York 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for Exploring York

This itinerary offers a balanced experience of historical landmarks, charming streets, and local experiences in York. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests and pace!

Where to stay:

  • Budget: The Backpacker (hostel), York Hostel
  • Mid-range: Park Inn by Radisson York City Centre, The Principal York Hotel & Spa
  • Luxury: The Grand, Hotel Indigo York

Day 1: Stepping into History

  • Morning: Start your day at the iconic York Minster, exploring its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate stained-glass windows. Climb the tower for breathtaking views of the city.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful gardens of the Yorkshire Museum, followed by a tour of this fascinating museum which houses ancient Roman and Viking artifacts.
  • Evening:
    • Dinner: Indulge in a traditional Yorkshire meal at Bettys Tea Rooms (for a fancy experience) or grab a bite from the many pubs and restaurants in the historic city center.

Where to eat:

  • Traditional: The Star Inn the City, offering modern British cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

    • Pub grub: Try The Eagle & Child for delicious pub fare and a cozy atmosphere.

  • The Yorkshire Museum offers a variety of dining options from their beautiful tea room to the cafe in the museum gardens.

**[Where to eat: The Shambles Tavern (for dinner) is located right by the River Ouse and features traditional pub food with a historical twist. **

  • Other options:

    • Explore the charming cafes along the cobbled streets of Stonegate for afternoon tea and a traditional Yorkshire experience.
    • Enjoy a pint at one of the historic pubs like The Golden Fleece, known for its ghostly legends, or the Guy Fawkes Inn, where the famous Gunpowder Plot was hatched.**

Day 2: Exploring the Medieval City

  • Morning: Wander down The Shambles, York’s historic street with overhanging timber-framed buildings and cobblestone paths. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the cafes along the way.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre for an immersive experience into Viking life.

**Things to eat:

  • Traditional Yorkshire food: Enjoy a delicious and traditional “Yorkshire Pudding” (a savory pastry dish, not dessert!) and a hearty roast dinner with local beef and gravy at The York Arms

Day 3: Indulging in the Present

  • Morning: Explore the historic city walls of York. Take a leisurely walk along the top for stunning views and learn about the city’s rich history.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing walk through Rowntree Park and explore the National Railway Museum with its impressive collection of locomotives and carriages.

Where to eat:

  • The Principal Hotel offers a variety of dining options, from fine dining at their renowned restaurant to casual bites in the hotel lounge.

  • Museums and attractions:

  • Enjoy a delicious and traditional afternoon tea with local ingredients like Yorkshire tea and scones.

  • Other activities:

    • Walk the Shambles: This iconic medieval street, with its crooked buildings and charming shops, is a popular destination for tourists.

Getting Around:

  • Walking: York is a very walkable city, especially within the historic city walls. Walking allows you to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems along the way.
  • Cycling: York Bike Hire offers bicycle rentals for exploring the city and its surrounding areas.

Tips:

  • Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
  • Purchase a York Pass for access to many attractions and free public transport within the city.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking on the cobblestones!
  • Dress in layers: The weather in York can be unpredictable.

Where to eat:

  • The Shambles: Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes along the historic street.

Where to Stay:

Other things to see and do:

  • Visit the York Castle Museum, a fascinating museum that tells the story of York through the ages, with exhibits on everything from Victorian life to 1960s prison cells.
  • Explore the city’s beautiful gardens and parks like the Museum Gardens, Rowntree Park, or wander along the River Ouse.

Where to stay:

  • Explore the charming York Hostel for a budget-friendly option near the historic city center.

Where to eat:

  • Enjoy traditional afternoon tea and local delicacies at Bettys Tea Rooms, a popular spot for a delightful Yorkshire experience.

What to see:

  • The Shambles: Explore the charming shops and cafes along this historic street, known for its medieval architecture.
  • York Minster: This magnificent cathedral is a must-see for any visitor.

Things to know:

  • **Visit York’s famous chocolate shop (for example, the York Minster Shop sells a variety of chocolate treats)

  • The Shambles is a historic street with medieval architecture and charming shops.

  • The Railway Museum houses a fascinating collection of historical locomotives and carriages.**

  • York Castle Museum: This museum offers a unique glimpse into the past, with exhibits on Victorian history, [the Victorian prison system**, and the history of trains themselves.

Things to enjoy:

  • Explore the charming and historical atmosphere of York’s city center while enjoying a traditional Yorkshire meal.

  • Enjoy a picnic in York Minster with local ingredients and learn about the history of the railway industry.

  • Discover the fascinating stories behind the [trains] on display at the National Railway Museum, like the Mallard steam locomotive, the Flying Scotsman and the Rocket.

  • The Shambles: Enjoy a traditional British meal of fish and chips from one of the many restaurants in the area.

  • York’s history: Explore the city’s historic pubs for a taste of history and local culture.

  • Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea experience, which is a popular way to spend time in York.

  • The Jorvik Viking Centre is a great place to **learn about the history of the city’s Viking past and enjoy traditional Yorkshire treats.

  • York’s history:

    • Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea experience at one of York’s historic locations.

Other things to know:

  • York Minster, the city’s iconic cathedral, is a fantastic example of a historical attraction and offers stunning views from the top of its walls.

  • Walking tours are available in York, which can be a great way to learn about the history of the city.

  • Explore the historic city center:

    • Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre for a fun and interactive experience.

  • York is a very walkable city, with many historical attractions within walking distance of each other.

Enjoy:

  • Take a stroll along the historic walls for a unique perspective on York’s past.

  • Explore the fascinating history of York, including its Viking roots and medieval origins.

  • The Jorvik Viking Centre:

    • **Offers a variety of experiences, such as enjoying afternoon tea in the historic setting of the York Minster (the Minster’s cafe).

Enjoy the history:

  • Enjoy the charm and beauty of York’s historical streets and sites while exploring its culinary delights.

  • The National Railway Museum: Explore the history of railways and enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the trains.

  • Enjoy the historic city walls and their unique atmosphere,

Other things to do:

  • Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea experience at one of the many cafes in the city, such as those in **the Yorkshire Museum and the **York’s Chocolate Story

  • Enjoy a tour of the historic city walls or visit the [National Railway Museum](p>

Other attractions in York:

  • The Jorvik Viking Centre: Explore the history of the Vikings who once inhabited the city.

  • York Minster:

  • The museum’s cafe offers a variety of refreshments and snacks.

  • Enjoy historical artifacts, including Viking artifacts from York’s past.

  • Enjoy a unique and immersive experience in the museum.

Enjoy the variety of experiences:

  • Enjoy the historic charm of the city.
  • Visit the York Minster’s cafe for a taste of history.

**The **National Railway Museum

  • is a great place to enjoy a cup of tea and learn about the city’s rich past.

  • Enjoy the York Minster experience with a delicious meal.

The museum:

  • Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea.

  • Stay in a hotel:

  • near the museum for a unique and immersive experience.

  • Enjoy a fun and interactive experience, like a visit to the historic York Bike

Enjoy:

  • Enjoy a delicious**:
  • Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea experience with a variety of local treats and historical artifacts.