How to Spend One Day in York: The Perfect Itinerary 2025
This itinerary for one day in York is designed to help you see the highlights of this charming historic city. From the iconic city walls and the towering York Minster to fascinating museums and top foodie spots, you’ll get a real feel for the city.
I’ve been to York several times, both for day trips and longer stays, and this itinerary is an amalgamation of my favourite activities and eateries from those visits. It’s curated to help you discover different sides of the city’s rich history and vibrant character in just one day.
While I believe a single day isn’t quite enough to experience everything York has to offer, I understand that not everyone can stay longer. Hopefully, this visit will inspire you to return and explore even more.
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Itinerary for One Day in York
The plan assumes that you have the whole day, from early morning to late evening, but that might not be the case. You may decide to slow things down to simply enjoy the city’s special feel or have a whirlwind of a trip to make the most of your trip. I have also included some practical tips on visiting the city at the end of this article.
Morning: City Walls, York Minster and Museum Gardens
One of York’s most famous features is its ancient city walls, which still encircle much of the medieval city centre. While defensive walls existed during Roman times, most of the current structure dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
The walls form an elevated circular walkway around the city. However, some sections no longer exist, so at times you’ll need to continue along street level to reconnect with the next stretch. Access points are available via staircases.
Walking the full circuit can take up to two hours, but you can always opt to explore just a section. My favourite part is in the northern corner near York Minster, where the views over the Medieval city are particularly scenic.
The city walls are free to enter and are open from 8am till dusk.
Museum Gardens
While you’re in that area, don’t miss the picturesque Museum Gardens. Here, you can see remnants of the original Roman fortress wall, including the Multangular Tower, which features Roman masonry topped with later medieval additions.
The gardens are also home to the atmospheric ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, which dates back to the Norman Conquest. It was once one of the most powerful Benedictine monasteries in the country and now we can only imagine what life there was like at the height of its wealth.
York Minster
After a wander around the Museum Gardens, be sure to visit the York Minster, another iconic historic site. This magnificent cathedral boasts over 1,000 years of history and stunning medieval architecture.
I highly recommend going inside to truly appreciate the cathedral’s beauty and sheer scale. Don’t miss the stunning Chapter House that features intricate carvings and impressive stained-glass windows.
I also love the Undercroft Museum, located in the underground chambers. It offers fascinating insights into the site’s history, showcasing archaeological finds that date back to Roman and Viking times.
Entry is £20 per adult and free for children aged 17 and under.
Morning Alternative: Walking Tour
If you’d like to dive deeper into York’s fascinating history with a knowledgeable local, I highly recommend joining the Highlights Walking Tour.
My husband and I took the tour on our first visit to York, and in just an hour and a half, we saw many of the city’s most iconic historic sites and learnt about the many periods that the city has witnessed. The local guide was excellent and offered insights not only into the major landmarks but also pointing out lesser-known hidden gems.
There’s a 10:30am session that fits perfectly into this itinerary. The tour costs £20 per person.
Lunch: Bettys
Bettys Tea Rooms are a Yorkshire institution, serving delicious sweet treats and exquisite café fare since 1936. If you don’t mind queuing, it’s a great spot for lunch.
The lunch menu includes Bettys’ all-day breakfast dishes and popular staples such as sandwiches and salads. You’ll also find a tempting selection of baked goods, including the famous Fat Rascal scones, cakes, and delicate pâtisserie.
One way to skip the queue is to book their afternoon tea, served in a separate dining room inspired by Art Deco ocean liners. I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy it several times, and the experience is always exceptional.
The only downside is that it takes a bit of time and you probably won’t be hungry for dinner afterwards. But if that’s not an issue, it’s a truly worthwhile treat during a day trip to York.
Early Afternoon: York Chocolate Story
Continuing the sweet treat theme, one of my favourite aspects of York’s history is its chocolate industry. After all, it’s the birthplace of KitKat, a treat known around the world.
If you’re in the mood for a bit of fun – and haven’t already had your fill of sugar at Bettys – I highly recommend joining the chocolate history tour at York’s Chocolate Story. During the experience, you’ll learn how chocolate is made and discover the stories of the people and companies that put York on the chocolate-making map, including Terry’s and Rowntree’s. Tastings are included, of course!
