2 Days in York, England: a weekend itinerary

Wondering how to spend 2 days in York, England? Read on to discover the best things to do on a weekend York itinerary, based on real experiences and travel tips from a Yorkshire local. 

York is a brilliant part of England to visit. This historic city is beautiful, full of attractions to take you back in time, and pretty easy to reach on a day trip (or longer!) from places all around England.

I’ve been to York a few times, spending two weeks there on my last visit, so I know you’ll never run out of things to see here. As you wind around the narrow streets, you’ll come across many little gems and charming corners.

But to make sure you make the most of your trip, here are a few things to do in York in 2 days that you shouldn’t miss!

2 Days in York, England

Day One: Weekend in York itinerary

Morning: York Minster

The most iconic building in York is undoubtedly York Minster, which has certainly kept up its appearance after being around for 2000 years. The intricate, Gothic architecture never fails to impress.

While an early church building was recorded here as far back as 627, the current building was largely constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries. 

While at the York Minster, don’t miss the intricate ceilings and Medieval stained glass. You can also climb up The Central Tower – it’s a 275-step climb, but worth it for the best view in York.

To learn more, head to the Undercroft Museum – with modern colourful lighting and interactive displays to keep kids (and me) engaged, the museum is a great introduction to York’s history. Also, it displays historic artefacts to help tell the city’s story. 

I’ve also heard the Hidden Minster Tours are really good, allowing access into some of the Minster’s more hidden spaces and divulging more information about its past.

This imposing cathedral is still a place of worship, while also welcoming the public to visit seven days a week. Tickets are valid for one full year once you’ve first entered. See here for current ticket prices. Entry is also included in the York Pass.

Afternoon: Visit A Museum 

Jorvik Viking Centre 

The story of Jorvik Viking Centre began when archaeologists discovered fantastic buildings and artefacts here in the 1970s. The current building was built upon that original excavation site, and the tour begins with an insight into those exciting findings and explains how those discoveries transformed the way we think about the Vikings.

But after learning about how these archaeologists uncovered York’s history, you’ll get to step back in time and see the past for yourself! Sit back in the ‘time cars’ as they guide you around 10th-century York (then named Jorvik) – but be warned, the sights, sounds, and smells are all recreated. 

This is obviously a great activity for families, but (having vague memories of visiting York as kids), my friend and I decided to visit again. The archaeological section was genuinely fascinating, and we still found the ride section thoroughly entertaining. 

National Railway Museum

If you’re after free things to do on a rainy day in York, the railway museum is a good option; Besides being known for manufacturing chocolate, York also played a huge part in railway engineering, particularly from the 19th century. 

Even if you’re not much into trainspotting, there’s a lot more to this museum than just staring at old train parts. That said, this museum does have the world’s largest railway collection, so locomotive fans will be in their element here.

For the rest of us, who may or may not give the onsite bullet train and world’s fastest steam engine the appreciation they deserve, there are immersive elements, too; Station Hall was actually a working railway in the 1870s, and climbing aboard the restored historic carriages is always good fun. (You can even book a luxury afternoon tea!)

Free entry, with optional donation.

Ghost Tour 

Did you know that York is considered to be one of England’s most haunted places? 

Wherever you are on the scale of psychic to sceptic, ghost tours here are one of the most popular experiences in York. This top-rated Deathly Dark Ghost Tour is among the best.

Day Two: Weekend in York itinerary

Morning: Walk around the York City Walls

The Shambles

If you’re visiting during peak season, I’d highly recommend visiting The Shambles first thing in the morning if you want to visit before the tourist swarms. 

The Medieval street is famous for its narrow, cobbled stone winding through historic crooked buildings dating back as far as the 1300s. It’s also one of the most photogenic places in York… as long as you visit outside of tourist hours! 

I actually completely skipped The Shambles last time I was in York as it was completely swamped with tourists lining up around merch stores, but I don’t think I could get away with writing a York itinerary without including it!

