What NOT to Do in York, England

Heading to York, England and not sure what to expect? Well we have the do's and don'ts of visiting York. So if you are looking for viking history the JORVIK Centre is a fantastic option or take in the York Minster or the ghost tours throughout this gorgeous city. Honest tourist information on York, England.
Filmed in York, England, UK
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @woltersworld
#traveladvice #york #visityork
Copyright Mark Wolters 2024
Learn how to plan your travels like we do with our Travel Planning 101 Course: www.brighttrip.com/woltersworld
Grab some Wolters World travel gear www.woltersworld.store
Help Us Keep Make More Honest Travel Videos: / woltersworld
Hey There Fellow Travelers! Thank you for watching our honest travel vlogs from all over this wonderful world. If you would like to get in contact with us please follow us & send us a message via our social media channels below. Also, if you like our travel videos please feel free to share them with other fellow travelers.
You can find us all over the internet:
Travel Advice & Destinations: / woltersworld
Food Travel Videos: / woltersworldeats
Travel Tips: / woltersworldshorts
Business Education: / professorwolters
Tiktok: / woltersworld
Instagram: / woltersworld
Jocelyn's Instagram: / jocelynwoltersworld
Facebook: / woltersworld
Twitter: / woltersworld
Linkedin: / wolters-world-travel-c...

[@frglee]

Don't miss the really impressive York National Railway Museum, possibly the best of it's kind on the planet, with something for everybody (including children) - not just people interested in trains, engineering and history. It's free to visit, too.🙂

[@PeterGaunt]

And it's a day trip from many places in England, Wales and Scotland. Pricey on the train though especially if you don't book in advance.

[@simonwest9450]

Once the renovation works are completed it will be a must visit

[@carolinecrollick6305]

It is good. Family love to go to the railway museum and the Minster it is 40 years in December when the Minster had a fire.

[@TheTonytiger89]

It’s currently closed for extensive refurb and the vast majority of it is closed. Don’t plan a trip around it for at least a couple of years or you’ll be bitterly disappointed.

[@Disturban]

I’m from York, and I just have to say, you absolutely nailed this! Glad you enjoyed your time in the city.

[@jackaylward-williams9064]

For anyone planning a longer trip, I’d definitely recommend using York as a base to travel around the surrounding area. York has direct rail connections to Leeds, Scarborough, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Thirsk, Northallerton, Malton, and Selby, which can all be reached in less than an hour, and if you have a car there’s a plethora of rural destinations in both Nidderdale and The North York Moors, not to mention numerous other towns and villages such as Ripon, Pickering, and Pateley Bridge.

[@AymanTravelTransport]

Fun fact: Ripon (out of all those rural towns and villages) is technically classed a 'city', despite not being much bigger than other market towns like Selby or Skipton, because its minster became a cathedral at the right time - around 20 years before Queen Victoria abolished the link between cathedrals and city status. It is reachable by the luxurious 36 bus (every 20 minutes) from Harrogate station (they're still doing £2 singles at the moment) for those who don't drive.

[@jackaylward-williams9064]

@@AymanTravelTransportI also find it interesting that, prior to The City Of Carlisle being incorporated into the unitary authority of Cumberland last year, Ripon was the only city in the north of England which was neither a council area in its own right (eg Lancaster, Preston, or indeed York) nor located in a council area which was named after it (eg Cheshire West & Chester or County Durham.)

[@WDH59510]

Can I add to that list by mentioning Bolton Abbey (featured on the cover of the Cure album Faith) ?

[@michaelscott7166]

​@@WDH59510Why not and whilst you're at it take a nice walk up stream to see The Strid, said to be the most dangerous stretch of water anywhere on earth.

[@craiginboro679]

Oh what? Use the most expensive town in the North as your base? No use Middlesbrough as your base it's cheap as chips and 5 star hotel is 2 mins from the train station.

[@jackspeight273]

As a Yorkshireman, please please please make an effort to get out in the country, it's absolutely excellent. You meet some right characters

[@carolinewillis602]

Im lucky enough to call this place home. You did a great job

[@Snowshowslow]

That is definitely lucky! We were just there a few weeks ago and I absolutely fell in love with it (and Yorkshire in general).

