The beautiful city of York is one of England’s more prominent tourist towns, and rightly so. It markets itself on its history like many towns in the United Kingdom, but this town knows it has some of the most well-known historical events.
You will see the White Rose of York appear everywhere around the city, and it is home to one of the most famous cathedrals in England. You can easily walk the city walls, marvel at the remaining town gates, and spend an afternoon in the city’s old section.
It has an active, authentic Old Town precinct. York’s darkest history dates back to the Romans, the Vikings, and the Kings and Queens of England. There’s so much for the whole family. So now, let’s explore things to do in York with teenagers.
Know before you go. Our Top York travel tips
Travelling to York can be such an enriching experience for the whole family. There are so many things to do in York for families, and having the best place to stay in York and wander is extremely important for any vacation in York.
Here we’ve got some information to get you planning your family vacation to York to make it completely hassle-free.
Where to stay in York with teenagers
You’ll never be short of options for your accommodation in York. In York, you find a range of hotels, apartments and hostels.
You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families and groups on every budget. If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs, we recommend using Hotellook and Expedia to find the best prices in York.
- Luxury: The Grand York places you in the heart of York, within a 10-minute walk of York Minster and York Theatre Royal. Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. Grab a bite to eat at The Rise, a restaurant with a bar, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service.
- Mid-Range: Being part of a large chain, you know that Holiday Inn York will serve up high-standard accommodation. Featuring family rooms for 4, with an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Free Wi-Fi and cable tv included
- Budget: A selection of top-class facilities, such as Wi-Fi in public areas, laundry service, a family room, a restaurant, and facilities for disabled guests, can be enjoyed at the YHA York Hostel. Family rooms featuring bunks and double beds with ensuites are available.
York apartment alternative for your stay
If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation on your England trip with teenagers in York. An apartment is the best choice for your family vacation. York has so many options for singles, families, and budget-friendly options.
If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, discover Plum Guide’s exceptional luxury apartments, handpicked for their stunning views, prime locations, and indulgent amenities. With meticulous quality checks and a focus on unique experiences, they offer the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Experience the extraordinary and create unforgettable memories in these truly special accommodations.
How to get to York
- York, England, does not have an airport. The nearest airport to York is Leeds – Bradford Airport. Leeds Bradford Airport is 48 kilometres from York.
- York railway station is on the East Coast Main Line. From Leeds train station, the train to York runs several times an hour and takes. about 30 minutes. From Manchester, a direct train runs every half an hour. The train will take approximately one hour and 50 minutes. From London King’s Cross train station, take a direct train to York railway station. It takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
- You can easily drive to York from Manchester with teens via the M62. It will take you around 1 hour and 45 minutes. From London to York, it is a little over 4 hours via the M1. From Newcastle upon Tyne in the North, it is around 140 kilometres. You can hire a car at any major airport in the United Kingdom.
How to get around York with teens
- First Bus York runs buses in the city. The major York attractions are all in the city centre and easily walkable.
- The York Hop on hop off bus is another excellent option for seeing the city’s sites and surrounding area. Check the current prices HERE.
- Uber and taxis provide another option in this compact city.
Weather in York
York’s weather, much like the rest of the country, is, at best, unpredictable. July and August are the hottest months, with an average temperature of around 15°C.
Average highs and average lows vary between around ten °C and 18°C. Summer temperature. Temperatures will climb in the 30’s, but this is not common.
The temperature often drops to around zero in winter, and winter averages vary between 1°C and 5°C. December and January are the coldest months of the year. A spring average is 5-10 degrees, with some days in the ’20s, while September and October often see Indian summers.
York for international visitors
International travel to the United Kingdom requires a bit more thought. You will need travel insurance in England. Medical care is not cheap; if you want good quality care, it will cost you a fortune if you don’t have travel insurance. The official currency of the United Kingdom is The Great British Pond.
If you use your bank account from home, you will be stung with high transaction fees, while your mobile phone calls will all be charged at an international rate. These are just some of the things you need to think about,
- For International travellers, travel insurance is a must get a quote through Insurance Masters and don’t go home with a huge bill for medical expenses.
- Do you need a visa to visit York? The country of England may require you to have a visa or an ETA ( Electronic travel authorisation) to enter the country. You can check and buy these documents at iVisa.
- Load a Revolut Travel Money card with Pounds for your visit and save on transaction fees.
- Make phone calls with an international sim card that you can buy before leaving home or buy a voucher for a virtual e-sim for your mobile phone.
- A 4G pocket Wi-Fi modem is essential for accessing the internet. You can rent a pocket modem that you can pick up at the airport or your hotel, or alternatively, buy a pocket modem that you can use on all future trips with your phone, tablet, or computer.
Where can I take my teenager to York if they are ill?
If your teenager or family feels unwell, you can take them to the York Hospital or call the NHS England non-emergency number 111. They will advise you on options.
The best things to do in York with teenagers
Let us help you plan the best holiday in York for your family with our top attractions in York with teens. There are numerous things to do in York City Centre, such as visiting historic landmarks like York Minster and the Shambles, exploring the city’s museums, and enjoying shopping and dining experiences.
The JORVIK Viking Museum
The Jorvik Viking Centre is located in the centre of York on the site of an actual Viking settlement that was located in York around a thousand years ago. A Viking will greet you at the door, which is pretty cool. You enter the museum onto a glass floor showing the Viking settlements’ foundations.
From there, it gets a little theme park-ish with special effects as you board a ride that takes you through a working Viking village. After you disembark, you enter a room full of artefacts found on site. We highly recommend this family-friendly attraction in York for teenagers.
19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT, United Kingdom
Open daily from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm
Adults 12.50 Children 8.50 Concessions 10.50 Family 4 35.00
*If you love archaeology and history you can get a combined ticket or the JORVIK Viking Museum and the archaeological dig site where many of the artefacts on display came from. When purchasing your ticket, ask for the combined tickets and ensure you have enough time to visit both sites thoroughly.
Things to do in York with kids – Hole in Wand Mini Golf
The Hole In Wand Wizard Golf is York’s newest fun thing to do with teenagers. This immersive mini golf experience is located in the Coppergate Shopping Centre.
The setting has you Inside the old Wizard pub, where you will be taken on a 9-hole mini golf adventure to search for the missing Gargoyle Grobblenook.
Be transported through a magical portal, taking on bubbling cauldrons and dodging flying golf clubs! The onsite cafe sells some unique treats such as Butterscotch Beer, pints of Wizard brew, Wizard Dogs and Uni-pop-corn.
Vikings ‘I Spy’ Walking Trail
A brand new Walking Trail has been launched to inspire families to explore the city and spot iconic sights. This free-walking trail is the perfect way for families to explore York.
The walking trail will take you to 22 weird, wonderful, iconic and interesting spots along the circular route. You will learn about famous street names, historic statues and plaques.
The trail is a fun and educational way for families to explore and experience some of York’s unique sights. Maps are available for download online and in physical copies from the York Visitor Information Centre.
York with older kids – Castle Museum
No, as many may think, it is not a museum about a castle. The York Castle Museum was once a prison that held convicts headed for Australia and the USA.
The York Castle Museum is many things, as the old prison has now been repurposed into a brilliant, exciting, and unique collection. The best way to describe it is an eclectic collection of displays.
You will find displays on England’s history that feature what living rooms, kitchens, kitchen pantries, and laundries would have looked like in the ’40s, ’50s and so on. It shows you how much time, technology and our lives have changed.
In other displays, you will be taken back to the psychedelic swinging sixties with clothes, music and memorabilia. Visitors can explore Victorian Street, a recreation of a typical 19th-century street complete with authentic shop fronts, homes, and public buildings.
You can see the types of products sold, learn about the daily life of Victorians, and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era.
The war section puts you in the trenches with those who fought for the King and country. It explains well what soldiers would have gone through in the World Wars. In the prison section, you learn about the lives of prisoners in their actual jail cells through an interactive display, and people walk around in costumes that will give you more information on some of the convicts transported from the prison itself.
For teenagers visiting York, this museum will be both educational and entertaining.
York hop on hop off the bus
Like all hop on hop off buses, the York version will whizz you around town. The real value in some of these tours is the headphone commentary that tells you so much about the towns. The bus has 20 stops at different York attractions and runs from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm daily.
You will travel through the old town gates and pass along the town walls. You will see the amazing York Minster, the National Railway Museum and the York Castle Museum. Take advantage of the bus to see all the sights on the first lap then get off where you want on the second lap.
This may be the easiest way to see the city on family days out in York. Learn more about the York hop on hop off bus tour and book your tickets here
York with Young adults – visit the Dungeons
The York Dungeons follows the successful formula of the other Dungeon sites worldwide. The concept is half history and half horror as you are taken through the gory history of York.
The Dungeon is a 1-hour experience with actors, lighting displays, props, and more. If your teenagers like horror, shock and awe, then the Dungeons in York is just the attraction. Learn more about the York Dungeons here
A Harry Potter-Themed Guided Tour of York
Set off on your journey around York, and take part in Harry Potter trivia quizzes from your guide to earn points for your house.
With an animated scoreboard, video clips of movie scenes, costume pieces, and reenactments, this is an interactive Harry Potter York experience that allows you to live out your Harry Potter dreams in York. Buy your tickets today.
National Railway Museum
The Railway Railway National Museum is a must-see for any teenagers visiting York. You will see a full history of trains throughout the years. Some carriages carried the Royals, Army hospital trains, the Flying Scotsman and even a Bullet Train from Japan.
The York Railway Museum is housed on a huge site in three big open halls displaying hundreds of trains, carriages and all things railway. The Grand Hall dates back to the 1800s and was once a working hall for preparing steam locomotives.
Station Hall is the highlight, featuring many Royal carriages dating back to Queen Victoria. It is exciting to see how the Royals travelled and how the interior designs changed for different Monarchs.
You can do high tea in a royal carriage and buy a souvenir. Even if you are not a total train buff, it is still worth a look. This museum is one of the most popular York attractions.
Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ, United Kingdom
Open daily from 10.00 am until 6.00 pm.
Entry is free for all visitors, but you must leave a donation to keep it running.
Fishing in York, England
You can try a spot of fishing for something a little different, fun and unique. Redwood Park is located just outside the City of York. At Redwood, four fishing lakes are designed and stocked to provide a memorable angling experience. The four lakes are designed to deliver four simulated fishing environments. The types of fish stocked include Carp, Bream, Tench, Barbel, Roach, Rudd, Perch, Crucian and Chub. You will find Redwork Park at Tollerton Road, Huby, York, North Yorkshire YO61 1JE, United Kingdom. For more details, check their website at http://redwoodpark-york.co.uk/
Unique ghost, horror and history tours in York
With a history stretching back centuries, York is home to many myths, ghosts and legends. Several tours incorporate themes of ghosts, the supernatural and a bloody past that the city has witnessed. Below are some of the best tours that will inform, entertain and scare you in York.
The York Ghost Bus Tour
York is reported to be one of the most haunted places in England for holiday adventures. The Ghost Bus tour will introduce you to the city’s dark history.
You will spend an evening discussing ghosts as you travel between haunted sights such as York Minster and Clifford’s Tower. Hear tales of spirits, sinister characters, and ghastly crimes! Learn more about Ghost Bus Tours in York here!
Witches and History Old Town tour
Discover the spooky and wicked history of medieval York on a witchcraft-themed walking tour. Hear chilling stories from a character guide about witchcraft and the medieval old town.
Explore the dimly-lit alleys of York’s old town, including the Shambles, on the 70-minute tour. Book your date with the Witches of York.
Scariest Immersive Self-Guided Ghost Walk
Use your smartphone to explore the city, learn about ghosts, and solve puzzles. Explore York’s dark history on a self-guided horror experience.
Mad Alice’s The Bloody Tour of York
The Bloody Tour of York is an award-winning, immersive, guided city tour. Bypass the standard group tours and explore an alternative history of York with tales of witches, queens, and murderers.
Combine entertainment and education on this guided tour of medieval York.
Dark Chronicles Horror Walking Tour
On this horror-themed Dark History of York walking tour, your guide will share historical stories, hidden secrets, and unusual events over 2,000 years.
Walk the ancient streets and uncover the unforgettable secrets of York on this tour.
Not sure what your teen will need on holiday? Click here to get all the top sellers for your travelling teens.
Things to do in York with kids – Treasure Hunt
There are numerous things to do in York for teenagers. If you are looking for great vacations with teen ideas, look no further than a family treasure hunt. There are many different treasure hunts for families to do in York.
