Updated on February 11, 2024
There’s no denying that York is an expensive city to visit. However, if you want to visit York on a budget, there are lots of free attractions in York that you can visit without paying a penny! Here is you guide to the best free things to do in York on your next visit!
This guide shares 13 free things to do in York to save you money on your next trip. These budget-friendly activities in York include must-see attractions, world famous sights and incredible hidden gems! Keep reading to find out more!
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Free Things to do in York
The vibrant and historic city of York is a popular tourist destination. Visitors love to immerse themselves in the city’s museums, historic sites, and cathedrals.
But each of those activities comes with a price tag. And they all add up quickly if you want to see a lot of York attractions on your visit!
Fortunately, there are many budget-friendly activities in York so your visit doesn’t have to cost you a small fortune!
Here’s a list of 13 incredible free things to do in York on your next visit!
Is York expensive to visit?
A visit to York is not going to be a cheap trip. York is one of the most expensive cities to visit in Yorkshire. This is in part thanks to its booming tourist industry which attracts around 8.4 million visitors each year.
With such a high demand, costs of hotels and Airbnbs in York are some of the most expensive in the UK. Plus, with soaring fuel and travel costs, visiting York can require quite an investment!
To give you an indication of some of the costs you might incur on a trip to York, here are some of the average costs in the city in 2022:
- Pint of beer – £3.96
- One night in a hotel – £102
- One litre of petrol – £1.60
- Three-course restaurant meal for two people – £55
However, there are many budget hotels and activities in York, so your visit doesn’t need to leave you significantly out of pocket.
So, I’ve complied this list of free things to do in York to show you there is still plenty of York to be enjoyed if you’re visiting with tight purse strings!
Walk the City Walls
Walking the City Walls is one of the most popular things to do in York – and it is completely free!
York has more miles of intact Medieval wall than any other city in England. Today, you can still walk an almost complete circuit right around the heart of the city.
The most spectacular views of York can be seen from the walls, so it is an experience you don’t want to miss.
You can access the walls from 8am until dusk. The whole route will take around two hours to complete, or you can choose to walk just a single section of the walls in a shorter time.
The best time to walk the walls is shortly before they close. In the soft light of dusk, the walls have fewer tourists, and you can soak up the beauty of York in the golden hour light.
Address: Bootham Bar, 2-4 High Petergate, York, YO1 7EH
Time needed: up to two hours
Stroll Down The Shambles
The Shambles is a postcard-ready street with overhanging timber-framed buildings, dating back as far as the fourteenth century. This iconic street where the buildings on opposite sides almost touch is one of the most recognizable spots in York.
The quaint street of The Shambles is the perfect place for a stroll. If you visit during the day, you can pick up some souvenirs from the independent shops that line the street, but window shopping is completely free!
The best time to visit The Shambles is early morning. If you arrive before 9am you can take in the street without the bustle of tourists. There is something very magical about having The Shambles to yourself!
Address: The Shambles, York, YO1 7LZ
Time needed: Up to 30 minutes just to see the street but allow up to two hours if you’re shopping!
Climb Aboard at the National Railway Museum
Whether you’re a train enthusiast or not, you cannot help but feel inspired by the ingenuity of rail travel at the National Railway Museum.
The National Railway Museum is the largest of the free attractions in York. It houses the national collection of railway paraphernalia, with approximately 100 vehicles on display at any one time.
This creatively displayed museum lets you get up close to the trains, interact with some, and ride aboard others.
You can also watch engineers restoring some of these impressive engines in the workshop and learn about the impact that rail travel has around the world.
Address: National Railway Museum York, Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ
Time needed: at least two hours but up to half a day
Visit the Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow
The Shrine of St Margaret Clitherow could easily be missed!
This tiny little chapel on the Shambles is the former home of Saint Margaret Clitherow, a butcher’s wife who was martyred for her faith in 1586. It is a hidden gem worth seeking out.
Margaret was a convert to Catholicism in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. St Margaret Clitherow ran a clandestine Catholic School in the house and Mass was celebrated there in secret.
The chapel celebrates Mass every Saturday art 10am. However, space is limited so you are advised to contact ahead of time if you wish to join the service.
Although room for Mass is limited, the Shrine is open daily and welcomes visitors who wish to see the chapel, plus those visiting for private prayer and pilgrimage.
It is well worth popping into The Shrine of St Margaret Clitherow for a look as you pass by on your journey down the Shambles. It is a quiet and peaceful retreat from the bustling street!
Address: Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow, 35 Shambles, York. YO1 7LX
Time needed: up to 30 minutes
Unwind in Museum Gardens
Museum Gardens is a quiet oasis hidden right in the city centre.
