you can understand that these buildings need a lot of maintenance. And to change the galleries and exhibits regularly cannot be a cheap affair. Its good that there is still lots of free things to do in York.
I have relatives in York and love visiting them. I have childhood memories of visiting The Railway Museum and The Castle Museum 🙂
I definitely need to go to the railway museum again. Like you I visited it lots when I was younger (maybe because it has always been free!).
Eeeee this is amazing!! I live in Bridlington. I had no idea you were Yorkshire based like me. Are you a native Yorkshire lass? I love York, me and Danny have booked a night there late December for the festive season! I’m super excited for Betty’s tea rooms!!
Great post Jo!
Rach
Yes, I’m in Leeds! Bridlington is where my second home (caravan) is. A night in York is something that I have always longed to do, but have never got around to, we’ve always taken the last train home. Maybe one day. You’ll have a fabulous time near Christmas, it can be SO festive. I’m sure we will be paying another visit for Christmas shopping!
I’ve never been to York but I’ve read such lovely things about it. It sounds like you had a great day out and if we’re ever in that part of the country, we’ll definitely visit #triumphanttales
It is definitely worth a visit. Thank you for reading.
Hello Jo,
This is a lovely post about your trip to York! I studied for a year in Bradford and at the end of my year, my mother visit me and I brought her to York. We loved the city, especially the tearooms and shopping. This visit was almost 20 years ago. Thank you for the reminder! #keepingitreal
Best,
Sigrid
Hi Sigrid. How lovely that this brought back some lovely memories for you. York is definitely a place to make memories.
York has a special place in my heart as I went to Uni there. I have to confess I’ve never been to the art gallery, though. One of my favourite things to do is hire a little boat and go up the river (probably not at this time of year, though), and my girls LOVE the train museum #blogcrush
It’s such a lovely place, I’m not surprised you have such good memories! Thank you for reading!
We went to a family wedding in York last year, unfortunately we didn’t get the time to venture anywhere else. I hope we get to go back soon.
Thanks for sharing with #pocolo
Thank you for reading. Hope that you get to return.
York looks like such a lovely little place to visit! x
Han
It really is. Definitely if you are in the area.
I would love to visit York one day, but it is quite a trek from here on the south coast. There looks like so many great places to see and shopping lol!
#TriumphantTales
Oh it is such a way from you! But the shopping is so good!
It’s been a while since I’ve been to York, but I always love my visits there. The last couple of times I’ve been (I always go for 2 or 3 days), I’ve invested in a 2 day York Pass which gets you into most of the attractions for free and gives discounts on other things such as food.
Another great tip. May have to look into that one. Thank you for reading!
I’ve never been to York but my parents love it. I’d like to go one day. Thank you for sharing with #TriumphantTales
Thank you Jaki. I hope you get to visit at some point.
Hi Jo, I’ve never been to York, but it sounds like a fascinating and historic place to visit. I remember my parents going there many years ago and loving it. The York museum trust card sound worth investing in… No day trip is complete without a visit to a tearoom or two!
Thank you for linking up with #keepingitreal.
xx
It’s a lovely place Debbie, which is why I love to visit. Thank you for reading
York’s a great city – and I’m a fan of Betty’s too (divine!!) and a walk around the walls which give a different perspective and views of the city. Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
Thank you for reading Stephanie. York is definitely up there as one of my favourite places.
We often go to York but haven’t visited the BFG exhibition yet, definitely want to before it ends! I really rate DIG for younger children, great visitor centre and hands on for the kids. #triedtested
Ooh, we’ve not been to DIG, may have to consider that for a day out in future.
My husband and I went to York about nine years ago and haven’t been since! Which is a shame because we both loved it and it isn’t too far from us on the train. Thank you for including me in your post x
There really is so much to see and do, and it doesn’t have to cost the earth. You are most welcome, thank you for reading.