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York city guide

York is a contemporary, student-friendly city, renowned for its rich history and heritage.

York is regularly named one of the best places to live and visit in the UK. With a population of 200,000, it’s big enough to feel lively but small enough to feel like home.

If you're coming to an Open Day, be sure to explore the city while you're here.

Come for a visit

 

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Explore York in your own time with our self-guided campus and city tours.
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Become inspired by your surroundings

Choosing to study at York means your learning will go beyond our campus. The city is home to pioneers in the arts and media, leaders of social reform, industry innovators and a heritage hub.

  • For 2,000 years, York has served as a melting pot for people of different cultures and traditions, from the Romans and Vikings to our current cosmopolitan city.
  • York’s architectural heritage makes it one of the best places to develop your knowledge of the archaeology and conservation of buildings.
  • York has a long history of industry. The city played a key role in the development of the UK's railways and was a 19th-century centre for chocolatiers and confectioners.
  • York is a City of Sanctuary, meaning we actively work with refugee families by providing shelter and accommodation. We are also the UK’s first Human Rights City, championing a vibrant, diverse, fair and safe city.
  • York has impressive infrastructure and a thriving community of over 7,500 science-based businesses.

Hot spots and hidden gems

These top picks, suggested by students and staff, will give you a good idea of city living in York.

Green spaces

York is one of the UK's most cycle-friendly cities and with plenty of cycle lanes and paths, it is easy to explore on foot or by bike.

  • The York Museum Gardens, York Minster gardens, and Treasurer's House gardens are idyllic settings for a spot of relaxation and reflection. You could also take a scenic riverside stroll or walk along the ancient City Walls.
  • Rowntree Park is the perfect place for a picnic by the river, and you can savour a '99' from the solar-powered ice cream boat nearby!
  • Next to campus you'll find Walmgate Stray - a perfect summer spot for students and an outdoor practice space for many of our student societies.
  • You can also cycle the Solar System, a 6 mile cycle route with to-scale models of the planets.

Live music

From quirky pubs to popular clubs, York has a diverse mix of venues that showcase aspiring musicians and established acts. Venues across the city showcase everything from national names to local talent.

  • If you're into roots, reggae, dance hall and dub, check out the Irie Vibes Sound System nights at The Crescent, a community venue with other regular, independent gigs and events.
  • The biggest venue in the city, York Barbican, puts on mainstream and nationally acclaimed artists.
  • And you're only 20 minutes away from Leeds (by train) which has a number of larger venues including the O2 Academy and the First Direct Arena.
York has a vibrant nightlife that includes nightclubs, bars, live music, comedy, and theatre. There's something for everyone.

Nightlife

A long-standing urban legend says there's a pub for every day of the year in York. While that might not be quite true, there is a high density of pubs and bars in the compact city centre, including traditional pubs, cosy bars, indie lounges and popular clubs.

  • The Students' Union (YUSU) organises regular student events in the city that cater to all tastes, and are teamed up with York Parties to support four weekly student club nights during semester time.
  • If you're into real ale and craft beers you'll be spoilt for choice in York at pubs such as the House of the Trembling Madness, Brew York and Pivni. You can even quaff a horn of mead to the strains of heavy metal at the Viking-themed bar, Valhalla.
  • For a cocktail or a mocktail, Evil Eye, Dusk, Sotano and Lucia are all well-known spots.
  • You can also hop on a train to Leeds (20 minutes) or Manchester and Newcastle (90 minutes) for a taste of the nightlife in a bigger city.

Purple Flag accreditation

The Association of Town and City Management have recognised York as a safe, entertaining and thriving destination after dark (2022).

Eating out

York is a true foodie heaven. The city boasts a thriving food scene with independent restaurants and quirky coffee shops on every corner. With eateries for halal and vegan diners, you’ll find first-rate restaurants and cafes to suit.

  • Visiting Bettys Café Tea Rooms at least once is a must as a student in York. The tea rooms and their spectacular interiors are a great choice for when your parents or family come to visit.
  • Spark:York has turned old shipping containers into a community venue full of amazing local street food retailers, with regular events like gigs, quizzes and arts-and-crafts drop-ins.
  • Get your chocolate and caffeine fix at Brew and Brownie, known for its tasty brunches, pretty pancakes and delicious pastries. You could also try one of the many other cosy cafes York has to offer including Dyls Cafe Bar, The Vanilla Cafe or Drift-In York.
  • Get a view of the Minster from the roof terrace at The Habit over brunch or lunch with friends.
  • Taste authentic flavours from around the world - try traditional Nepalese cuisine at the Yak & Yeti, North African street food at Los Moros or Thai-style tapas at Phranakhon.
  • For a tasty curry (including Halal options) you could try Kalpakavadi's or check out Indian street food from Nukkad at Shambles Market, among many others.
  • Sample some authentic Italian food at Il Paradiso del Cibo, Toto's or Delrios cellar restaurant. The gelatos at Trinacria are also hard to resist on a sunny day.
  • For vegetarian and vegan food try Goji Café for their organic sharing platters.

For more information, see places to eat in York (visityork.org).