The gardens are free to visit, and they are the ideal place to escape the bustle and unwind in nature. In summer, don’t forget to pack a picnic for an extra treat!
Museum Gardens were established in the 1830s by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society. They are famed for their fantastic collection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs. It is a beautiful sight no matter what the season!
The best time to visit Museum Gardens for a quiet walk is shortly after the park opens or just before it closes. On a sunny day, the park is a popular spot to unwind, so a visit at either end of the day helps to avoid the crowds.
Address: Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York, YO1 7FR
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Discover the Ruins of St Mary’s Abbey
The ruins of St Mary’s Abbey sit in the picturesque surroundings of Museum Gardens.
Built in 1088, St Mary’s Abbey was once one of the most prosperous abbeys in Northern England. Today, the building stands in ruins, but is still a remarkable sight.
Visitors can see the remains of the walls of the nave and crossing of the abbey church, where the monks prayed and sang. And the cloister, where the monks washed their clothes, contemplated, and were allowed to speak.
It is a remarkable sight and a spectacular backdrop for the picturesque Museum Gardens.
Address: St Mary’s Abbey, Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York, YO1 7FR
Time needed: 30 minutes
Visit Holy Trinity Church
York’s Holy Trinity Church is a small, secluded medieval church hidden in the heart of York. This characterful church has beautiful stained-glass windows, uneven floors, and unique box pews for worshippers.
The church has grown in recognition thanks to the BBC TV series, Gentleman Jack. Holy Trinity Church is where Anne Lister and her lover Ann Walker took communion together in place of a marriage ceremony in 1834. Filming for the BBC series took place inside Holy Trinity Church.
Today, a blue plaque can be found outside the church, dedicated to the woman who has become known as the ‘first modern lesbian.’
Stepping through the doors of Holy Trinity Church is like taking a step back in time. It’s a hidden gem in York that you don’t want to miss!
Address: Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LF
Time needed: up to one hour
Explore Rowntree Park
Just a short walk from the city centre you will discover Rowntree Park.
The park is tucked away on the banks of the River Ouse on Terry Avenue. It’s a wonderful hidden gem very few tourists know about!
This beautiful 30-acre park was donated to the city by the Rowntree family in 1921. Rowntree Park is a memorial to the Cocoa Works staff who fell and suffered during World War I.
A set of listed gates can also be found off Terry Avenue. These were added to the park in memory of those who fell in the World War II. You will find bronze plaques to mark both occasions within the park on the Lychgate.
Rowntree Park is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist sights. Be sure to take a peaceful stroll around the lake or through the gardens. It is especially magical around dusk when there are few other visitors.
Address: Rowntree Park, York, YO23 1PW
Time needed: 1-2 hours
York Cat Trail
If you are looking for fun, free things to do in York, you should try the York Cat Trail on your next visit. This self-guided tour takes you through the streets of the city to locate 22 historic feline friends.
York has become strongly associated with this furry friend. Many of the buildings and rooftops in York are adorned with cat statues. The York Cat Trail is a free self-guided walk that you can follow to spot all of York’s feline residents.
You can pick up a flyer in many local York stores or download one online. Then get ready to visit York and walk some of the most famous streets in the city to try and spot the cats of York.
Read more about the York Cat Trail here.
Address: Throughout York
Time needed: approximately two hours
Snickelways
The City of York has a secret network of streets you’ve probably never even noticed!
You could easily stroll through York and never spot the discrete snickelways throughout the city. This warren of tiny footpaths zigzags across York. Many of them retrace medieval streets although there are some modern additions too.
The name ‘snickelway’ was coined as a combination of ‘snicket,’ ‘ginnel,’ and ‘alleyway.’ All local terms for narrow paths between buildings.
And the Snickelways themselves bear equally peculiar names. Streets such as Mad Alice Lane, named after a woman who was hanged in 1823 for poisoning her husband, Nether Hornpot Lane, Pope’s Head Alley and Little Peculiar Lane.
Tracing these obscure streets around York City Centre is a fun and free activity. You might just be surprised where you end up!
Get a complete guide to the snickelways of York here.
Address: Throughout York
Time needed: approximately two hours
York Art Gallery
The collection at York Art Gallery features paintings from the 14th-century to contemporary prints, watercolours, drawings, and ceramics.
Their highlights include 14th century Italian panels and 17th century Dutch masterpieces, plus Victorian narrative paintings and 20th century works by LS Lowry and David Hockney.
York Art Gallery also holds the most extensive and representative collection of British Studio Ceramics.
