5 good reasons to travel to York in September
Last updated on January 31st, 2026.
York is one of the prettiest towns you can visit in the north of England.
There are many great reasons to travel to York and experience a quintessential English town bursting with history.
5 seriously good reasons to travel to York
1. Its ideal location
York is situated in the romantic green county of Yorkshire in the north of England.
From London, it’s under 2 hours on a fast train making it a great option for a day trip. Alongside the list of plenty of things to do in York it's also perfectly situated if you fancy exploring bonny Scotland too.
York makes a good base for seeing landmark attractions, such as the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. If you’re a literary fan, you won’t want to miss seeing Bronte country.
It’s an area of the south Pennine Hills, south of west Yorkshire where the Bronte sisters lived and worked.
More to see
Many visitors tend to visit the Cotswolds in south-central England for its rolling green hills and stretching views. However, Yorkshire has its own ‘wolds’ called the Yorkshire wolds.
An area of rolling hills and valleys, you can find the wolds just south of the North York Moors. Here, you’ll see many quaint market towns, English country houses and a breathtaking coastline.
Hikers and walking enthusiasts visit the wolds each year to complete the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail. It’s 79 miles in length, with plenty of incredible natural sights, such as the Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve.
Given its magnitude, you should consider booking a hotel to get the most from your time here. York is better with a local. Seeing the best of the city, and county, is better with your very own tour guide. Ideal for solo travelers, traveling with a family, or as a couple, these tours are also budget friendly.
2. The rich history
The Romans founded York in 71 AD, first naming it Eboracum. At one point, York was the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior, and later, Northumberland and Jorvik. The latter is the Old Norse name for York, which reflects the city’s ancient Viking heritage.
To learn more about York’s Viking past, visiting the JORVIK Viking Centre is essential. You can find out what life was like during the Viking period, told through dioramas and lifelike mannequins.
Roman signs everywhere
Signs from the city’s Roman ancestors are still apparent around the town today. The most notable reminder are the remains of the city walls. In fact, York’s city walls have more miles of intact walls than any other place in England.
The Romans built them as part of the fort’s defenses. Along the walls are 4 gatehouses, also known as ‘Bars’ in York. These were guarded entry control points that were used to defend the fort and restrict traffic in the middle ages.
3. Plenty of must-see sights
York Minster
York has plenty of must-see attractions, both old and new to satisfy your curiosity. York Minster is usually the number one attraction people come to see and for good reason. It’s the second largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe and one of the most iconic churches in the country.
York Minster is also the seat of the Archbishop of York, which is the second highest office of the Church of England. The church is an incredible opportunity to learn more about medieval architecture and to also explore its Roman roots.
There’s an entrance fee to York Minster to help maintain its upkeep but it’s free if you purchase the York Pass. If you want to attend mass in the minster, there's no entry fee.
York Castle
The word ‘castle’ is a little misleading here as what’s really left are the remains. William the Conqueror built York Castle in 1068, along with a second castle, to defend the city. Now commonly referred to as Clifford’s Tower, it’s an ideal starting point to explore York.
Head to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the entire city and the North York Moors. There’s a small admission fee, but entry is also free if you purchase the York Pass.
Book: North Moors and Whitby tour
National Rail Museum
The National Rail Museum is the largest of its kind in the country, and also the world’s largest railway collection. Take a closer look at the most iconic British locomotives from over the centuries, and all under one roof.
Entry to the museum is free, and it’s open daily, including public holidays. It’s also only a few minutes’ walk from York train station, meaning there’s no reason not to visit.
York Designer Outlet
Make time for a spot of luxury shopping at York Designer Outlet when you travel to York. Shopping enthusiasts can get up to 60% off top designer, high street and also homeware brands.
It’s around 30 minutes by bus from York train station and is open till 8pm every night, excluding Sundays.
4. A full events calendar
There’s never a dull moment in York with an event taking place each month. In September, the annual York Food and Drink festival takes place, never failing to draw in the crowds.
Beer lovers also get to unite in Bavarian style at the much-loved Oktoberfest in October. The event only started in York in 2018, with the organizers working to recreate an authentic German festival.
The festive season
Christmas is a particularly special time in York. The Christmas festival gets locals and visitors into the festive spirit, bringing medieval charm to its streets.
Browse the Christmas market stalls at St Nicholas Fair and sample the festive food and mulled wine at the Yorkshire Barn. Round off your Christmas experience by attending the carol concert at York Minster.
