Free things to do in York
17 places in York with free entry or no charge, based on guide listings and map data.
Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.
Free things to do in York
SeeAttractionYork Museum Gardens
This extensive botanical collection is a great place for a picnic. Perambulate through a variety of borders (butterfly-friendly, oriental, prairie), not missing out the fern garden and rockery. Daffodils and bluebells abound in spring. The gardens are not just for nature lovers, however, as they also contain much significant archaeology: the third century Roman fortification known as the, which only saw action 14 centuries later during the English Civil War; the remains of, where the poor and sick of medieval York were cared for physically and spiritually; the ruins of the Benedictine, which date from 1088 and once rivalled the Minster for grandeur. The small, which was constructed in 1832/33 and is still in working condition, is also located in the gardens. It's open most days 11:30AM-2:30PM, plus some winter evenings for public astronomy events.
Daily 10:30AM-6PM. Free tours every Sun 1PMFree. Wheelchair accessible · Wheelchair accessible
SeeGardenTreasurer's House
Grade I-listed town house and garden dating from the 12th century that acted as the official residence of York Minster's treasurers over the centuries. Frank Green, heir to an industrialist's fortune, purchased it in 1897 and transformed it into a lavish pad to flaunt his enormous wealth and eclectic decorating tastes and collection of art, antiques, and furniture. Today it is managed by the National Trust, and the visitor can discover both Green's dizzying collection and the contrastingly calming gardens. Like all good Trust properties, there's an on-site shop and café.
Sat–Tue noon–4PM -- confirm on websiteAdult £12, child £5. NT members free · Free entry
DoCity walls walk
Enjoy the great views, and try to imagine yourself in the role of city watch keeping a lookout for approaching enemy armies. The walls are medieval, built on Roman foundations, though the Station Road bridges are modern. The total walk is around 2 mi: if short on time or energy, the best section is along the western perimeter from to, close to the Minster. There never was a wall to the north-east, as the swamps along the River Foss were sufficient defence, so this is the least interesting section, where you have to walk along busy Foss Islands Road. No dogs, except guide dogs, are allowed on the walls. You can download a map and guide of the walls courtesy of the Friends of York Walls here.
Daily 8AM-duskFree, except the Micklegate Bar, and Monk Bar towers, which are small museums
SeeHistoric siteKing's Manor
Now the very apt home for the University of York's Archaeology Department, this was a royal headquarters during the Tudor and Stuart dynasties (16th and 17th centuries). As this is a working academic building, you may have to content yourself with admiring the Grade I listed architecture from the outside, unless you can pass as a scholar that is! Respect the students and staff, or you'll ruin it for future visitors.
Mon-Fri 8AM-6PMFree
DoParkRowntree Park
Named for the Rowntree company, which gifted the park to the city, and dedicated to company employees lost during the First World War, this is a 30-acre green flag oasis next to the Ouse. Facilities include tennis and basketball courts, a skate park, children's playground and café. Use the Millennium Bridge to cross over the river and grab something cold from the "ice cream boat" , which is moored on the opposite bank on fine afternoons.
Mon-Fri 8AM-dusk, Sat Sun 9AM-duskFree
SeeMuseumMicklegate Bar
Micklegate Bar was first recorded in the 12th century, but reuses stone from an earlier Roman gate. It has long been the official entrance to the city of York for royalty, and welcomed Queen Elizabeth II during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. The indoor exhibition closed in 2025, but you can still view the very impressive exterior.
Closed · opens 10 am tomorrowFree
SeeSt Olave
Believed to be the oldest church dedication to Olaf, patron saint of Norway, it once lay in the shadows of St Mary's Abbey and is still within the abbey grounds. In the English Civil War, it formed part of York's defences during the Parliamentarians' siege of the city. Today, the churchyard is a green oasis, and St Olave's maintains its links with Scandinavia.
Daily dawn-duskFree
SeeHoly Trinity, Micklegate
Founded prior to 1066, this is the only pre-Reformation monastic building in York that is in use today. The wooden beams supporting the roof are breathtaking, and there is a small interactive exhibition about those medieval monks and their priory, making use of touchscreens and 3D imagery.
Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM, Sat Sun 9AM-4PMFree
SeeAll Saints, North Street
Colourful angels smile cheekily down at you from the ceiling in this 12th century church, which is grade I-listed due to having the finest collection of medieval stained glass windows in the city. The most famous window, dating from around 1410, depicts the Prick of Conscience - a popular Middle English poem.
Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 10:15AM-6:30PMFree
SeeHoly Trinity, Goodramgate
Peaceful and atmospheric grade I-listed 12th century church that you won't find unless you're looking for it. The wooden box pews and stone altar are once-common rarities from an early period in church history.
Wed-Sat 11AM-3PMFree
- DrinkNightclub
Club Salvation
Salvo
Essentially for boozed-up undergrad students, Salvo has cheap drinks, chart music and absolutely no class. The bouncers have a bad attitude, but a strict policy against drugs.
University term time: Wed Fri 10:30PM-4AM, Sat 11PM-4AM. University holidays: Sat 11PM-4AMFree entry before 10PM, then £5 (combo ticket with Society)
SeeAll Saints Pavement
Best viewed from the outside, from where you can admire its unusual octagonal tower. All Saints is also the civic church of various city guilds and the garrison church of the Royal Dragoon Guards.
Daily 9AM-7PMFree
- DrinkBar
The Stone Roses
A 90s-themed rock/britpop bar which steadily morphs into a club as the night goes on. Decent atmosphere and bargain bevvies.
Mon-Fri noon-1AM, Sat Sun 11AM-1AMFree entry except for gigs
SeeSt Helen Stonegate
A largely 15th century building, but built on a site important in Roman times and possibly founded as early as the 8th century, this is now a quiet refuge from the city's bustle. It also serves as an atmospheric and intimate concert venue.
Daily dawn-duskFree
SeeSt Martin-le-Grand
Named for Martin of Tours, the bulk of the church dates from the 15th century, and what was the Great West Window depicts 13 moments from the saint's life. The building suffered heavy fire damage during an air raid of 1942, but fortunately much was restored, including some perky grinning gargoyles and a very attractive 17th century clock which adorns the façade.
Daily 9AM-5PMFree
- SeeArt gallery
Norman Rea Art Gallery
University of York
"Exhibitions"Free entry
- SeeGarden
Formal Gardens
Free entry
Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to York (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps.