York Day Trip: One-Day Itinerary With Walking Route & Map

Starting as a Roman settlement with strong Viking legacies, the medieval centre of York is enhanced by handsome Georgian architecture. Such is the DNA of one of England’s most historic city centres. Here’s how to spend one day in York.

My grandparents lived just outside York all their lives.

I have fond memories of regular day trips into the city, armed with a thermos of tea, to explore the Roman walls, medieval lanes, and chocolate shops. Christmas pantomime and festive markets were an annual event which have left an indelible mark.

Paul and I have been back many times since.

In this guide, we highlight the star attractions that we think you should not miss on a day trip to York.

We have a suggested walking route to help you find your way around, but we also leave enough time and flexibility to allow serendipity to lead you down quirky lanes and into mysterious inns.

York is an easy day trip by train from Leeds, Newcastle, and Manchester.

But if you’re visiting London from abroad, the fast train will get you to York in around 2 hours. So although a day trip from York is entirely possible, you may want a bit more time. For this reason, we have also suggested some places to stay overnight.

Here’s all you need to know to plan your one day in York.

We’ve included this historic charmer on our England itinerary so head over there for more planning advice.

THINGS NOT TO MISS IN YORK

We have refined this itinerary to cover the highlights you can see in a single day in York. You should have time to see them all properly without rushing around.

But everyone’s timings are a little different when exploring a place like York, so here are the things we think you really shouldn’t miss.

1. YORK MINSTER

York Minster is one of the great cathedrals of the world. It’s a stunning building with several notable features. But what makes it so special is its medieval stained-glass window, which is the largest of its kind in the world.

A ten-year renovation was completed in 2018, and it’s now in wonderful condition. York Minster is our number one highlight on this York day trip.   

2. THE SHAMBLES

The Shambles is one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. This narrow-cobbled lane with overhanging shops was the inspiration behind Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. It’s packed with quirky independent stores, many with a wizard-inspired theme.

3. CITY WALLS

York’s city walls were mainly built in the 13^th century. At 2 miles (3.4 kilometres) they are the longest medieval town walls in England. A trail follows the walls (sometimes on top of them and sometimes beside them) and offers great views of the city.

The whole route takes about 2 hours so we have picked the best for this itinerary which you will find in the detail below.  

4. NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM

A railway museum is not everyone’s idea of a fun day out. But York’s National Railway Museum is perfect for anyone interested in engineering or kids who have even a passing interest in trains. Like all national museums in England, it is completely free.

The National Railway Museum is currently (Aug 2024) undergoing considerable renovation, so some parts are not open. The work is due to finish in 2025.

MAP / YORK DAY TRIP ITINERARY

Below is a map of our suggested York day trip itinerary including the major attractions; train and bus stations; cafes and restaurants. York is a city, but the centre is compact making it easy to walk around.

The red walking route on the map gives you a rough route for the day. It passes nearby all the main attractions, so you can easily pop in.

But one of the joys of York is getting lost in its little lanes so make sure you spend some time exploring at your leisure.

GETTING TO YORK

York is surprisingly accessible, particularly from London. So easy that we’ve made it one of our top day trips from London by train.

Here are the best ways to get to York.

TRAIN

York train station is just a 10-minute walk from the centre of town. Getting to York from London is much quicker than it looks if you’ve checked out the distances on a map. Located on the fast East Coast train line, York is 2 hours from London, 1 hour from Newcastle and 1 hour, and 20 minutes from Manchester.

Check train times at thetrainline.com

BUS

Buses are significantly cheaper than trains in the UK, however, they are often very slow. For example, to get to York from Manchester would take almost 3 hours and from London the journey is around 5 hours.

So, unless you’re coming from somewhere very close, getting the bus to York is not practical for a day trip.

DRIVE

There are numerous car parks in the city centre, although parking for the entire day can be costly. There are six Park & Ride locations on the edge of the city. Parking is free at the Park & Rides; the return bus trip is £3.80 per person.

COFFEE & BRUNCH

After arriving at the train station, cross the road and head up onto York’s City Walls for an initial taste of this fascinating city bursting with history. Follow the red line on the map above and cross over the bridge taking in the excellent views of the River Ouse.

If you fancy a morning coffee take a quick detour down Lendal Street to Spring Espresso, one of our favourite coffee shops in York. The coffee is really good, and they have an excellent brunch menu.