Unlike The Shambles, I had a fantastic experience walking around the York City Walls.

York city walls

There are so many brilliant views over York as you wander around the two-mile walls, which have been standing strong since they were built during the 13th century.

Of course, some parts have been adapted over the centuries as the city has changed and expanded, but its medieval origins are still very much intact. In fact, the walls actually date back to Roman times.

You can begin your walk at any of the four gateways around the city.

This photo is of Grey’s Court Hotel with the York Minster behind, taken from the city walls.

You will also find Treasurer’s House located here, a National Trust property that’s home to an esteemed art and antiques collection. 

Afternoon: Yorkshire Museum and Gardens

Since the city walls snake through the Museum Gardens, combining the two attractions just makes sense! With ten acres of botanical gardens to explore, I really enjoyed seeing York at a slower pace here. They’ve been maintained so beautifully since first opening in the 1830s. 

While exploring the Museum Gardens, you will also come across:

The ruins of St Mary’s Abbey: beautiful Medieval ruins dating back to 1088, right in the heart of the garden (free)

York Art Gallery: a small collection of both contemporary and historic paintings and ceramics

Yorkshire Museum: From the dinosaurs to the Romans and Vikings, collections of rare archaeological finds, fossils, and other historic objects combine to make this a treasure trove of historic goodies. Exhibits at Yorkshire Museum vary throughout the year. 

Clifford’s Tower

There isn’t much left of York Castle, once a domineering medieval fortress, except Clifford’s Tower – the biggest chunk remaining. 

Today you can still climb the steep steps up the Tower, learning tales from the castle’s history as you go, and enjoy panoramic views from the top of the Tower.

York Theatre Royal 

Spend your final evening watching a show at York Theatre Royal… as long as you’re alright with the fact that it’s haunted. Allegedly.

Alternatively, head to one of York’s many lovely restaurants and bars for food and drink.

The Golden Fleece pub is one of the most popular but, unfortunately, it’s also haunted… York ghosts must be getting as overcrowded as the tourists at this point.

Alternative things to do in York

Other fun things to do in York include:

• Dip into York’s chocolatey history with a guided tour at York’s Chocolate Story or a Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works – 2026
  
• This top-rated Villainous History & Rum Tasting Experience
  
• Cruise the River Ouse:  If your feet are worn out from all the walking, cruising along the river might be a good option, particularly if it’s a sunny day. Self-drive motor boats are also available.
  
• York Dungeons: During the 75-minute interactive exhibit, you’ll meet a few of Britain’s most notorious characters from over the past 2000 years, bringing England’s spooky history to life through special effects and character actors for a full immersion into the dungeons! A little scary and lots of fun.
  
• Free York walking tour: I’ve started many a city break out with a free walking tour, from Mexico City to Sydney, and find they’re a great way to get your bearings, ask an expert local for some tips, and decide what you want to do next.

Day Trips from York

• Knaresborough: from England’s oldest visitor attraction (Mother Shipton’s Cave) to a dramatic aqueduct and castle towering over the river, there are so many brilliant things to do in Knaresborough
• Fountains Abbey: the site of some incredibly well-preserved abbey ruins and UNESCO-listed Georgian gardens
• Whitby: Take the scenic bus route through the Yorkshire Moors for a seaside trip to Whitby, famous for the clifftop ruins of Whitby Abbey and being a key setting in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
• Hebden Bridge: from the gorgeous woodland of Hardcastle Crags to the expansive valley views at Stoodley Pike, there are lot of fab things to do in Hebden Bridge, not to mention just wandering around the centre of this gorgeous, canalside market town.
• Harrogate: perfect for girls’ trips or special occasions, this historic spa town is worth seeing for the Victorian Turkish Baths alone.
• Brimham Rocks: these (very!) cool rocks are older than the dinosaurs
• Take a tour around the Yorkshire Dales from York

I hope this weekend itinerary will help you have a fab 2 days in York! Have a great trip x