Instead of a traditional sightseeing tour, get to know York uniquely with a treasure hunt. Below are some of the best treasure hunts in York.
Treasure Hunt Around York with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems
A Self-Guided Treasure Hunt in 2024 offers an engaging and flexible experience for families and teens to explore York through a treasure hunt. You must solve cryptic clues and find hidden gems.
This simple and fun experience can be accessed through your smartphone
Self-Guided City Walk & Interactive Treasure Hunt
Take an Adventure along the streets of York, unlocking a secret trail, solving puzzles, and completing challenges. Discover hidden gems, fun facts, and insider history about York, suitable for locals and visitors.
Book the Treasure Hunt, download the app and explore York’s city centre.
York Minster with teenagers
You can see the towers from all over. No visit to York would be complete without a walk through this amazing, history-filled Church. Built-in the 7th century, this Cathedral’s history is amazing. York Minster is the second-largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.
Deangate, York YO1 7HH, United Kingdom
Open daily from 8.00 am till 5.00 pm.
Adult £11.50 Seniors £10.50 Students £9 Child (16 and under) free with a paying adult
* Up to four children can get free admission with one paying adult. If you want to go to the top of the Minster Towers for views over York, you can buy a combined entry ticket that includes the Central Tower. Adult £16.50 Seniors £15.50 Students £14 Child (16 and under) £5
To climb the tower, you must be aged 8+. Taking a trip up to the top of the Towers is weather-dependent. If this is something you would enjoy, Minster and Tower combined tickets can only be bought at the door.
Point Zero Trampoline Park, York
Zero Point York is a bit of family fun for all. Bounce through over 90 interconnected trampolines while listening to the best music. Jump and crawl through our newly covered foam pits, or have a game of dodgeball with your family. Find more information and pricing here.
See York from the water.
Why not take a boat tour along the River Ouse in York and see the city from another perspective? Popular boat tour operators in York include City Cruises York and YorkBoat. These offer a variety of city cruises, including sightseeing tours, lunch cruises, and evening cruises with live music.
Does your teen fancy themselves as a ninja warrior?
In York, you will find ninja warrior courses at Agility Parks York. There are two Ninja courses at Agility Parks, York. One is for 5-16-year-olds. There is also an ‘older’ more grown-up course for 12 years plus, providing a real challenge for all.
You can book a ninety-minute fun session and enjoy the adventure facilities, including a café for drinks and snacks. If your teens visiting York are full of energy, this will wear them out.
Things to do in York with teenage girls – High Tea
What could be more quintessentially British than high tea? This afternoon tradition involves savoury sandwiches, pastries, and tea. It’s a cherished ritual for mothers and daughters that often brings them closer together.
High tea first became popular in the early 1800s, when aristocrats would gather in the late afternoon for a light meal. The spread would typically include cakes, tea, and sandwiches. These days, high tea is still enjoyed by many Britons as a special treat.
If you’re looking to experience high tea firsthand, there are plenty of places to go in York, England. But be warned – it can be quite addictive! Once you’ve tasted those delicious treats, you’ll likely want to indulge again and again.
Related: Liverpool is an amazing city to visit with teens. We have a great article to help with your travel planning. Read more
The York Chocolate Story
The York Chocolate Story tells the long history of chocolate and York. Nestle make over 6 million Kit Kats a year at their York factory. The Chocolate Story follows a successful formula of telling a story and making it a hands-on experience.
I am sure a chocolate tour will keep your teenagers entertained and full. A highlight is making your white chocolate lollipop. You will see chocolates made on-site, which you can buy at the downstairs shop.
Make sure you get the best cup of hot chocolate in York from the café at the Chocolate Story. The chocolate story may be one of York’s best kids’ activities.
Footgolf in York
You can enjoy a variety of family days out in York. A relatively new sport, football is gaining popularity worldwide. This game combines the skills of football and golf, the objective being to kick the ball into the hole with as few kicks as possible.
Footgolf is played with soccer balls instead of clubs and using your feet instead of your hands to kick the ball into the hole. In York, you can play football just 3 miles from York city centre at York Footgolf.