It won’t come as a surprise to know that it’s the most popular event in the cathedral’s calendar. You must book tickets for the event, so check the website for the most up-to-date information.
Enjoy a mix of classic and contemporary Christmas classics, performed by the York Minster Choir. Audience participation and plenty of cheer is always welcome.
5. Delicious food in York
There’s an excellent culinary scene in York with a wide variety of cuisines to choose from. Whether you’re looking for traditional English food, or something more continental, York has a restaurant to suit your palate.
Rustique is a French restaurant that’s located next to Clifford’s Tower. As the name suggests, it serves up rustic fare, such as Moules Marinieres and Coquille Saint Jacques. Prices are also very reasonable and it’s a local favorite for good reason.
Plenty to eat when visiting York
Café No.8 Bistro serves up high quality bistro items, and is a good choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Its situated on Gillygate — a road full of independent shops, which leads right to the heart of the city.
Popular lunch items include a brie and pesto flatbread for the veggies, and wild boar sausages for the meat eaters.
A modern British restaurant that includes a Yorkshire tasting menu is the order of the day at Melton’s Restaurant. The menu's fine dining at its best, and it also has a rating of 5 in the Good Food Guide. Melton’s Restaurant is one of York’s top places, so be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Where to stay in York, UK
The Grand York is a luxury hotel in a period building that’s a short walk from York Minster. Check into one of their stylish rooms or a sumptuous suite.
While there, also put some time aside to relax in the spa or to take a swim. It’s one hotel that might make you want to extend your stay in York.
For a 4-star modern hotel that’s moments from York train station, look no further than The Milner York. Their rooms and suites reflect the hotel’s ethos of mixing tradition with modernity, and the result is simply stunning.
Facilities include a gym and indoor pool, plus a restaurant and bar for guests to unwind after a day’s exploring.
What do you think about travel to York? Is it somewhere you’d like to visit? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post is in collaboration with Visit York. It may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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It sounds like a destination I want to visit! The fall season is the best time for travel.
Yes! And it's less crowded too 🙂
I really need to explore more of England! York is definitely one of the top destinations on my list for when I return. Looks so charming and historic.
Perfect! I hope you get to visit soon
Sounds like a wonderful place to check out. The fall is a perfect season for traveling!
I couldn't agree more, I love fall!
We have been meaning to head to York with our kids so this post is just what we need. My husband also loves Oktoberfest so finding out that York has one this year is super exciting for us.
That makes 2 good reasons to visit York!
I have never been to York before but it looks beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome, I hope you get to visit one day
I would go there for all of the history I have heard about from there alone. Definitely on my list of must go see places in the world. I just wish there weren't so many of them at this point. Ha ha!
Lol tell me about it! Add it to the ever-growing list!
I would love to visit York one day. It sounds so romantic and the food...delicious.
It's a lovely city to visit in England!
New York seems like such a lovely city. I can't wait to visit. These seem like good reasons to travel to New York.
This is York in England, UK not New York in the US 😀
I've never heard of York before today, but after looking at your photos and reading about it, I definitely will make it a point to visit some day!
Great! You'll have a wonderful time here
I love my city! Fall is my favorite season here too, so much to do! 🙂
Same! It's a fun season
I had no idea that a place called York existed near London. It would be really interesting to see Roman ruins in the town. The ancient walls are still in such great shape. National Rail Museum is also attractive. Good to see that it is free to visit. The best part is that it is just 2 hours away from London.
The rail museum is incredible and free! Honestly, York is the perfect day trip from London, or Scotland 🙂
York looks like a beautiful and charming little town with a rich history. The fascinating York city walls, Clifford’s Tower and the National Rail Museum would be my top choices. Food and drink festival also sounds interesting. York seems to be a perfect getaway from the busy streets of London.
It is, and it's not far by train at all!
A trip to York sounds amazing! I didn't know that it only takes 2 hours from London to York. Would love to go for a day trip here as well. The architecture is really beautiful and the history of York is interesting.
I love York! It's so pretty and you'll have such a great time there 🙂
This looks amazing!!! I love history and medieval architecture and this town looks like it has great examples of both. I'll have to make a point of visiting next time I'm in England!
I hope you do, it's a lovely city 🙂
I have not visited York yet but after reading your post certainly looks interesting. Yes a day trip from london but would want to spend more then just a day.
The city has plenty of sights both old and new as you have stated for people come to see.The York castle takes my fancy and the York Minister to learn a bout more about the history Great post overall
Thank you! I hope you get to visit one day.
