What to Do

York Minster is one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe and a defining landmark of the historic city of York. Towering above the surrounding streets, the cathedral has stood as a place of worship and architectural beauty for centuries. Visitors are immediately struck by the magnificent stained glass windows, including the famous Great East Window, one of the largest medieval stained glass windows in the world. Inside, the vast nave, intricate stone carvings, and peaceful atmosphere create a powerful sense of history and spirituality.

Beneath the cathedral lies the Undercroft Museum, where visitors can explore Roman and medieval remains that tell the story of York’s long and fascinating past. Climbing the central tower rewards visitors with breathtaking views across the city’s rooftops and surrounding countryside. York Minster is also known for its beautiful choir performances and traditional services, which add to the building’s rich cultural significance.

For visitors staying nearby, Westergate House B&B offers a peaceful countryside retreat just a short distance from the city. After exploring the grandeur of York Minster and the surrounding historic streets, returning to the comfort and tranquillity of Westergate House B&B provides the perfect balance of relaxation and sightseeing.

The Shambles is one of the most famous and picturesque streets in England and a must visit attraction when exploring York. This narrow medieval street dates back hundreds of years and is known for its charming timber framed buildings that appear to lean toward each other across the cobbled pathway. Historically, the street was home to many butcher shops, and visitors can still see the old meat hooks and wide counters that were once used to display produce.

Today, The Shambles has been transformed into a vibrant area filled with independent shops, cafés, and small boutiques. The atmosphere is lively yet steeped in history, making it a wonderful place to wander, take photographs, and discover unique gifts or local treats. Its enchanting character has even inspired connections to famous fictional streets, drawing visitors from all over the world.

A visit to The Shambles is an essential part of experiencing York’s medieval charm. Guests staying at Westergate House B&B can easily explore this iconic street before returning to the quiet surroundings of the countryside. Westergate House B&B offers an ideal base for discovering York’s historic attractions while enjoying a relaxing and welcoming place to stay.

The York City Walls are among the best preserved medieval city walls in England and offer visitors a unique way to explore the history of York. Stretching for around two miles, the walls provide an elevated walkway that circles much of the historic city centre. Walking along these ancient defences allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views of York’s rooftops, gardens, and historic landmarks.

The walls were originally built by the Romans and later expanded during the medieval period to protect the city. Today, visitors can access various sections of the walls through historic gates known as “bars”, including Micklegate Bar and Bootham Bar. Along the route, there are towers, battlements, and fascinating viewpoints that bring York’s long history to life.

The Jorvik Viking Centre offers an immersive journey into York’s Viking past, bringing history to life through interactive displays and realistic reconstructions. Built on the site of a major archaeological excavation, the centre recreates the sights, sounds, and even smells of Viking age York, allowing visitors to experience what life was like over a thousand years ago.

The main attraction is a unique ride experience that takes visitors through a reconstructed Viking settlement. As the ride moves through the scene, visitors encounter craftsmen, traders, and everyday residents going about their daily lives. The attention to historical detail is remarkable and is based on artefacts discovered during excavations in the area.

The National Railway Museum is one of the largest and most fascinating railway museums in the world. Located in York, a city with a deep connection to Britain’s railway history, the museum showcases an extraordinary collection of locomotives, carriages, and railway artefacts that span more than 200 years of engineering innovation.

Visitors can explore impressive historic trains, including beautifully restored steam locomotives and royal carriages once used by British monarchs. The Great Hall is particularly impressive, displaying some of the most iconic trains ever built. Interactive exhibits and informative displays provide insight into how the railway transformed travel, industry, and everyday life across the United Kingdom.

The museum is designed to be engaging for visitors of all ages, with hands on exhibits and fascinating stories about the engineers and workers who shaped the railway industry. It is an ideal attraction for families, railway enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Britain’s industrial heritage.

York Castle Museum offers an engaging journey through everyday life in Britain over the past several centuries. One of the museum’s most famous features is Kirkgate, a full size recreated Victorian street that allows visitors to step back in time. The detailed shopfronts, period displays, and authentic atmosphere create a vivid impression of how people once lived and worked.

The museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts, including clothing, household items, toys, and tools that reflect social history across different eras. Visitors can explore exhibitions that highlight changing lifestyles, traditions, and cultural developments throughout British history.

Another highlight is the museum’s prison displays, which reveal the darker side of York’s past and tell the story of the city’s former castle and prison complex. The museum presents these stories in an informative and engaging way that appeals to visitors of all ages.

After exploring the fascinating exhibits at York Castle Museum, visitors can return to the peaceful setting of Westergate House B&B. Located just a short distance from York, Westergate House B&B offers a relaxing place to stay while discovering the city’s many attractions.

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Clifford’s Tower is one of York’s most recognisable historic landmarks and stands proudly on a grassy mound overlooking the city. The tower is all that remains of York Castle, which once played a central role in the city’s medieval defences. Built in the thirteenth century, the tower has witnessed many significant events in York’s long and sometimes turbulent history.

Visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy impressive views across York’s historic skyline. From this elevated position, it is easy to see landmarks such as York Minster, the city walls, and the winding streets of the old city. Informational displays throughout the tower help visitors understand its role as a royal stronghold and administrative centre.

The structure itself is unique in shape, featuring a distinctive four lobed design that sets it apart from many other medieval towers in England. Exploring Clifford’s Tower provides a deeper appreciation for York’s strategic importance during the medieval period.

After a day spent exploring historic sites such as Clifford’s Tower, visitors can enjoy the comfort and tranquillity of Westergate House B&B, located just a short journey from the centre of York.

