York is one of the richest cities we have experienced while worldschooling. The history, the theatrics, the cathedral. Even if you did nothing but walk around, you would absorb so much!
I’ve made it easy for you to plan your worldschooling ‘edventure’, simply click on the name of each attraction for more information.
- YORK MINSTER After travelling through Europe and the UK, our kids had seen their fair share of churches—so the thought of visiting another was usually met with a groan. But York Minster was different. Its exterior is breathtaking, but the real magic happens once you step inside. What truly impressed me was their Little Explorers program—music to my teacher-turned-worldschooler ears! A staff member guided us to a stand of children’s backpacks, each filled with tools and activities for themed missions around the cathedral. The tasks, clearly designed by a teacher, were age-appropriate, engaging, and educational. Off our two went—spotting animals in stained glass with binoculars, hunting for clues with a magnifying glass, and finding patterns in the ceiling’s artwork. We were there nearly two hours, completely absorbed. It was such a clever and fun way to turn a religious site into a hands-on learning adventure.
- JORVIK VIKING CENTRE This was an experience that truly amazed me with its unique way of bringing history to life. By this point we had visited plenty of historical sites and museums, but Jorvik’s approach was completely different. It began with a presentation that set the scene, explaining the site’s background and the importance of Vikings in the area. Then, just like boarding a ride at an amusement park, we climbed into a car and travelled back to a Viking village. The immersion was incredible—the eerily lifelike animatronics, the sounds, and even the smells transported us straight to 10th-century York. A true feast for the senses!
- THE DIG This interactive archaeological adventure is perfect for kids (recommended up to age 12). It begins with a fascinating presentation of artefacts discovered in the area—we were lucky enough to have a private session after a very noisy school group (another worldschooling win!). Then the fun began: the children got to dig through replica excavation sites, unearthing fossils, bones, and hidden treasures. A brilliant blend of hands-on play and real-world learning.
- BARLEY HALL We loved exploring this medieval townhouse in the heart of York. Each room is carefully set up to show what life was like in the Middle Ages, making history feel alive. The experience was very family-friendly, with interactive touches like carrying a lantern to hunt for mice in the storeroom or dressing in costume to play a medieval board game.
- YORK CITY WALLS One of the most fun ways to explore York is by walking its ancient city walls. Stretching for around two miles, these historic ramparts offer a unique perspective—spot squirrels darting through the treetops, peek down onto the bustling streets, and soak up views of the river. We paused at a riverside café for a drink before continuing our stroll, imagining the countless stories these nearly 2 000-year-old walls could tell. It’s a walk through history and everyday life all at once.
- MICKLEGATE BAR This striking gateway looks like it’s been lifted straight from a knight’s tale. We passed by—and through—it many times before finally stepping inside, where thoughtful displays and presentations reveal its fascinating (and often gruesome) history. For such a small space, there was an impressive range of activities to keep the kids engaged. The staff were wonderfully knowledgeable too, even helping us arrange bookings for other attractions around the city. This is a great starting point to explore along the city walls.
- THE SHAMBLES The Shambles feels like a real-life Diagon Alley from Harry Potter—crooked buildings, narrow lanes, and quirky little shops! Walking through instantly transports you back in time. Before visiting, we read up on the history of the area to give the kids some context, which made it even more meaningful. We loved strolling along and finishing our outing at the daily Shambles Market.
- NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM This free museum is a must for train lovers! Explore fascinating exhibits, including the world’s fastest steam locomotive and the only Japanese bullet train found outside of Japan. It’s an excellent way to spend a day—especially if the weather turns rainy.
- GHOST TOURS There’s a certain theatrics to York—you’ll spot wizards, witches, and all sorts of characters as you wander the streets. At times, it truly feels like stepping onto a movie set. With its colourful past of deadly tales, ghostly figures, and mysterious encounters, it’s no wonder! The city offers plenty of themed tours, often after dark for that extra scare factor. We’ll definitely be back when our kids are older to experience this side of York in a whole new way.
- YORK DUNGEONS Although we skipped the York Dungeons this time (our kids are still a bit young), I can see it being a fantastic experience for teenagers. It’s a live, interactive walk-through of the city’s darker history, filled with jump scares, gory details, and dramatic effects. A thrilling—and unforgettable—way to learn about the past!
See our visual diary of York, including many of the above attractions. It was one of the best worldschooling destinations we’ve come across and we hope you love it too!
