How To Spend the Perfect Weekend in York: 2-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is here to help you plan a fantastic weekend in York. It includes my favourite walking tour, visits to the most iconic historic attractions, and some great foodie recommendations.
I’ve visited York many times – it’s relatively easy to reach from my home base in Manchester – and I genuinely believe it’s one of the best cities in the UK for history and culture lovers.
York is a compact city, and you can certainly see most of its highlights in a weekend. However, the itinerary I suggest takes everything in at a relaxed pace and highlights different facets of the city’s history.
If it feels like there are too many museums or attractions on the list, feel free to skip some. You can always choose to simply wander around the city – York is the perfect place for soaking up the atmosphere.
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Day 1 in York
Your first day in York is all about getting a feel for the city and seeing some of its most iconic locations. The day will conclude with a meal at one of my favourite restaurants in York.
Morning: City Highlights Walking Tour
I highly recommend starting your weekend in York with a walking tour of the city. My husband and I really enjoyed this small group tour on our first visit to York.
The reason I suggest it is that in just an hour and a half, you’ll have the chance to learn about York’s history – from the Romans and Vikings to its medieval past and chocolate legacy. You’ll also get to see some of the city’s iconic historic sites, as well as lesser-known gems that local tour guides can point out.
The tour includes visits to the Museum Gardens and the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, walks through hidden alleys, some time outside the York Minster, and a stroll down the Shambles. The guide will also highlight interesting shops and eateries that are worth checking out.
I loved the energy of our tour guide and his extensive knowledge and passion for the city. It’s also a great way to get your bearings and understand what’s located where.
The tour has two start times: one at 10:30 am and the other at 2:00 pm. I’d recommend opting for the morning tour if you follow this itinerary. It costs £20 per person.
Lunch: Shambles Market
The morning highlights tour finishes around lunchtime, with the final stop near the famous medieval Shambles Street. Just off the Shambles is the historic Shambles Market, which is the perfect spot for lunch.
You can choose from a variety of street food stalls offering Thai, Mexican, Greek, Indian, and even fish and chips, and enjoy your meal at the outdoor seating area. Be warned, though – it can get busy, as this is a popular spot.
You can also wander through the stalls selling produce, homeware, fashion accessories, and all sorts of random bits and pieces. For me, the food stalls are currently the best part of the market.
Early afternoon: The Shambles and York Chocolate Story
After lunch, head back to the Shambles to browse the shops at your own pace. You’ll find everything from tea and Harry Potter-inspired paraphernalia to cosmetics, artisan chocolate, jewellery, and clothes.
You can even take home your own little York ghost – if you don’t mind queuing for a while. Some shops are more interesting than others, but there are definitely some fun ones to explore depending on your interests.
Once you’re done navigating the crowds, make your way to the nearby York Chocolate Story to learn more about the city’s sweet trade, which gave the world the famous Kit Kat, among other treats. The 90-minute experience includes a tour where you’ll discover the origins of chocolate-making and learn about the people who built the industry in York.
You’ll also enjoy plenty of tasting, so be sure to save some room at lunchtime. At the end of the tour, you can stop by the downstairs café to indulge in some delicious hot chocolate.
Personally, I loved the experience – it was fun and interactive, and it uncovered some fascinating history about an industry you don’t typically associate with the UK.
The experience costs £20.00 per adult and £18.50 per child.
Late afternoon: York Minster
Although you would have seen the majestic exterior of York Minster during the morning walking tour, it’s well worth returning to explore the treasures inside the cathedral. It closes at 4:00 pm, so be sure to get there before then.
Construction of the Minster began back in the 13th century and took 250 years to complete. Its Gothic interiors, with vaulted ceilings and incredible stained-glass windows, are simply breathtaking.
Take your time to soak it all in, and don’t miss the Chapter House, which features intricate carvings and masterpiece-level stained glass. I also love visiting the crypt and the Undercroft Museum, where you can learn more about the history of this remarkable place.
In the crypt, you’ll see the remains of an 11th-century Norman cathedral that once stood where the Minster now rises. The Undercroft showcases archaeological finds from the area, including Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Viking, and Norman artefacts.
The museum closes at 4:45 pm, so you can linger there a bit longer. Entry to York Minster is £20 per adult and free for children aged 17 and under.
Evening: Dinner at the Star Inn City
York is a wonderful city to simply wander around and soak in the unique historic atmosphere that makes it one of the most fascinating cities to visit in the UK. When you’re ready, I recommend rounding off the day with dinner at The Star Inn The City.
Located on the bank of the River Ouse, on the edge of the Museum Gardens, this stylish spot brings the best of the Yorkshire countryside to the city. The menu is seasonal and features delicious seafood, high-quality meats, and local cheeses.
My husband and I celebrated his birthday there and loved the friendly service and cosy atmosphere. In the summer, you can enjoy the long evenings on the outdoor terrace overlooking the river.
With a slew of awards, The Star Inn is easily one of the best restaurants in York, so a fantastic night out is guaranteed. I recommend booking a table in advance on their website.
Day 2 in York
The second day of this weekend itinerary in York leans into the city’s historic attractions, including the remains of an ancient castle, museums, and its iconic defensive walls. I’ve also included one of my favourite spots for a classic afternoon tea – one of the best in the whole of the UK.
Morning: Clifford’s Tower and York Castle Museum
We’ll start the day with a quick visit to Clifford’s Tower. Perched on a mound in the heart of the city, it is the largest surviving structure of York Castle, originally established by William the Conqueror to subdue the local population.
