19 Things To Do With Teenagers in York (that they will love)

York is a brilliant UK city break for families with teenagers. I’ve just spent two days in York with my 14-year-old son (and my 10-year-old too), and we were surprised by just how much there is to do that genuinely appeals to older kids.

From immersive history attractions and Viking rides to ghost tours, tower climbs and chocolate experiences, York is packed with teen-friendly attractions that go far beyond museums and walking tours.

In this guide, I’m sharing 19 tried-and-tested things to do with teenagers in York, plus tips on where to eat, how to save money, and which attractions teens actually rate as “worth it”.

York Dungeon – Our Top Pick

It probably won’t surprise you that York Dungeonwas my teenager’s number one attraction in York.

My 14-year-old son absolutely loved it. York is packed with history, and what makes the dungeon so appealing for teens is that it brings that history to life in a fun, dramatic and slightly scary way, so they’re learning without really realising it.

My son’s favourite part was the room where the torturer introduced us to a range of medieval torture instruments, complete with a very detailed (and slightly gruesome!) explanation of how each one was used.

Is it scary?

For some people—yes! The attraction recommends it for ages 8 and over, and I would agree with that. During our visit, three younger children had to leave early. One didn’t even make it past the introduction.

At certain points the lights go out completely, leaving you in near-total darkness, which can be quite intense for younger kids. My 10-year-old was fine, but if your child doesn’t like the dark or sudden noises, it might not be the best choice.

Was I scared? Not really! There was one moment in the final room that made me jump, but overall I found it entertaining rather than terrifying

Top Tips 

The York Dungeon can be quite expensive, but there are ways to save money:

• If you travel to York by train, you can often get one-third off entry tickets.
• Book your tickets in advance if possible. This can reduce the price and also guarantees a slot, as visitor numbers are limited for each time entry.
• The York dungeons are expensive! However, if you travel to York by train you can get a third off the entry ticket.

It’s best to book in advance if you can, which can save you money and ensure that the attraction is not fully booked (due to the limited numbers allowed).

York Minster Tower Climb – A Challenge Teens Will Love

This was my teen’s second favorite activity.

A visit to York Minster is a must if you’re in York. It’s beautiful and amazing.

However, York Minster itself didn’t engage my teen. At the beginning of our visit, we sat down and I admired the interior open-mouthed. I looked over to see my son gawping at his phone – sigh – oh well!

Top tip – some teenagers might be engaged by lighting a candle. Others may enjoy the crypt.

However, as well as discovering York Minster I’d also booked the tower climb challenge. This involves climbing 275 medieval-style steps in a windy staircase to reach the top of the tower. Turns out this was a big hit with my son!

I quietly endured the climb up the tower while my son cheerfully kept count of every step we’d taken so far. After 108 steps, there’s a welcome pause from the tight, winding staircase where you can step out onto a small viewing area. If you’re starting to lose enthusiasm, this is a perfectly sensible point to turn back!

I’ll admit I’m not a fan of spiral staircases or heights, but somehow I made it all the way to the top. The climb only takes around 10 minutes, so it’s not especially long, although the staircase does get quite narrow in places, not ideal if you’re claustrophobic.

The view from the top, however, made every step worthwhile. I was so glad I pushed through and did it. Both my 14- and 10-year-olds absolutely loved it too. The top of the tower is fully enclosed with fencing, which I appreciated as it made me feel much more comfortable despite my fear of heights. As you can see in the photo below, there are even camera-shaped openings in the fencing so you can take some fantastic pictures while enjoying the view.

Top Tips – book your general admissions and tower tickets at the same time in advance to ensure you get a place.

Jorvik Viking Centre – Immersive History That Engages Teens

The Jorvik Viking Centre  is fascinating and done in such a way that teenagers can’t help but engage with some of York’s Viking history.

