World-Class Itinerary

York is a world-class city of culture and heritage offering unforgettable experiences with more attractions per square mile than any other destination in the UK. You’re never more than a short walk from an awe-inspiring experience.

York is one of Britain’s most beautiful and historic cities, a unique 2000-year-old walled city where Vikings ruled, and Roman emperors were made.

Home to the iconic York Minster, one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, world-famous JORVIK Viking Centre, and where some of the world’s top chocolate brands were born!

Day 1

• York Minster - one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals - marvel at its secret spaces, world-class treasures, and its awe-inspiring stained-glass windows, some of the most important in the world.

• Clifford’s Tower - 1000 years ago this was York’s royal castle, ruling over the whole of northern England. Within its intriguing ruins, you’ll unearth hidden histories – and enjoy kings-eye views of the city on the roof top!

• JORVIK Viking Centre - world-famous and multi award-winning home of the Vikings – with its celebrated ride through Viking-age York, cutting-edge galleries, and a chance to meet ‘real-life’ Vikings.

Day 2

• York Castle Museum - immerse yourself in over 400 years of York's past including the world famous recreated Victorian Street, Kirkgate. See York as it operated between 1870 and 1901!

• City Cruises York - there’s nothing more ‘York’ than enjoying fish & chips on a riverside cruise… experience another side of this historic and beautiful city on York’s iconic riverboats, while enjoying a local speciality! Or you why not unleash your inner skipper and try your hands at a Self-Drive Boat hire!

• York’s Chocolate Story - York is the UK’s historic home of chocolate. Uncover the fascinating sweet story and tantalise your tastebuds along the way in the company of our master chocolatiers!

Day 3

• National Railway Museum - one of the world’s largest railway museums in the world, it’s home to record-breaking trains and immersive galleries. Plus, Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery, an interactive experience for families.

• York Art Gallery - with internationally important collections spanning over 600 years, the works range from 14th century Italian panels and 17th century Dutch masterpieces to Victorian narrative paintings and 20th century works by LS Lowry and David Hockney. Plus, it holds the most extensive and representative collection of British Studio Ceramics.

• Yorkshire Museum and Gardens - one of the earliest purpose-built museums in the country and houses some of the finest collections of archaeological treasures from the city’s Roman, Viking and mediaeval past. Build on the grounds of St Mary’s Abby, you can still see the remains of the Abby in the gardens and in the basement of the museum.

Day 4

• York Theatre Royal - take a tour of this historic venue that’s been entertaining audiences since 1744. It's a perfect way to discover the hidden secrets of the theatre from Roman soldiers to medieval monks, to Georgian ladies - this site has been important to the people of York for millennia. The tour also includes a freshly made cream tea to finish. You could even catch a matinee or evening performance show.

• The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre - England's oldest living convent and still home to a community of sisters today. You can delve deeper into history with a talk and a visit to the historic library with texts from as early as 1508. You can also pick up a bite to eat at the beautiful Victorian Atrium and enjoy the peaceful garden surroundings. Other gems to also fit in include: Fairfax House, the finest Georgian town house in England; Treasurer's House, a historic house full of important collection from a 300-year period, collected by Yorkshireman Frank Green as he travelled the world; Barley Hall, a medieval townhouse tucked away down one of the oldest streets in York, which includes an exhibition to explore the history of York through the drama of Shakespeare; York Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York and civic life for almost 300 years.

Not to be missed…

• Walk York’s famous City Walls - the longest and best-preserved medieval walls in England - for a fun way to explore the city (it’s self-guided and free!). Opt in to visit the City Walls Experience which is the perfect introduction to the city’s historic city walls.

• Take time to explore the quirky, independent shops and Shambles Market. Believed to be the inspiration behind Harry Potter’s Diagonal Alley, the Shambles is the oldest shopping street in Europe, the ‘most picturesque street in Britain’ and possibly the most magical with its cheerful cafés, quirky boutiques, and magic-themed attractions.

For the best night’s sleep

Whatever the budget, whatever your style… York offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury spa hotels to self-catering getaways, giving you an eclectic choice of inviting places to rest your head after a day of exploring. Here’s our top five hotels for international guests:

• The Grand, York - experience York's most luxurious stay in this 5-star hotel in the stunning Edwardian building with a spa and restaurant.

• The Principal - award-winning, ultra luxury hotel known as the 'Grande-Dame' of York.

• Delta Hotels by Marriott York - beautiful 4-star hotel, with views over world-famous York Racecourse. You can also take advantage to relax and re-energise in the fitness centre, indoor pool and spa.

• Radisson York - York's riverside hotel, with 4* facilities including restaurants and a fitness centre.

• For small but perfectly formed, there's the No1 by GuestHouse, a stately regency townhouse name-checked by Conde Nast Traveller and in the Times as the best places to say in the UK in 2024.

• Nestled in secluded courtyard gardens and within the city walls, Middletons Hotel offers cosy guest rooms spread over six historic, grade II listed buildings, alongside the complimentary access to the fitness centre.

• The guest house at The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre, is a truly unique experience to stay in the UK’s oldest living convent.

• Hotel Indigo York - a four-star boutique hotel that celebrates the city’s rich neighbourhood stories through its impeccably stylish design and food offerings.