List of Best Things to do in York 2025

Are you looking for sightseeing inspiration in York? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This blog will help you pick the best things to do in York, from ghost tours to historical museums! 

Students who’ve just reached York will quickly understand why it’s so often voted one of the best places to live in the UK. York is known for all sorts of touristy things ranging from riverside strolls to world-class museums to quirky independent shops. This city in England has something to offer to travellers from all walks of life, so much so, that you might just want to move here permanently! 

UniAcco, a cross border student accommodation platform, has a wonderful selection of fully-furnished student accommodation options in York that come with amenities like on-site gyms, theatre rooms, karaoke rooms, 24/7 on-site security and more. Additionally, UniAcco student accommodations in York are located just a few minutes away from The University of York, York St John University, English In York Language School. 

So, without further ado, feast your eyes on the top-rated tourist attractions in York. 

York Minster | Things To Do In York

York Minster is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals and a cut above the rest.. quite literally! The York Minster towers above all of the remaining buildings in York and can be seen on the horizon for miles around. Students can explore its undercroft or climb the high central tower for some magnificent views. The best part? The entrance ticket is valid for a full year from your first visit, so keep it safely!

The Bar Walls | Things To Do In York

When it comes to the best things to do in York, it doesn’t get better than The Bar Walls. Although they aren’t quite finished, it is still a great (free!) activity to do with your friends. There are steps to climb which will lead you to the top. You get a view of the city and the York Minster from the walls that you just don’t get to see otherwise.

Clifford’s Tower | Things To Do In York

Clifford’s Tower is located in central York. Students can find it right between the Castle Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre. Clifford’s Tower offers visitors stunning panoramic views over Old York, thus making it the ideal starting point for any visit to the city. There’s plenty to discover here, including the remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror, a prison and a royal mint. 

The Jorvik Viking Centre | Things To Do In York

A visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre will send you on a trip back in time to the days of York under Danish rule. Way back in 866, York was invaded by the Danes. The Jorvik Viking Centre gives visitors a snapshot of what Viking life would have been like. With its life-size dioramas, moving carriages and ancient artefacts – including a fossilised Viking poo, The Jorvik Viking Centre is truly one of the best things to do in York. 

The Shambles

The Shambles is one of the best, if not best medieval shopping streets in Europe. It’s true that none of the original shop-fronts have survived from medieval times but you can still find shops with exterior wooden shelves, which was typical of the medieval times. Present day ‘The Shambles’ has a whole row of shops including four Harry Potter shops and a Ghost Shop!

The Museum Gardens

Visiting the Museum Gardens is yet another free activity to do in York. On a nice, summer’s day you can bring a picnic here and relax on a bench or the grass. You can also explore the ruins of the medieval St. Mary’s Abbey, or simply visit The Yorkshire Museum. The Museum Gardens houses Yorkshire’s oldest working observatory. The garden itself is a thing of beauty with a vast botanical collection and 40 species of bird within the gardens. Students can visit the Yorkshire Museum, which showcases some of Britain’s finest archaeological treasures and many rare animals, birds and fossils.

Van Gogh Immersive Experience

One of the most unique things to do in York is participating in the Van Gogh Immersive Experience. It is located in York St Mary’s on Castlegate (adjacent to The Jorvik Viking Centre) and is currently open daily from 10am to 5pm. We recommend you pre book your slot, although walk-up visits are also welcome. Tickets cost £13 for adults, £11 for concessions (including students) and £9 for children. The optional VR experience is just £3 per person.

The Yorkshire Museum

The Yorkshire Museum is located in the middle of York Museum Gardens. Yorkshire Philosophical Society opened the museum in 1830, making it one of the first purpose-built museums in the country. This museum was later reopened on 1 August 2010 following an extensive nine-month £2 million refurbishment project. It now houses five galleries showcasing some of Britain’s finest archaeological treasures and many rare animals, birds and fossils, in exciting displays.

The York Dungeon

The York Dungeon promises a thrilling and immersive journey through York’s dark and grizzly past. Visitors are in for a fun experience as the show consists of a boatload of (terrifying) actors, live shows, special effects and truly horrifying sets. This is surely not for the faint-hearted! The York Dungeon is definitely one of the best things to do in York if you don’t get scared easily! 

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. If you wish to read more blogs like this, here are some blogs that we think you will enjoy reading – 

• Restaurants Where You Must Eat In York
• The Best Shopping Destinations in Leeds
• Best UK Courses For Overseas Students 2021

If you need any assistance with your student accommodation search, call us on 000 800 040 3523 or simply write to us on contact@18.170.55.100, to get in touch with one of our property consultants. Visit UniAcco today!