You are taken on a ride around a Jorvik (York) in Viking times. The reconstruction of the village is based on archaeological sites. They know exactly what the people ate by the fish bones they found, what they played with by toys and games found and how they worked by the tools discovered. Some of the people’s faces in the village are actually based on reconstructions from skeletons they found. A narrator tells you stories of the people you’re looking at as you ride around and lots of other interesting facts.

As we travelled around the village, it occurred to me how much more information teens are taking in when history is presented in this way rather than just looking at exhibits.

Having said that, there are many exhibits at the end which are also fascinating if you have time to engage your teenager a little. There are full skeletons of people that lived around the time and the information they can gain from the bones is so amazing. They know whether they were brought up in the city or a village in Scandinavia or the UK. They can tell ailments they suffered from and how they died. There’re weapons, coins, instruments and also a viking poo… hmmm.

The entire visit took us around an hour, so it’s not long. However, all the family enjoyed this one!

The Shambles – A Harry Potter Favourite

The Shambles is a picturesque, cobbled, narrow street, dating back to medieval times. It’s used to be full of Butcher’s shops but now it’s full of interesting little boutiques such as small cafes, a fudge shop, a Christmas shop and a chocolate shop.

If you have a Harry Potter teen fan which my son is – The Shambles is a must. It inspired the look of Diagonal Alley in the film. There are lots of Harry Potter inspired shops to celebrate its look!

What I really loved was how some of the second floor of the shops overhang the ground floor. It fascinates me to think why they were built like that.

York Castle Museum – Living History Teens Can Walk Through

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to visit the York Castle Museum as we went to York on Monday and Tuesday and it’s closed on these days.

However, if it had been open we would have gone because it’s another York attraction which seems to do an interesting job of bringing history to life. A highlight is the reconstruction of a Victorian street you can walk along. There are many other interesting displays and collections to look at including war rooms, old toys and a jail.

Walk the City York Walls – The Best Free Thing to Do

The York Walls are free and you can’t go to York without doing at least one section of the walls.

The section with the best views are the ones passing York Minster and most teens will love the novelty of walking along for at least one part.

My boys are like walking so we did all of it. And they didn’t complain so that’s as good at top marks!

National Railway Museum – A Surprisingly Great Free Attraction

Another free attraction is the National Railway Museum (a donation is suggested). Like most attractions, you still need to go on the website and book in advance.

The Railway museum is currently the top attraction for York on trip advisor, so worth checking out.

It’s one we chose not to do because of time restrictions, but if we were to go back, it would be on our to do list. There’s a huge selection of trains. Some that might particularly interest teenagers included the Bullet train from Japan.

Other exhibits include Royal carriages, Army and hospital trains.

Teens may also enjoy the Mallard experience which is an exhilarating simulator ride on the world’s fastest steam locomotive. There is a small charge for this activity.

Shopping in York With Teenagers – Best Areas to Browse

If your teen likes shopping, like most city centres there are lots of places to shop. Here is a quick round up. The great thing about shopping in York is there are lots of interesting little boutiques and independent shops to explore as well as the big high street names.

Parliament Street – this is York’s high street and there are a range of high street shops to explore including Marks and Spencer and New Look.

Coney Street – Coney Street has more high street names including TK Maxx and Next.

The Shambles Market – there’s 70 outdoor market stalls with everything from fruit and veg to vintage fashion. The Shambles is nextdoor to the market.

Coppergate Shopping Centre – this is the home of shops including Primark and the Body shop. It’s also the home of the Jorvik Viking Centre

York Designer Outlet – The  designer outlet on the outskirts of York. If your teen is into shopping, it’s worth a trip out.

My teenage son isn’t a good shopper. However, I managed to drag him into TK Maxx to get some new joggers in between visits to the dungeon and the Jorvik Centre. This is a huge plus for me as he needs new clothes and I can’t get him to the shops normally. Job done, little moaning.