The most Instagrammable places in York
With Instagram and social media playing an important part in the lives of teenagers, we have some great places for Instagram photos in York. We recommend visiting The Clifford’s Tower, The Shambles, Precentor’s Court and York Medical Society Gardens for the best Instagram shots in York.
Alternatively, book yourself an Instagram tour with a guide who will take you to all the hotspots in the city. Check prices on the best Instagram tour in York.
Axe Throwing in York with older kids.
Axe Throwing is a new phenomenon that is sweeping around the world. York is home to The Hilt. No experience is required, as the staff will run you through the safety percussions before giving tips and hints on how best to throw an axe.
If you are looking for unique experiences for teenagers in York, then axe throwing could be it. Axe Throwing is one of the awesome things to do in York on your family vacation. For more information, click through to The Hilt website.
Escape Rooms in York with young adults
For those new to Escape rooms, this is a quick run down.
An escape room, also known as an “escape game”, is a physical adventure game in which players solve puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategy to complete the objectives.
Escape rooms may consist of a large, single room or multiple rooms. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot hidden within the rooms. If your teen likes this stuff, it is one of the top things to do in York with teenagers.
You will have 60 minutes to solve the puzzle and find the truth. Below, you will find some of the best Escape rooms in York.
- Can You Escape – 13-15 Micklegate, York YO1 6JH, United Kingdom. Website: https://www.canyouescape.co.uk/york
- Mindlock Escape Games – 9 & 10 Tower St, York Y01 9SA, United Kingdom. Website: https://www.mindlockyork.com/
- Locked in games York – Club Chambers, Museum St, York YO1 7DN, United Kingdom. Website: https://york.lockedingames.co.uk/
Cinemas in York
A perennial favourite with teenagers in York, whether visiting or residents, is the cinema. Like any major city in England, York has a wide range of cinemas for you to attend. Below, you will find a list of the best cinemas in York.
- Vue York – Clifton Moor Centre, Stirling Rd, York YO30 4XY, United Kingdom. Website: https://www.myvue.com/cinema/york/whats-on
- Cineworld York – Community Stadium, Kathryn Ave, Huntington, York YO32 9AF, United Kingdom. Website: https://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/york/
10 Pin bowling in York
10 Pinbowling is a great family activity to do with teenagers. There is nothing like family competition, and 10-pin bowling in York is just the thing.
Strikes, Spares, and gutter balls are all part of the action. To be honest, the weather in England is very unpredictable and indoor activities like bowling are a great option. Find a place to bowl below.
- Tenpin York – Clifton Moor Centre, Stirling Road, York YO30 4WZ, United Kingdom. Website: https://www.tenpin.co.uk/our-locations/york/
Bike Riding in York with Teenagers
Bike riding is a popular family activity when travelling with teenagers. You will find bike tours are the best way to go. If you go on a tour, you will have a guide to point out all the important attractions or a map to follow.
The bike tours will take you on a two-wheeled adventure through York with your family Alternatively, you can find locations that hire bikes and let you explore independently.
We can recommend two bike routes in York. These are The Millennium Bridge – Cawood Bridge Loop from Murton Park and the Millennium Bridge – Railway Pond Loop from York.
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- Crossing the English Channel with the DFDS ferry service reviewed
Shopping in York with teenagers
York High Street is full of well-known brands that every teenager knows. Names like H&M, Marks & Spencer and Mountain Warehouse are just a few. Coppergate, the city’s shopping centre, lies at the end of High Street near the Jorvik Viking Museum. At Coppergate, you will find brands such as The Body Shop, Primark and Flying Tiger Copenhagen, to name a few.
Free things to do in York with teens
With many families trying to save money during trips, putting a few free activities in your York itinerary is a fantastic way to allow you to spend a little more on the things you want to do in York.
The Shambles
Full of quirky little shops and a few Harry Potter ones, too, you will find walking up this picturesque street in York a heap of fun. Here you will find you’ll only spend money on what you see in the shops or the market behind it.
This amazing and quirky street in York is said to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movie trilogies.
The York City Walls
You can easily walk the York City Walls and see so much of the city. You do need to be aware there are no railings in some places, so you need to be careful.
Around these walls, you will also find some of Britain’s most preserved Town Gates (or bars). They are a sight to see, and there are signs on the stairs leading up to them of what the gate is called and its history.
