This historic city is bursting full of life with plenty activities to enjoy, whether it be shopping, exploring some of the York’s best museums, or grabbing a bite and watching boats sail gently down the River Ouse.
For young adults visiting there’s plenty to encourage you take a break from Instagram too. Here are our suggestions for the best things to see and do in York if you’re a teen.
How to get there
If you’re jetting in from anywhere outside the UK then the closest airport is Leeds Bradford, which is roughly around a 30-minute drive. Manchester airport is also another option, and this is approximately 1 hour away.
York is served by a good train links via the East Coast Mainline. York train station is located in the heart of the city, and you will find frequent services to big cities such as Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and even London.
If you’re exploring York and you want to venture outside the city centre, regional bus operators FirstBus manage inner-city services.
Grabbing a bite & more
York’s foodie scene is incredibly diverse, and we guarantee there’s something for even the pickiest of teens to enjoy. If you’re after a casual bite head to the Shambles Market where you’ll find plenty of street food vendors serving everything from delicious wraps to curry bowls.
You’ll also find young adult favourites like Nandos and plenty of burger joints scattered around the city centre.
For a higher quality, sit-down experience, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion, book a table at one of the best restaurants in York city centre The Star Inn The City. This modern British eatery serves up exquisite dishes featuring top quality local produce and their desserts are simply out of this world.
For budget conscious young adults, The Star Inn The City also run special menus, such as their Market Menu, which allows you to try two delicious courses for £20- hardly breaking the bank.
Shopping-wise, if you’re after some new clothes or gadgets you’ll find plenty of stores dotted around the city centre. Coppergate shopping centre is home to a number of classic British brands, or you can head to York Designer Outlet and grab a huge discount on big name labels.
Things to Do
Jorvik Viking Centre
York is a city steeped in rich history with Viking and Roman heritage obvious wherever you travel throughout the city. To celebrate the city’s Viking past, in 1984 the Jorvik Viking Centre attraction was first opened and over the last few decades it has been providing visitors with a fascinating insight into the lives of this notorious settlement.
As soon as you enter the museum you’ll be greeted by several life-size mannequins and dioramas as well as the sounds and smells reminiscent of the era. For thrill seeking teens there’s even a theme park-style ride that whizzes you around the centre.
Entry costs £13.50 ($16) to pre book online and booking online beforehand is definitely recommended because the queues outside can be quite long, particularly in peak seasons.
York Dungeons
Ahh teens, the likely victims of most horror movies to ever grace our screens. If you want a real-life scare then head to York Dungeons, the place where York’s horrible history comes to life.
Featuring notorious British villains such as Guy Fawkes, as well as plenty of other surprises, be prepared to be chased around by committed actors who take pleasure in making your squirm.
The immersive sets and special effects make this far from a cheesy experience but are you brave enough?
Tickets to York Dungeons for teens cost £17.95 ($21) if you book in advance. A quick look around online will also help you find various promo codes that can make your visit even cheaper. If you’re over 18 you can also book entry to York Dungeon ‘Late’ which features even more scares than the day event.
Puttstars Mini Golf
Fancy yourself as the next Tiger Woods? Brush up on your putting skills and enjoy an afternoon of great entertainment at Puttstars in York.
Located inside the York Community Stadium you’ll be able to take on plenty of whacky holes that will put your golfing abilities to the test and bring out your competitive side.
Puttstars even has a cool arcade-style area too where you can enjoy air hockey and a whole host of other arcade favourites.
To get here jump on the Silver Line 9 service which picks you up by York train station. Alternatively, you can rent a car online and you’ll find Puttstars just off the A64.
Article written by Sean
(Photo by 135333425@N08)