York blends Roman, Viking and medieval history with cobbled streets, stunning Gothic architecture, ancient city walls and a buzzing food and culture scene, making it one of England's most rewarding cities to explore on foot.
UK: York – Treasurer’s House
🏛️ The Treasurer’s House, York
Right, so just across from York Minster — and I mean literally just across, you could lob a bread roll and probably hit it — sits the Treasurer’s House. Lovely old place, with gardens that’ll knock your socks off, particularly if you time your visit for the summer months when everything’s in full bloom and the whole place looks like something off a chocolate box. We always reckoned it was one of those spots you could happily spend an entire afternoon in and never once look at your watch. These days the National Trust has the keeping of it, so it’s open to the public, which is just as well really, because keeping a place like that locked away would be a proper crime.
The house itself goes back to 1419, when it was built as a home for the Minster’s Treasurer. Does what it says on the tin, that title — the Treasurer was the chap in charge of the Minster’s finances, the money man, if you like. But it wasn’t just sitting about with a ledger and an abacus. Part of his job was entertaining important guests, bishops, nobles, the occasional passing dignitary, that sort of crowd, so he needed somewhere suitably grand to put them up and impress them over dinner. A modest terraced house simply wouldn’t have cut it.
Trouble was, in 1547 the role of Treasurer got the chop entirely — made obsolete, as they say — and without anyone official living there to look after it, the house went into a long, slow decline. By the time the Victorians came along, it was looking decidedly worse for wear, the sort of building you’d walk past and think “well, that’s seen better days.” It could easily have gone the way of so many old houses up and down the country — left to crumble, or knocked down for something more practical.
Luckily for us, rescue arrived in the shape of one Frank Green, a wealthy industrialist with a serious passion for fine art and furniture — the sort of bloke who probably couldn’t walk past an antiques shop without popping in “just to have a look,” and coming out three hours later with a cartload of treasures. He bought the Treasurer’s House in 1897 and made it his home right through until 1930.
Green wasn’t one for half measures. He ripped out all the Victorian alterations — out they went, the lot — and set about restoring the house to provide the perfect backdrop for his rather magnificent collection of artwork. Cleverer still, he arranged the rooms to reflect different historical periods, so each room became a kind of stage set, dressed to match the period furniture he’d put in it. Walking through, you’d go from one era straight into the next, which we always thought was a rather brilliant touch — equal parts museum and time machine.
Planning your visit to the Treasurer’s House
| 📍 Location | Minster Yard, York, YO1 7JL |
|---|---|
| 🕖 Opening Times | Saturday – Wednesday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (typically early March – October); closed Thursday & Friday |
| 📞 Phone | 01904 624247 |
| 🚇 Train | York Station, approx. 0.7 miles (1.1 km) away |
| 🚌 Bus | Park & Ride and city bus services stop near York Minster, short walk to the house |
| 🚗 By Road | Located behind York Minster; city centre has limited parking, Park & Ride recommended |
| ℹ️ Notes | House entry is by guided tour (pre-booking recommended); free for National Trust members and York Pass holders |
🎟️ Entry Fees
| Adults | National Trust Members | York Pass Holders | Guided Tour Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~£11.00 | Free | Free | ~1 hour |
The Best Time to Visit Yorkshire
🌸 Spring — March to May
Spring breathes new life into the dales and moors. Bluebells carpet the woodland floors, lambs dot the hillsides, and seabirds return to the cliffs at Flamborough Head. The North York Moors and Dales are vivid and uncrowded, and May is the pick of the season — mild weather, long days, and lower prices than summer. Coastal towns such as Whitby and Scarborough are pleasantly quiet.
What to pack: Waterproof jacket, fleece or mid-layer, sturdy walking boots, quick-dry trousers, thermal base layer for early mornings, sun protection, compact umbrella, daypack.
☀️ Summer — June to August
The finest all-round season for outdoor activity. Days are long, the countryside is lush, and the coast comes alive. June and early July offer the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds; August brings school holidays and busier roads. The Great Yorkshire Show in July and the Tour de Yorkshire cycling event require accommodation booked well in advance.
What to pack: Lightweight clothing, reliable waterproof jacket, walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, factor 30+ sun cream, light fleece for evenings, insect repellent for moorland walks, swimwear, reusable water bottle.
🍂 Autumn — September to November
Arguably the most spectacular time on the North York Moors, when heather blazes purple from mid-August through September. October turns the woodland valleys gold and amber. Temperatures remain comfortable into early October and visitor numbers drop sharply after the summer holidays end. November brings shorter days but atmospheric abbeys, quieter villages, and excellent value accommodation.
What to pack: Fleece or light down jacket, waterproof outer layer, walking boots with good grip for muddy paths, warm hat and gloves for later in the season, thermal base layers, scarf.
