When I first went to the cathedral city of York on a school trip many, many years ago (I’m not revealing how many years ago…), what stuck in my memory from that short visit was just how pretty the city is – with its spiderweb of cobblestoned streets and quirky buildings. It was like stepping back in time. Even as a child, I was captivated by its storybook charm: quaint little shops tucked beneath timber-framed buildings, the towering presence of York Minster peeking out above the rooftops. I also couldn’t forget the lingering smells from the Jorvik Viking Centre (I’ll explain more later). I’ll admit that was probably my most endearing memory – that, and a great bag of sweets. There’s always sweets…
Things to do in York for families
Fast forward to today, and the northern English city of York is still just as enchanting – if not more so, now that I have my own children and wanted to take them to see the vikings, too. York blends Roman, viking, and medieval heritage with effortless chic. York’s history has soaked into its very foundations from the narrow streets to the centuries’ old stones embedded in its city walls, it seamlessly sits side by side with modern restaurants, cafés and bars. That’s why it’s a popular UK tourist destination attracting around 9 million people a year.
What’s more, there are tons of family attractions in York, which is great news for parents. So whether you’re looking for a weekend break, or even a longer stay, York is a fantastic place to visit. Here’s my list of the amazing things to do in York for families (and they’re still great, even if you don’t have kids with you!).
Walk York’s City Walls
This beautifully preserved landmark is the longest medieval town wall in the whole of England. York’s City Walls are about 13ft tall and a staggering 2 miles long. They were originally constructed around 71 AD, when the Romans built a fort near the River Ouse. Although very little stonework remains from the Roman era, the walls have been carefully maintained and rebuilt throughout the centuries.
Walking along the top of the walls is like stepping back in time. The elevated walkway offers breathtaking views over the city’s rooftops, church spires, and ancient gates, called bars. It’s especially magical in the early morning or late afternoon when the light casts a golden hue over the city. Plus it’s not as busy. Parents with younger children and babies, bear in mind the walls are not suitable for buggies and prams, plus there are lots of steps going up and down from street level some without railings.
Top tip: Start your walk at Bootham Bar or Micklegate Bar for particularly scenic stretches. Be sure to wear comfy shoes, and avoid the walkway if it’s icy, wet and windy.
York’s City Walls, YO1 7LJ, UK. Open year-round from 8am to dusk (closed on Christmas Day and during hazardous weather). Free admission.
Get spooked out at The York Dungeon
If your kids love thrills and a bit of theatrical spookiness, The York Dungeon delivers just that. With live actors, sound effects, and interactive storytelling, this attraction makes the city’s dark past come alive – from plagues to persecution and everything in between. You’ll walk through 10 live shows with specially built sets and meet the likes of Guy Fawkes, vikings and a witch! It’s equal parts educational and eerie, and while it might not be suitable for very young children, older kids and teens tend to love it. Especially as the cast randomly pick participants to join in the storytelling.
The York Dungeon, 2 Clifford St, York, YO1 9RD. Open year-round. Standard tickets from £18 per adult if you book in advance. Pre-booking required. Ages 5+ only.
Time travel at the JORVIK Viking Centre
Step back into the 10th century and discover the world of the Vikings at the JORVIK Viking Centre. One of York’s most popular family attractions, this museum blends archaeology with immersive storytelling. I have fond memories of coming here, and while many parts have changed since I was last there – namely the £4 million renovation back in 2017 – it’s easy to see why it’s still such a York favourite. Tickets must be pre-booked, and while you’re waiting to board the ‘time machine’ you can walk over the top of preserved Viking-age timbers, displayed above and below an expansive glass floor. These archaeological findings are from the Coppergate excavations 40 years prior.
It’s the time machine ride, though, that the kids (and me) loved. After boarding through a reconstructed Viking street (yes, complete with pungent smells), you’ll get a closer look at genuine artefacts from the original dig site. With an exhibition too, it’s a must-visit for kids (and grown-ups) who are fascinated by Viking history.
