13 Best Things to do in York for Free

13 Amazing Things to do in York for Free

We can guarantee that you will never want to leave this iconic preserved medieval city. Did you know York was once the capital of England?  Rich in history, this ancient place is wonderful all year around. Better yet, there are so many wonderful things to do in York for free in 2023 that we want to share them with you.

If you visit from abroad, you will go home remembering the cobbled streets, alleyways and having a quintessential British experience. London? Where’s that?  York is one of the most admired places in the North of England and it is easy to see why.

Yes, it can be busy. Yes, there are tourists, but there’s something about this historic medieval paradise, where you’ll actually enjoy getting lost. It’s easy to get to, there’s a central train station, buses, park and rides and a convenient car park by the river (which is the one we use).

Did we mention that you could easily spend a day just doing free things in York? It does not have to cost an arm and a leg to have a great experience. Let us try to explain why you’ll never want to leave and how you can visit even if you’re going to York on a budget.

When is the best time to visit York?

With each season, there are different reasons to visit York. The city comes alive for its annual Viking Festival at the end of February and then again in June for the Roman Festival. There are also the Christmas markets that are extrememly popular and Spring flowers in the parks. As there is plenty going on it is easy to have free days out in York all year around.

The 13 Best Free Things to do in York – Free York Attractions

There are many free York attractions to enjoy in 2023. In our guide we have compiled a varied list that we believe best shows off this wonderful city.

1. York Minster

There’s no doubt that this is one of the most picturesque Gothic Cathedrals in the world and should be on your York bucket list and needs to be included in any free day out in York. Since the 7^th century this magnificent medieval Minster has been the North of England’s centre of Christianity.  But it doesn’t matter if you are religious or not, it’s worth going to admire. No wonder it is one of the best things to do in York for free.

There are tours inside but they can be pricey, so if you are on a budget, take a picnic and sit in the grassy Dean’s park next to York Minster like we did. There is no denying that this is the ultimate picnic spot. Also, if you do want to go inside, it is free to attend a service! It is also free to enter for York residents.

Tip: visit the Cathedral at Christmas for a carol service. These free services are world-class and the rich atmosphere really showcases what York has to offer whether you’re religious or not.  It is broadcast on the BBC too!

2. The Shambles

This is the most popular street in York and not just because it reminds its visitors of Diagon Alley. It displays all things British, with the buildings dating back to the 14^th and 15^th century.

Here’s the interesting part, ‘Shambles’ is the medieval word for a ‘butcher’s slaughterhouse’ and if you look closely you can still see the hooks outside where the meat used to hang. It is also argued to be Europe’s best-unspoiled medieval street. What do you think?

Did you know that it’s possible to touch both sides of the street if you stretch your arms out? If you visit on a quiet day… try it! Best of all, this iconic spot is one of the free things you can do in York. Diagon Alley for free? That is correct. There is even a Harry Potter store you can visit!

Tip: If you don’t want to be surrounded by people, then make sure you visit early in the morning, as this street gets very busy!!

3. Walk York’s Roman Walls

Climb and walk around the 13^th century walls, where you can follow the lines of the Roman walls and feel part of the history. To walk the full loop, it is around 2 miles and with photo stops, you might need up to 2 hours to do this. But you don’t have to walk the whole circuit to admire the city views and the York Minster. There are 4 main gateways where you can exit, when you want to move on to your next activity!

Also, there are plaques explaining the history behind the walls. Rain or shine, this is a must do activity when in York but watch the path if it rains because it can be slippy in places. Arguably, the best stretch is from Bootham Bar to Monkgate, because here you will get the best views.

Walking the city walls is one of the best things to do in York for free.  For more information  visit their website, which is where we learnt about how best to enjoy them!

4. Wander around York’s Street Markets

Whilst you’re in the area be sure to browse the Shambles Market. It is one of the best free York attractions. Home to 70 stalls selling a range of produce, from flowers, vinyl, food, and gifts. There’s surely something that will tickle your fancy. It is absolutely worth your time. It was the winner of ‘Best Outdoor Market’ category at the 2022 Great British Market Awards and one of the best free things to do in York.

Tip: if you are there at Christmas time then you will get to experience the Christmas market too! Double winner.

York’s Street Market

5. Walk the Riverside

York city owes its existence to the rivers having been used since the time of the Romans. Today you can enjoy taking a walk along the paths adjacent to the River Ouse. It is extremely peaceful and you can spot rowers racing past. It is one of the best free things to do in York.

Tip: finish your walk with a cheeky pint at one of the riverside pubs.

6. Enjoy York’s pubs

Whatever you get up to in York, you just have to go to a pub. York boasts more pubs than days of the year, which means you will have endless opportunities to experience the true character of the city. A free activity is to photograph these quaint pubs, a true English memory and one of the best free things to do in York.

If you do want to visit one, then go to our favourite ‘The Star Inn the City’. This because of its cosy interior and outside decking for a beer in the summer sun whilst gazing at the River Ouse.

7. National Railway Museum

Calling all train lovers, the National Railway Museum enables its visitors to celebrate the past, present and the future of the railways. All for free. We enjoyed riding on the miniature railway, getting up close and personal with the Mallard  (the world’s fastest locomotive) and exploring how the railways shaped our world over the past 300 years. You can see the Japanese Bullet Train too.

It is open Wednesday–Sunday, 10.00–17.00 and is conveniently located near the train station. A visit will likely last 2-3 hours.