[@chijason6630]

I visited York in June 2023 with a family member for 3 days/2 nights on a 2.5 week trip to England in June 2023! It was a lot of fun - here are some of the highlights: Day 1 - Arrived via Trans-Pennine Express from Liverpool. Dropped of our bags at a B&B in Bootham, which had only winding stairs and no elevators/lifts. Visited York Museum Gardens (and Roman ruins) and Yorkshire Museum, and then walked around the city walls. Had dinner at a local pub. Day 2 - Visited National Railway Museum, and then headed to York Minster, which we found out was closed for a private event. Walked through the Shambles, visited Clifford's Tower, and then half of the York Castle Museum (the museum pass was good for a year). Visited York's Chocolate Story for a 4:00 PM tour, which included a truffle-making session! Dinner was at Cresci Pizzeria, which makes neapolitan pizzas certified as VPN (Vera Pizza Napoletana) by the government of Naples, Italy! Day 3 - Finished our visit at the York Castle Museum. Walked around the perimeter of the York Minster, seeing the Treasurer's House and St. William's College. Ended our visit with a reserved afternoon tea in the Belmont Room at Betty's Tea Rooms, complete with a live pianist! Walked back to our B&B, grabbed our bags, and headed on the train to London.

[@alyellison3051]

Don't be afraid to go down the alleyways (Snickelways)! You will not be intruding, or in danger. The streets of York are connected by a warren of ancient passageways which are very fun and interesting to get lost in. (there is a certain beautiful small guidebook that is a local bestseller and fine souvenir) York is quite touristy these days, but is quieter in the mornings and by night! Lincoln is the off-the-beaten track alternative.

[@serialclone]

I’ve been to York many times. I lived in England for a year and would make a trip to York almost every other week. It’s great year round, but particularly beautiful around Christmas. I ended up getting stuck there once after a big snow fall and had to get a hotel. I couldn’t ask for a better place to be stranded.

[@carlwheezer1544]

don't confuse tea with tea, tea means dinner in northern england and dinner means lunch and is confused a lot of the times with drinking tea

[@DeannaAllison]

And of course some teas are not really teas, but are in fact infusions that contain no tea, and this can cause infusion confusion.

[@petemarshall3512]

@@DeannaAllison And if this catches you by surprise and you fall over from the shock, you may end up with infusion confusion contusions.

[@DeannaAllison]

I'm from Yorkshire and I use to live in York. And I'm happy to say that this video has lots of really good advice! For all you travellers out there - don't miss York. And yes, the Castle Museum, the Jorvik Museum and the National Railway Museum are absolutely brilliant. Don't miss them!

[@filb]

I visited York last April of 2023. Brings back good memories. Subscribers of Wolters World, if you plan to visit England, don't visit only London, I loved my stays in York and Bath....they are very unique cities with their own personalities.

[@chrisdevine5503]

On the subject of bars - Beverley is a small market town not that far from York. The old gate into the town is called North Bar. The street that runs through the bar is called North Bar Within on the inside of the wall and North Bar Without on the outside of the wall. Confuses many non-locals.

[@viper7869]

We are from Lancashire and have lived just about everywhere with the military and ended up the past 15 years living just outside of York in this beautiful countryside. The North Yorkshire people are warm and welcoming, the history is staggering, the beer is just the best and wild horses won't drag us away! ❤

[@AJGW]

As York local I think your tips were excellent and really enjoy your enthusiasm for the city I'm lucky enough to call home!

[@snipercwf]

I am English, and travel extensively across Europe, and Mark's videos have often helped. I watched this one for a bit of a laugh, but I had no idea York was only 2 hours by train! I never expect such a useful nugget of information about my own country! Keep up the great work! Safe travels.

[@nicman1977]

Nearly evwrytime I go to England I visit York. Love the city and vibe. Also, the tree ur standing by in the Clifford's tower bit, my grandsons ashes are placed there. Was the first place I left some of his ashes. He travels with me every where.

[@DavidAndrew-mh6cg]

As a York resident, I have to say that this is all pretty good advice!

[@sarah-phillips]

We loved York! I second the Railway Museum and Jorvik Viking Center. The latter is really cool and interesting and also totally crazy with the animatronics and I need to go again. The only places we did need cash was at the Samuel Smith pub because they've cultivated an old school atmosphere. No wifi, no phones, no credit cards. It is actually really lovely! But everywhere else, we used our card. Super easy.

[@stuartgraham5055]

Sir, I have just watched your video on York, and I must in all honesty say that it is probably the best video on York I have seen.

[@first4businessadvice]

Loved this video of my hometown! Really glad you enjoyed your visit here!

[@vbnvufiufkvkjh]

I’m from Yorkshire and we have a reputation of being more open. There’s a joke we say, “hello” to strangers whereas Southerners (particularly Londoners) will walk by and not say a thing.

[@donaldc3950]

From York I took the train and saw James Herriot's house in Thirsk. Now a museum.

