York City Guide: things to do in York
Welcome to York, a historic and charming city located in North Yorkshire, England. Known for its medieval architecture, rich history, and distinctive character, York offers a captivating journey through time. From its ancient city walls to its cobbled streets and world-class attractions, York invites you to explore its heritage, immerse yourself in its stories, and experience its unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.
Music in York
Music within 10 miles of York.
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Weekday Offender Bluebox Takeover with Matrefakt
On the 30th of May 2025, Weekday Offender will be bringing Matrefakt to Bluebox, York for the first time for a night of House, Techno and Eurodance.
York - DayClubbers: Bank Holiday Day Party
We are back in York for a huge over 30s DayClubbing Bank Holiday Day Party
The Absolute Stone Roses- The York Resurrection
Leading Tribute to The Stone Roses return to York with Ultimate Gig following their sell out show in December.
Support to be announced
Ultimate Blink 182 with support tbc'd
Ultimate Blink 182 are The No1 tribute to Blink 182 featuring support tbc'd
True Order- No1 tribute to New Order
True Order - Amazing tribute to New Order. Bringing songs from the famous Substance album and other amazing New Order hits
Pearl Scam - The no1 Tribute to Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam Tribute - Pearl Scam - with support tbc'd.
After the recent York sellout , the band return after huge demand.
Tomorrowland v Ibiza & Dance Classics
The music of Tomorrowland with Ibiza classics thrown into the mix all on one night.
A celebration of electronic dance music. Past to present.
Pet Shop Boys Actually - and the Ultimate 80's Party
Petshop Boys Actually are an amazing tribute to the PSB's. Featuring a unique female vocalist. With the Ultimate 80's Party DJ through the night
The Ultimate Clubland Anthems - with vocalist Rachel Shenton
Dance anthems from the 90's and 00's brought live with amazing vocalist Rachel Shenton .
With Dance music on the decks with Ultimate Gig on the night.
Fleetwood Mac - 'Landslide' with Nick Tudor support
Arguably the best tribute to Fleetwood Mac in the UK returns to York after their sellout event last year.
With Nick tudor on acoustic support- 10/10
'Hazy Sundays' - Glasgow's very own Indie masters- with 'Guest'
Hazy Sundays bring a fresh Indie vibe to York.
A 4 piece indie rock band from Glasgow, Scotland.
With 'Scott Marsden' frontman of 'Holy Coves'
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Key sight seeing attractions include:
York Minster
Visit York Minster, a stunning Gothic cathedral that dominates the city's skyline. Explore its grand architecture and awe-inspiring interior.
The Shambles
Wander through The Shambles, a medieval street lined with timber-framed buildings that exude historical charm.
York City Walls
Walk along York's ancient city walls, offering panoramic views of the city and its landmarks.
National Railway Museum
Immerse yourself in the history of railways at the National Railway Museum, showcasing a vast collection of locomotives and railway artifacts.
York Castle Museum
Discover York's past at York Castle Museum, with exhibits on social history, fashion, and daily life through the ages.
Jorvik Viking Centre
Step back in time at the Jorvik Viking Centre, offering an interactive journey into York's Viking history.
Clifford's Tower
Explore Clifford's Tower, a medieval fortification with panoramic views of York's historic center.
York Museum Gardens
Relax in York Museum Gardens, featuring beautiful landscapes, ruins, and botanical delights.
York's Chocolate Story
Indulge your sweet tooth at York's Chocolate Story, an interactive attraction exploring the city's rich chocolate-making history.
The Arts in York
The arts within 10 miles of York.
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York's Chocolate Story
Discover the stories behind the greatest names in chocolate on our fully guided, interactive tour at York's Chocolate Story.
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History
York, a historic city in North Yorkshire, England, boasts a captivating history that dates back to Roman times and is intertwined with its medieval charm, architectural splendor, and cultural significance. Its narrative is one of ancient origins, iconic landmarks, and a harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary life.
York's history begins with its founding as the Roman fortress of Eboracum in 71 AD. The city's Viking heritage is evident in its name "Jorvik" and is celebrated at the Jorvik Viking Centre, an interactive museum that offers insights into Viking life.
Culture
In recent years, York has embraced its heritage while fostering modern developments. The York Central project aims to create a sustainable and vibrant urban quarter, reflecting the city's commitment to urban planning and regeneration.
York's cultural scene is enriched by its theaters, galleries, and festivals. The York Theatre Royal hosts a variety of performances, while the York Art Gallery showcases an extensive collection of art spanning different periods.
The city's educational institutions, including the University of York, contribute to its reputation as a center of learning and research. York's academic pursuits align with its intellectual and historical legacy.
History and Heritage in York
History and heritage within 10 miles of York.
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Clifford's Tower, York | English Heritage
Experience stunning views over the ancient city of York and immerse yourself in centuries of history at one of York’s most iconic sites.
York Cold War Bunker | English Heritage
The most modern and spine chilling of English Heritage’s properties the York Cold War Bunker uncovers the secret history of Britain’s Cold War.
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Things to do for sports fans in York
While York is not widely known for professional sports, the city offers various recreational activities:
- Rowing and Boating: Enjoy rowing and boating along the River Ouse, offering serene views of the city.
- Running and Cycling: Explore York's parks, riverside paths, and designated routes for running and cycling.
The Great Outdoors in York
The great outdoors within 10 miles of York.
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Askham Bog | YWT
Askham Bog Nature Reserve: Magnificent royal ferns, rare gingerbread sedge and spectacular displays of water violets are to be found in this mosaic of fen, woodland and meadow in York
Moorlands | YWT
Moorlands Nature Reserve: A few miles north of York, this small Edwardian woodland garden is part of the ancient Forest of Galtres and is ablaze with colour in spring.
Strensall Common | YWT
Strensall Common Nature Reserve:A fabulous large heathland close to York where the pink heads and grey green leaves of cross-leaved heath intermingle with the purple spikes and green foliage of ling heather. Common lizards bask on the stumps of silver birch.
Bolton Percy Station Nature Reserve | Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
Bolton Percy Station Nature Reserve: Bramble scrambles over the old platform, flower-filled grassland grows where once there were rail tracks and scrub growth provides sheltered scallops filled with fluttering butterflies and moths in the summer months.
Wheldrake Ings | YWT
Wheldrake Ings Nature Reserve: Big skies, often full of whirling flocks of birds in winter, stretch out above you over this wetland reserve near York. So peaceful and remote, you can feel like the only person on earth.
Cali Heath | YWT
Cali Heath Nature Reserve: Be delighted by the detail of tiny flowering plants in the short rabbit-grazed sandy grasslands, or the numbers of common butterflies feeding on flowering grass
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Travelling to York
By Car
York is accessible by road via major routes like the A1(M) and A64. The city provides parking options, including car parks within the city center.
By Train
York's railway station, York Station, offers direct services from London King's Cross and other major cities, making it convenient for travelers arriving by train.
Getting Around
York's compact layout is perfect for exploration on foot. Public buses, taxis, and the Park & Ride service offer convenient options for traveling within the city and its surroundings.
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Exploring further afield?
Take a look at a few other places in the surrounding area.
Explore more things to do in North Yorkshire