York’s Chocolate Story – A Sweet Experience Teens Enjoy

Your teenager likes chocolate right? How did I guess? Another one on my list for our next visit is the Chocolate Story.

There’s an entertaining tour and learn about the history of York’s chocolate making families. You can learn how to taste chocolate like an expert and learn about the sustainable future of chocolate.

The whole tour takes about an hour and at the end you get to see a chocolate demonstration and get to make and decorate a chocolate lolly.

Alternatively you can just drop into the shop and purchase some of their delicious chocolates to try.

Find out more at York’s Chocolate Story. 

Ghost Tours in York – Spooky Fun for Older Kids and Teens

One thing York does really well is walking history tours. One for teens not to miss out on is a ghost tour.

The tour takes about 90 minutes and includes spooky and funny stories.

You’ll explore alleys you may not have walked down otherwise.

If your teen is not keen on walking but you are, it’s a great way to get them out and about while enjoying themselves.

Check out more on the Ghost Tour of York website.

More Fun Things to Do in York With Teenagers

You’ve read about the top 10 attractions for teenagers in York. However, there are many more. Here are just a selection of some other ideas:

York Hop On and Off Bus Tour

When your feet get tired, hop on and off the York sightseeing bus.

York Ghost Bus Tour (Nightime fun)

When evening comes, hop on this bus tour to discover some haunted sights in York including the Minster and Cliffords Tower. A guide entertains you on the journey with ghostly stories of spirits, unfortunate characters and nasty crimes.

Book Your York Ghost Bus Tour

The Point Zero Trampoline Park

There’s over 100 floor level trampolines to bounce on. There is also a basketball and dodgeball zone, climbing, a speed test and monkey bars. Teenagers aged 16 and over can also join in the fitness class on a Wednesday evening.

Find out more at Point Zero Trampoline Park

Hole in the Wand Mini Golf

Photo Credit: Hole in the Wand Mini Golf / Facebook page

9 holes of mini golf with a magical potion drink at the end. Sounds like fun. Especially on a rainy day.

Find out more about Hole in the Wand Mini Golf

Museum Gardens – Stroll and relax outdoors

On a beautiful sunny day, the gardens are brilliant for a stroll around, sitting down and chilling out or a picnic. They’re located in York city centre and close to the railway station. You can see the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey here which are pretty impressive to look at (even for teens). The Abbey was once a very wealthy Benedictine monastery.

Find out more at the Museum Gardens York

York River Cruise – A Different Way to See the City

Another fab way to see York is a river cruise. There are many cruises you can take including a sightseeing cruise, an afternoon tea cruise,  an evening or night cruise and lots more. There is also a Halloween cruise during October and festive cruises (available from the end of November into December).

Find out more about York Boat Trips

York Cocoa Works Chocolate Workshops

Another chocolate experience to consider is York cocoa works where you can experience making your own chocolate bars. It’s an alternative chocolate experience to the chocolate story and it’s included in the York Pass.

Find out more about York Cocoa Works

York Maze (Seasonal Teen Attraction)

In October the York Maze is open for Halloween nights and these are great for teenagers. There is a night aimed at 10 to 15 year olds and an adult themed night (be aware this is not for the faint hearted!)

You can go to the maze in the summer but it’s aimed at younger kids, although teens may enjoy it as well.

The Maze is a little way out of the centre of York and you’ll probably need a car to get there.

Find out more at York Maze

With over 1000 5 star ratings on Trip Advisor, it’s difficut to go wrong with this award-winning, immersive guided tour. Teens are going to love it.  

Step into an alternative version of York’s past on this . Wander through the city —including down the Shambles—while your guide shares captivating stories of witches, queens, and notorious murderers, revealing a side of history rarely heard on traditional tours.

Book in advance here. 

Located in the York Stadium Leisure Complex located in Monks Cross Teamworks is York’s only go karting venue.

It has a fantastic indoor track with options for both kids and adults so caters for all ages. So teens can race around with both family and friends.

