York is a wonderful place that offers so many unique and fun things to do – but it can challenging to plan an affordable break in this historic city. Read my guide on how to visit York on a budget.

York has always had a special place in my heart. I love that the city is home to so many magical (and spooky) things to do. There’s a never-ending list of new tourist attractions to try. At just a two-hour train ride outside of London (or a four-hour drive that’s more affordable), it’s also the ideal place for a long weekend away.

However, it can be pricey. When you take into account hotels, travel fees and all the fun things to do in York, it can all add up. Luckily I’m all about finding the best ways to save money when travelling! I’ve put together a guide to discovering the magic of York without breaking the bank. Here’s how to visit York on a budget.

Affordable Things to Do in York

My favourite thing about York is that there truly is something for everyone! There’s a lot for history buffs, and there’s plenty to do for couples, families and friends. York is also supposed to be the most haunted city in Europe! So if you’re a spooky fan like me, you’ll love all the alternative things to do there.

If you’re looking for pocket-friendly adventures and cheap things to do in York, there’s plenty to choose from.

Free Things to Do in York

When arriving in York, the York City Walls are a fun and free way to explore the city. At 3.4 kilometres long, the walls take around two hours to walk around fully – but there are plenty of places to stop and take a break along the way. The walls surround the entire city so you get beautiful views of places like York Minster and an alternative view of York too.

Though you need to pay a fee to visit York Minster, you can have a little look inside by attending a service in the operational church. Otherwise, entry fee is £16.00.

Another totally free thing to do in York is the Museum Gardens. This spot is beautiful (and very Instagrammable), and also offers the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey. It’s an ideal option for a sunny day.

There is also, of course, a visit to the world-famous Shambles. This beautiful medieval street is one of the oldest in Europe. It looks like it comes straight out of a postcard. Well, if you visit when it’s quiet of course! The Shambles can get very busy at peak times, but I still recommend visiting. It doesn’t cost a penny to explore, but you’ll likely be tempted to spend some money in many of the magical and intriguing shops you’ll find there. Otherwise, head there early in the morning or late at night for the best view.

If you can catch the queue at the right time, the York Ghost Merchants are an absolute must. Entry is free but you will of course end up walking away with one or two cute ghosts – who would be able to resist?!

If a walk around York’s city walls didn’t tire you out, York also has a fun York Cat Trail! At current, there are 26 cat statues to spot around York – although this number is often changing and there may be more. No one knows the truth about why there are so many cat statues in the city, but it’s so fun trying to spot them all. You can download a map of the trail online or pick up a physical copy from information centres in the city.

Ever wondered which York museums are free? The National Railway Museum and the Richard III Experience at Monk Bar are both free and perfect for a rainy day. The Treasurer’s House is also free if you’re a National Trust member, as is Clifford’s Tower.

Budget-Friendly Things to Do in York

There are plenty of York attractions and fun places to visit in York that won’t break the bank!

£10 or less

The Hole In Wand Crazy Golf

The Hole In Wand Wizard Golf is heaps of fun – and costs just £8.29 to play. This nine-hole course is all themed around the magic of Harry Potter, and it truly is magical inside. The attention to detail to each different themed hole is amazing! We spent a good hour or so tackling the course and had so much fun taking cool photos in the process. Each standard ticket includes a magic potion too! But you’ll have to upgrade to the Premium ticket at £10.29 if you want an alcoholic shot to add to the potion.

Just outside of York Castle Museum is the famous Clifford’s Tower, which costs just £8.50 to enter. The tower itself is both iconic and full of history (some of it pretty haunting). There are also great views from the tower’s new roof deck. Plus, entry is free if you’re an English Heritage member.

£15 or less

York Castle Museum

York Castle Museum is a massive museum where you can immerse yourself in over 400 years of York’s past. The museum has a recreated Victorian street, with each shop named after real businesses that operated in York in the Victorian era. There’s also the York Castle Prison, period rooms and exhibitions about the First World War, the sixties and old childhood toys. It takes at least two-three hours minimum to walk around, which makes tickets a steal at only £14.50 (when booked online).

Sailing the River Ouse

A boat ride along the River Ouse is another fun and affordable thing to do in the summer. There are so many to choose from, but most of them are in the £15 or less mark. As well as standard cruises, you can also choose from floodlight evening cruises or a Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas cruise (complete with a mince pie!).

JORVIK Viking Centre

The JORVIK Viking Centre is a really fun and different way to learn about York’s Viking history. This York attraction has lots to see, such as a reconstruction of York and lots of real archaeological evidence. Including a Viking poo. Lovely. The museum is a fun Viking adventure as you travel through on a ride! Tickets cost just £15 – but you can also upgrade your ticket to include entry to other York attractions. These include DIG (an archaeological adventure), the historic Barley Hall and the new City Walls Experience at Micklegate Bar.

£20 or less

York Ghost Bus Tour

If you love the idea of mixing horror with humour, you’ll love the York Ghost Bus tour. The horror show on wheels takes you around all the scary sites of the city, with plenty of spooky fun on board. I’ve boarded the one in London before and absolutely loved it. The entire concept is so unique. I have no doubt York’s version is the same.

Where to Stay in York on a Budget

There’s no doubt that accommodation in York can be pretty expensive!

I was recently invited – alongside Sam – for a two-night stay at Suite Stays York’s riverside studio apartment, The Cocoa Suites.

This stunning and welcoming apartment is the perfect pick when staying in York: particularly if you’re looking for somewhere that’s local and luxurious – as well as budget-friendly. At £125 a night, it’s really affordable between two people too.

The Cocoa Suites is a large studio apartment which is really spacious for its size. It sleeps up to two with a comfy seating area and a table to eat (or work!) at. There’s also a self-contained kitchen area with everything you need to cook in the room – and a lovely bathroom.

The best part of this accommodation is the view though. The studio features large bay windows that overlook the river, offering pretty views! We often saw swans swimming past or swimming up to the window to say hello. It’s also only a 5-minute walk into the centre of the city.

If you’re looking for affordable accommodation then I’d absolutely recommend The Cocoa Suites!

So there we have it! Despite York being such a popular city with so much to do, it can be done on a budget. You just need to research some cheap things to do in York! Some other tips to remember are:

• Try visiting outside of peak times. York is absolutely beautiful and so atmospheric in the winter months.
• Don’t rely on public transport to get around – everything is within walking distance, more or less!
• Car parks closer to the centre are obviously the most expensive but there are a few affordable options throughout. Again, even if it looks far on the map, it’s not! I parked at the Peel Street car park with RingGo for two days, which was only £26.35 (even cheaper between two people), and only a 10-minute walk into the centre. The Shambles car park quoted me £60+ for three days! There’s also some free street parking more out of the way,
• The Shambles can get super busy. Avoid ruining the magic by going early or late to get your photos with it empty, then just embrace the atmosphere at other times. Get a butterbeer from one of the shops and enjoy the busy buzz.

Have you managed to experience a budget break to York recently? Would you visit this historic city? Let me know in the comments below.

Please note, this page may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission when you click on the links – at no extra cost to you!

I was kindly invited to stay at The Cocoa Suites for free, but all my opinions are entirely honest and based on my own experiences.