FUN THINGS TO SEE IN YORK
York wears its history like cobblestones – quietly, and everywhere. Behind the familiar skyline are centuries of secrets, stories, and strange little details that make this city more than just a pretty place to wander. StreetHunt Games hands you the key to a community buzzing with life. Here’s a snapshot of fun things to see in York and its most curious claims to fame!
Churches – spirits in more ways than one
York doesn’t lack for sacred sites. Its churches stand as some of England’s best-preserved and most treasured landmarks. Here are a few unique York churches worth exploring.
1. Playful priests
St William’s College might look refined now, but its origins were a little more… spirited. It was built to house priests serving at nearby York Minster – ones who, rumour has it, got a bit too rowdy for comfort. The Archbishop thought it best to keep them under one roof in a separate residence. One of the more shocking fun facts about York!
2. Ancient abbey
St Mary’s Abbey once held serious power – and serious wealth. Founded in 1055, it stood as one of England’s most formidable Benedictine monasteries until Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries swept through in 1539.
Today, the crumbling remains still whisper tales of glory, greed, and maybe a ghost or two.
3. The tallest gem in York
No building in York outshines York Minster — literally. It’s the tallest church in the city and home to one of the largest stained-glass panels in the world. Beyond its beauty, York Minster houses a chapter house with some of the oldest medieval carvings still intact.
Figures – royals, rebels, & revolutionaries
Despite being a small city, York has punched well above its weight when it comes to notable names. Many iconic people have left a lasting impression on the city’s culture.
1. Flaming Fawkes
Baptised in St Michael-le-Belfrey opposite the now Guy Fawkes Inn in 1570, Guy Fawkes (yes, that Guy Fawkes) was an ardent Catholic. He conspired with 12 others to assassinate the Protestant King James I by blowing up the Houses of Parliament. Fawkes guarded barrels of gunpowder under the building and was tasked with lighting the fuse.
2. Dazzling Dench
Dame Judi Dench, a true icon of stage and screen, hails from York. Born in 1934, she grew up there before launching her acting career. From commanding roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company to unforgettable performances in films like Shakespeare in Love, Skyfall, and Philomena, Judi has done it all. With an Oscar, multiple BAFTAs, and a knighthood to her name, she’s not just York’s pride – she’s a national treasure.
3. Beloved Bradley
David Bradley, the versatile actor with a flair for the dramatic and the eccentric, also hails from York. Born in 1942, he cut his teeth on the stage before becoming a familiar face on both the big and small screens. Bradley’s career includes his chilling turn as Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films to his powerful roles in Game of Thrones, Broadchurch, and Doctor Who. A master of character acting, he brings depth and intensity to every role, earning him both critical acclaim and a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. York can proudly count him among its most talented exports.
Architecture – bricks with backstories
York wears its history in every brick. Roman walls, medieval streets, timber-framed houses – the city’s architecture isn’t just preserved, it’s lived in. Walk a few blocks and you’ll pass through centuries.
1. Single-eyed spectre
The Golden Fleece isn’t just one of York’s oldest coaching inns – it’s also one of its most haunted. One-Eyed Jack, said to date back to the 16th century, has been spotted more than once in his red coat, pistol in hand. Want to meet him? You’ll have to stop in for a pint during your StreetHunt adventure.
2. Tongue twisters
Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate is a street so short, you’ll have walked it by the time you finish saying it. This blink-and-you’ll miss-it street may be tiny, but it’s got centuries of folklore behind the name, from whipping posts to medieval punishments. The origins of its name are not known for sure, but some of its 1505 iterations include “Whitney Whatneygate” and “Whitnourwhatnourgate,” which may translate to “what a street!” Either way, it’s a mouthful with a backstory.
3. Roman roots
Fun fact! Long before it was York, the city was called Eboracum. The Romans arrived in 71 CE and stayed for centuries, building fortresses, shaping roads, and even birthing an emperor – Constantine the Great. He was crowned here and went on to change the world.
Culture & Tourism – ghosts, towers, & perfect views
York draws visitors by the million – and for good reason. These are the sights that let you slip seamlessly into the city – even with a camera around your neck.
1. Tricky travellers
One of the most haunted cities in Europe, York’s ghost count runs well over 500. This makes the Halloween season feel a little more… interactive. Definitely one of the most fun things to see in York, you might meet a phantom in the Minster, glimpse a ghost at the Treasurer’s House, or hear footsteps in the Golden Fleece. (Spoiler: they won’t be yours.)
2. Vibrant views
At the Eye of York, history lines up.
One of the most fun things to see in York, if you head up the path, you’ll get to a great spot overlooking Clifford’s Tower.
It’s where Yorkshire’s old Ridings (or counties) once met – East, West, and North — all visible from the tower.
Originally built in 1068, it stood for kings, later served as a prison, and now watches stand guard over a city that never stops moving. It once held kings, now it holds your attention (and a lot of selfies).
3. Treasurer’s House
One of York’s most famous ghost stories is that of the Roman soldiers in the Treasurer’s House – and it’s spine-tingling stuff! In the 1950s, a young plumber named Harry Martindale was working in the cellar when he reportedly saw a group of Roman legionnaires march right through the basement wall. The kicker? They appeared only from the knees up—until it was discovered that an ancient Roman road ran beneath the cellar floor, buried over time. The story became legendary, and Harry stuck to his tale for decades. It’s one of the most famous hauntings in a city bursting with ghostly lore, making York not just a historic treasure, but a paranormal hotspot!
4. Creative communities
The original ‘K6’ phone box commemorated the Silver Jubilee of King George V in 1935 and was the first model to be installed nationwide.
With the significant decline in demand for public phones, York and other cities in England kept theirs and reimagined them.
Thanks to schemes like BT’s ‘adopt a kiosk’, you’ll now find old phone booths turned into libraries, mini art galleries, food drop-off points – even homes for defibrillators for just £1! Proof that a good idea never goes out of style.
There’s more where that came from
Want to do more than read about York’s history? Step into it.
StreetHunt Games turns the city into your playground – and your puzzle.
There is so much to discover in York, with rich history around every corner. If you’re itching to discover more than just facts, play the city instead. StreetHunt Games will take you from cobbled lanes to hidden corners, each clue pulling you deeper into York’s history. It’s not just a walk. It’s a story you step into – one twist at a time. Uncover the truth about a coffee company crime using clues in York’s game, The Case of Colombia’s Finest. Our scavenger hunt tour game will give you a one-of-a-kind look into these historical locations, and many more!
Why choose StreetHunt Games as a way to discover York?
- Part story, part escape game – you’re not just solving clues, you’re deep in the mystery.
- Self-guided and flexible – go at your own pace or race against the clock.
- Designed for thinkers and doers – smart puzzles for all levels, woven into the city around you.
- Better than your average scavenger hunt – every step reveals a clue, and every clue gets you closer to the truth.
By the end, you’ll have uncovered more than a mystery. You’ll have a story to tell.