Book your session.

Looking for the purrfect place for teenage animal lovers to visit? Why not try York’s The Cat Whiskers Cafe?

Located in a beautiful Grade II listed building in the heart of York with views to the Minster, it’s York’s only cat cafe.

It’s highly recommended to book in advance, although on quieter days it works on a first come, first served basis.

The cats are free to roam around the space and interact with customers as they please. There are plenty of toys and cat trees for them to play with. There are a few rules to follow such as not disturbing the cats while they are sleeping, picking up or feeding the cats.

Enjoy a treat from the menu of cakes and hot drinks while you admire and play with the kitties.

The Hilt Axe Throwing York (Ages 13+)

Axe throwing is tons of fun and like no activity  you’ve probably done before. The minimum age for this is 13. Coaches will work with each player to make sure they know how to throw an axe and are comfortable with the task. Then have fun throwing axes at a target!

They are located in Goodramgate (about 4 minutes from The Minster)

Find out more at The Hilt website

Escape Rooms in York For Teenagers

Like most UK cities, York has several escape rooms with different themes to choose from. You have 60 minutes to follow the clues and solve the puzzles to escape the rooms.

If you want to make this activity unique to York, why not choose a Viking escape room at Mindlock York.

They are a great activity for teenagers, especially when it’s raining.

Other escape room venues to try include canyouescape.york and york.lockedingames

Where to Eat with Teens in York

One thing I really loved about York was that it seems to have escaped the surge of the chain restaurant and there are lots of independent eateries to try.

I’m not an expert at eating in York but it’s worth highlight a couple of places that my teens and family enjoyed and some more it may be worth trying out.

Plush Cafe York – Instagrammable Teen Favourite

Plushcafe is a great place for a pitstop. Have some lunch, a small brunch or an afternoon dessert or cake. Plush cafe is one of the most Instagram worthy cafes in York. There are quirky themed rooms including the Neon room (see picture below) and the Garden room which has swings as seats. Like many cafes in York, it’s an independent, family run business.

My two sons had a chocolate cookie and ice cream dessert. I had a plate of loaded nachos and my husband had a bacon ciabatta.

Find more information on the Plush Cafe website

The Pig & Pastry Cafe – Best Breakfast Spot

If you’re looking for somewhere for a full English breakfast to start the day, it’s difficult to go wrong with the Pig and Pastry cafe. It’s a neighbourhood cafe in Bishopthorpe Road, York. It has fabulous reviews for breakfast on trip advisor and is well worth checking out.

The Pig and Pastry Cafe

Cosy Club York – Stylish Family Dining

We enjoyed a breakfast in Cosy Club, York. There are other branches of this restaurant in other cities so it’s not an independent. However, we had a lovely cooked breakfast there and would recommend. The restaurant is comfortable and feels very elegant with splendid artwork and beautiful lighting.

Find out more at Cosy Club York.

Betty’s Tea Room – A York Classic

No list of where to eat in York would be complete without a listing for Betty’s tea room. If you’d like to go for afternoon tea, this is the place to go with amazing cakes. There is often a queue to get in – showing its popularity.

Betty’s Cafe Tea Room

Pandi Mami – All You Can Eat Teen Favourite

Pandi Mami is a self service buffet with food from around the world including Chinese, Indian and Asian food. It’s a chain restaurant but teens are sure to like helping themselves to the food they want and the chocolate fountain! It does have a few mixed reviews on trip advisor but it has been recommended to me as a good place to eat in York for teens, so you can make up your own mind!

Pandi Mami

Where to Stay

York is not short on hotels, apartments and hostels to stay in.

There is something in York to suit all kinds of budgets.

For budget accommodation, consider the YHA York hostel.

There are a range of budget hotels throughout York including Travel Lodge hotel and the Holiday Inn. 

For high end accommodation the Grand York is a 5 star spa hotel.

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