York Museum Gardens is a beautiful green space located in the heart of the city and provides a peaceful escape from the busy streets nearby. The gardens cover several acres and feature a variety of landscaped areas, mature trees, and colourful flower displays that change throughout the seasons.

One of the most striking features within the gardens is the impressive ruin of St Mary’s Abbey. The towering stone remains of this once grand medieval abbey create a dramatic backdrop and offer visitors a glimpse into York’s religious history. The gardens also include the Yorkshire Museum, which houses important archaeological and historical collections.

Visitors often come to the gardens simply to relax, enjoy a picnic, or take a leisurely walk through the peaceful surroundings. The combination of natural beauty and historic architecture makes this one of York’s most enjoyable outdoor attractions.

Guests staying at Westergate House B&B can easily include York Museum Gardens in their itinerary. After spending time exploring the gardens and nearby museums, returning to the quiet comfort of Westergate House B&B provides a perfect way to unwind.

Around a 30-minute drive from Westergate House, Castle Howard is one of Yorkshire’s most impressive historic houses. Built in the early 18th century for the Howard family, it has remained in their care for over 300 years and is well known for its grand interiors, sweeping grounds, and appearances in film and television.

Just a short drive away is Malton, often referred to as Yorkshire’s food capital. The town is full of independent shops, artisan producers, bakeries, and cafés, making it a great place to stop for lunch or a wander. During the summer months, Malton hosts regular food markets and festivals, where local producers showcase everything from homemade bakes to regional specialities — all with a strong focus on local and seasonal food.

Surrounding the area, the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers gently rolling countryside, woodland, and quiet villages. It’s ideal for walking, cycling, or simply enjoying the views — a lovely contrast to the city, yet still within easy reach.

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Yorkshire is home to a wide range of National Trust properties, offering everything from grand houses and gardens to historic sites and open countryside. York is home to the Treasurer's House nestled in the shadows of York Minster, and the gardens of the Terry's former home  -Goddards  , overlooking the racecourse.

Within easy reach of Westergate House, you’ll find Beningbrough Hall (around 20 minutes away), known for its gardens and changing exhibitions.

A little further afield, Nunnington Hall offers a more traditional country house feel, while Studley Royal and Fountains Abbey — around an hour’s drive — is one of Yorkshire’s most impressive sites. The ruins of the abbey sit within a beautiful water garden, making it ideal for a relaxed walk with plenty to see along the way.

Whether you’re interested in history, gardens, or simply a good walk with a café at the end, National Trust properties offer an easy way to explore more of Yorkshire at your own pace.

For a memorable day out, take a drive across the North York Moors, heading towards Goathland, famous as “Aidensfield” from Heartbeat and as a filming location for Harry Potter. The village is a lovely stop for a wander, with its traditional shops and the historic Goathland Station, part of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR).

If you have time, you can take a steam train journey along the line, enjoying views across the moorland as it travels towards Whitby.

Continuing on, Whitby offers a mix of seaside charm and history — from the abbey ruins high on the cliff, to the harbour, narrow streets, and plenty of places for fish and chips.

From there, it’s just a short drive to Robin Hood’s Bay, a smaller, more traditional coastal village. With its steep, winding streets and beach below, it’s perfect for a walk and a slower end to the day before heading back.

This route combines open moorland, heritage railways, and the Yorkshire coast — all in one easy and varied day out.

A lovely day out can be spent exploring the market towns and countryside to the north of York. Start in Helmsley (around 40 minutes from Westergate House), a small, attractive town with independent shops, cafés, and the ruins of Helmsley Castle set just off the main square. Nearby, Duncombe Park offers impressive views and parkland, with access to walks leading towards Rievaulx Abbey.

From Helmsley, continue to Thirsk, known as the home of All Creatures Great and Small. You can visit the World of James Herriot and explore the town’s traditional streets and market square.

On your return, take the road over Sutton Bank, one of the finest viewpoints in Yorkshire, with wide-reaching views across the Vale of York. It’s a great place to stop, stretch your legs, and take in the scenery before heading back.

This route offers a relaxed mix of market towns, history, English Heritage and some of Yorkshire’s best views — all within easy reach for a day trip.

There are several lovely gardens within easy reach of Westergate House, each offering something different through the seasons.

Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens is just a few minutes away, with a relaxed cottage garden feel, wildlife-friendly planting, and a small tearoom. Breezy Knees Gardens near Warthill offers a larger space with a mix of formal and natural planting.

In summer, Yorkshire Lavender near Terrington is popular for its colour, views, and café. You may also come across National Garden Scheme (NGS) open gardens, often open on Sundays, offering a chance to visit private gardens.

For a longer visit, RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate is beautifully maintained with plenty to explore, while the Castle Howard Arboretum offers peaceful woodland walks, especially lovely in spring and autumn.

For those with a passion for motoring, engineering history or a good round of golf, there’s plenty to explore nearby. From well-known names like Matthewsons in Thornton-le-Dale, home of Bangers & Cash, to enthusiast hubs such as The Motorist and NY500 near Pickering, there are regular events, displays, and plenty to see even if you’re just browsing. For something different, the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington and Ryedale Folk Museum offer a mix of aircraft, vehicles, and local history in relaxed surroundings.

If golf is more your pace, courses such as Fulford, Forest Park, and Swallow Hall cater for everything from championship play to an easy-going round. With so much choice, it’s easy to plan a day around your interests — or mix and match for a varied stay.