How to Spend a Day in York, England

York is so rich with centuries of history and architecture, it almost seems England was born from the walled city. Only two hours from London by train via King’s Cross Station, York makes an ideal daytrip or the first day in an itinerary that brings you through all of Yorkshire.

Start your day at the York Minster, one of England’s finest examples of Decorated Gothic architecture with stained-glass windows. Move on to the Yorkshire Museum, which has natural history as well as Viking, Roman, Saxon, Norman and Gothic artifacts on view. The Jorvik Viking Centre is a helpful companion to the larger museum, with an exhibit and ride explaining the Vikings impact on the region, while the York Castle Museum hosts a collection of items from the Victorian era to the present.

Those looking for something different will enjoy the National Railway Museum, which chronicles the history of rail transport. York is a walk-able city; end the day with a visit to Betty’s Tearoom before heading down The Shambles, a twisty street with medieval buildings, perfect for shopping and browsing. A fan of the spooky? York has been called the most haunted city in England and the Original Ghost Tour of York leaves from The King’s Arms Pub nightly.