[@toxictony4230]

My daughter went to the university there and now lives and works in the city. Her graduation was at the Minster itself. I visit often and the tip about the pathways around the city wall been slippy when wet is true. York is on two rivers, the Ouse and the Foss. You can book a cruise up the Ouse which was missed in the piece.

[@joannad9142]

Bless: you need a flat cap in that rain 😂. Good advice being a Yorkshire gal.

[@emergingloki]

Speaking as another very well travelled guy, the Evil Eye on Stonegate is my favourite bar in the world. Many happy memories there.

[@jennyoshea1958]

Yorkshire tea is the best. I have been to York a number of times as I love architecture and the surrounding Yorkshire countryside; but not the museums so will definitely visit next time. Thanks for all the interesting ideas 👍😊

[@joshuacalderon1160]

YOU DON'T fail to disappoint! Another excellent guide Wolter thanks! 😄

[@joshlunt7827]

Love Yorkshire puddings and Yorkshire Tea ❤

[@wandaking4910]

We absolutely love your videos, they are so educational and entertaining! Thanks for your great job.

[@Mark_Bickerton]

I'm a native, I've visited most UK cities and can say hands down, York is my favourite UK city. For many of the reasons mentioned in this video!

[@whooooaa1]

Love this video, Mark. We will be there in 3 weeks for 2 days on our England trip....all because you recommended it so much. Can't wait to see it in person!

[@mattwarrilow]

This is such an impressive review of York. I live near York and you have picked up on all the subtleties that make it so unique, so impressed, well done.

[@carolgovers406]

We went to York two years ago for 2 days, we missed so much. Can’t wait to go again. Thank you

[@svetlanagoncharovabellydan7233]

Very interesting video, thanks so much!🙂

[@AndreaBahen]

York is my favourite city too! 🤩🥰 Great recommendations!

[@gchecosse]

Technically it is the most haunted place in England, it's tied with everywhere else on zero ghosts.

[@adventuresforthecurious]

Great video, as always! I can't wait to spend a week in York later this year!

[@rower40]

I moved to York just under a year ago. It's one of the few English cities with a real cycling culture, because it's flat, compact, and just too crowded for everyone to drive everywhere. So make sure you look both ways when crossing the road. Many cyclists obey red lights and traffic rules, but some don't, and it only takes one knocking you down to put a real downer on your day.

[@catherinewholey3630]

I used to visit York very regularly and stay for a couple of days. There is something for everyone there. If you like visiting historical places its a must. York has an atmosphere of its own. Fascinating city!

[@iansavage1666]

Lived in York all my life, and it's the best city in the world for most of the trains you mention. Thanks for the kind words about the locals too! Couple of things to mention though.... Food and drink is generally reasonably priced, but hotel accommodation has become quite expensive in recent years. Avoid weekends if you can, especially in summer. The city gets overrun with Stag and Ben (bachelor/ette) parties, and other binge-drinking groups who literally arrive at lunchtime already drunk.

[@robertmcbride1859]

Also, don't forget the National Railway Museum. Well worth a visit too.

[@sharontrewhitt6249]

Great video, as an English Northern lass (Yorkshire for lady) lovely review of our beloved York. I would suggest folk arriving by car use the fantastic Park & Ride bus service. Parking in York is a MASSIVE no-no. Its way too expensive

[@64gorrilla]

Born and bred in York still live here after watching your video ..now I want to go round York 😀pss it is a great city brings a smile when ever i watch it on youtube

[@wizard7553]

I live in a small market town 8 miles from York. My wife is a York lass from Acomb. My boys were born and now go to university in York. It's a fantastic city to chill out in. As for pubs, well you won't be disappointed! It's surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in the country. For a great view, the rooftop bar of the Sora is fantastic. Also, the Valhala bar is a great pub!

[@Dobcool]

I lived in York for four years and i didn't know about many of these! Great video!

[@joshlunt7827]

Great video! 😁

[@lilithdubois]

Aw, this is great. I always enjoy your enthusiasm in your videos and I'm glad you love York 😀. I lived there for 14 years on and off. The tour buses used to go past my apartment window and I'd wave at all the tourists 😂 My don't is... don't be afraid to wander down the snickets (alleyways) - lots of interesting things down some of them and theyre good shortcuts around the city!

[@kdfrk247]

Coming to York in September hopefully. So looking forward to it.

[@harryburgess6239]

Was lucky enough to spend four wonderful years here. Such a great city!

[@PeterGaunt]

Thanks for this. I've lived in London since the early 70s and have only been to York once but never to the old town. I really need to go again! Spring is coming! I grew up in mid-Cheshire (75 miles away) and often couldn't understand people in Yorkshire when I was a kid: you have to get the rhythm like you do with west African and Italian accents. Glad you're branching out around England more.

