The Best Activities In York: Cool & Quirky

York may be best known for its towering Minster, Viking roots, and ghost-filled alleyways, but beyond the medieval walls lies a treasure trove of offbeat adventures waiting to be uncovered. Forget the standard walking tours and cathedral visits - this is a city where you can hunt for hidden cat statues and delight in wizard-themed afternoon teas.

Whether you're a local looking to rediscover your city or a visitor keen to veer off the beaten path, we've rounded up some of the quirkiest activities in York that promise both charm and a touch of the bizarre.

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Cool And Quirky Activities In York

1. JORVIK Viking Centre

Where: 19 Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT
How much: £17.50 per adult, £12 per child
Best for: families, couples anyone looking to learn about the history of vikings

Strap into your time-travel pod and prepare for one of York’s most delightfully oddball adventures at JORVIK Viking Centre. Built directly on the site of one of the most astonishing archaeological digs in the UK, JORVIK isn’t your typical museum. This is a full sensory plunge into the 10th century - complete with chatty Norsemen, pungent backyards, and fish hanging ominously above your head.

From 1976 to 1981, archaeologists uncovered the remains of Viking-age streets, homes, and workshops under Coppergate, revealing a bustling, multicultural city called Jorvik. Fast forward (or rewind?) to today, and you can now ride through this reconstructed settlement in a suspended ‘time car’, gliding past 22 eerily lifelike animatronic characters. Plus, you can channel your inner archaeologist with interactive exhibits and conservation challenges - ideal for kids, history nerds, or anyone who ever wondered what Viking dental hygiene looked like.

JORVIK Viking Centre, girl standing in front of a Viking.

JORVIK Viking Centre (pictured) is famous for its historically accurate, pungent smells - so come prepared.

2. The Shambles

Where: The Shambles (just off of Pavement)
How much: free
Best for: Harry Potter fans and those who love a picturesque street

On the hunt for quirky activities in York for families? Often described as the real-life Diagon Alley, this narrow, cobbled lane is a treasure trove of history, magic, and unmistakable charm. This 13th-century street was a bustling meat market, and if you look closely, you can still spot the original meat hooks and shelves on the timber-framed shopfronts, where butchers once displayed their wares.

These days, it's home to fudge, a whiff of wizardry from The Shop That Must Not Be Named and some spooky goings on from The York Ghost Merchants. The Shambles now buzzes with quirky independent shops, from a ghost store to a Viking-themed boutique, as well as cosy cafés like Shambles Kitchen and the Parlormade Café and Scone House, perfect for a mid-walk treat.

The Shambles in York and girl with broomstick.

Visit the likes of The Shop That Must Not Be Named in The Shambles.

3. York Cold War Bunker

Where: Monument Close, Holgate, York, YO24 4HT
How much: £10 per adult (with donation), £6 per child
Best for: an alternative date idea at an English Heritage site

For those seeking a real taste of history with a side of suspense, look no further than the York Cold War Bunker. This semi-subterranean time capsule, restored by English Heritage, is one of the UK’s most fascinating modern heritage sites. As you explore the bunker, you'll discover the original 1960s control room, still equipped with monitoring devices that would have tracked radiation levels across Yorkshire.

The ‘hot bed’ dormitory, where up to 60 staff members rotated shifts, gives you a glimpse into what life was like for the volunteers who kept Britain’s defences alive in the face of potential nuclear disaster. Don't miss the plant and communications rooms or the rather unglamorous sewage ejector unit (hey, it's part of the experience). The entire system was designed to last just 30 days - enough to ride out a nuclear fallout.

York Cold War Bunker.

Pre-book a guided tour of the York Cold War Bunker (pictured).

4. York's Chocolate Story

Where: King's Square, York, YO1 7LD
How much: £20 per adult, £18.50 per child
Best for: chocolate lovers, of course

One of the many quirky activities in York city centre is this gem. If you’ve ever wondered how a humble cocoa bean transforms into the decadent chocolate we all crave, York’s Chocolate Story is your answer. This mouthwatering tour takes you on a journey through time, from ancient Central American rainforests to modern-day chocolate bars.

You’ll kick off your tour in a replica of the grocer’s shop of Joseph Rowntree and Sons, where you’ll learn about the founding families of York’s iconic chocolate industry. Along the way, you'll be transported back thousands of years to discover how the ancient tribes first unlocked the powers of the mighty cocoa bean. Fast forward to today, and watch the art of chocolate-making come to life in the factory zone, where a virtual chocolate factory reveals the step-by-step process of turning cocoa into the finest chocolate. Oh, and of course, this journey wouldn’t be complete without some tastings.

Group of girls at York's Chocolate Story.

Gather your friends for a chocolate-filled day out.

5. The Hole In Wand

Where: 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York, YO1 9NT
How much: from £10.99 per adult, £7.49 per child
Best for: a family fun activity that tickles the imagination

Step into a world of spells, potions, and playful puzzles at The Hole In Wand, York’s most magical mini golf experience. Tucked away in the Coppergate Shopping Centre, this indoor nine-hole wizard-themed course is packed with bubbling cauldrons, enchanted portals, and challenges for witches and wizards of all ages.

