When I first went to the cathedral city of York on a school trip many, many years ago (I\u2019m not revealing how many years ago\u2026), what stuck in my memory from that short visit was just how pretty<\/em> the city is \u2013 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\u2019t forget the lingering smells from the Jorvik Viking Centre (I\u2019ll explain more later). I\u2019ll admit that was probably my most endearing memory \u2013 that, and a great bag of sweets. There\u2019s always sweets\u2026<\/p>\n Fast forward to today, and the northern English city of York is still just as enchanting \u2013 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\u2019s history has soaked into its very foundations from the narrow streets to the centuries\u2019 old stones embedded in its city walls, it seamlessly sits side by side with modern restaurants, caf\u00e9s and bars. That\u2019s why it\u2019s a popular UK tourist destination attracting around 9 million people a year.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, there are tons of family attractions in York, which is great news for parents. So whether you\u2019re looking for a weekend break, or even a longer stay, York is a fantastic place to visit. Here\u2019s my list of the amazing things to do in York for families (and they\u2019re still great, even if you don\u2019t have kids with you!).<\/p>\n This beautifully preserved landmark is the longest medieval town wall in the whole of England. York\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Walking along the top of the walls is like stepping back in time. The elevated walkway offers breathtaking views over the city\u2019s rooftops, church spires, and ancient gates, called bars<\/em>. It\u2019s especially magical in the early morning or late afternoon when the light casts a golden hue over the city. Plus it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Top tip: <\/strong>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\u2019s icy, wet and windy.<\/p>\n York\u2019s City Walls, YO1 7LJ, UK. Open year-round from 8am to dusk (closed on Christmas Day and during hazardous weather). Free admission.<\/em><\/p>\n 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\u2019s dark past come alive \u2013 from plagues to persecution and everything in between. You\u2019ll walk through 10 live shows with specially built sets and meet the likes of Guy Fawkes, vikings and a witch! It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The York Dungeon<\/a>, 2 Clifford St, York, YO1 9RD. Open year-round. Standard tickets from \u00a318 per adult if you book in advance. Pre-booking required. Ages 5+ only.<\/em><\/p>\n Step back into the 10th century and discover the world of the Vikings at the JORVIK Viking Centre. One of York\u2019s 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 \u2013 namely the \u00a34 million renovation back in 2017 \u2013 it\u2019s easy to see why it\u2019s still such a York favourite. Tickets must be pre-booked, and while you\u2019re waiting to board the \u2018time machine\u2019 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.<\/p>\n It\u2019s the time machine ride, though, that the kids (and me) loved. After boarding through a reconstructed Viking street (yes, complete with pungent smells), you\u2019ll get a closer look at genuine artefacts from the original dig site. With an exhibition too, it\u2019s a must-visit for kids (and grown-ups) who are fascinated by Viking history.<\/p>\n JORVIK Viking Centre<\/a>, 19 Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT. Open year-round. Tickets: Adults \u00a317.50, Kids \u00a312.00, Family of four \u00a349.<\/em><\/p>\n 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\u2019s landmarks, including the Guildhall<\/strong>, York Minster<\/strong>, and Clifford\u2019s Tower<\/strong>. There are several companies<\/a> that offer York river cruises and you\u2019ll learn how fundamental the River Ouse was in shaping York\u2019s history and development.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n It\u2019s advisable to pre-book your tickets. Departures from King\u2019s Staith and Lendal Bridge landings. Tickets from \u00a314. Schedules vary by season.<\/em><\/p>\n 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\u2019s fastest steam locomotive, the <\/span>Mallard <\/span><\/em>and even a VR Flying Scotsman<\/em><\/span> experience, there is so much to see and do. Best of all, it\u2019s completely free \u2013 and there\u2019s enough to keep the whole family entertained for hours. Don\u2019t miss the miniature railway and the engineering workspaces. <\/span><\/p>\n National Railway Museum<\/a>, Leeman Rd, York, YO26 4XJ. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am\u20135pm. Free admission.<\/em><\/p>\n 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<\/strong>, which is the largest expanse of mediaeval stained glass in the country.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s also worth climbing the tower for panoramic views \u2013 though be warned, there are over 270 steps!<\/p>\n York Minster<\/a>, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH. Open Mon\u2013Sat 9:30am\u20134pm, Sun 12:45pm\u20132.30pm. Entry costs from \u00a320 per adult to the main cathedral. It costs extra to enter the tower.<\/em><\/p>\n This striking hilltop ruin offers a glimpse into York\u2019s Norman past. Originally built by William the Conqueror, Clifford\u2019s Tower has served many roles over the centuries \u2013 from royal mint to prison.<\/p>\n It\u2019s 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\u2014such as the Harrying of the North, the tragic anti-Jewish massacre of 1190, and the devastating fire of 1684.