JORVIK Viking Centre, 19 Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT. Open year-round. Tickets: Adults £17.50, Kids £12.00, Family of four £49.
See the sights on a River Ouse cruise
Seeing York from the water is a totally different experience. A river cruise gives you and the little ones a break from walking, while offering lovely views of the city’s landmarks, including the Guildhall, York Minster, and Clifford’s Tower. There are several companies that offer York river cruises and you’ll learn how fundamental the River Ouse was in shaping York’s history and development.
You’ll get some local insight from your skippers, on-board commentary, as well as a bar, stocked with a selection of beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks, hot drinks and snacks.
It’s advisable to pre-book your tickets. Departures from King’s Staith and Lendal Bridge landings. Tickets from £14. Schedules vary by season.
Go trainspotting at the National Railway Museum
Train lovers, rejoice! The National Railway Museum is a dream for anyone with even a passing interest in locomotives. Home to iconic locomotives and a huge collection of different trains, you can wander through halls and explore the stories, places and engineering marvels behind the railways. From the ingenuity of the Japanese Bullet Train, the world’s fastest steam locomotive, the Mallard and even a VR Flying Scotsman experience, there is so much to see and do. Best of all, it’s completely free – and there’s enough to keep the whole family entertained for hours. Don’t miss the miniature railway and the engineering workspaces.
National Railway Museum, Leeman Rd, York, YO26 4XJ. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm. Free admission.
Explore York Minster
Few buildings in the UK are as impressive as York Minster. Its Gothic architecture, intricate stained-glass windows, and sheer scale make it a a must-see attraction in the city. The highlight? The Great East Window, which is the largest expanse of mediaeval stained glass in the country.
You can make your York Minster visit more fun for little kids by grabbing a Little Explorer backpack and following a family friendly trail around the cathedral. Head to the Undercroft Museum, too, and discover the remains of a Roman barracks, as well as to 1000-year-old artefacts still used in the cathedral today. It’s also worth climbing the tower for panoramic views – though be warned, there are over 270 steps!
York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH. Open Mon–Sat 9:30am–4pm, Sun 12:45pm–2.30pm. Entry costs from £20 per adult to the main cathedral. It costs extra to enter the tower.
Top views at Clifford’s Tower
This striking hilltop ruin offers a glimpse into York’s Norman past. Originally built by William the Conqueror, Clifford’s Tower has served many roles over the centuries – from royal mint to prison.
It’s the most prominent surviving structure of York Castle, once the greatest medieval fortress in northern England. At the foot of the mound, visitors are welcomed by a reception area featuring a map of both the castle and the city. Three resting spots along the path help make the steep climb to the top more manageable. Inside the tower, discover key chapters from its dramatic past. Listen as fictional historical figures recount stories from pivotal moments—such as the Harrying of the North, the tragic anti-Jewish massacre of 1190, and the devastating fire of 1684.
Today, a newly added roof deck provides some of the best views in the city. It’s compact, so it’s easy to fit into your itinerary, especially if you’re heading to the nearby York Castle Museum.
Clifford’s Tower, Tower St, York, YO1 9SA. Open year-round, 10am–6pm. Advance tickets: Adults from £9.00; Kids from £5.40.
Eat cake at Bettys Café Tea Rooms
No trip to York is complete without afternoon tea at Bettys. The art deco interiors – inspired by the Queen Mary ocean liner, excellent service, and beautifully presented cakes make this one of the most iconic tea rooms in the UK. You can book ahead of time (but reservations go fast), and while there’s a queue, I promise it goes down pretty quickly. And it’s worth the wait to try their assortments of classic cream teas, cream cakes, cookies, and even savoury dishes including sandwiches and salads.
Bettys, 6–8 St. Helen’s Square, York, YO1 8QP. Open daily 9am–5:30pm and until 9.00pm on weekends.
Best of the rest
Yorkshire Museum
Tucked away in the stunning botanical gardens, spend a few hours exploring the grounds as well as digging for fossils at the Yorkshire Museum. We really enjoyed their Jurassic World exhibition which has lots of interactive play for tons of fun learning about Yorkshire’s sea monsters and dinosaurs. There are several other exhibitions to discover too, including Roman remains and a huge Roman mosaic floor.
