Weekend in York Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Incredible Days!
The city of York, England has a rich history and is full of wonderful things to do. A weekend in York will give you the opportunity to really see much of what makes this town in England so special.
The sights in our weekend York Itinerary allow you to see how York evolved through the times of the Romans, the Vikings, and the British.
York Pass
Those planning to spend 2 days in York should purchase the York Pass.
It will give you access to most of the things in our weekend in York Itinerary.
The York Pass includes:
- Free entry to attractions, tours and museums including Clifford’s Tower, JORVIK Viking Centre, York Minster, York’s Chocolate Story and many more.
- Free 1-Day City Sightseeing “Hop on Hop off” Bus Tour ticket to explore York
- Free guidebook packed with helpful info and maps
- Exclusive special offers also available including evening entertainment, cafes & restaurants
Weekend in York Itinerary
Day One
- York Hop on Hop off Bus
- Cliffords Tower
- Jorvik Experience
- Roman Bath Museum
- Shopping
Day Two
- York Minster
- York Chocolate Story
- Yorkshire Museum
Things to See in York on Day 1
York Hop on Hop off Bus
If you get the York Pass, you will get a 1-Day City Sightseeing Hop-on, Hop off bus tour ticket to explore the city.
This is the perfect way to start your trip because you will get to learn about the history of the city while seeing some of the more famous landmarks.
Clifford’s Tower
Clifford’s Tower is all that remains of York Castle.
Originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068 as a statement of his power over the region, the York Castle was built of wood and eventually burnt to the ground. In later years, Henry III ordered the tower to be rebuilt in stone.
The tower that is now standing was built in the 13th century, & has additions made in the 17th century.
There is plenty to see while inside the tower, but probably the best is the 360° view!
Clifford’s Tower is FREE with York Pass & the English Heritage Pass.
JORVIK Viking Centre
Did you know that once upon a time there were Vikings in York? When you have 2 days in York, you can spend some time at Jorvik Viking Center.
This museum takes you underground where you will get a glimpse at what life was like in York when the Vikings lived here.
Not only will you be able to see actual ruins, but you will also get to go on a ride through a Viking village.
This is an absolute must-do attraction when you are spending a weekend in York with your kids.
Children enjoy the Disney-like ride and get a chance to watch a Viking create a coin that they can take home as a souvenir!
Admission Tickets: See Prices (Free with York Pass)
Roman Bath Museum
Just like the Viking ruins, Roman ruins have been discovered right beneath the city streets of York.
This museum takes you on a walk directly over the actual Bath ruins.
What people have to say about this museum on Trip Advisor:
Quirky museum but very helpful and engaging volunteers who gave us lots of information and were happy to discuss and chat as well as tell us about the excavations. You can see the hypocaust and part of the plunge pool; there are some other Roman objects on display too. We did try the shields on for size! Pub is decorated with scenes of Roman life…great thanks!
The Shambles
The Shambles dates back over 900 years. What was once the Butcher’s street, is now filled with quaint shops.
Walk along these narrow cobblestone streets and you will find the original 15th-century timber-framed buildings that have been repurposed for boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
Here are some of our favorite places in The Shambles:
Stonegate Teddy Bears
If you are traveling to York with children, don’t miss going to the best Teddy bear store in town. Stonegate Teddy Bear shop has every kind of Teddy bear imaginable.
13, Stonegate
Fudge Kitchen
If you want to bring something from your trip to York, you should consider a box of fudge! You will find samples given out daily so you can try something you might otherwise not think to taste!
58 Low Petergate
The Shop That Must Not Be Named
There are so many cute shops in York, but if you are a fan of Harry Potter, one of the things to do in York is visit The Shop that Must Not Be Named.
Filled with tons of Harry Potter-themed merchandise, you will find everything from trinkets to full on costumes! Harry Potter fans will absolutely love this shop.
30 The Shambles
Käthe Wohlfahrt
No matter what town we travel in, one thing that I can’t help but enjoy is a Christmas shop.
Christmas ornaments are one of the things I collect, and Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas shops never disappoint!
17-19 Stonegate Mulberry Hall
Things to See in York on Day 2
Visit York Minster
York Minster is the second-largest Gothic cathedral of Northern Europe and is a must see attraction in York.
This cathedral was first started in 1220 and wasn’t completed until 1472. This means that it took 250 years to complete and was designed to be the grandest cathedral in England.
A visit to York Minster will make you understand just how magnificent it is.
York Minster has the largest collection of Medieval Stained Glass windows in the country.
Most of the important windows, including the Great East Window and the Five Sisters still have their original, Medieval stained glass.
The West Window (above) contains a heart-shaped design known as The Heart of Yorkshire.
What sets this Cathedral apart from others is the Undercroft where you will find remains of Roman barracks and see artifacts like the 1,000-year-old York Gospels.
Tours of York Minster start at the top of the hour & take about an hour and are free with admission.
You’ll find that the tour guide will give you insight into things you might otherwise not know to pay attention to, like the York Minster Hindley Clock that dates back to 1749.
The Quarter Jacks strike the hour by tapping thier spears on the vertical poles.
*If traveling with children, you can get a FREE Explorer Backpack that comes with things that will make looking through the church a fun experience.
Admission to York Minster: See Prices (FREE with York Pass)
York’s Chocolate Story
Take a guided tour through the history of chocolate!
At York’s Chocolate Story, you will learn the stories behind the greatest names in chocolate and taste yummy treats along the way.
You will also get to try your hand at the art of chocolate making by creating your own chocolate lolli!
It is a great activity for anyone who loves chocolate!
York’s Chocolate Story is on the York Pass or tickets can be purchased online.
Yorkshire Museum
With only a few days in York, you should take time to enjoy the Yorkshire Museum.
The museum has four main sections to explore: Biology, Geology, Astronomy and Archaeology.
As you can imagine, the museum heavily focuses on the Roman and Nordic influences including swords, helmets, coins and other artifacts.
Admission to Yorkshire Museum: Ticket Prices (20% off with York Card)
Consider Purchasing the English Overseas Visitor Heritage Pass
When traveling to various sites in England, you might find that it is best to purchase the English Overseas Heritage Pass.
For a flat fee, you get entry to over 100 historic sites & 300 attractions.
This certainly pays for itself if you plan on visiting many of the most famous sites in England!
If you are planning to spend a weekend in York and wondering how much you can fit into a two-day trip, I hope you find this post helpful.
Have you had a chance to visit York for the weekend? What were your favorite things to do in York?
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