How to spend 48 hours in York

You will be surprised how much you can pack into 48 hours in York. Take some inspiration from our weekend guide.


Day one

9.30am
Head for the National Railway Museum to see the finest collection of trains and rolling stock anywhere in the world. Admission is free.

11.00am
A trip here wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral north of the Alps. Don’t forget your camera to capture the breathtaking views at the top of the tower.

12.00pm
Grab some lunch at a traditional tea room or recharge at one of the stylish eateries in the Quarter.

1.00pm
Stroll down the cobbled Shambles, the city’s most photographed medieval street and make your way to JORVIK, the ever popular Viking centre.

2.00pm
Feeling peckish? Rest your legs and indulge in a delicious afternoon tea.

3.00pm
Wander past the impressive Clifford’s Tower, then step back in time at the award-winning York Castle Museum.

5.00pm
Sip a drink by the river whilst you decide in which of York’s excellent restaurants to dine. After dinner, join one of York’s infamous ghost walks or take an evening cruise down the river.

Day two

10.00am
After a hearty Yorkshire breakfast, walk a stretch of the historic City Walls and enjoy views of the city from a different perspective.

11.00am
For those brave enough, a trip to The York Dungeon can be a chilling experience. If gruesome, scary places aren’t for you, visit some of York’s tucked-away treasures. Barley Hall is a restored 15th-century townhouse in Coffee Yard, one of the city’s snickelways that reflects life in medieval York, whilst Fairfax House in Castlegate houses an outstanding collection of Georgian furniture, silver and ceramics.

1.00pm
Put a picnic together from one of York’s tempting delis and take a ride out to Castle Howard, home of the Howard family. Situated in 1,000 acres of breathtaking parkland, there is plenty to explore and children will love the adventure playground.

7.00pm
After a busy day, choose from one of York’s quality restaurants and enjoy fantastic food. Fossgate and Walmgate are well renowned ‘Gastro Streets’ with a collection of diverse and award-winning eateries. After dinner experience some warm Yorkshire hospitality and hand-pulled ales at one of the city’s pubs.

Read more about York

Image credits: ©Sarah Mitchell Baker/Unsplash; The York Dungeon; York Archaeological Trust; York Museums Trust

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