YORK MUSEUM GARDENS

Next head into the Museum Gardens, a 10-acre botanical garden with fascinating historical features.  

ST LEONARD’S HOSPITAL

The remains of St Leonard’s Hospital are just by the entrance. Founded shortly after the Normans arrived, it’s thought to have been the largest hospital in the north.

It’s a fascinating ruin that looks more like a church than a hospital. You can have a look around the vaulted undercroft and the one remaining wall of the chapel.

MULTANGULAR TOWER

Next up is Multangular Tower. Dating back to the third century CE, the smaller stones in the lower half of the tower are the best example of Roman remains in York still standing. The top half was reconstructed in medieval times.

ST MARY’S ABBEY

The main attraction in the Museum Gardens is the ruins of the 11^th Century St Marys Abbey. It was once the wealthiest and most powerful Benedictine monastery in England. Today the ruined nave and cloisters make a beautiful photo spot among the lovely gardens.

CITY WALLS

York’s city walls were built in the 13^th century. At 2 miles in length are the longest in the country.

The walls are regularly interrupted by Bars (or ‘towers’) which provide access to the walls as well as information about when each section was built.

Head past the York Gallery and climb back on the walls at Bootham Bar.

This stretch of wall (between Bootham Bar and Monks Bar) is the prettiest section in the city. There are wonderful views over Dean’s Park and Treasurer’s House and Gardens; both backed by the soaring towers of York Minster.

Leave the city walls at Monk’s Bar and walk past the Treasurer’s House and Gardens to York Minster.

Tip – The National Trust runs the Treasurer’s House, and you can explore it only on a guided tour between April and October (usually no need to book). The 19th-century house is an elegant home, and its small garden is quite striking. Paul and I enjoyed our visit but it’s not an essential stop on your York day trip.

YORK MINSTER

York Minster cannot be missed on your visit to York.

As the centre of Christianity in the north of England since the 7^th century, the current building began in the 13^th century.

Peering up at its towers it’s hard to fully take in the scale and artistry required to construct it.

We highly recommend heading inside, as the renovation that was completed in 2018 has given new life and light to this old building.

The standout feature is the Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass anywhere in the world.

Head downstairs to learn about the history of the minster at the Undercroft Museum.

If you are able, and it’s a nice day, climb the 275 steps to the top of the tower for a bird’s eye view of York where you can see its tiny lanes forming a maze inside the city walls.

York Minster Tickets – Check the official website for entrance times and ticket prices.

LUNCH

It should be about time for lunch, so here are some suggestions for having a break while trying some traditional Yorkshire food (plus a few international choices)

• The Guy Fawkes Inn serves a seriously good pub meal in an evocative old setting.
• There’s a good mix of international street food in the Shambles Market.
• It’s pricy, but the York Minster Refectory does British classics with wonderful views of the Minster.
• For dessert, it wouldn’t be an outing in England without a visit to the Fudge Kitchen.

Alternatively, you could head into the Snickelways (small paths and lanes that wind between buildings) and see what takes your fancy.

THE SHAMBLES

After lunch explore The Shambles.

The tiny, cobbled street with overhanging stores is one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. Originally home to butchers, with each shop selling a different meat, the current street has a very different theme.

Thought to be the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, the shop owners have taken everything magical to heart. Here are a few you might want to check out:

• York Ghost Merchants with their hand-crafted ghost figurines.
• The Shop That Must Not Be Named specialises in Harry Potter merchandise and always has a throng of excited kids perusing the isles.
• The Potions Cauldron sells potions and potion-making experiences.

YORK’S MUSEUMS

There is plenty of ambling to be done around the shops of York, But the city is also blessed with a wide range of museums. We suggest you spend the afternoon strolling around some quirky laneways and visit one of these museums.

MERCHANTS ADVENTURERS’ HALL

This medieval guildhall was originally built by a religious fraternity in 1357.

The timber-framed Great Hall is the largest of its kind still standing in the UK. It was here that merchants gathered to undertake their business.

The other highlight is the undercroft which has been held up by its old wooden beams for over 600 years.

JORVIK VIKING CENTRE

The Jorvik Viking Centre is an interactive journey through York’s Viking times.

Sit in a little carriage as it immerses you in Jorvik, a Viking village recreated to produce the sights, sounds, and smells of the time.

At the end of the ride, a gallery displays numerous artefacts dug up at this very sight. Make sure you book in advance.

THE YORK DUNGEON

This is a kid-friendly journey through the dark history of York.

