Best Things to do in York on a Budget
Some places steal your heart as soon as you step foot on their cobblestone streets. And one of those places for me was York, England. I felt right at home and quickly realized I had a favourite bakery, favourite chocolate shop, and even a favourite bookshop to pop in and chat with the young lady there. And I was thrilled that I could explore it on a budget. So, if you’re travel plans take you to the UK and you want to visit York, here is your guide to the best cheap or free things to do in York.
Where is York?
York is roughly three hours by train north of London in the charming North Yorkshire, England. And is between two and half to three hours south of Edinburgh by train. The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport, approximately one hour train ride from York.
Why You Should Visit York?
There are hundreds of reasons why you should visit York. But if you’re already planning a trip to England I highly recommend adding it to your England itinerary. The city has a magical small town feel and makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time.
It has a rich and intriguing history dating back from the Romans to the Vikings. And there’s even an interesting and entertaining museum dedicated to York’s Viking history, the Jorvik Viking Centre. But it’s most famous for its stunning church, York Minster. It’s not only the largest medieval Gothic cathedral north of the Alps but it also is home to more than half of England’s stained glass.
Whether you’re a foodie or not, York’s chocolate will certainly entice you. It’s been a noted chocolate city for 300 years and has produced giants like Rowntree’s and Terry’s. There is even a chocolate museum of sorts, York’s Chocolate Story, as well as a Chocolate Trail, and so many delicious chocolate shops.
Free Things to do in York
York City Walls
Easily my most favourite of the free things to do in York is to walk along the old city walls, especially in the early morning before anyone else was around. I’d climb the steps of one of the bars (gateways) and stroll along one of York’s remaining wall sections.
York’s old city walls are the longest medieval town walls in England. At 3.4 kilometres long, York’s walls date back to 71 AD, when the Romans occupied Eboracum (what is now called York). But the majority of the walls we see today are from the 12th to 14th century. Walking the remaining walls offers stunning views of the city, from a quiet corner of York Minster to bustle of busy Micklegate Bar. When it’s quiet you can almost hear the footsteps of the ghosts that once walked the walls and probably still watch over York today. There is nothing richer than feeling like you’re truly walking in the footsteps of history.
Gardens
One of the best free things to do in York, or any city for that matter, is to enjoy its parks and gardens. My favourite place to unwind in York, and surround myself with the beauty of nature and tranquillity, was in the Museum Gardens. Covering 10 acres the Museum Gardens is home to the enchanted ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey, the Yorkshire Museum, beautiful flower beds, imposing old trees, and many more historic ruins, including the west corner of the Roman fort of Eboracum.
The Museum Gardens is a great place for a picnic, to soak up the sun, to explore or to sit and write. There was something magical about the way the light shone on the old ruin walls of the Abbey in the dusk and it’s so picturesque, set right along the River Ouse, which seemed to inspire a sense of wonder in me whenever I wandered its paths.
Another lovely green space to visit is Deans Park. Set along the northern side of York Minster, I was surprised by how quiet and peaceful it was. Even with the busy cathedral right there many don’t seem to wander past and into the park. Not only does it offer a respite from the sun but it also offers picturesque views of York Minster. You’ll always find winding pathways, gorgeous flowers, and the Cathedral Library which is also free to browse.
Other parks and gardens to consider: Rawcliffe Park, Memorial Gardens, Bowls Park, and Rowntree Park.
National Railway Museum
If you’re looking for what to do in York for free indoors, especially if you have children, head to the National Railway Museum. Here, you can explore and learn about the over 200 years of railway history and discover just how big of an impact it had on the world. Its home to historic trains, like the world’s fastest steam locomotive, a Japanese bullet train, and so much more.
There are daily talks and tours about the long history including both the past and the future of trains. And if you want a cool experience you can enjoy Afternoon Tea aboard a restored luxury railway carriage. But it does cost around £25 per person.
Explore the Shambles
It doesn’t get more charming than a stroll down the Shambles. Located in York’s historic quarter lies a narrow, winding, cobblestone road, one of York’s oldest, that’s like walking through the pages of history, or for some, Harry Potter. Lining the road are quirky timber-framed buildings, all wedged together, with the exception of the odd snickelway (alleyway), some of which date back to the 14th century. While many were once butchers, now they’re home to quaint shops selling everything from chocolate to souvenirs.
