One of Britain’s most historic cities, visiting York is like stepping through time.
Spirits of the past haunt the ancient cobbles and expert ghost hunters can help you seek them out. That’s just one of 10 brilliant activities you can experience on a budget, and there are loads of free activities too. In our latest blog, we take you to hidden underground gems, famous streets, tranquil gardens and cultural spots that won’t break the bank.
The Original Ghost Walk of York
£7.50 adults / £5.00 child
Within the historic walls of the most haunted city in Europe lie tales of ghosts, witches and notorious villains. This isn’t just the original ghost walk in this ancient city, but supposedly the first in the world. Established in 1973, tour guides are knowledgeable with academic backgrounds in local history. They’ll meet you at the famously haunted 17th-Century King’s Arms Pub, and lead you to York’s ghostly hotspots.
A creepy experience, sure to capture your imagination and scare you silly, settle in for an extraordinary night of history and hauntings… if you dare.
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York Museum Gardens
Free
Over 10 acres of stunning botanical gardens are nestled right in the heart of York. The York Museum Gardens are famed for their collection of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Established in the 1830s by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society, they showcase an array of plant species and wildlife.
The gardens are set against the remains of one of the wealthiest and most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England, St Mary’s Abbey. These medieval ruins provide a stunning backdrop to a serene space to step away from the bustle of the city.
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The Roman Bath Museum York
from £3.50
Pubs have all sorts of quirky names, and in York, you can bet there’s a good story behind them. When you step into the Roman Bath pub on St Sampson’s Square, you might be surprised to find a very literal example.
One of the few remaining Roman ruins in York, the Roman bath house beneath was stumbled upon in the 1930s during pub renovations. A small museum reveals they were built in the ninth legion, sometime between 71 AD and 122 AD. Visitors can step back in time through the caldarium (hot room) and the frigidarium (cold room).
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The National Railway Museum
Free
Whether you’re a keen trainspotter or a family looking for a fascinating day out, the National Railway Museum houses a wealth of information about world-changing locomotives. Learn about the past, present and future of the railways as you explore permanent displays and changing exhibitions.
Star objects include the Flying Scotsman – the world’s most famous steam locomotive. The world’s fastest, the Mallard, is on display too, and you can even experience it through a VR headset. Even more interactive experiences are offered in the Wonderlab, where children can take part in 18 hands-on experiments.
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The Shambles
Free
The cobbled street originally famed as a home to butchers is a narrow passageway lined by mostly timber buildings dating as far back as the 13th Century. The word ‘Shambles’ itself referred to a meat market in Medieval times, and a number of shops still have meat hooks hanging outside.
The street is now filled with a bright mix of mostly independent retailers and is a particularly special experience for Harry Potter fans. The Shambles is said to have been the inspiration behind the fictional Diagon Alley and shops like the Potion Cauldron bring the story to life.
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York City Walls
Free
Designed to defend the historic site since Roman times, the City Walls are an ancient monument encircling historic York. There are four main bars, or fortified gateways, at each corner of the square walls, as well as two smaller gateways and a tower. Other features include narrow windows, arrow slits, gun ports, sculptures and masons’ marks.
The two-mile meander along the Medieval walls will provide great views of some of York’s most important buildings. Take in the Museum Gardens, containing a Roman fortress and the Multangular Tower – the best example of standing Roman remains in the city.
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York Bird of Prey Centre
Family ticket £35 for 4/£42 for 5
Established in 2011, York Bird of Prey Centre is home to over 100 birds of 45 different species. Visitors can meet and handle the hand-reared birds and watch flying displays every day. There’s plenty of audience participation, so be prepared to get involved! With an ethos of education and conservation at its heart, the centre manages its own breeding programme to help endangered species.
Friendly and passionate staff are on hand to share their wealth of knowledge, and the centre runs a wide range of events throughout the year. Hawk Walks, Owl Experiences and Falconry Courses provide an alternative bird’s-eye view of the city.
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Homestead Park
Free
Just 15 minutes outside the city, this beautiful 14-acre park offers a slice of serenity with a radical history. The park was opened in 1904 by English social reformer and chocolatier Joseph Rowntree. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the charity campaigning to end poverty, is still based here.
Known for its glorious seasonal displays, Homestead Park also includes a circle garden, a cherry tree-lined avenue and a wildflower meadow. A stunning nature trail and a woodland with an extensive range of native and ornamental trees offer plenty of opportunities to escape into nature. Perfect for a walk, cycle, picnic or for the children to blow off steam.
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York Art Gallery
Free
With a free programme of changing and permanent exhibitions, the York Art Gallery’s collection of paintings spans more than 600 years. See 14th-century Italian panels, 17th-century Dutch masterpieces, Victorian narrative paintings, and 20th-century works from the likes of Lowry and Hockney.
The gallery also holds the most extensive collection of British Studio Ceramics and the largest collection of work by York artist William Etty. Running until September, Monet In York is a major exhibition marking the 200th anniversary of the National Gallery.
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Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens York
£7.50 adult / £2.50 child
A haven of nature and wildlife lies just a short drive beyond the city walls, offering a tranquil space to unwind. Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens are home to an array of unusual perennials, 90% of which are grown in the gardens themselves. The four-acre site comprises a series of themed areas surrounding a traditional farmhouse. A tranquil pond and beautiful meadow sit alongside the cottage garden, plant nursery and vegetable garden.
Reward yourself after a day of exploring the on-site tea rooms and take in the changing display of art exhibitions.
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