Welcome to Part 5 of our Escape to York focus. This is the final part in which we tell you where we visited, including the best attractions for all ages.
There is so much to see and do in York that we guarantee one visit will not be enough. Not only are there many attractions to choose from, York’s attractions are some of the best you will find – anywhere! Here we go with our personal selection, all booked through GetYourGuide.
York Dungeon
The York Dungeon we loved! This is one of York’s attractions not to be missed. They bring together an amazing cast of theatrical actors, special effects, stages and scenes. We really did love it. We know you will too. Here’s why:
Over 60 minutes you walk through 10 live actor shows, telling the story of 2000 years of York’s dark history. Enjoy specially designed sets, brilliant effects and gripping storytelling from the professional cast. Meet famous characters from York’s dark past including Vikings, Isabella Billington and Guy Fawkes!
Survive the witch in the York Castle Dungeon: the scariest show in Dungeon history!
Laugh and scream as you experience surprises walking through the depths of the Dungeon; this really is one of the best attractions we have been to but be warned, in our opinion this is not suitable for children younger than 12 as some of it is too scary and dark for little ones to enjoy.
If you are looking for a unique York experience, visit York Dungeon and be prepared to be spooked! Scary for little ones, brilliant for older children and adults.
York’s Chocolate Story
Your journey begins thousands of years ago in the rainforests of Central America, where ancient tribes discovered the power of the cocoa bean.
It continues on the factory zone where you will first learn how a simple cocoa bean is transformed into the finest chocolate, and discover the history of some of York’s most iconic chocolate brands – take a trip down memory lane and reminisce with some retro favourites from times gone by.
You’ll also learn the secret of why chocolate makes us feel so good and why it has an ethical and sustainable future. Then it’s time to master the secrets of the chocolatier, as you create hand-made chocolates for yourself, before seeing how the experts do it. Watch the Chocolatiers as they showcase the art of chocolate-making and sample the fruits of their labour: fresh hand-made chocolates. Yum!
This is a great example of York’s attractions for the whole family, no matter what age because after all, who doesn’t love chocolate? No matter what your taste, there is something for everyone from the darkest, most bitter chocolate to creamy milk and white chocolate. Plus – everyone gets a chocolate goody bag!
York Castle Museum
This award-winning museum is where you can immerse yourself in over 400 years of York’s past, all in one place. From the world renowned Victorian street Kirkgate, all the way to the swinging sixties.
The galleries here hold thousands of historic objects that really bring the past to life.
Kirkgate – the Victorian street that which has become the most iconic part of York Castle Museum. The street is one of the oldest recreated indoor streets of its kind in the world, possibly the oldest, and the first to be opened in Britain. The timeframe covers 1870-1901 and all the shops and business are named after a real business that operated in late Victorian York.
York Castle Prison – the museum buildings were once a Georgian Prison, and down in the felons’ cells lies a dark a brutal history – a time of rouges, thieves and murders. Visit the infamous residents and shiver at their stories of rough conditions, crooked justice and harsh punishments… watch out for the most notorious inmate of all – the legendary highwayman, Dick Turpin.
1914: When the World Changed Forever – from the recruiting office to the horrors of the front line, experience the objects and stories of the First World War. New technology and research are combined with the museum’s extensive military, costume and social history collections to tell the fascinating and often moving stories of the Yorkshire people who lived and died during the war that they said would end all wars.
The Sixties – this exhibition recreates the spirit of this exciting decade which saw momentous change in so many areas of public and private life.
The gallery uses fascinating and iconic objects from our social history, art, fashion, military and astronomy collections to bring back the atmosphere of change which swept over the country during the 1960’s. Highlights include a Lambretta scooter, a Dansette record player, Beatles singles and fashion by Mary Quant.
Shaping the Body – 400 Years of Fashion, Food and Life – an iron corset, crotchless pantaloons from the time of Jane Austen, bum rolls and a killer dress are a few of the items featured in our latest permanent exhibition which charts the way fashion, food and fitness have shaped the body over the last 400 years.
The Period Rooms – a series of rooms laid out with furniture and artefacts from a variety of eras. Ranging from 17th century dining rooms to Victorian parlours, we can see how our ancestors lived, and maybe recognise some objects that we still use today!
Toy Stories – take a trip back to childhood and rediscover some of your favourite toys in this popular exhibition. Bikes, bath toys, computer games, Lego and beautiful handmade dolls are among the toys on show from the last 150 years.
There are so many things to do and amazing attractions to visit in York that one visit is never enough. You should also check out Jorvik, a superb interactive experience taking you through York’s Viking history. Walk the city walls, substantial portions of the walls remain, originally built in the 13th century. The National Railway Museum is a must, here you can explore the past, present and future of the railways. Take a River Cruise, visit the stunning York Minster, climb Clifford’s Tower.
The list of York’s attractions goes on, but GetYourGuide is on hand to help. Check them out and enjoy your trip to York.
You will probably see us there!