Festivals: citywide culture and national celebrations

York’s lively cultural scene offers lots to get involved with. With a major event happening every month, there is always something unique and exciting to discover in York. Whatever your interests, you’ll find plenty of entertaining cultural events to enjoy.

  • A city-wide celebration of our rich Norse heritage, JORVIK Viking Festival sees York transported back to the Middle Ages with living history encampments, markets, workshops, talks and dramatic combat performances.
  • For film fans the Aesthetica Short Film Festival is an annual celebration of independent film from around the world. Featuring emerging talent and established filmmakers, you can even submit an entry yourself.
  • With inspiring speakers from all over the world, exhibitions, theatre, music, films and family-friendly activities, York Festival of Ideas offers a huge range of events at venues across campus and the city.
  • There's something particularly magical about York at Christmas. Soak up the festive spirit at St Nicholas Christmas Fair and find unique crafted gifts, or get cosy at a pop-up alpine bar with a warming mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
  • The annual York Pride celebrations paint the town all the colours of the rainbow with a parade and musical performances to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Nearby Leeds is well known for big music festivals such as Leeds Festival, Live at Leeds and Slam Dunk fest. Each year, they also host Light Night Leeds, the UK’s largest annual arts and light festival allowing you to explore art in the dark.

Art, cinema and comedy

There are plenty of options to soak up some media and arts culture in York! A haven for art lovers, film buffs and theatre fanatics, York is also a UNESCO City of Media Arts.

  • York's streets are filled with entertainers and buskers like The Magic Ball Man, or violinist Ed Alleyne-Johnson, who was a supporting artist for David Bowie and Bob Dylan.
  • York Mediale run art related events, exhibitions and installations around York.
  • The Arts Barge Project is converting a reclaimed river barge into a quirky arts venue, showcasing music, comedy, poetry and more.

Discover more about culture and entertainment on campus.

Shopping: superb independents and chain favourites

York’s iconic medieval streets are lined with the major fashion retail chains, independent stores and market stalls, so you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Explore the world-famous Shambles, York's very own Diagon Alley and one of the best preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. From ghost merchants to Greek food, this charming cobbled street offers you a unique shopping experience. Around two-thirds of York’s businesses are independent, so you can find one-of-a-kind bargains while supporting the local economy.

Read more about independent shops in York.

Museums and attractions

York offers museums and galleries galore - from Vikings to trains and ghosts to chocolate. When you start your studies, you can get a YorkCard for discounted (and sometimes free) entry to many York attractions.

  • You can't miss the York Minster - the grand and Gothic highlight of the city.
  • For a haunting experience check out The York Dungeon, hop on a ghost bus tour or dare to do a ghost walk.
  • Come face-to-face with a Viking and take a tour of the sights, sounds and smells of 10th-century York at JORVIK Viking Centre.
  • You don't have to be a trainspotter to enjoy the National Railway Museum. Their impressive collection tells the story of 300 years of railway history.
  • York's Chocolate Story - take a tour through York's history of chocolate and learn how to make it and taste it like an expert.
  • Explore York Castle Museum or the Yorkshire Museum to take in the history of the streets of York and Yorkshire. When visiting the Castle Museum, don't forget to take a look at Clifford's Tower, with stunning views over our ancient city.

For more information, see Museums in York.

Getting around

You can travel between campus and the city centre using our regular bus service, which takes between 15 and 30 minutes. You can also cycle which takes about 15 minutes and by foot it's around 30 minutes.

Lots of York students use bikes. There are plenty of cycle paths and bike lanes, and not many hills! There is also a riverside route between the University and York railway station, which is a cycle-safe route into the city and takes about 20 minutes. You can buy a second-hand bike on campus or from many cycle shops in the city. Our on-campus Bike Doctor offers free bike safety checks once a month, and there are lots of places to lock up.

Gold Award

from Cycling UK for being a cycle-friendly employer and campus.

image showing the town of Whitby including the abbey and the river
The Yorkshire coastline encompasses some of the UK's most rugged and charming countryside.

Beyond York

York is in the heart of the UK with direct rail networks, connecting you with other major cities, and friends at other universities.

York is also a great base from which to explore the stunning scenery of Yorkshire. We’re surrounded by beautiful countryside, with castles, outdoor adventure activities and natural beauty.

  • We have two of the country’s most beautiful national parks right on our doorstep – the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.
  • You're only an hour away from a stroll on the beach. There's sunny Scarborough, a charming seaside town where you'll find amazing fish and chips. There's also the bustling harbour of Whitby, overlooked by the Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey - the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. You can even experience their annual Goth Weekend!

Nowhere in northern England says 'medieval' quite like York, a city of extraordinary cultural and historical wealth.

Lonely Planet

Why our students love York

You don't have take our word for it. Our student bloggers will happily tell you about why they love their city.

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Discuss life at York with those who know best.

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Explore life on campus

Societies

Your Students' Union provides over 200 societies and 65 sports clubs. Find your interests, find your people!

Sport and fitness

Choose from over 65 sports clubs, play for your college team, or sign up with the fitness centre.

Culture on campus

Whether you want to play, watch, listen or perform, there are lots of ways to enjoy culture on campus.