Hidden Treasures - Unmissable Things to do in York
- mark McAlpine
- Sep 27
- 5 min read
If you’re looking for things to do in York, this city will surprise you. York is one of those cities that leaves a mark on you. Most people know it for the Minster, that soaring Gothic cathedral which dominates the skyline, but beyond the obvious landmarks, there’s a city of hidden treasures waiting to be explored. On my most recent visit (Sept 2025), I set out to discover the side of York that often goes unnoticed, from ruined abbeys and secret gardens to bustling markets and crooked medieval streets.
And yes, I even got caught in the rain on the way back to the station. But honestly? That only added to the adventure.
👉 You can also watch my full York trip on my YouTube channel over here: Travelling Mac YouTube Channel
A City Built on Layers of History
One of the reasons York is so fascinating is because it’s built on layer after layer of history. The Romans marched in almost 2,000 years ago and called it Eboracum. The Vikings later still renamed it Jórvík, making it one of their most important strongholds in England. Then came the Normans and William the Conqueror, who reshaped the city with castles, churches, and monasteries.
When you walk through York today, you’re not just seeing a single story, you’re stepping across centuries. That sense of time is what makes even a short trip here feel like an adventure.
York Minster: 250 Years in the Making
York Minster is possible one of the jewels in the city's crown. The current cathedral took about 250 years to complete, from 1220 to 1472. That means entire generations of builders, stonemasons, and glassmakers dedicated their lives to a project they knew they’d never see finished.
Standing in front of its elaborate west front, it’s impossible not to feel humbled. Every detail is designed to lift your eyes upward — from the intricate stone carvings to the enormous stained glass windows. Inside, the Great East Window is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.
The Peace of the Museum Gardens
From the Minster, I wandered toward the Museum Gardens, a beautiful green space that sits by the River Ouse. It’s not just a beautiful park, though the flowerbeds and rare plants make it a favourite with locals, it’s also full of history.
Here, tucked between trees, you’ll find the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey. This was once one of the richest Benedictine monasteries in England, founded shortly after William the Conqueror's Norman Conquest. At its height, the abbey controlled huge swathes of land and wealth, standing as a symbol of both faith and Norman authority in the north of England
Walking through the crumbling arches today, it’s hard to picture the sheer size of what once stood here. Henry VIII dissolved the abbey in 1539, driving out the monks and claiming the site for the Crown. What remains is hauntingly beautiful, ivy-clad walls open to the sky, echoing with centuries of history.
The Hospitium: A Hidden Medieval Gem
Within the gardens stands the Hospitium, a 14th-century timber-framed building. Originally, it was used to house guests visiting the abbey who weren’t of high enough rank to stay with the monks themselves. It’s a classic example of medieval practicality: not grand, but still sturdy and welcoming.
Today, the Hospitium feels like a secret hiding in plain sight. Tourists often breeze past on their way to the gardens or museum, but pausing here really gives you a sense of York’s medieval life.
A Coffee Stop in the City
After soaking up the history, I ducked into a coffee shop to recharge. There’s something about finding a cosy spot in a city like York that makes the experience even more special. It’s not just about the caffeine, it’s about slowing down, watching the world go by, and noticing details you’d otherwise miss.
That’s what I love about travel: the mix of big sights and small moments. The Minster might impress with its scale, but sipping coffee while rain patters outside connects you to the everyday rhythm of the city.
Shambles Market: Daily Energy in the Heart of York
Re-energised, I headed to the Shambles Market. This isn’t a one-off event, it’s open every day, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Over seventy stalls fill the square with food, crafts, clothing, and fresh produce.
Markets are always a window into local life, and York’s is no different. I wandered between stalls stacked with street food, handmade gifts, and Yorkshire specialties. It’s colourful, noisy, and full of character, the complete opposite of the quiet abbey ruins I’d just come from. That contrast is what makes York so interesting: in just a few minutes’ walk, you can move from medieval stone walls to modern street food.
The Shambles: A Medieval Street Frozen in Time
Just around the corner lies the famous Shambles Street. Once home to York’s butchers, it’s now one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. The name “Shambles” actually comes from the word for meat stalls, and it was even mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The buildings here were constructed between the 1400s and 1600s. Their overhanging timber frames lean so close together that you could once stretch out and shake hands with a neighbour across the street. Today, instead of butchers, you’ll find quirky shops, cafés, and sweet stalls.
Walking through feels like stepping into a storybook, or a film set. No wonder it’s said to have inspired the magical streets of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.
A Rainy Walk Back to the Station
Eventually, it was time to head back. And of course, the skies opened just as I began the walk to the station. Rain in York has its own kind of beauty: the cobbles shining, umbrellas bobbing along, and the Minster standing grey and proud against the storm.
Was it inconvenient? Sure. But it also felt authentic. Cities like York have lived through countless storms over the centuries, a little rain is just part of the experience.
👉 Watch the full story (rain and all!) here: Travelling Mac on YouTube
Final Thoughts: York Really Did Surprise Me (giving amazing things to do in York)
When I think back on the trip, it’s the mix that stands out. York surprised me not just with its famous cathedral, but with the quieter, hidden corners: ruined abbeys, secret timber halls, buzzing markets, and crooked medieval streets. Add in a cosy coffee stop and even a rainy walk, and it all becomes part of the story.
If you’re planning a visit, don’t just stop at the Minster. Take time to wander, to look closer, and to uncover those treasures hiding in plain sight. That’s where York’s real magic lies.
✨ You can find more stories like this, look over in the main blog.
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(live from 3rd October 25 at 1700 GMT)
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