Murton Park
Set within 14 acres of rural Yorkshire countryside and home to the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton Park has tons to keep kids entertained. Choose from indoor and outdoor play, feeding animals and a train ride on the Derwent Valley light railway. You can even seen a Viking village and WW2 evacuee area.
York’s Chocolate Story
If you’re a chocolate lover, then a visit to York’s Chocolate Story is a must. Be taken on guide tour and discover the story behind why York is known as ‘the chocolate city’. Learn about 4000 years of chocolate history and how this rich, decadent delicacy ended up York. There are also tastings, demonstrations, as well as a cafe to try more chocolatey treats.
York Maze
Created from over one million living, growing maize plants, York Maze is not just the largest maze in the UK it’s also the place to come for a fun-filled, day out in the countryside. There’s over 20 different rides including slides and climbing zones, attractions and shows to enjoy. Note that this is only open during summer months.
More about visiting York
Is one day enough for York?
You can see some of York in a day – especially if you plan your visit carefully and focus on a few major sights like York Minster, the Shambles, and the City Walls. A river cruise or a visit to the JORVIK Viking Centre could round out a full day nicely.
However, to truly soak up the city’s charm and explore without feeling rushed, I recommend spending at least two full days. That way, you’ll have time to stroll at your own pace, explore some hidden gems, enjoy a proper afternoon tea, and even take an evening tour.
Is York a walkable city?
Very much so. York is one of the most walkable cities in the UK. The city centre is compact and largely pedestrianised, making it easy to explore on foot. Most major attractions are located within the historic walls, and you can walk from one side of the city to the other in about 20–30 minutes.
That said, bring comfortable shoes – the cobbled streets, although charming, aren’t kind to tired feet or flimsy footwear. Also note that while the City Walls are a fantastic walking route, they’re not accessible for prams or wheelchairs.
What time of year is best to visit York?
York is a year-round destination, each season offering its own appeal:
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Spring (March–May): Ideal for avoiding crowds while enjoying the city’s blooming gardens and longer days.
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Summer (June–August): The most popular time to visit. Expect more tourists and queues, but also the most festivals, events, and open-air performances.
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Autumn (September–November): A gorgeous time to visit as the leaves turn golden and the city takes on a cosy feel. Great for photography and fewer crowds.
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Winter (December–February): York is magical during the Christmas season, with festive markets and twinkling lights. While colder, many indoor attractions remain open. Just check if the City Walls are accessible, as icy conditions may cause closures.
Tip: For families or those wanting quieter experiences, shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn) strike a good balance between good weather and fewer tourists.
Is York good for kids?
Yes! York is a very family-friendly destination. From interactive museums like the National Railway Museum and JORVIK Viking Centre to outdoor spaces like Museum Gardens and the York Maze (in summer), there are plenty of things to do with children of all ages.
Many attractions also include hands-on exhibits and storytelling tailored to younger visitors. Just be aware that some historic areas (such as the City Walls or Clifford’s Tower) might not be pram-friendly – baby carriers can be a better option.
Do you need a car in York?
Not at all. In fact, it’s often better not to drive in the city centre, as many streets are pedestrian-only, and parking can be expensive and limited. York’s train station is centrally located, and once you’re in the city, most places are easily reached on foot.
If you’re planning to explore the surrounding countryside – like the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, or nearby towns like Harrogate and Durham – then hiring a car might be useful for day trips.
What are some hidden gems in York?
Besides the major attractions, here are a few lesser-known spots worth checking out:
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Barley Hall – A reconstructed medieval townhouse tucked away behind Stonegate.
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Shambles Market – A great place to grab local street food or handmade crafts.
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Treasurer’s House – A fascinating historic National Trust house with Roman remains in the basement and one of York’s most famous ghost stories.
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Rowntree Park – A beautiful and spacious green space with a playground, café, and duck pond – ideal for families.