Whether you are an avid art enthusiast or simply appreciate a stroll around an art gallery, there is something for everyone in the York Art Gallery collection.
You could easily pass an hour or two here, admiring the artwork!
Address: York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7EW
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Please note: York Art Gallery has now introduced an entry fee from 1st February 2024.
Window Shopping at York Designer Outlet
York Designer Outlet is located just outside the city and is the ideal place to pick up a bargain!
Admittedly, your visit isn’t going to be free if you’re planning on some retail therapy! But, if you fancy a spot of window shopping it is a wonderful place to be, especially on a rainy day in York!
There are over 120 stores with discount prices on big-name brands. There are also several food outlets where you can get a bite to eat during your visit.
And even if you do choose to treat yourself to something on your visit, the discount outlet prices mean you can get a great designer item at a fraction of the original price!
Address: York Designer Outlet, St Nicholas Ave, York, YO19 4TA
Time needed: at least two hours up to half a day
Is it Free to go in York Minster?
Visitors can enter York Minster for free to pray, light a candle or attend a service. However, it costs £22,000 a day to run York Minster and your admission fee directly supports the future of the cathedral.
If you are able to do so, please consider paying the admission fee or making a donation as part of your visit to York Minster to help cover the staggering maintenance and preservation costs.
Which museums are free in York?
Many of the museums in York do require you pay an entry fee. The largest free museum in York is York Railway Museum, however, many of the others you must pay for.
However, check out the York City Pass below. You can purchase it for a one-off fee, then get free entry to many York museums throughout your trip.
How to see York on a budget with York City Pass
If you want to see more of the York attractions while still saving money, invest in the York City Pass.
The York City Pass is available for either one, two, three or six days and has pricing options available for adults and children. The pass gets you free entry into many of the York attractions, plus a meal at the end of the day.
It is a fantastic way to manage the costs of your trip by paying for the pass upfront, then visit as many attractions as you like without having to worry about admission fees!
York City Pass covers admission to almost 30 top attractions in York. The only limitation is how many you can squeeze into your trip! Attractions covered by the York City Pass include:
- Clifford’s Tower
- Fairfax House
- Jorvik Viking Centre
- The York Dungeon
- York Castle Museum
- York Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
- Van Gogh Immersive Experience
- Plus many more!
Where to Stay in York on a Budget
If you want to stay in York on a budget, here are some cheap hotels in York city centre.
Like many cities, their nightly charge is still fairly high. But if you want to guarantee a comfortable bed for a reasonable cost, these are the best hotels in York to consider.
- Vas’ York House – an ideal guest house for a bargain price, just a short walk from the city centre. Double bedrooms with shared bathrooms available.
- Novotel York – great discounts on mid-week stays in the ideal city-centre location.
- Moxy York – you can get a great bargain on mid-week or last-minute stays. Also located in the city centre.
- DoubleTree by Hilton York – Comfortable rooms available for a reasonable price right at the heart of the city. A slightly more expensive option but convenient location.
- Holgate Bridge Accommodation – located slightly further from the city centre but at a bargain price! Single, double and family rooms available with shared or private bathroom facilities.
Still looking for the perfect hotel in York for you? Check out the map below to find the ideal hotel in the best location for you.
Booking.comMore Things to do in York
Looking for more things to do in York? Here are more York travel guides to help you plan your trip:
- Best Places for Afternoon Tea in York
- Romantic Things to do in York for Couples
- Things to do in York When It Rains
- Magical Things to do in York at Christmas
Free Things to do in York
So, here are the best free things to do in York. What is your favourite budget friendly activity in York? Let me know in the comments below!
And if you want more York inspiration ahead of your visit, download your free York Quick Start Planning Guide for a list of the top 10 attractions in York, plus a guide to where to stay, when to visit and more!
Plus, you’ll get four bonus travel planning printables you can use when it comes to planning and packing for any trip!
Until our next adventure,
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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
Love such guides on free things to do in various parts of the world. Bookmarking your post for later.
I’m so glad you like the guide! I hope you have the opportunity to visit York one day soon!
I’m glad you like the guide – thanks for reading!
Lovely post! Looks like there’s lots of things to do in York. I hope I can visit some day!
I hope you get the opportunity to visit one day! There are so many great free things to do in York!
York seems to have so many fun things to do for free! I would love to explore Rowntree Park and go window shopping. Thanks for sharing this helpful guide!
Rowntree Park is one of my favourite free things to do in York – it is so beautiful! York isn’t the cheapest city to visit but you can definitely have a great time without spending money on attractions! Thanks for reading!