My husband and I loved the experience and rounded it off with a delicious hot chocolate at the museum café. While York is rich in ancient history, it’s also fascinating to learn how it helped shape some of the sweet staples we all know and love.
A classic guided tour costs £20 per adult and £18.50 per child. Allow for about 90 minutes at the museum.
Late Afternoon: The Shambles and York Castle Museum
York’s Chocolate Story is just a stone’s throw from one of York’s most famous historic streets, the Shambles. One of the best-preserved Medieval streets in Europe, it looks like it came our straight out of a Harry Potter film with its wonky facades and cobbled pavements.
Today, it’s lined with shops selling everything from tat to premium tea and various cafes and food outlets. The Shambles get packed with tourists during the day, but a walk along this street is a must when you’re in York.
If you’re staying in the city until late, you can always drop by later in the evening when the businesses are closed and the crowds thin out.
York Castle Museum
After visiting the Shambles, head to the final stop on this itinerary: York Castle Museum. While the city is home to several excellent museums, this one is among my favourites.
The museum features a wide range of exhibits, from the Moorland Cottage rooms, which depict life on the Yorkshire Moors, to collections on World War I and 1960s memorabilia. My personal highlight is Kirkgate Street, a recreated Victorian street complete with mostly original objects from the era.
The street features various shops and businesses, all based on real establishments that once operated in York in the late 19th century. You also get a fascinating glimpse into the lives of people from different social classes, including the smells they would have encountered!
I found the museum to be a truly engaging way to connect with history as it genuinely felt like stepping back in time.
Tickets cost £17 per adult and £10.20 per child.
Dinner: The Star Inn The City
If you’re staying in the city for dinner, I recommend heading to The Star Inn The City. This award-winning brasserie enjoys a stunning riverside location and showcases the best of Yorkshire produce, with high-quality meats and seafood taking centre stage.
We visited The Star Inn for my husband’s birthday and had a fantastic evening, enjoying a delicious three-course meal and excellent service. We also loved the interior, which beautifully blends modern elements with traditional British design touches.
The Best Time to Visit York
York is a year-round destination, and each season reveals a different side of the city. While summer offers longer days and warmer weather, visiting in winter brings its own spooky charm to York’s medieval streets.
I’ve visited York in late November and December and loved the festive atmosphere, from the Christmas markets to the seasonal decorations at many attractions. While the weather can be chilly and daylight limited, the holiday spirit more than makes up for it, though it does draw larger crowds.
One advantage of visiting in January or February, after the festive season, is that you can enjoy fewer crowds and often find more attractive accommodation prices.
How to Get to York
The best way to get to York is by train. The station is centrally located, so you can start exploring the city as soon as you arrive.
If you’re travelling from London, direct LNER trains run from King’s Cross and take around two hours. For other routes and fares, I recommend using the Trainline app to compare options.
I live in Manchester, and although I’ve taken the train to York before, I often find that driving is quicker and more cost-effective. That said, parking can be a hassle and adds extra costs to your trip.
How to Get Around York
This itinerary is designed to be explored on foot. York’s city centre is compact, and many of its streets are pedestrianised, making it an ideal place to wander and soak up its unique historic atmosphere.
Where to Stay in York
While this itinerary can be done as a day trip, staying overnight gives you more time to enjoy the city. I’ve previously stayed at the Novotel York Centre and while it may lack the historic charm of some other city hotels, it has its own car park, which was especially convenient for us as we often drive to the city.
Budget for One Day in York
Your main expenses for a day in York will be attraction tickets and food. If you follow this itinerary closely, admission to the Minster and the featured museums (York’s Chocolate Story and York Castle Museum) will total approximately £57 per adult and £28.70 per child. If you also choose to join the walking tour I recommended above, budget an additional £20 per person.
Food costs will vary depending on your preferences, but if you plan to visit Bettys and enjoy dinner at The Star Inn The City, I’d suggest budgeting at least £100–£120 per person. This is also the easiest area to save money, either by heading home before dinner or choosing more budget-friendly dining options.
Altogether, expect to spend a minimum of £160 per person for a day trip like this.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy your day trip to York – it’s truly one of the most charming cities to visit in the UK. If you’d like to discover more of what the city has to offer, be sure to check out this guide to the best things to do in York.
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