<\/p>\n Today, a newly added roof deck provides some of the best views<\/strong> in the city. It\u2019s compact, so it\u2019s easy to fit into your itinerary, especially if you\u2019re heading to the nearby York Castle Museum.<\/p>\n Clifford\u2019s Tower<\/a>, Tower St, York, YO1 9SA. Open year-round, 10am\u20136pm. Advance tickets: Adults from \u00a39.00; Kids from \u00a35.40.<\/em><\/p>\n No trip to York is complete without afternoon tea at Bettys<\/strong>. The art deco interiors \u2013 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\u2019s a queue, I promise it goes down pretty quickly. And it\u2019s worth the wait to try their assortments of classic cream teas, cream cakes, cookies, and even savoury dishes including sandwiches and salads.<\/p>\n Bettys<\/a>, 6\u20138 St. Helen\u2019s Square, York, YO1 8QP. Open daily 9am\u20135:30pm and until 9.00pm on weekends.<\/em><\/p>\n Tucked away in the stunning botanical gardens, spend a few hours exploring the grounds as well as digging for fossils at the Yorkshire Museum<\/a>. We really enjoyed their Jurassic World exhibition which has lots of interactive play for tons of fun learning about Yorkshire\u2019s sea monsters and dinosaurs. There are several other exhibitions to discover too, including Roman remains and a huge Roman mosaic floor.<\/p>\n Set within 14 acres of rural Yorkshire countryside\u00a0 and home to the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton Park<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a chocolate lover, then a visit to York\u2019s Chocolate Story<\/a> is a must. Be taken on guide tour and discover the story behind why York is known as \u2018the chocolate city\u2019. 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.<\/p>\n Created from over one million living, growing maize plants, York Maze<\/a> is not just the largest maze in the UK it\u2019s also the place to come for a fun-filled, day out in the countryside. There\u2019s over 20 different rides including slides and climbing zones, attractions and shows to enjoy. Note that this is only open during summer months.<\/p>\n You can<\/em> see some of York in a day \u2013 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.<\/p>\n However, to truly soak up the city\u2019s charm and explore without feeling rushed, I recommend spending at least two full days. That way, you\u2019ll have time to stroll at your own pace, explore some hidden gems, enjoy a proper afternoon tea, and even take an evening tour.<\/p>\n 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\u201330 minutes.<\/p>\n That said, bring comfortable shoes \u2013 the cobbled streets, although charming, aren\u2019t kind to tired feet or flimsy footwear. Also note that while the City Walls are a fantastic walking route, they\u2019re not accessible for prams or wheelchairs.<\/p>\n York is a year-round destination, each season offering its own appeal:<\/p>\n Spring (March\u2013May):<\/strong> Ideal for avoiding crowds while enjoying the city\u2019s blooming gardens and longer days.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Summer (June\u2013August):<\/strong> The most popular time to visit. Expect more tourists and queues, but also the most festivals, events, and open-air performances.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Autumn (September\u2013November):<\/strong> A gorgeous time to visit as the leaves turn golden and the city takes on a cosy feel. Great for photography and fewer crowds.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Winter (December\u2013February):<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Tip<\/strong>: For families or those wanting quieter experiences, shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn) strike a good balance between good weather and fewer tourists.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s Tower) might not be pram-friendly \u2013 baby carriers can be a better option.<\/p>\n Not at all. In fact, it\u2019s often better not<\/em> to drive in the city centre, as many streets are pedestrian-only, and parking can be expensive and limited. York\u2019s train station is centrally located, and once you\u2019re in the city, most places are easily reached on foot.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re planning to explore the surrounding countryside \u2013 like the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, or nearby towns like Harrogate and Durham<\/a> \u2013 then hiring a car might be useful for day trips.<\/p>\n![\"Shops](\"https:\/\/www.my-travelmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Shops-in-York-My-Travel-Monkey-scaled.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThings to do in York for families<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nWalk York\u2019s City Walls<\/h2>\n
Get spooked out at The York Dungeon<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nTime travel at the JORVIK Viking Centre<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/h2>\nSee the sights on a River Ouse cruise<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nGo trainspotting at the National Railway Museum<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nExplore York Minster<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nTop views at Clifford\u2019s Tower<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nEat cake at Bettys Caf\u00e9 Tea Rooms<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nBest of the rest<\/h2>\n
Yorkshire Museum<\/h4>\n
Murton Park<\/h4>\n
York\u2019s Chocolate Story<\/h4>\n
York Maze<\/h4>\n
More about visiting York<\/h3>\n
Is one day enough for York?<\/h4>\n
Is York a walkable city?<\/h4>\n
What time of year is best to visit York?<\/h4>\n
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Is York good for kids?<\/h3>\n
Do you need a car in York?<\/h3>\n