5 quirky things to do in York.

We are lucky in York, so many great museums and attractions, to say nothing of being home to one of the finest Medieval Cathedrals in Britain. Unlike some cities you need more than a weekend to see everything, so we have compiled 5 quirky things to do for seasoned travellers, or for families looking to entertain the children.

The Cat trail.

Tom Adams was an architect, he came up with this novel idea to use cats on his buildings as a trademark if you like. Today many places have put cats on their buildings around the city, and 22 of them make an exclusive Cat trail for you and the kids to discover. A great way to get to see the city and get those little ones walking. Perhaps you just love cats!

This is FREE and guides can be picked up at ‘Visit York’ Tourist Information Centre on Museum street.

The Roman Bath Pub.

You’ve done the cat trail and now you need somewhere to eat and drink, but one of your little adventurers is doing Romans as a topic in School? Well this is perfect, decorated inside with frescos of Roman life the Roman Bath Pub is built on top of the Caldarium, the original Roman baths of Eboracum. Once you have fed and watered the children, (and yourselves!) go below the pub to see the Roman archaeology and get an idea of Roman life inside the fort. St. Samson Square where you find this Museum and Pub was once the location of the Roman slave market.

Open 11-4 Monday to Sunday (Times may vary so check ahead) £3.50 Adult £2.50 Concession £2 Children £9 Family. (Prices correct as of February 2021).

The Snickleways!

Basically Snickleway is a local word for a ‘Passage,’ Ginnell, Cut Through etc, depending on where you’re from! We have many to explore and some with hidden gems to photograph! We’ve named a few for you to find! Lady Pecket’s Yard (pictured), Mad Alice Lane, Stokers Passage, Popes Head Alley, Nether Hornpot Lane, Black Horse Passage, Little Shambles, Chapter House street, Cheats Lane, Straker’s passage. This is of course FREE and depends on how much walking you like to do. Grab a map from the 'Visit York' Tourist information office.

Rowntree’s Park

Situated in a trendy part of York, there is a cafe and library here (pictured) as well as two play parks, a skate-park and Tennis courts. Its got a beautiful lake usually enjoyed by Swans, Ducks and Geese. You can buy seeds for the birds at the café as bread can make them ill. In the summer months there is sometimes a bouncy castle, and a regular Ice Cream van. So if it’s a sunny day, a stroll along the banks of the Ouse from Skeldergate Bridge to Millennium Bridge can be rounded off in the park. Then afterwards why not venture to nearby Bishopthorpe Road High Street (Bishy Road), (2 Min walk) once winner of the best high street in Britain, for amazing independent and family friendly, cafes and pubs and some of the finest Ice cream in the city.

York’s Holgate Windmill

York's last surviving Windmill and the oldest 5 sailed Windmill in England!

The windmill has been returned to operation by a team of dedicated volunteers, and is a great half day out for everyone. There is a shop as well where you can buy flour produced from the Mill the way it has been produced for over 250 years!

It’s a 20-minute walk from York Railway station, or jump on a number 1 bus. Check

First York bus website for times. Sat Nav information for parking YO24 4AE, it is recommended not to use local streets as many are permit only.

Adults £3 Children (5-18) £1 (Prices correct as of February 2021).

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