10 Free Things to do in York That You Shouldn't Miss

June 4, 2021 Alice Mieles

Just two hours north of London by rail, the city of York holds 1900 years' worth of history in its ancient walls. The Romans built the city in 71 AD, and the Vikings captured it in 866 AD. Stop by the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens for a look at what the Roman and Vikings left behind (they must have packed light when they left). From there, move on to the York Castle Museum for a not-so-quick overview of the most recent 400 years.
Restaurants in York

1. Yorkshire Antiques.com

7A Front Street Acomb, York YO24 3BW England +44 7720 043013 [email protected] http://yorkshire-antiques.business.site/
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5.0 based on 61 reviews

Yorkshire Antiques.com

At the shop there are rooms of curios, antiquities, art and antiques. All at affordable prices. We have coins, pottery, collectibles, prints and posters, paintings....you name it, you will find it here! If not, our staff may help you obtain this elusive item. There are many cabinets of the like you would see in any antique center, but more variety and quirky. There is a weird room, a curio room of antiquities, fossils, mirrors. Books and random finds, a junk room, racks of ephemera, old photos, sheet music and who knows with serendipity! Free valuations and advice.

2. Museum Gardens

Museum Gardens Museum Street, York YO1 7FR England +44 1904 687687 http://www.yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk
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4.5 based on 2,065 reviews

Museum Gardens

The Yorkshire Museum, home to some of the richest archaeological finds in Europe, is set amidst its own Gardens, which offer picnic areas and scenic walkways.

Reviewed By SharonJT67 - Durham, United Kingdom

Lovely well maintained gardens adjacent to the river, plenty of places to sit & watch the world go by away from the crowds, alternatively grab a delicious ice cream from the rescue van, a coffee or cold drink from the bike cart or take a look at the visiting birds of prey, the ruins look as majestic as ever, the weather was scorching it was such a great day to visit!

3. National Railway Museum

Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ England 03330 161 010 [email protected] http://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/
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4.5 based on 18,169 reviews

National Railway Museum

FREE ENTRY Home to iconic locomotives and an unrivalled collection of engineering brilliance, we celebrate the past, present and future of innovation on the railways. Dedicated to igniting our visitors’ curiosity about the people, places and engineering marvels behind the railways, we put our passion for amazing stories into everything we do.

Reviewed By andrewmR3427OB

Excellent museum free entry or you can put a voluntary donation toward the upkeep of the locos and museum lots to do and very informative.There are different talks on various subjects of railwayana.The museum has 3 large halls film of locos and railwayana there are also viewing platforms where you can see staff working on different locos.You can easily spend all day here there is a resteraunt and shops well worth a visit

4. Shambles

11 Shambles, York YO1 7LZ England +44 1904 500750 [email protected] http://www.shamblesyork.com
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4.5 based on 15,601 reviews

Shambles

Shambles (or The Shambles as it is often referred to) is a street in the city centre of York with a long and interesting past. Dating back to Medieval times it was once the street of the butcher shops. Today the Shambles is Europe's most visited street, attracting tourists, shoppers and business clients.

Reviewed By Gailpe

Beautiful and busy It’s a Harry Potter fans heaven There’s also lots of odd little quirky shops with unusual gifts to be had A small market square is tucked away with lots of hand crafted gifts The old buildings add to the nostalgia of this pretty shopping area

5. Dean's Park

Minster Yard, York England +44 1904 621756 http://www.jorvik.co.uk/deans-park
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4.5 based on 70 reviews

Dean's Park

This quiet and serene park is located behind the Minster yard, a perfect place to relax and view the Minster and other magnificent architectural wonders.

6. Monk Bar

Off Lord Mayors Walk, York YO1 2LH England +44 1904 634191 http://yorkwalls.org.uk
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4.5 based on 54 reviews

Monk Bar

Erected in the 14th century, this is the loftiest and strongest of the four gateways into the city of York.

7. Parish of All Saints' Pavement

High Ousegate, York England +44 1904 631116 http://www.allsaintspavement.org.uk
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4.5 based on 41 reviews

Parish of All Saints' Pavement

This historic church reflects a variety of architectural styles and detail dating from the tenth century.

8. Rowntree Park

Terry Avenue, York YO23 1JQ England +44 1904 613161 http://rowntreeparkblog.wordpress.com/
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4.5 based on 320 reviews

Rowntree Park

This park is perfect for the whole family since it offers everything from children play equipment and basketball to tennis courts and picnic areas.

Reviewed By 616iank - Alnwick, United Kingdom

This is a wonderful park, full of lovely walks, quiet places to sit and rest, excellent play areas for children, easy access for chairs and buggies, good bus connections and within walking distance from the city. My grandson and I loved it!

9. St. Crux Parish Hall

Pavement, York YO1 9UP England +44 1904 621756 http://www.historyofyork.org.uk/themes/tudor-stuart/st-crux-s-church
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4.5 based on 34 reviews

St. Crux Parish Hall

Located on the site of St. Crux Church that was destroyed in 1887, this building now functions as a café and a venue for special events.

10. St. Mary's Abbey

Museum Gardens Museum Street, York YO1 7FR England +44 1904 687687 [email protected] http://www.yorkstmarys.org.uk
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4.5 based on 751 reviews

St. Mary's Abbey

William II laid the foundation to this abbey during the 11th century, which became known as the most powerful and wealthiest monastery in the North of England at that time.

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