The York City Walls is a designated public footpath open to the public for free. The walk is approximately 2.5 miles long and takes around 2 hours. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and to check the weather forecast in advance, as some sections of the walk can be steep and slippery in wet weather.
*In the Monk Bar, you will find the Richard the III experience. This is not a free exhibition but a great way to learn about the Wars of the Roses and its impact on York. In the Micklegate Bar is the Henry VII Experience.
Museum Gardens
In the Museum Gardens in York, you will find the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, Roman ruins and the York Botanical Gardens. On a beautiful day, they would be a brilliant place for a picnic or a lazy afternoon tea. The York Museum Gardens are located centrally next to the River Ouse
*The Yorkshire Museum is located in the Museum Gardens. This is not a free museum; unfortunately, we could not visit that day.
National Railway Museum
As we detailed above the National Railway is a free display of Rail history for both England and the world.
* While it is a free exhibition, you are encouraged to donate towards the upkeep of the museum
See Clifford’s Tower
Seeing this amazing structure from the street is brilliant and free. It sits perfectly on top of its hill overlooking the city.
It is all that remains of York Castle, built by William the Conqueror and today is looked after by English Heritage.
* If you want to gain entry and go to the top of the tower, there is a small fee to do that.
Read more: Keeping teens social when you are travelling is hard. Use our ultimate guide to keep your teens happy on vacation.
Purchasing the York City Pass
If you have limited time in a city, purchasing the York City Pass is a great way to plan a thorough visit to York. The booklet with the pass is invaluable in planning an epic trip to York.
It gives you all the top places to visit in York, and with the York City Pass, you get free entry to many places. They are only available for one day. It is such a great option for family days out in York.
A York and Beyond Explorer Pass is also available in 2, 3, and 6-day passes to get out of the city and see more of the area.
Annual events in York that teens will love
York is a city with a rich culture and history. Many annual events take place in York that can be enjoyed by families and teens visiting the city. Some of these events include:
- JORVIK Viking Festival
- York Chocolate Festival
- York Festival of Ideas
These teenage holiday activities in York help to make it a vibrant and exciting city to visit on your next family travel vacation.
Things to see near York
There are so many amazing places to see in York, but you may also want to take some day trips from York.
Castle Howard
Castle Howard is located just 16 miles from York. This stately home started construction in 1699 on 13,000 acres.
The house and estate have been used in many TV shows and movies for 50 years. The mansion house is open to the public for visitors today. You can book a self-guide castle and gardens ticket.
You will find three cafes and a coffee shop on site for food and drinks. Plenty of shopping options exist at the six gift shops on site, including the House Gift Shop and Farm Gift Shop.
For smaller kids, there is an amazing adventure playground to be explored. Castle Howard is one of the best things to do near York. Find more information on Howard Castles’s website.
Things to do in York for young adults
Young adults, typically in their late teens, will find plenty of exciting things to do in York. Besides the obvious tourist attractions, such as the towering York Cathedral and the ancient city walls, you will find a vibrant atmosphere.
For those seeking a more contemporary experience, York boasts a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and museums to explore.
The York Art Gallery showcases an impressive collection of artworks, while the Castle Museum offers an interactive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore life in the Victorian era.
The city has a pulsating nightlife scene with many pubs and clubs to visit into the wee hours of the morning. Some of the nightlife hotspots include Kuda, Flares York and Club Salvation. For young adults looking for something quieter but still entertaining, York Theatre Royal features touring shows, comedy acts and more.
Furthermore, York’s bustling city centre is home to an array of shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing young adults ample opportunities to indulge in retail therapy and experience the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Whether exploring historical landmarks, immersing oneself in the arts, or simply enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere. There are numerous fun things to do in York for young adults, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable experience.
Where to eat in York with teenagers
Teenagers get hungry, and there’s nothing like searching for a place to eat when they have hit the hangry stage.
Wetherspoons
We found the Wetherspoons chain throughout the UK a great and affordable place to have a late lunch or dinner while visiting York. It is based on good traditional Pub Grub with plenty of variety, including vegetarian options.
Bennett’s Cafe and Bistro
We stopped here for a classic afternoon tea of scones, jam, cream and not-so-traditional coffee! The scones were amazing, and the service was fantastic. Being right over the road from the York Minster, we could watch the going on from the window seat in the cafe.