[@jerry2357]

If you're interested in history, don't miss visiting Barley Hall, which is a mediæval townhouse, with such things as horn windows (no glass windows in mediæval times).

[@joannecater547]

Clifford's tower has changed significantly since this was recorded, it has a new top viewing platform

[@katieolliff]

We visited York last June with our 8 year old son, it’s a great city. We did a London, York, Edinburgh, and Glasgow itinerary and there were so many fun things in York we all enjoyed.

[@rolybellamy956]

the river boat trips are a must ,the night one as well as the day ! look out for the shortest street in the world , " whip-ma-whop-ma-gate " a must for a photo !

[@ozjuice]

York is amazing

[@oldbroadabroad6619]

I LOVED Jorvick! Amazing collection of artifacts! York is an absolutely stunning place, and I loved it! As an Australian, I loved the northern people. I also went to Headingly for the Ashes, and the locals were fabulous, friendly, and funny!

[@gilliandrysdale5306]

York is wonderful I love it ❤

[@metaljukebox8710]

Thank you im local to york its amazing. But yorkshire has stunning scenery in the moors and dales. Haworth hawes richmond. Whitby robin hoods bay . Also in the north thers lincoln chester so many great places.

[@johnmcfadden1416]

Great helpful video. York also has one of the best racecourses in England. If you wish to coincide your visit there with going to the races book tickets well in advance. Yorkshire as a whole has some superb racecourses. Enjoy .

[@Zandain]

Love, love, love the city of York! 🌹 and as a tourist, I was one of 'the 2 ladies in the corner' when I was there with my friend! 🤣 hello from Denmark 🌸

[@Chingfordassociates]

The Bar Convent is fascinating, it is a hidden Catholic church inside a large residental house. Also walking the walls of the city is always good.

[@jackogood]

probably my favorite city in the world tbh, been there twice last time this past christmas, went to the three tuns pub, and the bartenders and a patron recognized/ remembered me from a year ago. Needless to say i have to go there once a year for christmas now

[@stephenleather9927]

If you are visiting by car be sure to use the "Park and Ride" bus service.

[@yaowsers77]

hiya mark! will you possibly be doing a video on oxford? 😁

[@Tiramissue22]

Sweet guy!!! 😊

[@andypandy9013]

"The old town"!? City, Wolter. It's a city tha knaas! 🤣😉

[@wncjan]

Don't miss afternoon tea at Betty's Cafe Tea Rooms in Davygate. It's fantastisk.

[@russellblinman2560]

Pricey - there are other tea rooms that are just as good and half the cost

[@WillBinge]

Glad to hear good shit about York

[@primalengland]

Why not stay Up North and do a day trip to London. The North is beautiful. I’m a Lancastrian but I love my Yorkshire cousins.

[@rjflores438]

Im from Manchester but lived in York for a couple of years until recently. York is a unique city due to its history and obviously a lot smaller and much less gritty than Manchester. I dont think that it is close to the most unfriendly place I have ever visited, that would be a toss up between Copenhagen and Zurich, however becuase of York's affluence, many areas have been so gentrified by wealthy people moving into the city, especially from the South of England and affluent and wealthy students, who can tend to be a little elitist and insular with who they make friends with. There are definitely friendlier cities to visit and I would say that the locals that have lived in York since they were young are definitely friendlier than the very affluent new residents that have moved here over the past 5 to 10 years.

[@rcinbayarea8162]

I visited York for three nights back in 2019. I had the greatest time since everything within the city walls was 20 minutes away at the most on foot. I agree with all that you said, down to the Northern accent. And . . . after browsing at Shambles market, I ended up buying a quality flat cap at a proper hat shop. No regrets.

[@leedsalex]

Dont forget to visit Whitby down the road

[@rickyb5499]

York is a fantastic city, there as many lovely places in England, good cities and towns, but York is the best. The only city in the UK better is Edinburgh. My family and I, are lucky enough to visit York twice a year. So much to see and do, after visiting York, you will only want to come back. This guy has got York and Yorkshire spot on, great video 👍🇬🇧

[@albear972]

What I remember about visiting Old York back in 2017 is the walking! Seriously, up to 8 miles a day for the 4 days we were there. That and all of the fascinating graveyards everywhere. Plus, the incredible National Railway Museum and York Minster, of course.

[@shaggydog9789]

A tip for anyone going to York by car, consider not trying to park in the city centre itself (as parking is limited and expensive). Park at the Designer Shopping Outlet (McArthur Glen), it has free parking and you can get the bus in to the town centre which takes about 25 minutes. Also if you have a morning free look at getting the train up to Durham from York which takes about 1hr.

