York is one of my favourite places to visit, and it should be yours too if I may be so bold as to say so 😁
There’s so much to do for all different families and all different budgets, from the entertaining yet educational to countryside walks, beautiful shops, street entertainment, and loads of great places to grab something to eat or drink.
It’s a place with real history too, which makes it feel very special. The city walls are a treat, for example. Plus, since so many people visit York, there are plenty of money saving offers available for the attractions there.
So let’s begin!
Trains
York is a very well-connected train station, with regular journeys from London King’s Cross, west to Blackpool, Liverpool and Manchester, and further north to Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Sunderland. Often if you book well enough in advance, tickets can be purchased at a surprisingly low cost.
The station itself is an architectural landmark, dating back to the 1870s, and awarded Grade II* listed status. If you’re arriving by train, spend some time looking around when you disembark. The decorative ironwork, gilded clocks, and historic plaques are all worth a look. The station also has all the necessary amenities after a long journey.
National Rail Days Out Offers
If you’ve travelled by train, have a look at the National Rail Days Out offers available to you. At the time of writing, this includes the York Dungeon, York Army Museum, York’s Chocolate Story, and City Cruises York.
They do change over time, but you can usually get 2 for 1 or a third off entry. For more detailed information, see their website.
Railway Museum
My family are big train fans, so a visit to the Railway Museum is essential. The museum is open 10m – 5pm seven days a week, with free admission – although booking in advance is advised during busy periods to guarantee entry.
There’s such a variety of trains to see, from The Flying Scotsman to Japan’s Shinkansen – a 1960s high speed bullet train that you can even explore the interior of. You can even start your journey to the museum from York Minster in style by taking the Road Train (£4 for kids and £5 for adults each way).
Make sure to get a good look at the model railway, and we recommend the free signalling demonstration in the Collections Store if you want to learn more about how trains navigate the railways. See their website for more information.
City Walks
York is a beautiful city to explore, whether you decide to join a walking tour or do-it-yourself. The centre is enclosed by the city’s medieval walls, a 2.1 mile journey to complete in itself – although be warned that prams and buggies are not allowed on the walls and some sections have unguarded edges, so keep hold of the little ones.
Adventure down the historic snickelways, which are narrow alleyways with some unusual names like Finkle Street, Mad Alice Lane, and Hole-in-the-Wall – all iconic York snickels.
Additionally, have a walk down the Shambles to see the medieval shopping street which, as legend has it, inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, and a trip to York wouldn’t be complete without seeing Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate.
Whilst you’re on your walk through the city, you can pop into the unique shops and enjoy the traditional tea rooms.
You may also enjoy a visit to York Minster, the almost 2000 year old Cathedral boasting beautiful medieval stained glass windows, intricate carving, and a refurbished grand organ. Free guided tours run throughout the day, with admission costing £20 per adult, and free entry for up to 4 children per adult.
Countryside
If you are arriving by car, or intending to hire one, getting out into the countryside surrounding the city is a perfect idea. There are so many beautiful walks and views in the York area.
We went for a lovely walk in Millington Woods, just 30 minutes from York, where we saw a family of deer and beautiful views of the Yorkshire hills.
Beningbrough is another lovely option, with a one-mile woodland Larch Walk if little legs aren’t up to a big adventure. If you fancy stretching yours a bit further, there’s also a 3.5-mile circular route through the woods and along the River Ouse, with views across the estate.
Jorvik Centre
The Jorvik Viking Centre is a great family experience, and arguably one of the best museums in the country.
Travel back in time to Jorvik (the Viking name for York) – the centre has recreated the city as it was. It’s a great place to learn about the history of the people of York, based on the research of archaeologists, in a fun environment. You will go on a journey (literally – you sit in cars and ride through the centre!) through Jorvik, followed by a museum of artefacts from the dig.
A family ticket costs £49 for 4 or £56 for 5 when booked in advance (£52 and £59 if bought on the day, so plan ahead to save money), and you can use Tesco Clubcard Rewards to cover all or part of the cost.
What’s your favourite thing to do in York?
*All prices are accurate as of October 2026.