Best Days Out In York 2025

Hear ye, hear ye! All peasants must head to the Walking Tour for the scare of their lives… Unearth dark history, visiting some of York’s most (in)famous landmarks with our notorious characters. Expect stories, suspense & surprises around every corner at The York Dungeon.

Have you ever heard the terrifying tales of witches? Cross paths with the eerie Isabella Turlington – a real-life historical witch. Dodge cunning thievery as you cross paths with the infamous Dick Turpin or meet other notorious characters like the hell-raising Vikings.

Have you got some older teens or adult children in your group? Carry on your grizzly scare-fest into the dead of night in The Dungeon lates (18+). It’s not for the faint-hearted or those with a nervous disposition… With rude humour and spectacular scares, it’s the most blood-curdling event in Yorkshire!

One of the most exciting experiences at York Minster is climbing to the Tower Centre where you will catch endless views of the beautiful city. It’s a 275 steps climb to the top.

Enrich your family day with a free tour around the cathedral. You’ll unearth an 800-year history while being led by an enthusiastic tour guide. There are also stain glass tours and the Hidden Minster tours…

And if that wasn’t enough, you can enjoy a whole host of interactive activities in the Undercroft museum. From the remains of Roman barracks to 1,000-year-old artefacts still used in the cathedral today, visitors can explore two millennia of York’s history in state-of-the-art chambers beneath the cathedral.

Take in the spectacular views over York from the brand-new roof deck. Hear stories and sounds from the tower’s fascinating past or get up close to rooms and features not seen for centuries! There’s a lot to learn from Yorkshire’s most famous landmarks.

Clifford’s Tower has been a royal mint, a medieval stronghold and a Civil War garrison. In 1190, one of the worst antisemitic massacres of the Middle Ages took place on the site of the tower.

It’s fair to say Clifford’s Tower had a tragic past however, today it’s open to inquisitive visitors who wish to explore the medieval buildings, steep staircases and magnificent views.

Got 1.5–2.5 hours to kill? There’s no better way to explore every nook and cranny of an ancient city than in a treasure hunt. This fun outdoor activity is easily accessible as there is no set time or location to start the trail and you can play it within in 60 seconds of downloading the app!

See all of York’s most famous landmarks, streets & buildings like Barely Hall, The Shambles, Dean’s Park & so much more.

And if you get tired why not stop off for an afternoon tea experience in the city centre – nothing beats a Yorkshire brew! There are plenty of quirky coffee shops laced within the city streets alongside the famous York Ghost Merchants shop…

Visit one of the UK’s most impressive historic house museums – it’s featured in Bridgerton, Garfield 2 and ITV’s Victoria! Oh! And there are 1000 acres of beautiful gardens to explore too…

From incredible seasonal events like the ‘Into The Woods’ experience to extensive woodland walks all year round, your kids can explore and devour bucketloads of history. Whether they are weaving excitedly through the 300-year-old walled gardens or they are captivated by the English-Baroque style architecture and Corinthian columns – Castle Howard is the perfect place to let your imaginations run away with you.

There are hundreds of years of history locked into the house’s walls, gardens, chapel and mausoleum. If you’ve got some budding historians at home with a passion for World War history they’ll love the Duty Calls WWII exhibition!

Fancy a trip to Hogsmeade; the famous train station in Harry Potter? Then take a trip on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and enjoy a day out filled with magic, surprises and fun!

One of the most famous stops on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is Goathland. This is the station used in the very first Harry Potter film and is the regular home to Heartbeat’s fictional train station Aidensfield.

But it’s not just Harry Potter that’s on the cards. There’s the whole of the Yorkshire countryside to see. Peer out at landscapes with beautiful bridges, fresh meadows, ancient woodlands and tunnels. There are plenty of great locations to stop off at too throughout your journey so it’s a great way to get to know the vast area. Afterall, York is known for its outstanding natural beauty!

We LOVE the York Castle Museum and it has been featured on our social a fair few times! One of its most captivating features is Kirkgate Street. Here, you’ll get to walk down Victorian streets made up of real shop fittings, modern sound & light effects and costumed guides!

As you travel through the cobbled streets you’ll find your way to York Castle Prison… *gulps*. Learn about its infamous guests and the harsh punishments inmates received. You’ll even get the chance to ask Dick Turpin some questions AKA the deadly Highwayman!

Home to a collection of sculptures and artworks by world-renowned artists such as Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Anthony Gromley, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a must-visit during your staycation in the North.

Nature lovers and art lovers prepare to be dazzled by funky landscapes, walking trails, and fun outdoor activities. You’ll get to see the Circle Of Animals / Zodiac Heads, Jonathon Borosky’s Molecule Man 1+ 1+1, and so many other interesting creations.

You and your little time-travelling archaeologists are invited to explore the 10th-century Viking-Age City complete with all its sights, sounds and smells. Uncover what daily life was like for the average Viking or your average Anglo-Norse individual.

Trek through reconstructed Viking Age streets as if you were from 10th-century York. Check out the Coppergate site for modern archaeology and fully immersive displays. You’ll be transported back to the famous 1970s dig.

You’ll get to load up on knowledge too, learning all about Viking Kings and historical buildings including Barley Hall!

Now, some of you may be thinking about what York has to offer in the confectionery industry. Well…did you know it has over 3000 years of chocolate history to discover?

At York’s Chocolate Story, you’ll unwrap the story of chocolate. From its origins to how York played a big part in the sweet world. From the Terry’s and Craven families to the Rowntree – who have all produced your favourite treats!

Why not grab yourself a delicious hot chocolate after brushing up on your chocolate history?