Steep steps lead to the top, where you can explore parts of the tower’s interior and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the viewing platform. Informative panels along the way recount the city’s rich history. Entry to the tower costs £9.00 per adult and £5.40 per child.
You won’t need too much time at the tower, and once you’re done, you can head to the nearby York Castle Museum, which stands on the original site of York Castle — hence the name. Personally, it’s one of my favourite museums in the city.
The museum features a wide range of exhibitions, from recreations of local life in Yorkshire through the centuries to World War I collections and 1960s memorabilia. The highlight is Kirkgate Street — a recreated Victorian street that offers a fully immersive experience.
Kirkgate showcases many original objects from the era, and the establishments you see are based on real businesses that once operated in York. The exhibition highlights the lives of different social classes, and you’ll even be able to smell the wealth inequality that defined the period.
Entry to the museum costs £17 per adult and £10.20 per child. You can easily spend the whole morning exploring it.
Lunch: Afternoon tea at Bettys
A trip to York isn’t complete without a visit to one of its most iconic tea rooms: Bettys. This Yorkshire institution opened its doors in 1936 and has been delighting customers ever since with its signature baked goods and patisserie.
I recommend opting for afternoon tea because you can book a table in advance and avoid the queues at the main café, where you’ll find Bettys’ famous café staples. The afternoon tea is served in a separate dining area, complete with live music and exquisite art deco interiors.
It features replenishable sandwiches, mouthwatering scones, and delicate patisseries. There’s also a fantastic selection of teas and coffees to complement your experience – and you can add champagne if you wish.
Afternoon tea costs £44.95 per person without alcohol. You can book your spot on the Bettys website. Be warned: it’s a generous meal, and chances are you won’t even need dinner afterward.
Early afternoon: Yorvik Viking Centre
Let’s continue our historic theme with another popular attraction: the Jorvik Viking Centre. It’s located on a former archaeological site that once held the remains of a 10th-century Viking city.
The discoveries from the site – including many artefacts – were used to recreate a 10th-century Viking village, now housed within Jorvik. Visitors travel back in time aboard specially designed time-cars, with audio commentary narrating what life was like in York during the Viking era.
I think it’s a fun and engaging way to learn about this period. After the ride, you can take a closer look at the artefacts discovered on-site in the centre’s museum gallery.
Entry costs £17.50 per adult and £12 per child.
Late afternoon: City Walls
We’ll finish the day with a walk along one of York’s most iconic features: the city walls – the longest in England.
The bulk of the defensive walls you see today were built in the 13th and 14th centuries. However, there’s a small section within the Museum Gardens that dates back to Roman times – you may have spotted it if you joined the walking tour the day before.
Although there are parts of the walk where you’ll need to descend to ground level, you can still enjoy long stretches of the walls, taking in sweeping views of the city, with the imposing York Minster towering over the medieval core.
My favourite section is at the northern end, where you get fantastic views of the Minster, along with various gardens and historic houses. If you’re up for a longer walk, it can take up to two hours to complete the full loop.
The Best Time to Visit York
York is very much an all-year-round destination, and every season offers its own charm – from the blooming flowers and gentle sunshine of spring, to the festive buzz of the pre-Christmas period, to the long January nights that add a touch of drama to the city’s medieval architecture.
To enjoy longer days and warmer temperatures, plan your visit between late spring and early autumn. While rain is still common during this time of year, you’ll have a better chance of making the most of outdoor walks around the city.
This itinerary includes many indoor attractions, which are perfect for rainy days. If you visit in winter, especially after Christmas, you may also benefit from lower accommodation costs.
How to Get to York
The best way to get to York, especially if you are travelling from London, is by train. That way you will arrive straight in the heart of the city and can start exploring.
The closest airport is Leeds Bradford but it’s not that well-connected to the city. There are trains from Manchester Airport that you can use though if you are flying in.
I have previously driven to York as well since I live in Manchester. However, parking can be a pain, so if you are using your own four wheels, be sure to plan ahead when it comes to parking.
How to Get Around York
This itinerary is designed to be explored on foot. Many of York’s city centre streets are pedestrianised, making them a pleasure to walk along. The city is also relatively compact, so walks between attractions rarely take more than 20 minutes, unless you choose the scenic route.
Where to Stay in York
As a popular tourist destination, York offers plenty of accommodation options to suit different budgets. I’ve previously stayed at the Novotel York Centre, located on the outskirts of the city centre.
While this chain hotel may not have much period charm, it does offer parking – which was very convenient when my husband and I drove to York from Manchester for a long weekend. The breakfast was great too.
Budget for a Weekend in York
For two days in the city, you’ll need to budget for accommodation, attractions, and dining. Here’s how I would break things down based on the itinerary:
Accommodation: from £180 per night for a mid-range hotel room
- Food: £150 per person
- Walking tour: £20 per person
- York Minster: £20 per person
- York Chocolate Story: £20 per person
- Clifford’s Tower: £9 per person
- York Castle Museum: £17 per person
- Jorvik Viking Centre: £17.50 per person
- Total: £433.50 for one person
You could find cheaper accommodation options in the city, but I’d say the average is around £180 per night. Prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year – and even the day of the week.
Final Thoughts
Wondering what else you could do while visiting the city? Check out my guide to the best things to do in York to learn more.
If you don’t have the whole weekend to explore, take a look at my itinerary for a day trip to York so you can make the most of your time there.
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