York Station Luggage Storage

About York Station

York's location in the north of England close to Scotland makes it central to Britain as a whole. For that reason, York's train station was the largest in the world when it opened in 1877. Although railway stations in London later eclipsed it, its location approximately halfway between the English and Scottish capital cities of London and Edinburgh means York remains an important station.

When York first opened, it had 13 platforms. As the railway network grew, more platforms were added in the early 20th century, and by 1910, 350 trains per day traveled through York Station. Known for its unusual curved iron and glass roof, the station was heavily damaged by bombing during World War II. After the war, the station was renovated, with careful attention devoted to maintaining its 19th-century characteristics. In 1968, it was designated as a Grade II Listed historic building.

A decline in rail travel and the growing popularity of cars and planes saw the station reduce its platforms to 11 in the 1980s. However, York station remains the gateway to the city for many visitors. Located close to everything that York has to offer, York station is the first port of call for many of the city's millions of annual visitors.

Things to do near York Station

York station sits just across the River Ouse from the historic heart of the city. It's only a short walk from the station to many of York's most popular attractions. Therefore, the railway station makes the ideal gateway into the city.

• Step back in time without leaving the station at the National Railway Museum. Due to the historic importance of York Station, it was chosen as the site for the National Railway Museum, opened in 1975. The museum is home to trains and rolling stock dating back to the very origins of the railway in the 19th century, and makes a fascinating place to visit right next station itself.

• For a gorier take on history, check out the York dungeon. This unusual attraction dives straight into some of the darker chapters of York's history. Live actors re-create 2,000 years of history, exploring witches, the plague, the Vikings, and the War of the Roses. It's a fun way to get an overview of the complex history of York.

• Take in views over the city at Clifford's Tower. This impressive tower is all that remains of William the Conqueror's original castle in York. Over the years, the substantial tower has served as a Royal mint and a prison, and on-site exhibitions tell a fascinating story while you wander the atmospheric ruin.

• See the way the castle looked in its heyday at York Castle Museum. Housed in the prison building that was constructed on the castle grounds, this unusual museum re-creates several periods of York history, including a Victorian Street, the old prison cells, and the castle's medieval period.

• Explore Viking York at Jorvik Viking Center. This time capsule re-creates the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the Viking town once known as Jorvik. One of York's most popular attractions, the Viking center carries guests through Viking town on mechanical carriages, making it more of a theme-park ride that it is a museum.

Transit options near York Station

• York station is a key part of the British rail network and has excellent rail connections to cities throughout the region, such as Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, and beyond. Trains leave York station for every city in mainland Britain.

• Leeds Bradford airport is the closest airport to York, and can be reached in around 45 minutes. For international visitors, Manchester Airport is one of the biggest in the country, and has a direct rail link to York station, making the city easy to reach from destinations throughout the world.

• York station is well-connected to the city's bus routes. Route 36, 37, 747, and several express buses all stop right outside the station's main entrance and can take you just about anywhere in the city.

Luggage storage in York Station

The layout of the center of York long predates the invention of the car, so York is an extremely walkable city. In fact, many of York's most interesting districts, such as the medieval Shambles area, are best explored on foot. So drop off your heavy bags at a convenient Bounce luggage storage location in York and start walking. You can leave any size of bags for as little or as much time as you like, making it far easier to explore this fascinating British city.

Activities and attractions near York Station

• York Minister: See one of the world's most stunning churches at York Minster. One of the largest cathedrals in northern Europe, York Minster dates back to the Roman period. The current structure was completed in 1472, and the elaborate architecture and stained-glass windows of this medieval masterpiece have to be seen to be believed. Note that large bags are not permitted inside York Minster, so be sure to leave them with a luggage storage service in York before you visit.

• Carriage tour: Explore the city in a unique way with a carriage ride. The medieval streets of York's famous Shambles district seem even more atmospheric when they echo to the hoofbeats of horses. Take a tour of the most charming part of the ancient city and relax in a horse-drawn carriage while the knowledgeable guide explains the significance of what you're seeing. Make your ride more comfortable - and easier on the horse - by leaving any heavy bags at a luggage storage shop in York before you head out.

• Ghost walk: Any town as old as York is bound to have its share of ghosts. Explore the supernatural on a ghost walk through the city to hear the most bloodcurdling tales from the past. York claims to be the most haunted city in Europe, and whether you believe that or not, these tours make a quirky and interesting way to learn more about the most fascinating tales of the city. Make the tour easier on yourself by dropping any large bags at a York luggage storage spot so that you can travel lighter.