Your ultimate guide to York
The best of York
There are tons of things to do in York, from museums to historical sites and the ancient fortified walls
Visit this historic city in Yorkshire for medieval streets, modern menus and proper pubs
Visitors have always flocked to York for the history but now they’re staying for the food scene at these restaurants
It’s been a roman city, a viking stronghold and the so-called ‘Capital of the North of England’ – so no wonder York boasts so many visit-worthy historical museums. From the remains of York Castle and the mesmerising Castle Howard country estate to the more modern inventions displayed at the National Railway Museum and York Army Museum, there’s a lot to be learned here, and often in incredibly grand and/or lush surroundings. Tight on time? Happily, many of the very best museums in York lie within the city walls, meaning they’re all pretty much within walking distance of each other. If you are stressed out about packing it all in, don’t miss our guide to the perfect day in York and this run-down of the city’s best restaurants. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in York
This being the quintessential English cathedral city, York is more famed for its old-world pubs than its new-fangled cocktail bars. Have a quick mooch, however, and you’ll find mixologists shaking up dazzling concoctions at buzzing bars all over the city centre. From underground speakeasy-style lairs to thronging music bars to drinking dens with world record-holding gin selections, you should certainly prepare for the unexpected when it comes to the best bars in York. There’s even a venue dedicated just to the Stone Roses – and it’s gold, not fool’s. Looking for some top-notch grub to soak up the booze? Check out our pick of the best restaurants in York. Drank somewhere on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDrinkList. You can also find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews bars.
One rumoured to have more pubs than there are days in the year – yeah right – York’s cobblestone streets brim with old-world inns straight out of a fairytale. Many of this city’s boozers have rivalries dating back centuries, though thankfully the fighting has largely subsided, and even if several of the most famous remain mostly as they were back then, others have been revamped in a much more up-to-date style. From converted toll booths and gatehouses to marshmallow-flavoured ales and kegs-turned-urinals, original features (and brews) abound at these brilliant pubs in York. That’s not to say you won’t feel at home here, though – if you’re looking something a little cosier than a bar or restaurant, perhaps with a fire or darts tournament on the go, our ultimate York pub guide has you covered. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in York
York’s love affair with the silver screen began in 1908 when the former Wesleyan chapel, New Street Hall, was converted into the city’s first cinema. A purpose-built picture house followed soon after with the opening of the Electric Theatre on Fossgate in 1911. Even today, York offers far more choice for cinemas-goers than you might expect of such a small city. From seasonal pop-ups to world-renowned film festivals to arthouse palaces that many much bigger metropolises would kill for, these are the best cinemas (and other places to catch films) in York. Feeling peckish? We say stock up at one of the city’s best restaurants beforehand. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in York