The museum recommends booking tickets in advance where possible to save time when you visit. You can book tickets here.

A true British experience, don’t you agree? It is 100% one of the best free things to do in York in 2023.

The address is: National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ

8. Clifford’s Tower

This tower was originally built by William the Conqueror and is a proud symbol of medieval England. Nowadays, it’s a perfect place to catch a good sunset as it offers panoramic views over York.  You can pay to go inside or just go to the entrance like we did, as you can still see wonderful views. Can you spot the Yorkshire Moors from the top?

9. Explore York Museum Gardens

One of the best free things to do in York, is to explore it’s many gardens. First there is the 10 acre York Museum Gardens, which are beautiful to walk through and is where you will find St Mary’s Abbey, the crypt of old St Leonard Hospiral and the Multangular Tower. You can also visit York Observatory that is home to a large telescope. It is free to enter but has limited opening hours.

Another beautiful spot for a picnic with your friends, family or partner surrounded by greenary and history. They were establised in the 1830s and are famous for their perennials, shrubs, and bulbs.

Tip: visit in Spring to see the beautiful flowers in bloom.

10. Go on a Free Walking Tour

There are many different options for a free walking tour of the city. Check out the Association of Voluntary Guides to the City of York (AVG) ; they state that you don’t even need to tip at the end.  It’s run by  80+ volunteers who want to show off the true beauty of the city and have been offering tours since 1951. Without a doubt it is one of the best free things to do in York.

Tours begin at 10.30am & 1.15pm and run every day except Christmas Day.

The guided walking tours include highlights of the Museum Gardens, Multangler tower, St Mary’s Abbey… the list goes on. If you’re not sure where to start then join in the fun, it begins outside the York City Art Gallery and lasts around 2 hours and is accessible for all ages! It ends at the Shambles (the oldest street in York).

Pre-booking is recommended because they limit their numbers per tour. Remember to arrive 5-minutes before the tour. Also, they have a route map on their website, so if you cannot make the tour, you can follow along yourself.

11. Rowntree Park

There’s nothing like relaxing in Rowntree Park. It’s south of the city centre, with numerous outdoor play activities such as tennis and basketball courts and has been awarded the Green Flag award every year since 2004.

The park was given to the City of York by Messrs Rowntree & Co. in 1921. It is a tribute of Cocoa Works employees.  A series of gates that are listed located off Terry Avenue were added to the park to commemorate those who died in World War II.

There’s even a cafe if you’re not feeling sporty and would rather just unwind with a Yorkshire brew, or see the ornamental lake. Better yet, the park runs events throughout the year for all ages with a focus on reducing social isolation. How lovely is that?

12. The Chocolate Trail

York was among the pioneers of the sugar industry and was the home of many of the most famous brands around the globe.

Terry’s and Rountree began their journey in York, and the company Nestle still manufactures their well-known Kit Kate, Aero and Milk Bar products in its York factory.

Visit York have created the Chocolate Trail where you can explore the city’s chocolate history. This includes Terry’s Chocolate Shop and Rowntree Park.

You can access the trail and the map easily: The Chocolate Trail

13.Wander the Snickelways of York

York Snickelways are lanes and alleys which connect the streets of York. They might seem hidden, but one of the best free things to do in York is to search for these hidden alleys,

York’s old Snickelways have an ethereal, historical charm running through them. Some of the best ones to discover are Coffee Yard, Mad Alice Lane,Lady Peckett’s Yard and Hole Inside the Wall.

Are you hungry for more? Or just hungry?

The following may not be free things to do in York, but they are iconic and if done right, are affordable. Trust us!

1. York’s Betty’s Tea Room

If you fancy having a really ‘British’ experience, then book ahead for a traditional afternoon tea at Betty’s Tea Room. It’s been serving customers since 1936 and is run by the world famous Taylors of Harrogate.

You can tell by the regular queues outside, just how popular it is. But if you’re on a budget then maybe buy a cake from the shop instead. Delicious.

2. Try York’s Veggie food at Goji Cafe

Genuinely, eating here is a reason to visit York alone. It might seem strange to have this café on a list with natural and historical attractions but this food is out of this world.  It is a perfect, yet affordable place to escape the busy city or the rain. Amazing isn’t it?

3. Jorvik Viking Centre

Recently updated, for just £13.50 a ticket, you can see the remains of an old Viking Settlement.

Have you seen the hit TV show Vikings? Get ready to live and breathe it, you truly get to experience what it was like to live in 10^th century York.  Get ready to experience the sights, artefacts and the smells … fossilised poo anyone?

4. York Chocolate

Arguably, York is the city with the ‘richest chocolate history in England’, so it would be rude not to try some chocolate whilst you are here. York’s rivers brought vital ingredients to the city and it soon became home to some of the world’s most well known names. Perhaps you’ve heard of Kit Kat? Aero or Terry’s Chocolate Orange?

Join a chocolate tour, or just eat some chocolate to celebrate being in the sweet founding city. YUM.

York is definitely up there with the best of the iconic British cities. Ultimately, if it was good enough for the Vikings then it’s good enough for you…  We hope you can see that you do not have to spend a fortune to have the most amazing time as there are numerous free things to do in York. 

Whilst you are in Yorkshire, why not visit Leeds? 

Here are 10 free things to do in Leeds or alternatively a complete guide for 3 days in Leeds.

Photo Credit: Averagelives.com