Are you looking for a day out and adventure on a shoestring? The historic city of York is the place to go for a day of exciting culture, with plenty of opportunities to stop for coffee and cake when your feet need a rest.
From terrific 2-4-1s to fabulous free activities, York is bustling with things to do to keep your wallet happy. There is something for everyone to enjoy – from wickedly good spooktaculars like the Dungeons to cultural classics and more, there’s no time like the present to get out and enjoy what the city has to offer.
Be sure to plan ahead for your trip if you can – you can save up to 65% by booking advance purchase train tickets with Northern. Available up to 8 weeks before travelling, and with last minute bargains available up to 5 minutes before travelling, you can save yourself some dosh to spend on your day out!
Fancy bringing the whole family along? Our trains are dog-friendly ensuring no one is left behind on your day out to York.
Full steam ahead!
Are you a lover of the railway? Then take a trip to the National Railway Museum. Right on the doorstep of York train station, entry is free with a voluntary donation. All aboard to immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of train travel through the years.
Put on your walking shoes...
If you’re getting itchy feet and want to explore, take some time to ramble along the York City Walls. The ideal free activity, the historic walls that have stood for nearly 2,000 years offer a different viewpoint of the city along with a healthy dose of fresh air.
Cat lovers unite! Based from The Shambles, The York Cat Trail is the purrfect way to explore the city. Celebrate the history of the York Cat story and enjoy a free trip around the city looking for its resident cats.
The Shambles is a York attraction not to be missed. Originally home to butcher shops with each selling a different meat, The Shambles is allegedly the most visited street in Europe and has a fascinating past. Dating back to the Medieval times, it’s an immersive way to step back in time – just be sure to stop for a cream tea while you’re there!
Ways to buy cheap train tickets
Immerse yourself in culture
If an art gallery is your chosen way to spend a rainy afternoon then take a trip to York Art Gallery. Open Wednesday-Sunday and offering free entry, explore the many exciting exhibitions the gallery has to offer without breaking the bank.
Fancy a dander in nature and a picnic in the great outdoors? Then York Museum Gardens is the place to go for an afternoon of free fun and adventure. There’s even an interactive Squirrel Trail to follow to find 10 fascinating facts!
Bring your bike
Did you know you can bring your bike on Northern trains? Take your two-wheeler on your day trip and explore York from the saddle. With plenty of family friendly cycle routes in and around the city, York is the perfect place to discover by bike.
Start at Millennium Bridge and explore the York Solar System on the York to Naburn route where you can have fun spotting planets along the way. Approximately 40 minutes each way, the route is approximately 8 miles long and nearly all on cycle paths.
When you’ve clocked up your miles, you can safely park your bike for free at the train station to carry on with your day – surely it’ll be time for a cream tea!
Go do your thing for less
A great day out doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg! Northern has also teamed up with a whole host of great attractions across the north to offer you 2-4-1 tickets – ranging from the SEA LIFE in Manchester, Madame Tussauds in Blackpool and Beatles ...
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Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.