As you putt your way past the watchful eyes of Grobblenook the gargoyle, you’ll solve riddles, cast light spells, and journey through a magical adventure that ends with every player earning a free potion gift to take home. With tickets starting at just £7.49 - including a potion drink and access to the whimsical Wizard Tavern for Cauldron Cakes and spell-worthy refreshments - it's one of the most fun activities in York, perfect for fans of the wizarding world.

Family playing Hole In Wand in York.

Hole In Wand is a great day out for families, dates and friends.

6. National Railway Museum

Where: Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ
How much: free but a donation, from £5, is welcome
Best for: railway enthusiasts and families

On our list of activities to do in York is the National Railway Museum. Step into the world of engineering excellence, where iconic locomotives and groundbreaking innovations come to life. Home to treasures like the world’s fastest steam locomotive, Mallard, and the famous Flying Scotsman, this museum offers an immersive journey through the past, present, and future of railways.

With free entry, you can explore interactive galleries like Wonderlab for families, celebrate 100 years of the Flying Scotsman with a VR experience, and discover the fascinating history behind the world’s first railway board game.

The National Railway Museum in York.

All aboard: the National Railway Museum's archive is a treat for train enthusiasts.

7. York City Cruise

Where: King's Staith Landing, York, YO1 9SN or Lendal Bridge Landing, York, YO1 7DP
How much: £15 per adult, £9 per child
Best for: sightseeing and getting to know York via its famous river

Set sail on the York City Cruise and enjoy a relaxing 45-minute journey along the River Ouse, complete with live commentary from your friendly captain. From the comfort of your open-air or covered seating, you’ll take in stunning riverside views of York’s most iconic landmarks - including the towering York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, the medieval Guildhall, historic bridges, and the peaceful Museum Gardens.

Cruises depart regularly from King’s Staith and Lendal Bridge landings, with wheelchair access available at King’s Staith. With a fully stocked bar and local snacks available on board, it’s the perfect way to see the city from a new perspective.

Float along the River Ouse and get to know all about York in an alternative way.

8. York Cat Trail

Where: 34 Coney Street, York, YO1 9ND
How much: free
Best for: exploring the city in an alternative way - even on a date

Unleash your inner feline fan with the York Cat Trail, a purrfect way to explore the city while discovering York’s rich history with these iconic statues. Cats have long been linked to luck in York, with statues placed on buildings for centuries to ward off rats (and the plague they carried) and evil spirits.

Today, around 35 cat statues still grace the city, many placed on historic buildings to bring good health and fortune. This self-guided trail, which takes about two hours, is a family-friendly adventure through York’s charming streets, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past while keeping an eye out for these lucky little guardians.

Look up high and down low to try and spot the cats of York on this free trail.

9. The York Dungeon

Where: 12 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RD
How much: from £18 per person
Best for: those who like a little horror with their history, and are looking to be spooked

Prepare for a spine-chilling journey through The York Dungeon, where the city’s darkest history comes alive in a series of ten immersive, live shows. Walk through specially designed sets, featuring heart-pounding special effects like flashing lights, water sprays, and air blasts, all while professional actors bring infamous characters to life.

From the Vengeance of the Vikings to the terrifying York Plague House, you’ll encounter York’s gruesome past at every turn. Brace yourself for the Torture Chamber and experience the chilling Curse of the Witch in the scariest show ever staged in the Dungeon. You’ll also meet figures like Guy Fawkes, Isabella Billington, and Dick Turpin.

Judge at The York Dungeon.

Have you got what it takes to make it through The York Dungeon?

10. Wizard Afternoon Tea

Where: 9¾, Shambles, York, YO1 7LZ
How much: £29.99 per person
Best for: couples and families who fancy a quirky feast

Experience the Wizard Afternoon Tea at The Potions Academy on the famous Shambles. Every Friday (except during school half-terms), witches and wizards are invited to indulge in a quirky and delicious spread for £29.99 per person. Led by the Potions Master, you'll enjoy a selection of sorcery sandwiches, sausage rolls, and pork pies, paired with a magical potion of your choice.

The adventure continues with a traditional scone, jam, and cream, all served with a hot drink conjured by the resident witch. For dessert, indulge in a trio of delights, including a fairy cake, magicians’ macaroon, and a Chocolate Frog, all presented on a bed of unicorn tears. To top it off, you can learn some potion-making secrets and end the session with a flight at Broom School, complete with a souvenir video to remember the magic.

Girl and boy at the Wizard Afternoon Tea in York.

The Wizard Afternoon Tea is a spellbinding experience.

11. The Ghost Bus Tours

Where: starting from St Mary's Abbey
How much: from £18 per person
Best for: a spine-tingling date

Looking for an offbeat date night idea with a chilling twist? York’s Ghost Bus Tour is the perfect blend of fright and fun, offering couples a quirky way to explore one of England’s most haunted cities. Step aboard a classic 1960s Routemaster bus, transformed into a rolling haunted house, and let your spooky conductor take you on a journey through York’s sinister past.

As you glide through shadowy streets and past historic landmarks like Clifford’s Tower, Treasurer’s House, and the grand York Minster, you’ll hear bone-chilling legends and gruesome gossip - perfect for history buffs with a taste for the macabre. The route even takes you to the final resting place of the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin, making it a ghostly highlight reel of York’s most haunted haunts. Equal parts creepy and comedic, the tour turns the city’s cobbled corners into a supernatural stage, ideal for couples who enjoy their romance with a side of spooky.