Chase Cats
Another fun and free thing to do in York is take on their Cat Trail. Across the city you’ll see, if you’re observant and keen, a litter of black cats. Some are crawling up building facades while others are sitting in windows, and some are tricky to spot. But whether you’re travelling solo like me or with kids in tow you’ll love wandering around in search of all of them. There are over a dozen of them around York and it’s a great way to explore the city. In York you can pick up a brochure at York Glass Ltd, located at 34 Shambles.
Browse Bookshops
I’m a sucker for books and second-hand bookshops and there’s a bunch in York to freely browse. One of my favourite UK bookshops is Minster Gate Bookshop, located in the shadows of York Minster. Over four floors you’ll find everything from a bargain basement to a tiny map room. A few other must visit bookshops are the Grimoire Bookshop, Janette Ray Booksellers, Fossgate Books, and Lucius Books.
Related Post: United Kingdom Literary Stops for Book Lovers
Free Walking Tour
One of my top travel tips for visiting any city, especially for the first time, is to take a free walking tour. It’s a great way to learn about the city, especially on a budget. Yes, you read that right, a FREE walking tour. And not the kind where they hope for tips at the end. You can enjoy a fabulous free walking tours from the Association of Voluntary Guides to the City of York (AVG). They offer free 2 hour walking tours of York daily and all out of the kindness of the hearts and their love of this great city.
Where to Eat in York
One of my favourite budget-friendly York food options is the Cornish Bakery on Colliergate. It has fabulous food and even better prices. My favourite option for a light lunch is one of their cheese scones for only 60 pence, freshly baked every day! They have something for everyone’s tastes, from danishes to croissants and meet pies to sausage rolls. The Cornish Bakery even has good coffee to fuel your days of exploring York.
Chocolate
York is full of fantastic chocolate shops and even an attraction called York’s Chocolate Story where you’ll learn the history of chocolate in York! But my favourite place to grab a few pieces of chocolate to try every day is Monk Bar Chocolatiers. It is York’s longest established artisan chocolatiers. Located along the Shambles, you can find affordable and delicious chocolates at Monk Bar Chocolatiers. They have everything from truffles to chocolate covered nuts, but my favourite was the Belgian praline! It was melt in your mouth heaven!
Want to See More?
There is so many things to do in York, and while some can be enjoyed on a budget there’s still so much more to do and see. If you want to see more of York’s attractions but for a good deal you can purchase their York City Pass. For £45 you have access to 25 York attractions including, York Mister, Clifford’s Tower, York’s Chocolate Story, the JORVIK Viking Centre, and so much more! Just visiting the three main sights and it will pay for itself.
What to Splurge on?
York Minster – A visit to York’s grand cathedral is a must when you’re in York. You’ll be in awe of its mastery and history. It took 250 years to build, so be sure to take your time. And don’t forget to climb up the Tower to the roof for epic views over the city.
Yorkshire Museum – Here you’ll find an incredible collection that has everything from dinosaurs to medieval treasure and even a real Roman mosaic floor. The Yorkshire Museum has a great layout and plenty of interactive exhibits.
Ghost Walks – York is noted as one of the most haunted places in the world. And so, there are a ton of different ghost walks in York that you can go on during your stay. Whether you meet a ghost or not you’ll walk away with a greater appreciation for the city, its history, and its people.
Jorvik Viking Centre – This is so much more than a museum, it’s an attraction in itself, where you can even go on an Epcot-like ride that takes you through York’s Viking history. Jorvik Viking Centre is actually on the site of a Viking village that was there nearly 1,000 years ago.
Fairfax House – This Georgian townhouse is one of York’s hidden gems. A wander through its rooms will take you back in time to the 18th century. Every room is adorned with stunning period pieces, incredible art, and stunning architectural features.
Other Things to do in York
Clifford’s Tower
The Bar Convent
York’s Chocolate Story
York Castle Museum
Budget Accommodations in York
If you’re looking for cheap places to stay in York that are still close to all the main sights there are a few to consider. One is the charming Chelmsford Place Guest House which is less than 10 minutes’ walk to York’s historic centre. Another good choice is Gaia House and only a 15 minute walk to the centre of tome. The guesthouse also offers a shared kitchen and free bicycle rentals. If you’re looking to get even closer consider Vas’ York House which is a 5 minute walk to the city centre and is fully renovated. All of these hotels are in safe neighbourhoods and are great for everyone from solo travellers to couples and even families.
What are your favourite things to do in York?
I was a guest of Visit York and as always all opinions are my own.
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