About York
Situated at the confluence of the Ouse and Foss rivers is the cathedral city of York. York is located in the county of North Yorkshire and is a major transport hub, due in part to its position midway between London and Edinburgh. York is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the north of England as it features many well-preserved medieval buildings and landmarks.
York was built in the 1st century by the Romans, who named the city Eboracum. Over the centuries, York was attacked and seized by several different civilizations, including the Vikings and Normans. Each culture left a mark on York, which can be seen to this day.
Modern-day York is one of England's most attractive cities, with an array of beautifully designed, ancient buildings and monuments for visitors to admire.
Fun Fact: York's famous high street, The Shambles, is believed to be the oldest shopping street in Europe, dating back to the 11th century.
With so much to do in York, look for a convenient luggage storage spot so you can explore the city without having to carry your luggage around York's ancient streets.
York luggage storage
The perfect way to explore York is on foot, due to its compact nature and the variety of historic sights you'll see while wandering near the city center. If you don't feel like hauling your heavy bags around York, swing by a York left luggage storage location. Bounce provides several facilities around the city, situated at local businesses. The booking process is simple, just book via the Bounce app or on our website, and in no time, you'll have a convenient place to cache your carry-on before planning your next excursion.
Things to do in York
History lovers and anglophiles will love roaming around York, thanks to the sheer number of museums and historic attractions the city offers. York is also home to a number of superb restaurants and shops, meaning you'll find something for everyone. Here are a few of the best things to do when you arrive in York
Top Restaurants
- Betty's Cafe is the perfect spot to grab a late morning brunch or afternoon tea. This world-famous tea room has a rotating seasonal menu and delectable cakes that will make your mouth water.
- Buongiorno York da Daniele offers an authentic Italian dining experience. With an assortment of rotating specials, homemade pasta, and fresh seafood, this bistro is a must.
- Skosh is a fusion restaurant that seamlessly blends contemporary British cooking with international cuisine. With an eclectic assortment of small plates, Skosh encourages a relaxed dining experience.
If you are on the go, we recommend a quick bite at one of York's resident street food vendors. For a slower-paced night, make the most of the city's many cozy pubs. If you just arrived in York with your luggage and don't want to miss any time starting your food tour, look for one of Bounce's luggage storage locations. Our locations have excellent opening hours and are open multiple days a week, so ditch those heavy bags and start eating.
Activities
- The JORVIK Viking Center will take you back in time to explore Viking heritage. A small carriage will take you through a life-size recreation of York when the Vikings ruled the city. You will need to check your belongings into a luggage storage facility if they exceed 38cm x 30cm. Luckily, Bounce has luggage storage near the Jorvik Viking Center.
- The York Maze is the perfect attraction for families, with a huge corn maze, the size of eight soccer pitches. There are also over 20 other rides, including go-karts, climbing walls, and slides.
- The York Dungeon is similar to the London Dungeons. Take an hour-long tour exploring the depths of the dungeon, where actors will portray terrifying figures from Britain's past and share local ghost stories.
- The York Castle Museum will transport you back to the Victorian era. The museum contains many Victorian artifacts and even has a recreation of a classic Victorian street.
Transit options in York
York has serval transportation options, from the york train station to a bike hire service. Whether you want to visit york for a few days or are taking a day trip from york into the country, there is a transport option to fit your needs.
- First Bus has multiple routes available throughout york. If you want to pop into the city centre for a few hours to do some shopping or head into town to eat at a restaurant the bus is an excellent option. Most bus stops are located only a short walk from popular destinations.
- York Railway Station is a part of the national train service. The train station is a ten-minute walk to York's city centre. The york train station services multiple trains a day and is a part of the East Coast Main Line.
- Taxis can take you anywhere in York. If you are looking to hire a cab we recommend using Fleetway's Taxis or Streamline Taxis.
- Biking is an excellent way to get around York. In fact, York was voted one of the most bike-friendly cities in England. You can hire a bike at Bike Heaven or Get Cycling.
Must visit attractions in York
The Shambles
The Shambles is York's iconic shopping high street and one of the city's best historic attractions. The Shambles is thought to be the oldest shopping street in Europe, dating back to medieval times. While none of the many butcher shops which once lined the Shambles have survived, some of the buildings still feature wooden outcrops, which would've been used to keep hanging meat out of the sun hundreds of years ago. You can take a stroll through the winding alleys for free and explore the shops that now occupy the historic architecture.
In recent times, the Shambles has become a hotspot for Harry Potter fans, as it serves as the inspiration for Diagon Alley. As a result, several Harry Potter-themed stores have popped along the Shambles, making it an ideal day out with kids. You can mix potions at The Potions Cauldron or pick up everything you need for your next term at Hogwarts at The Shop That Must Not Be Named. To avoid carrying heavy bags around this cramped street, drop them off at one of our convenient luggage storage locations before visiting.
York Minster
York Minster is a Church of England cathedral and one of York's biggest attractions. Construction of the cathedral began in the 11th century and took around 400 years to complete. York Minster is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe at over 500 feet in length. Visitors can admire the cathedral's intricate Gothic architecture, before experiencing the breathtaking interior.
York Minster is home to many lavish carvings and religious sculptures, as well as over 120 different stained-glass windows. One of the best windows is the Great West Window, which dominates the cathedral's western end with its vivid religious imagery. After touring York Minster, visit some of the artifacts and exhibits on display. York Minster has over 300,000 in its collection dating back as far as 2,000 years ago. Large bags aren't allowed inside York Minster, so consider booking a York luggage storage service in York.
National Railway Museum
There are some amazing museums in York, and York's National Railway Museum is the largest museum of its kind in the UK. This museum is home to over a hundred different locomotives, as well as thousands of objects relating to Britain's railroad history. You'll find several unique and famous trains on display at this museum, including the Mallard and the Duchess of Hamilton. Make sure you book afternoon tea on the Countess of York, a restored railway carriage. This museum is located right by york station and is the perfect stop before heading out of town. You won't want to lug your bags around this large museum, so visit a luggage storage service in York.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to get around York?
York city center is very compact and in some places operates pedestrian-only zones, so traveling around on foot is the best way to get around. Cycling is also a popular way to travel around, and there are a number of bus stops around the city for those who prefer to use public transport. For those traveling in and out of York from neighboring cities, traveling to York railway station is your best option.
Where should I stay in York?
There are plenty of great neighborhoods to stay in throughout the York area. For those who want to make the most of their trip, York city center is a great option, while those who want to hike around the nearby countryside too may be better off staying further out of the city.
York is just a train ride away from London, Oxford, and Manchester. If you plan on enjoying any of these cities for a few hours or few days, make sure to make use of all of the convenient Bounce luggage storage facilities in England.