I think york would be a perfect trip for me and my husband! He loves trains and I adore history and ruins! And doesn’t everyone love good good?!?!
Then you have to visit! It's a great city, and a great day trip from London 🙂
We love learning about the history of cities we travel to York is definitely ripe with history that is for sure. I would not of thought it had so many popular events especially an Oktoberfest event. Those are a lot of fun.
Then you'll really love York. There's so much history here to see 🙂
York is already on my list of places to visit Lisa, when I finally visit the UK for the second time. On my first trip a decade ago, I didn't go too far beyond London but this time, I want to drive from London to Scotland and like you said, Yorkshire would make for the perfect stop. I love castles, fortified towns and cities and the countryside, all of which clearly makes York perfect for me to explore! And I can only imagine how amazing the Christmas market must be!
You'll love it Medha! If we're in the UK on your next trip, message me 🙂
York is surely a pretty town in England. I remember one of my friends is from there. He keeps telling how beautiful his hometown is. Now I am sure as I see from your blog pictures. Loved the photos of York castle. Would surely put Yorkshire wolds in my bucket list now.
Thank you so much! It's a beautiful city and one you should definitely see!
Wow, I totally ignored the ancient history of York and now I'm even more intrigued about it! I would love to visit York with my family.
You'd all love it, there's a lot of history to see!
Unfortunately I missed out on visiting York when I used to live up north in East Yorkshire 🙁 I have no plans to return to the north any time soon, but I would love to visit the York Minster and York Castle one day! x
You must Becca, it's such a lovely city!
You made really beautiful photos. I would be happy to go to York, I have never been to the UK unfortunately and I am curious how it is.
You should definitely visit! York is a great city, and with so much history to see.
I must say I have not know too much about York. I love the blend of Roman, Viking and English past that can be seen there! I think I'll add this to my list of places to see 🙂
Perfect! I'm happy to read that 🙂
I love England! I have been several times in London and surroundings, but have never been in York before. I would love to visit the city one time, because like I can read, it has so much to offer! A great combination of city and nature.
It does, and York really is as English as you can get! I hope I've convinced you to visit the next time you're back!
I think York sounds romantic. I love trying out new places. The food and the strolls sound great.
It's a top city to visit in England 🙂
The history is surely interesting. Will try and visit Eboracum alias York soon. Thanks for the tips. Especially would love to check out the rail museum!
You're welcome! Hope you get to visit one day.
I would love to go to York and experience all of these. It's one place that I haven't really explored whenever we travel to the UK. We usually just go to London and stay there. This is definitely a must see, with the castles and all.
It is, and I just know you'll have a great time!
These are such great reasons to travel to York. We love these pics and how these old structures were built.
Thank you!
York sounds like such a beautifully picturesque place to visit when in the UK. And it's perfect that it is only 2 hours by fast train from London, so you could totally do this as a day trip. However I think I would love to stay at least for a few nights to experience this romantic English town. I do love the sound of the old mixed in with the new - I can imagine the amazing history you would see everywhere. And oohhhh Christmas in York would be so special!
Christmas is so pretty, and even more romantic with the lights! You must visit if you're ever in the UK, it's a lovely city 🙂
The history in York is almost tangible— mentioned in almost every English period drama ever made. I am a huge hustory buff and I had to visit on ny last trip to England— its a must see.
Wonderful! I'm so glad you made time to visit 😀
We kind of ran out of time last year when we were in Scotland & then in England so we missed out on York. However, I really want to go back and explore this northern area. To see all of the Roman & Viking history would be absolutely amazing to me. I would love to hike around the "wolds" and see all of the ruins!
Not to mention, the food there looks great which isn't a phrase I usually associate with the U.K. but the foodie world seems to be hitting up York a lot.
Lol it's not a word most people use sadly. However, there's some great local restaurants and fresh produce too. I hope you visit next time!
Wow! I've been to several cities in the UK but never to York. This looks like a must visit
It's a lovely city and a great place to visit!
This looks like one amazing place to visit. Love the old roman style, amazing how well they constructed buildings way back then. Visited London back in '95 and loved it. Visited Castles and Cathedrals, so much history. I also love the old steamers, just speak of brute power.
It's really stepping back in history! The old steamers are really spectacular, more up close 🙂
York looks like a lovely place to visit. The food looks delicious too.
It is, and the food's great too!
I have never been to that part of the country yet! I would love to, as I have been seeing a lot of posts on blogs about York recently. It looks like such a lovely town to visit! I'm a foodie so I'd like to indulge with the local cuisine.
