Things to do in York

117 activities, venues and outings in York, from theatres and live music to parks and tours.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 117.

Do
City 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
DoLive music venue
York Barbican
Email via online contact form. A medium-sized venue for touring music and comedy gigs, orchestral performances, opera, ballet, and tribute acts for past pop legends. One of two venues for the Laugh Out Loud comedy club.
Box office Mon-Fri 10AM-2PM, show nights from 5PMWheelchair accessible · Live music
DoTheatre
Grand Opera House
It was built as a corn exchange in 1868, and was converted to full-time theatre use in 1902. The auditorium is indeed very grand, if a little faded. Despite the name, the Grand hosts a wide variety of plays, musicals, gigs and dance, although opera and ballet performances are rather scarce.
Box office Mon-Sat noon-4PM, show days until 15 min before start of performanceLimited wheelchair access
DoPark
Rowntree 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
DoTheatre
Theatre Royal
York's home of 'serious' theatre, dating from 1744 and built on the site of St Leonard's Hospital, whose remains can still be seen in the present building. The company puts on its own plays and also receives touring productions.
Box office Mon 10AM-5PM, Tue-Sat 10AM-8PMLimited wheelchair access
DoFood tour
York's Chocolate Story
Email via online contact form. A guided tour telling you all about York's historic role in the confectionery industry. Find out about the origins of chocolate and the city's big name brands, hear testimonies of the people employed by local factories, watch chocolate-making demos and taste some of the good stuff yourself. As a bonus, you can make your own chocolate lolly (full chocolatier workshops can be arranged upon appointment). There is a café and chocolate shop at the end of the visit.
Daily 10AM-4PM (start time of last tour)Adult £15, child 4-15 years £12.50, under 4 years free · Wheelchair accessible
DoLive music venue
National Centre for Early Music
Early music is European music from the medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods, although the centre has broadened its study to encompass all pre-modern music from cultures around the world. In addition to its two festivals (see below), the NCEM has an extremely lively and diverse annual programme of concerts, seminars and workshops, mostly held at its base in a 12th-century deconsecrated church.
Box office Mon-Fri 9AM-5PMPrices vary per concert; under 35s and full time students of any age receive very generous discounts
DoCinema
Everyman York
Inside a distinctive art deco building, this cinema is held close to the hearts of York residents.
Prices vary per film and showing time, but around £11-£13 adult, £10-£12 concession
Do
York Dungeon
Knock-about version of horrible history, suitable for ages 8+. 75-minute tour with storytelling and a very liberal interpretation of historical events that will keep you laughing and screaming. Part of The Dungeons international franchise, run by Merlin Entertainments.
Daily, mostly 10AM-5PM, with periodic late night adult-only eventsWalkup prices: adult/child from £17; online prices: adult from £13, child from £12 with timed entry. York Pass accepted. Merlin Pass holders free · Limited wheelchair access
Do
Horse racing
The Knavesmire
York has been going to the races since Roman times, and the current site, in use since the early 18th century, is one of England's largest horse racing venues. Racegoers to the County Stand must adhere to a formal dresscode. Outside that, dressing up smart is not required, but does add to the sense of occasion.
Regular flat-racing events Apr-Oct, though the big fixture is Ebor Races in late August£5-300, depending on race and desired seats
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UK Snooker Championship
25 Nov-3 Dec 2023
The national championship takes place in York most years.
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York Mystery Plays
This is "mystery" like the meaning of life, not like a modern whodunnit story. A medieval tradition to showcase stories from the Bible through the medium of colourful, humorous and entertaining plays, performed on floats carried around the city. The performances can be accompanied by traditional bands of musicians called "waits". They don't run every year; the most recent was 2022.
£10–15 per ticketed performance
DoCinema
City Screen
Picturehouse York
A modern cinema which shows a mix of mainstream and arthouse films. It has a bar/cafe with a fantastic balcony overlooking the River Ouse.
Peak time is Tue-Fri after 5PM, Sat Sun, bank holidays all day. Discount day is MonAdult £10.70 (£12.50 peak), child £7.20 (£8 peak), concession £9.70 (£11.50 peak), Mondays £7.90 all patrons, autism-friendly £3, dementia-friendly £4 · Wheelchair accessible
Do
Jorvik DIG
Hands-on experience for children, who are briefed and then let loose on fake archaeology pits to turn up what they can. The 'synthetic soil' means germaphobe parents can relax and wonder why they've been charged an entry fee to sit and watch. After the dig, the kids can handle real finds discovered on actual York Archaeological Trust digs.