Walk through 10 live actor shows designed to make you jump. It’s not our kind of thing, but then we don’t have young kids to entertain. You can save about 25% by booking online in advance.  

YORK CASTLE MUSEUM

York Castle Museum plots the history of York.

The highlights are Kirkgate, a completely recreated Victorian Street; the objects and stories from WWI; and the museum buildings which were once a Georgian Prison.

The Clifford Tower that sits on the mound outside is a common thing to do in York – but quite frankly it’s a little underwhelming. There is usually no need to book in advance, although there may be a queue at the door at busy times.

NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM

As mentioned in our DON’T MISS section above, this is a must for any engineers or train crazy kids. And it’s free.

CRUISE ON THE RIVER OUSE

Finally, if it’s mid-afternoon and your feet are weary from strolling the streets, a great way to finish your day in York is with a cruise down the River Ouse.

Trips can be booked online, last 45 minutes, and leave from either King’s Staith or Lendal Bridge Landing.

It’s a pleasant ride that drifts past Clifford’s Tower, Museum Gardens and York’s attractive riverfront buildings.

EVENING

It might be time to hop on the train by now to finish your one day in York, but if you’ve got some extra time or plan on extending your stay, here are some evening suggestions from us.

HAVE A YORK-STYLE DRINK

One of the most atmospheric York traditions is having a drink in an old cellar bar. Lendal Cellars is in the former Lord Mayor’s wine cellar and dates to the 18^th century.

For a more Viking-themed drink head to Valhalla York where they serve up their own dark ales, good food and a great atmosphere.

BLOODY TOUR OF YORK

This tour wanders around the streets and snickelways of York in the evening.

Like a ghost tour, it dredges up scary stories of York’s 2000 years of history and uncovers the macabre tales of Romans, Vikings and the plague.

Guy Fawkes & Dick Turpin both have a part to play.

The tours run from April to October at 6 pm and 8 pm every night except Monday and Wednesday.

EXTENDING YOUR STAY

While York is easily visited as a day trip, it can be worth staying a little longer. There are a couple of reasons for this.

Firstly, the town has lots of good museums and you can’t possibly visit them all in a day. You could easily spend half a day in the National Railway Museum on its own.

Secondly, York is on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and it’s a great base for exploring them. Getting around by public transport is hard but this well-rated tour starts in York city centre and heads over hill, dale and moor to hamlets villages, medieval abbeys and rugged landscapes.

We have a detailed guide to visiting the Yorkshire Dales, but here are some of the highlights that are covered on the above tour.

• Visit the village of Grassington, the filming location for Darrowby in All Creatures Great & Small
• Stroll the grounds of Bolton Abbey, Priory and Monastery.
• Explore 750 years of history in Masham and then head up to its wild moor

WHERE TO STAY?

If you decide to turn your day trip into a longer stay, here are a few recommendations for where to lay your head in York.

Minster Walk Guesthouse – This unique and quirky guesthouse has individually designed rooms and real attention to detail. It’s on a quiet street, yet only 300 metres from York Minster.

Dean Court – Possibly the prime address in town, Dean Court is a landmark building right opposite the York Minster. The chic modern rooms contrast beautifully with the traditional exterior.

Grand Hotel – A spacious 5-star hotel set in a Grade II listed former railway headquarters. They have a luxury spa, 13 meter-pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room. It’s conveniently located between the train station and the city centre.

WHEN TO GO?

York is a year-round destination, however, May and June, when the gardens are in full bloom is particularly pretty.

In the summer months, you will have pleasant temperatures to wander around, but the city will be busy.

December can be a fun time to visit. The days may be short, but York has a good Christmas market, and the Shambles and Harry Potter-type stores feel very festive. Growing up, I used to love going to the York Christmas pantomime.

In September the York Festival of Food & Drink comes to town which is a good time to visit for foodies.

MORE DAY TRIPS

• Pick from one of our 20 curated day trips from London.
• See the achievable highlights on our 1-day Cambridge itinerary.
• Enjoy a medieval weekend break with our Rye day trip.
• Hit the beach on a relaxing day out in Brighton.
• Explore the rich history on our Canterbury day trip from London.
• Scoff the freshest oysters with our Whitstable day trip.
• Enjoy the regal side of life with our Bath day trip itinerary.
• Pick from one of our 10 Cotswolds day trip ideas.
• Hike the white cliffs on our Seven Sisters day trip.