[@warden330]

That is just one of the five Park and Ride sites. Parking in the city centre is certainly more expensive.

[@jamesd512]

If the weather is good, do for a walk along the river Ouse, there are some nice walks in both directions, especially the one that goes out to the Bishop's palace

[@keighlancoe5933]

Have you ever visited Alton Towers? You'd love it if not. Its a theme park with some amazing record-breaking rollercoasters, built in the middle of the countryside in a beautiful woodland next to a castle. The scenery is absolutely stunning, its like you've stepped into Narnia.

[@NawDawgTheRazor]

I was wondering when the next York video was gonna come out.

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, awesome video

[@LetsHaveALuke]

I used to live in York, still my favourite ever city to live in.

[@rachelhenderson2688]

I would definitely agree!!!

[@lizdyson3627]

Hi Mark, The Castle museum is cool. Love the Yorvik museum but the best theng I did on the Shambles is go into a Vintage photographer where you dress up and stand in front of a back drop and get your photo taken. I was a medievil whench, or you could be a demsel in distress, Medievi king, a flower fairy or a ghost.

[@AndyKing1963]

If you are going to York you should also checkout Whitby and then walk along the coastal path to Robin Hood's Bay

[@mrdth1987]

I'm from Wigan and I go to York almost once a year. It's my favourite city in the UK maybe Europe. I hope one day I will have enough money to move there one day.

[@stephrichards4611]

Stayed in York twice. My second favourite city after Liverpool. And I'm from the UK.

[@joshlunt7827]

Love Kitkats ❤😋

[@WillBinge]

By the way, the amount of history York has made history lessons brilliant, we had an entire term on the history of chocolate in York, which culminated in a trip to York chocolate story. Was brilliant.

[@TheUntidytv]

Come to Norwich!

[@davidspencer6384]

This is our local city. One place not to be missed is The Blue Barbakan, Polish and East European food cooked to perfection. Absolutely superb. The House of Trembling Madness is a medieval building with a splendid pub in it ... beware the steep stairs on the way out!

[@Mike_Vlogs_YT]

York is a great place

[@tsundereyoongi3869]

Don't miss out on the York ghost merchants! There're hundreds of little hand-made ghosts of all different colours and sizes. They make a great souvenir from the haunted city. You'll have to queue a bit though as it's very popular! It's located in The Shambles (that small, diagon alley looking street). The staff are lovely and there are cute little photo stations to take photos of your ghosties

[@iamatwinnie]

Dont forget to try some proper northern fish and chips from Drakes on low petergate. You can take out or eat inside they are amazing. x

[@TwoToneProduc]

Hi ! Love your videos ! I wanted to ask for some advice on how to start planning a long trip to both east and west coast for a first time US trveler Thanks

[@michaelball93]

Heh, I was there for the Viking festival last weekend. I've been to York many times (done everything else mentioned in this video at least once) but never noticed the cats.

[@lynnthompson4875]

We'll be in York in 2 weeks!

[@MartinT5600]

My advice is walk around and explore at night time. You get more of the atmosphere and in the day it can get to busy.

[@frangordon2790]

Take a drive through the Yorkshire Dales and the Yorkshire Moors as they are stunning! I agree with him about the things to see in the city. Certainly have afternoon tea at Betty’s and don’t miss the York Minster or the Shambles. You can also drive to the Tan Hill Pub, which is the highest pub in England. As you can tell, I adore Yorkshire ❤❤❤

[@mikebath3125]

You forgot to mention taking a trip to the coastal towns and fishing villages with the Jurassic cliffs. Anyone traveling to North Yorkshire surely should take a trip to Whitby and surround areas.

[@frangordon2790]

@@mikebath3125 I couldn't agree with you more. Whitby is a lovely town and there's a place to get delicious fish n' chips.

[@stephencurran9716]

Go down the A19 to the town of Selby and visit SELBY Abbey

[@SpudUNoLike]

Don't forget the snickleways and don't forget 2024 is the year of the York 'trail' with a new trail every month or so

[@craiginboro679]

Oh when you head north on the train keep your camera ready, you are basically on a moving art gallery. The hills, the moors, the cottages , villages, the bridges, the aquaducts, the farms, the country fayres the cricket matches . Then the smog, police chases , the nuclear power plant and Tesco express and it's near bedtime as the familiar orange sunset of ICI Wilton illuminates your way home from 30 miles away.

[@laurenelizabeth2505]

Excellent video! Thank you handsome!

[@sunnyone-ct4rp]

Go there.