Daily, hours vary, last admission one hour before closingAdult £7, child/concession £6.50. Combo ticket with Jorvik Centre: adult £15.50, concession £13, child £12. York Pass accepted. Booking recommended · Wheelchair accessible
DoEscape room
GR8escape
escape rooms
Email via online contact form. Your team is put in one of three themed rooms (Atlantis, NYPD, Ministry of Wizards), and you have 60 minutes to solve a series of puzzles and codes in order to escape. Teams from 2 to 6 players, ages 8 years and up with accompanying adult.
Daily, pre-booked time slot. No guaranteed entry if you turn up without a reservationM-F £48-78, Sa Su £54-88. Prices are per team and vary according to the number of players
DoTheatre
Jorvik Viking Festival
11-19 Feb 2023
A city-wide celebration of all things Norse; the largest Viking festival in Europe. There are 'living' Viking encampments, guided walks and talks. This festival holds lots of appeal for children, with dressing up, have-a-go activities and combat performances on the cards, and it's all backed up with the serious educational purpose of the Jorvik Centre.
Prices vary; lots of free events
Do
City Cruises
Various boat trips along the Ouse. The three listed here are the most popular, but there are many other cruises throughout the year, including lunchtime and dinner cruises, Halloween ghost tours and Santa specials; check website.
Daytime city cruise: Feb-Nov daily, regular departures 10:30AM-3PM, takes 1 hr. Early evening cruise: Mar-Nov nightly, departs 6PM (Mar, Oct-Nov) / 7:30PM (Apr-Sep), takes 1 hr. Floodlit evening cruise: May-Sep nightly, departs 9:15PM, takes 1 hr 10 minDaytime: adult £10.50, child 5-15 years £6, concession £9 (York Pass accepted). Early evening: adult £11.50, child £6.50, concession £10. Floodlit evening: adult £15, child/concession £13. Online discounts available
Do
Motor boats for hire
Red Boats
8-seater red motor launches for you to explore the Ouse under your own steam, river conditions permitting. Full training and lifejackets are provided. The person hiring the boat must be an adult and be in possession of valid ID.
1 Apr-31 Oct from 10AM until late afternoonFrom £20 for half an hour, from £30 for one hour + £40 refundable deposit. Online discounts available
Do
Road train
A fun way to travel between the centre of York (Duncombe Place, next to York Minster) and the Railway Museum.
Daily 11AM–3:45PM. Departs every 30 min from the museum on the hour and half-past, from the Minster at quarter-past and quarter-toAdult £3 one-way, child £2 one-way. York Pass accepted
Do
The Ghost Bus Tours
Approximately 75-minute comedic horror tour of the city in a black routemaster bus, with onboard actors and technical wizardry creating an experience you're unlikely to forget. (calls incur a 7 pence per minute service charge, plus your phone provider's per-minute access charge)
Tue-Thu 7:30PM; Fri 7:30PM, 9PM; Sat 6PM, 7:30PM, 9PM; Sun 7:30PMAdult £16, child £12, concession £13
Do
The Original Ghost Walk of York
Email via online contact form. No gimmicks, tricks or jumpscares, just experienced storytellers doing what they do best, helped by the atmospheric background of this ancient city and a very real gruesome history to draw from.
Nightly 8PMAdult £6, child/concession £4; no need to book
Do
York Maze
The largest 'maize maze' in Europe. Each year is different; the 2018 maze was shaped like two giant Jurassic Park dinosaurs. There are numerous other activities, such as mini-mazes for children, quadbiking, games such as crazy golf, and funfair-style fun like pig racing (seriously), stage shows and rides. Grill restaurant and café on-site. Be prepared for an assault of corny puns about how 'a-maize-ing' everything is.
SummerAdult £16, senior/child £15, under 3 years free. 50% off all prices for disabled visitors and their carers. £1 discount when bought online in advance
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York Early Music Festival
7-14 July 2023
World class series of concerts, lectures and workshops focusing on pre-18th century music which takes place at venues across the city. Each year has a theme, with 2023's being 'Smoke and Mirrors' and the 400th anniversary of English composer William Byrd.
Prices vary per concert
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City Sightseeing York
Double-decker open-top bus tour of the city, with commentary in nine languages, plus a kids' commentary and bonus Yorkshire dialect narration. Operates a continuous hop-on/hop-off service in a circuit; the full loop takes 60 minutes.
Late Feb-early Nov: daily 9AM-3:30PM, every 30 minAdult £16, child £9, concession £13, under 5s free, valid for 24 hr from activation. Offers discounts to some attractions en route. Bus tour free with York Pass
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Hallowscream
In autumn, things get gory at the York Maze: five night mazes stalked by insane scientists and bloodthirsty monsters, plus scary sideshows and seasonal food and drink. Wrap up warm, wear suitable footwear and prepare to get wet - regardless of whether it rains.
