Luggage Storage York

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.

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 everything along in this historic city. Here are a few of the best things to do when you arrive in York:

• Book a table at one of York's trendy eateries. York has some fantastic places to eat, whether you want a late morning brunch, afternoon tea at world-famous Betty's, a quick bite at one of the resident street food vendors, or dinner in a boutique restaurant. Some of the best-rated restaurants in the city include Buongiorno, Corner Grill House, and skosh. Or, if you'd rather a relaxed night in York, make the most of the city's many pubs.

• Take a ride through Viking York. The JORVIK Viking Center places you on a cart ride, which takes you through life-size recreations of York when Vikings ruled the city.

• Get lost in the York Maze. This attraction is perfect 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.

• Prepare for scares at the York Dungeons. Similar to the London Dungeons, the York Dungeons consist of an hour-long tour with actors portraying terrifying figures from Britain's past telling local ghost stories.

• Step back to the Victorian-era at the York Castle Museum. As well as containing many Victorian artifacts, the museum contains Kirkgate, a recreation of a classic Victorian high street. 

Transit options in York

• Local bus service (First)

• National train service (York Station)

• Taxi ranks (Fleetways Taxis, Streamline Taxis)

• Bike hire (Bike Heaven, Get Cycling)

Luggage storage in York

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 bags around York, swing by a York left luggage storage location. Bounce provides several facilities around the city, situated at local businesses. You can quickly book via the Bounce app, and in no time, you'll have a convenient place to cache your carry-on before planning your next excursion.

Attractions and activities 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. You may not want to carry any large bags around this cramped street, so visit a York luggage storage service 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 carving 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 spot at a 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. 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 into 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.