Favourite (and Free) things to do in York
We all know that it’s expensive when you’re away on holiday, so we’ve found some fabulous things to do in our amazing city that won’t cost the earth.
- Visit the historic Shambles, and it’s market. Now home to a number of Harry Potteresque shops, and various gift shops, this cobbled street was once famous for its butcher’s shops and houses that extended out above so those in opposite houses could shake hands across the road. Today it is full of unique independent shops and places to eat and drink. It’s well worth a look.
- Explore the National Railway Museum. Free to enter, as it’s a national museum, it’s a full day out for any train enthusiast, but also for those interested in history, and an interactive experience. Not just for kids, this museum takes on everything from the bullet train to the royal carriages. With so much to see, you can easily spend all day here (especially useful if the weather isn’t great!)
https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/
- Wander through The Museum Gardens. Centrally located, and free to enter, the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey can be explored, as well as the city’s Art Gallery and The Yorkshire Museum. You can take a picnic to the extensive gardens to enjoy with views over the river. Don’t be surprised if you see the odd Viking wandering through too! The Abbey has been the backdrop for the York Mystery Plays in the past, and The Hospitium too is a fascinating building, now one of York’s most unique wedding venues. You may even spot a bride if visiting on Saturdays.
https://www.yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk/
- Walk the City walls. You can do the full city walls if you’d like, or just sections of it. Expect fantastic views of the city, and the Minster along the way. It can be accessed at various points around the city, and from here you can see some fabulous back gardens, historic properties and new builds too. York has both moved with the times, but retained it’s fascinating history.
- Discover the York Cat Trail. Dating back at least a few hundred years, the original cat statues were placed on buildings to frighten away rats and mice which can carry plague and illness. They were also thought to ward off evil spirits and to bestow good luck and good health on the city’s occupants who needed feline friends to ensure a good night’s sleep in old and timber framed buildings! Copies of the trail are free to download.
https://www.yorkluckycats.co.uk/york-cat-trail/
To enjoy all of these fabulous sights, if you need somewhere to stay, you can book here https://www.staycationyork.co.uk for some amazing offers on our luxury self-catering apartments in the heart of the city, all including free parking during your stay. All apartments are centrally located, and these activities can be accessed on foot from these amazing places to stay within 5 -15 minutes, so even getting there is free too. Retreat to your very own home from home with everything you need to self-cater or enjoy one of the many fabulous places to eat, drink and be merry very close by.