Autumn£20–£42, depending on date and type of ticket. Add £8 for bus return ticket. Tickets by online reservation only. Aged 14 and over only, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
Do Not mapped
Day of Dance
1 July 2023
Email via online contact form. A festival of traditional Morris dance in the streets of the city centre, with local and national groups performing in all their colourful regalia.
Do Not mapped
Lucky Cat Trail
Cats have been considered good-luck omens in York for centuries, and cat statues were once placed on buildings throughout the city to ward off rats, mice, and the plague they were thought to carry. A mummified cat was even found concealed in the Mansion House. The original statues have now all long-since weathered away, but the concept was resurrected by a local architect in 1979. Since then, more and more buildings have added sculptures of cats clinging to walls or perched on balconies. Today, you can follow a trail around the old town in an attempt to find 22 cats, and spot plenty of landmarks while you're doing so.
Download the trail map for free
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York Beer & Cider Festival
Mid September
Yorkshire's biggest beer festival, run by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) serving up over 500 beers (including 300 which are produced in Yorkshire), 100 ciders and perries, plus a large foreign beer bar, wine and soft drinks. Children welcome (accompanied) until 8PM.
see website for details
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York Chocolate Festival
6-10 Apr 2023
A city-wide celebration of the chocolate industry with a chocolate market, artisan chocolatiers and attractions which share a piece of York's chocolate history.
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York Christmas Festival
17 Nov-23 Dec 2022
The streets of York come alive in the run up to Christmas. Carol singers and buskers flock to perform to thousands of festive shoppers. The St Nicholas Fair has market stalls and wooden chalets on Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, specialising in gifts, crafts, and local yuletide foods. Elsewhere, the Barley Hall presents a special insight into how people celebrated Christmas in the Middle Ages.
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York Early Music Christmas Festival
8-17 Dec 2022
The Christmas sister festival of the summer event presents a series of concerts with internationally-renowned artists performing seasonal music from the 18th century and earlier.
Various prices; under 35s get ridiculously generous discounts
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York Festival of Ideas
mid-June 2023
Held at venues across the city, the festival encompasses talks, theatre, music and film, with innovation as the unifying theme.
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York Food and Drink Festival
September
The food element majors on Yorkshire food, while the drinks programme has a worldwide and wine-oriented theme. The range of events is very wide, with demonstrations, tastings, recipe hunts, markets and dinners everyday. Big 'slow food',
Markets and demos free. Other events ticketed at various prices
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York Literature Festival
March 2023
Email via online contact form. Takes place annually for a week and a half in March. This city-wide festival promotes the arts in York, with an emphasis on literature, spoken word and poetry. It also features music, comedy, cinema and theatre.
Prices vary; some free events
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Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland
Nov-Jan
The main attraction is The Ice Factor, which is the North's largest seasonal ice rink with a giant Christmas tree as centrepiece. Surrounding the rink is an excellent little vintage funfair, log cabin stalls, and of course Santa's Grotto.
see website
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Walking tours: history, culture and ghost walks
Wonderful. There are many walking tours and ghost walks that run throughout the year. The volunteer-led walking tours tend to focus on history and culture, and take place throughout the daytime, while the ghost walks normally start from 6PM onwards and invariably include an element of street theatre. Tours last for one or two hours. Just look for the posters and billboards posted throughout the city centre for details and the meeting point for that evening, or else look through Visit York's directory. While most tours are in English, Descubre York also offers tours in Spanish and Portuguese, while Yorktour offers French, German, Italian and Turkish tours.
History and culture tours free, ghost walks £5-10
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York Skiff Hire
Rowing boats for hire. A skiff is a traditional wooden rowing boat from the Thames in London. You will receive coaching if needed, then get free rein to take either Amelia or Belle Époque for a leisurely trip along the Ouse.
£50 for 4 hr, £80 for 1 day. £100 refundable deposit
Do
Vue Cinema
The city's largest multiplex with 12 screens.
£4.99 p.p
DoTheatre
Joseph Rowntree Theatre
The Joseph Rowntree Theatre is a historic theatre on Haxby Road in the north of York, a city in North Yorkshire, England. The theatre was commissioned by the Rowntree's chocolate company, as a facility for its workers, alongside a library, swimming pool and bowling green. It was designed by Barry Parker and Raymond Unwin in the Art Deco style, and was completed in 1935.
Wheelchair accessible · Built 1935
DoPark
Hull Road Park
Hull Road Park is a 25-acre (10 ha) open-space park in the suburb of Tang Hall, York, in Northern England. The park is bordered on its southern edge by Osbaldwick Beck, which has become a home for the endangered water vole. The City of York Council withdrew support for the park in 2011, and it is maintained and cleaned by a network of volunteers working for several different societies.
Open now · open 24 hours

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to York (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps. Some descriptions from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).