The Best Things and Activities to Do in York

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York is an intriguing historic city as it’s gained many names over centuries; the Romans called it Eboracum; to the Saxons, it was known as Eoforwick while the Vikings called it Jorvik. It a no wonder why Old and New York exist together in harmony making it an exquisite historic city in England. If you are a student looking for the best things to do in York, then you have an innumerable list of attractions and activities to explore!

Home to the University of York and York St John University, this is a student-friendly city with a great cultural scene for students to blend in with many others from around the world. The city is lively and offers students more than just academic life, but historical, cultural, outdoor, food and the best of entertainment!

There are a diversity of attractions and activities available in York. Whether it’s the best free things to do in York or the best places to visit in York; you are in luck as we will list them categorically to find one as per your preferences:

York Sights & Landmarks

These are some of York’s Historic Sites & Districts to Visit:

York Minster

York Minster is the world’s most majestic cathedral and the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. It was built in the 7 century North England during the Anglo Saxon, and today remains an open church for the people to pray and worship. For more than 1000 years it has attracted people from across the world. It is Gothic in style and architecture with stained glass, being one of the church’s most distinctive features. The guided tours are free from Monday to Saturday if ever you want to visit the cathedral!

Clifford’s Tower

This is an iconic historic site that stands as a symbol of England’s medieval kings. The tower sits on the grassy motte of William the Conqueror. There are daffodils planted as a remembrance of the martyred Jews of 1190 surrounding this limestone tower. It was opened in the 20th century as a tourist destination attracting people to this ruin for its historic significance. It is £15.00 Entry – Free with a York Pass.

Cultural Attractions in York

Explore cultural attractions such as museums, cultural centers, galleries, etc.:

The York Castle Museum

The York Castle Museum showcases the city’s rich history in many forms of art and collections. Most of the displays are exhibitions of iconic objects in the form of art, history, fashion, military, astronomy, etc. That swept over the country in the 1960’s. The collections are outstanding here and tell a story of the history and tales of York. It is a family-friendly site with popular collections being a Lambretta scooter, a Dansette record player, Beatles singles and fashion by Mary Quant. The fee for adults is £16.00.

Outdoor Activities

You can try outdoor activities such as walking or cycling along the river Ouse. Then, there’s river and cruise boating too to enjoy the scenic beauty of York

There are many parks and gardens like the Museum Gardens and Rowntree Park for relaxation and leisure.

Shopping and Dining in York

You can find shopping areas like Stonegate and the Coppergate Centre, offering a mix of independent shops and high-street brands.

For the best dining experience as a student, you can try places like Wheldrakes, Melton’s, The Jackdaw, Corner Grill House, Robinsons Cafe, The White Horse Pub & Dining, Mannion & Co, etc.

Nightlife In York

York has a vibrant, lively and safe nightlife setting to party with a friendly atmosphere. If you are up for beer, stout, bitter or cider, you can enjoy the traditional pubs in York. But, if you are in the mood to party hard all night long, there are nightclubs where you can let off some steam such as Guy Fawkes Inn, Kuda, Flares York, Club Salvation, Popworld, Jalou York, Vudu Lounge York, Ziggy’s Bar & Nightclub, etc.

Day Trips and Nearby Attractions in York

If you have some spare time explore the nearby attractions in York worth visiting, such as Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York, The Yorkshire Dales of All Creatures Great & Small, North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York, Herriot and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York, etc. Or take a day trip from your student accommodation in York, UK to neighboring towns and cities like Harrogate or Leeds. Yorkshire Coast. Scarborough. Other nearby places to York are Yorkshire Dales. Bedale, Grassington, Ingleton, Leyburn, Skipton, Settle, North York Moors, Goathland, Helmsley, Malton, Pickering, etc.

Student-Friendly Activities in York

Here’s how you can leverage places that offer discounts for students studying in York.

Turtle Bay – Happy peak hours on Friday and Saturday evenings; 2 for cocktails all through the week.

Kennedy’s – Offer Prosecco on Friday @£15/ bottle.

Golden Lion – Offers half-price Peroni every day from 4 pm – 7 pm

Student Study Cafe in York

Gatehouse Coffee: Affordable, quiet space to study with fast wi-fi speed.

Plush Cafe: Another study cafe famous for its theme rooms, quiet space and great food.

Top offers for student shopping discounts in York

10% off at ASOS
30% off at Boohoo via StudentBeans
20% off at Size via StudentBeans
20% off at H&M via UniDays, online and in-store
20% off at Levi’s via UniDays, online and in-store

Conclusion

Choosing York as a student destination is a great choice as it is one of the best places to live in the UK. It offers students a wholesome package of living and experiencing life as a student. Try to find time to balance your study and social life to enjoy the activities, scenery and the city of York.