❄️ Winter — December to February
Yorkshire at its quietest and most atmospheric. York’s Christmas markets and medieval streets are magical in December, and Rievaulx and Whitby abbeys are dramatic under frost or snow. Higher dales roads can close in severe weather — check conditions before heading out. Accommodation is at its cheapest and most available throughout January and February.
What to pack: Warm waterproof coat, thermal base layers, heavy fleece or down mid-layer, warm hat, gloves, scarf, insulated waterproof boots, thick walking socks.
🗓️ Overall Best Time to Visit
For most visitors, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are the standout choices. May offers a fresh, vivid landscape, comfortable walking weather, and none of the summer crowds. September brings the spectacular heather bloom, golden light, and pleasant temperatures once the holiday rush has passed. Both months combine natural beauty with practicality and value — though Yorkshire has something to offer in every season, whatever draws you there.
Other things to do in York
1. National Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum is free to enter and is one of the most visited museums in the country outside of London. It holds an enormous collection of locomotives, carriages, and railway memorabilia spread across several large halls. The sheer scale of some of the engines is striking, and there is plenty to keep you occupied for a good few hours. It is well set up for families, though it can get quite crowded at weekends and during school holidays. There is a café on site, and the museum is only a short walk from York railway station, making it easy to include in a day visit to the city.
2. York Minster
York Minster is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe and sits right in the heart of the city. You can walk in and look around the main nave for free, though a ticket is needed to access the tower, the crypt, and the underground visitor centre. It gets busy, particularly in summer and around religious holidays, so arriving early in the day tends to make things a little easier. The stained glass windows are genuinely impressive, and if you are able to climb the tower, the views over York are well worth the effort. There are regular services throughout the week, so it is worth checking the website before you go if you want to be sure of access..
3. Castle Museum
The Castle Museum is housed in a former prison and covers everyday life in Britain from the seventeenth century up to more recent times. One of its most popular features is a reconstructed Victorian street, which gives you a sense of what shopping and daily life looked like in that era. There are also displays covering fashion, toys, and domestic objects across the centuries, as well as sections looking at the First and Second World Wars. Entry is ticketed, and it is worth setting aside at least two to three hours if you want to see most of what is on offer. It tends to be a little quieter than some of the other main York attractions, which makes it a pleasant option if you prefer a more relaxed visit.
4. Clifford’s Tower
Clifford’s Tower is the largest remaining part of York Castle and sits on top of a steep grassy mound near the centre of the city. It is managed by English Heritage, so entry is ticketed, though members get in free. The tower itself is not enormous, but climbing up gives you good views across York and the surrounding area. There is a rooftop walkway which was added in recent years, making the most of the elevated position. The site has a difficult history — in 1190, a large number of Jewish residents of York were killed here — and there is information on site that addresses this. The climb up the mound can be a little steep, but the tower is accessible once you reach the top.
Where to stay
1. YHA York Hostel
Sitting along the banks of the River Ouse at Water End in Clifton, YHA York is one of those rare hostels that genuinely surprises you. Far from the spartan, no-frills image that “youth hostel” might conjure, this is a warm, welcoming space with a café, bar, and comfortable rooms that cater equally well to solo travellers, couples, and families. The riverside setting gives the whole place a peaceful, almost countryside feel, despite being a short walk from the city centre. Guests regularly rave about the friendly atmosphere, the hearty breakfasts, and the good-value evening meals. Whether you’re here to explore the Viking heritage of York or simply need a comfortable, affordable base, YHA York delivers in spades.
2. The Jorvik House
On the tranquil stretch of Marygate, opposite the ancient ruins of St Mary’s Priory and just moments from the River Ouse, Jorvik House has quietly built a reputation as one of York’s most characterful boutique hotels. The Scandinavian-influenced décor gives the interiors a cool, distinctive edge — think clean lines and considered styling — while the staff are known for going above and beyond, including round-the-clock reception cover. Rooms range from cosy doubles to impressive junior suites, and breakfast delivered to your room is a touch that elevates the experience further. Centrally located yet away from the bustle of the main tourist drag, Jorvik House strikes an enviable balance between accessibility and calm. It’s a genuine local gem.
3. Galtres Lodge Hotel
Right in the beating heart of historic York, Galtres Lodge Hotel on Low Petergate offers something that larger chain hotels simply cannot replicate: genuine character. With rooms featuring open fireplaces, exposed beams, and deep roll-top baths, the hotel wears its heritage with real style. Several rooms enjoy jaw-dropping views directly across to York Minster, which is the kind of morning sight that makes you want to linger over breakfast. And what a breakfast it is — the Full Yorkshire is a proper affair, and the dining area downstairs has the cosy, relaxed atmosphere of a place that takes hospitality seriously. Under the watchful eye of general manager David and even the resident dog Toby, guests leave feeling genuinely looked after. Highly recommended.
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