Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in York, England
"Small but perfectly formed, Clifford’s Tower offers, among other things, splendid views across the city and York Minster from its circular platform up high. It also tells an interesting tale, often referred to as York Castle, the site dates back to 1068 when William the Conqueror was busy trying to rid the north of Vikings and built a number of castles on his way. While many battles raged over the centuries (the murky Jewish massacre of 1190 cast a long shadow), York Castle’s role evolved, including stints as a prison and a royal mint."
"Clifford’s Tower is another one of the cities most famous attractions. Whilst taking photos from outside of the tower is completely free of charge, ticket fees do apply if you wish to go inside. Once inside, you can check out some great views of York from the top."
"You’ll have to pay an entrance price for York Castle, but the reward is the best view you’ll see of the city below. The tower itself is also pretty on the outside for a second bonus photo. View this post on Instagram"
"Merchant Adventurers’ Hall on Fossgate is one of the finest medieval guild halls in existence. A fascinating museum also available for weddings and events (great vintage fairs take place here), the venue’s centrepiece is the Great Hall where medieval merchants once gathered. A collection on display inside includes a range of fine silver, paintings and furniture."
"With five galleries showcasing a range of archaeological treasures as well as displays of rare animals, birds and fossils, the Yorkshire Museum also boasts fabulous greenery, making it the perfect place for tourists to enjoy a relaxing, scenic walk. Established during the 1830s, the historical gardens are famous for their wonderful selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs. With botanical gardens comprised of 10 acres, Yorkshire Museum Gardens is the ideal place to visit for a relaxing retreat."
"Housed in a majestic stone building with pillars reminiscent of the Parthenon in Greece, sits one of the best collections of archaeology and geology in Europe. Ranging from prehistoric natural history, through ancient Roman treasure and up toward the modern-day, this is a great early stop on your exploration of York. Arm yourself with knowledge of the history that makes this city so special, and watch as every subsequent attraction comes to life with your new understanding."
"The Museum Gardens are potentially my favourite place in the whole of York. Regardless of the time of year, the Museum Gardens always look in pristine condition and there are ample places for you to get a good pic for the ‘gram. From St. Mary’s Abbey that provides an idyllic historic backdrop, to the plethora of trees, plants and flowers that are scattered all over the gardens, as well as the Yorkshire Museum, the Museum Gardens are an incredible place for taking pictures."
"LICC is excited to be back in business and will be operating daily from 10am-6pm. They are adhering to strict social distancing guidelines by only allowing 2 people in the shop at a time, but will make exceptions for small babies & children of course. Daily specials and deals are on their Instagram stories so stay tuned!"
"This beautiful vintage-style ice cream parlour (also known as LICC) is a must visit. Enjoy a daily selection of homemade ice cream and fun toppings. Take a seat inside and admire the quirky interior or outside in the sun!"
"Just south of the spa, the South Cliff Italian Gardens were plotted at the turn of the 20th century and sit on a terrace that bends with the contours of the cliff. In the Italian Renaissance style, the gardens have geometric flowerbeds, a lily pond topped with a statue of Mercury and two very ceremonious stairways climbing to shelters beneath pergolas dating to 1914. It’s all part of a long tapestry of open spaces, including a rose garden and a cliff-top path with wonderful vistas back to the castle, all equipped with stairways and the Cliff Lifts down to the beach."
"It has lots of flowers, well arranged in and around sitting areas. A good place to relax while walking around the South bay. Highly recommended to take some monkey nuts and feed the squirrels."
"Peasholm Park located just inland from North Bay is the resort’s beautifully restored historic park which first opened as a pleasure fun park in June 1912. The perfect blend of heritage gardens and fun family attractions, the park has a central island with gardens and surrounding boating lake at its heart. On-site attractions include a Tree Trail, Lily Pond and Oriental style gardens."
"Just behind the North Bay is the fanciful Peasholm Park, designed in an Oriental style in 1912. At that time the park was Scarborough’s venue of choice for extravagant galas and exhibitions, but its glory faded as the century wore on. The park closed in 1999 after its pagoda was damaged by arson, but reopened in the 2000s and is now a treasured part of the resort."
"Fancy Hanks is a welcome addition to York, serving American deep South good mood food. They have an excellent all day breakfast menu that includes an American Breakfast (Two Rashes of Streaky Bacon, Homemade Sausage Pattie, Two Eggs, Home Fries, Toast), Chorizo Hash (Chorizo, Potato, Onion, Tomato, Roasted Pimento Pepper and Scallions stir fried and topped with Chipotle Mayo & a Fried Egg) and Mushrooms On Toast (Sauteed Mushrooms, Parmesan, Pine Nuts, Mixed Herbs, Spinach, Guacamole and a Poached Egg on top of toasted bloomer.)"
"Scarborough’s vast open air theatre is located within Northstead Manor Gardens in the North Bay area and offers a packed programme of concerts featuring some of the biggest names in pop music. Ranked as the largest open air theatre in Europe, the venue is impressive and has a rich history as a natural amphitheatre dating back to the 1930s. A host of food and drink outlets are on-site alongside ample parking and merchandise stalls"
"This highly-regarded theatre is a cultural touchstone for North Yorkshire. For more than 35 years up to 2009 the theatre’s artistic director was playwright Sir Alan Ayckboure, and in that time nearly all of his plays premiered at this venue. On the menu will be high-quality productions at the 404-seatrer theatre in the round, and 165-seat end-on stage auditorium."
"What: Bold murals, wavy walls and blue lighting mark this former coach house out from the cosy establishments that dominate York’s food and drink scene, but it’s the stand-out quality of the food that we love. Inventive canapés, deliciously moreish bread and a range of starters, mains and desserts that promise to wow in every respect are what make Arras a destination for serious gastronomes. Wine enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either thanks to the impressive 200-plus bins on the carefully-crafted list (though be warned: most are only available by the bottle)."