You should try to visit during the food and drink festival! It runs from 21 to 30 September, but happens each year 🙂
I have never been to York before, but it's a place I'd love to visit someday! I enjoyed looking at your pictures and reading more about York. Now, I want to visit more than ever! 🙂
Thank you, I'm so happy to read that. It's a really pretty city!
York looks so lush and amazing! you have me convinced to make a stop here on my way to Irelenad and scotland!
Perfect! I hope you enjoy it!
it's so pretty there! I'd love to visit, this made my travel bucket list for sure!
Great to read! Hope you make it one day 🙂
Omg I already love the sound of York! It seems to have a lot to do outdoors and plenty of events. It is also great that there is a historical aspect as well. Oh and a two hour train ride from London makes it a great place to visit.
It's really a great place to see and a good point in between London and Scotland!
York seems such a wonderful place. I have never visited York, but being a travel consultant, I have to often advise tourists about itineraries and recently I had included York in a UK trip. Now I am sure that they would definitely have a nice time in York. And yes, very soon I too have to plan a visit to England and Scotland. The places lure me so much.
That's great to read. You have a very important job to do 😀
I've been to the UK countless times but unfortunately (according to your article) have not yet made a visit to York! I didn't realize it was only a 2 hour ride away from London (just enough time for a nap). You've convinced me to add it to my list the next time I'm in Europe!
Yay that's perfect! York is a lovely city and really one I urge travelers to see.
York absolutely looks picturesque! I am working on passports for our entire family so we can begin traveling abroad a lot more. Thanks for this suggestion.
Aw good luck with that! I hope you get them, travel is an important education 🙂
York looks beautiful. We visited London a few years ago and loved it.
York is a bit of a distance from London, but makes a perfect day trip!
I wish I had visited York when I was in England. I'll just have to go back!
You must, it's a great city!
Man, I really need to get myself over to the UK to explore more. I've only ever been to London, but I think I would like York much more. I'd love to visit a Christmas market, but I don't know about traveling around in the winter cold 😛
Lol I don't blame you! But honestly, the winters here aren't so bad, not like in Canada or Chicago!
I thought it would take a lot longer by train from London than 2 hours! A cool looking place with lots to do. Hope to visit one day.
It's quicker than I thought too! Hope you visit one day!
York is an electrifying blend of the past and future colliding to make a great destination for tourists. A great range of diverse attractions and festivals throughout the year make York an amazing place to visit
It does! And there's a festival every single month 🙂
Sounds like I need to go to York this month! I'd love to go to the National Rail Museum. It's so cool that it's the world's largest railway collection.
It's very cool, and the models are so impressive too!
My mother and I were going to visit York to see some long lost relatives, but that fell through. I wish we had been able to go after all; it looks like a great place to explore. I love Roman artifacts and maybe we'll just have to make a visit without the relatives!
I think so! It's such a pretty city, and so English and iconic too!
I am all about castles, so seeing some in York is a huge highlight for me! Even if it's more of a tower, with the city walls it really throws you back in time.
I completely agree. Visiting York is really like stepping back into another time
I've never been to York, but it must be a beautiful city since the Sunday Times named York the best place to live in the UK. And it does look like it. You can go hiking, visit castles and get to know the history better and you have great food option. Wants me to go now 😀
Perfect! If you're ever back in the UK, consider adding it to the itinerary 😀
These all sound like pretty good reasons to visit York. It looks like such a pretty town. I'd love to visit and discover the rich history of York for myself.
I hope you do. It's very pretty, and was voted the best place to live in the UK 🙂
I was in York for half-a-day and could only visit the Rail Museum. But there was so much that I missed. Hope to come back one day and soak in some Roman history. And of course, do a Bronte country tour. Thanks for sharing this. Very helpful.
I hope you do, there's so much more to see!
Wow, York looks absolutely amazing this time of the year! Thank you for the suggestion 🙂
You're welcome!
This sounds like beautiful and interesting place to visit x
Laura
It really is!
We aren't able to visit York in September but we are thinking to plan a trip here for the next year. We've never thought it like a place to explore but now we are changing our opinion 🙂
Perfect! I'm so happy to read that I've managed to change your mind. Let me know how your trip goes 🙂
I would love to take a two hour trip. You'll be able to discover so much more.
That's possible too, it's a great city to explore.
York looks beautiful. If I am ever in the UK I will have to pay a visit!
I hope you do! It's such a beautiful city.