The Shambles Market
The Shambles is an old historic York street. The overhanging timber-framed buildings dating back to the fourteenth century make it a unique attraction in York. The Shambles has always been associated with food as it was once the area of butchers in the city.
I picked up some fresh fruit and a couple of different snack foods here while we were wandering around. It was a little more expensive than a supermarket but delicious.
York Castle Museum Cafe
After spending a few hours wandering the Museum, we stopped at the cafe for a snack before continuing for the day. We thought there was a large selection of good hearty food at a really good price. There was plenty of seating as well.
*There is also a small shop just off the Museum Cafe where you can purchase products made in and around the Yorkshire area.
Street food in York
Street food is popular in many parts of the world. It’s a quick and easy way to get delicious local food without going to a full restaurant. Street food can be found in many different styles and options.
Some of the most well-known street foods include tacos in Mexico, Zapiekanka in Poland, Dan Dan noodles in China, and Shawarma in Middle Eastern countries. Street food in York often originates in the cultural history of people who have immigrated to England.
Some popular street food options in York include:
- Fish and chips
- Kebabs
- Pies and pasties
- Thai and Asian street food
- Gourmet burgers and hot dogs
- Indian and Pakistani street food
- Sandwiches and paninis
Travel accessories for teenagers
For teenagers, travelling can be a fun and exciting experience. However, there are a few things that they need to take into account to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible. One of these is ensuring that they have the necessary travel accessories.
Frequently asked questions about York, England
York is one of England’s best family city breaks and places to vacation with teenagers. There are many things to consider when planning your family vacation to York. Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions about the city to help you make your family vacation to York easy and hassle-free.
What type of power sockets are used in England?
In England, the power plugs and sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Buy a Type G power socket today.
How do I call the Police in England?
You can contact the police by calling 999 to report emergencies or 101 for non-emergencies.
Can I drink tap water in York?
All the mains tap water will be fine to drink everywhere in the UK
Is tipping required in England?
At restaurants in the UK, a tip of around 10% is expected if you order at your table. A ‘service charge’ or ‘optional charge’ may be included so check your bi
How to visit York on a budget
If you want to stay in York on a budget, an apartment may be the best option for your family. With an apartment in York, you may be able to prepare meals and snacks for you and your family as you explore York.
You can use Tesco, M&S or Asda to get food to cook in your apartment. They also stock many nice ready-made meals with plenty of cut fruit and vegetables you can snack on as you wander the streets of York.
If you want to visit York on a budget, this is an excellent way.
York on a budget travel tip: Have you considered staying in a hostel with your teens when you travel? Read why we love staying in hostels with our teens.
When is the best time for families to visit York?
Many people prefer a trip to York in the springtime to enjoy the warmer, bright weather. It is also a beautiful time to be in the city of York with all the flowers blooming through the city centre.
This time of year will also be peak time, so there will be wait times at some of the most popular sights in York. If you can manage a visit during other months, you will likely have fewer crowds and more of the place to yourself.
Where to stay in York with teenagers
We touched on York accommodation at the top of the article. Here, you will find more options for your stay. We stayed at the Ibis York Centre Hotel when we visited. Ibis York is a tourist-class hotel with car parking, restaurant and bar facilities. It is a 10-minute walk from the city walls.
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With so many indoor activities, you will always find a beautiful and exciting place to visit in York. The York Information Centre is a great place to start your visit to York, as the staff can provide you with helpful advice, recommendations and information to make the most of your time in the city
We hope this article from Wyld Family Travel inspires you to visit York with teenagers. So many things to do in York with teenagers will keep you and your families entertained throughout your stay.
Travelling with young adults, teens, and tweens has just as many issues as travelling with young children. Choosing the best teenage vacation destinations, working out a budget, deciding what bags and suitcases to take, travelling essentials, and more can be so time-consuming. Planning family travel with teenagers and tweens can be stressful, and finding the best travel tips is essential.
Our Travel with Teenagers Destination Guides have you covered! With insights from around the globe, these guides will spark inspiration for your next family vacation, making it an epic adventure with your teens..
For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in the United Kingdom, click through to our England Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.