Trains depart from King's Cross station in London. The journey takes about 2 hours. Book in advance (min. 3 weeks) to get tickets for ~£40-50. If you buy it on the same day, it can cost double.
York: A Time Travel Trip (There and Back)
If you can only do one day trip from London, make it York. Just two hours by train, this walled city looks like a movie set. Romans, Vikings, and medieval alleys coexist in a pedestrian historic center perfect for exploring in a day.
This guide is based on our real experience escaping from London. We tell you how to organize trains, what to see without rushing, and where to find the street that inspired Harry Potter.
💡
The Train (LNER)
Your Day in York
Full Day Route
- Arrival and Roman Walls
- York Minster (Cathedral)
- The Shambles (Harry Potter)
- Shambles Market
- Clifford's Tower
- Bluebird Bakery
Route Map
Legend
- 📸 Key Spots
- ⭐️ Harry Potter
- 🏛️ History
- 🍴 Eat
- ☕ Cafes
- 🚆 Station
Itinerary
- Walking Tour
Here is the detail on how to make the most of every hour.
A Day in the Walled City 🏰
📍 The Essentials
1
York Station
2
City Walls
3
York Minster
4
The Shambles
5
Shambles Market
6
Clifford's Tower
Upon arriving at the station (a Victorian gem in itself), exit and turn left. You will immediately see the Roman Walls. York preserves kilometers of walkable walls. Climb up and walk towards the Cathedral. It is the best welcome walk and is totally free.
You will reach York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. Entry is paid, but its exterior architecture and stained glass windows are impressive.
The Real Diagon Alley
Head to the medieval heart: The Shambles. It is a narrow street with 14th-century buildings that lean over each other. It is rumored to have inspired Harry Potter's Diagon Alley. Here you will find 'The Shop That Must Not Be Named'. There is usually a queue to enter, but it's worth it for the photo!
Market Food
For lunch, right behind the famous street is the Shambles Market. There are international and local food stalls at great prices. If you are looking for something sweet for dessert, look for BlueBird Bakery and try their carrot cake or a brownie.
In the afternoon, walk towards the castle to see Clifford's Tower atop its green hill. If you have time left, the National Railway Museum (near the station) is free and spectacular, featuring real vintage trains.
Return to the station in time to catch your train back to London. The day will have been intense, but unforgettable.
Budget for 1 Day
The main cost is the train. If you get it cheap, it is a very affordable excursion.
Transport 🚆
- LNER Train (Return): €50 - €90
- (Booking in advance)
Food 🥧
- Market/Pub: €20
- Coffee/Sweets: €8
Tickets (Optional) 🎟️
- York Minster: ~€16
- Jorvik Viking Centre: ~€15
Total Cost (Excl. tickets)
~€90
The trick is in the train. If you wait until the same day, the ticket can rise to €150.
Discover the Secrets of York
York is famous for its ghost stories and its Viking past. A guided tour gives another color to the ancient stones.
Recommended Experiences
Deja tu comentario
Comentarios de usuarios
🙌 Sé el primero en comentar tu experiencia en York.