What to do in York while house and pet sitting

York is one of the best-loved cities in Britain for a day out or a holiday. Almost 7 million of us visit York each year – so what is it about this northern city that people love so much? We think it’s because York’s long history is still alive today, perfectly preserved in the city’s buildings and layout.

York was founded in AD79 by the Romans, and it’s been continuously occupied ever since. Unlike many British cities, York has preserved elements from each era. Whatever period of history you’re into, you’ll find it in York. 

You can walk in the footsteps of the Romans, see the origins of the Saxon and Viking town layout, visit Medieval buildings, and admire the elegant Georgian streets. The Victorians added the town’s impressive railway infrastructure, while later influences can be seen in the city’s varied modern architecture. 

These different periods combine to create a lively and attractive city that’s a real pleasure to wander around. Today’s York is a welcoming place that’s full of independent shops and enticing restaurants and bars. The two rivers (the Ouse and the Foss) have created appealing waterside walks and developments, while York’s many green spaces make it great fun to visit with dogs or kids.

With so many York activities, we can guarantee that you’ll never be bored here. Take a closer look at what to do in York during your house sitting stay.

York attractions

With so many world-famous places to visit in York, you’ll certainly be kept busy during your stay here. Make sure you visit these unique York attractions.

1. York Minster: York’s awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral dominates the cityscape. There’s been a place of worship on this site since Roman times, and if you visit York Minster’s undercroft, you can see the layers of history beneath the medieval building. If you can, try to catch Evensong and hear the Minster’s choir.

2. Jorvik Viking Centre: “Jorvik” is the Old Norse name for York, and this museum celebrates the city’s Viking days. Take a tour back in time through reconstructed Jorvik and you’ll be able to see, hear and even smell the old Viking settlement (spoiler: it smells better these days).

3. The Castle Museum: housed in York’s old court and prisons, this incredible place is a folk museum on a grand scale. The most popular exhibits are the reconstructed old streets, where you can wander along the cobbles, window shopping in Victorian stores. 

4. Cliffords Tower: the Norman keep is all that’s left of York’s castle. Clifford’s Tower is managed by English Heritage and stands next to the Castle Museum. Climb the steps to the keep, then up onto its walls for views across the rivers.

Free things to do in York

Are you in York on a budget? That’s absolutely fine, as some of the best things to see in York are free, including the old walls and one of its best museums.

1. Walk the city walls: York’s medieval city walls stretch almost all the way around the old town centre (the rivers break them up, rather). The prettiest stretches are close to the railway station and the section that runs behind the Minster. You’ll pass through the city’s fascinating “Bars” (medieval gateways).

2. National Railway Museum: it’s hard to believe that this astonishing museum is free, and you could easily spend a whole day here. Highlights include the famous record-breaking Mallard and Queen Victoria’s elegant saloon. Try to take afternoon tea in the Countess of York salon for a truly unique dining experience.

3. Museum Gardens: stretching between the Yorkshire Museum and the River Ouse, these lovely gardens are a popular picnic and lunch spot for locals. Look out for the Roman tower and walls (and the cheeky squirrels).  

4. The Shambles: York’s most-photographed old street is famous for being so narrow, that the jettied upper storeys almost touch across the road. The Shambles has recently been reinvented as a Harry Potter-themed street: a must for any fan who’s wanted to shop in Diagon Alley.

Fun things to do in York

Fancy seeing a different side of York? Here are four more quirky ways to get to know the city.

1. York Chocolate Story: York was once home to Rowntrees and Terry's chocolate factories, and back in the day, the smell of chocolate wafted across the city. These days, you can learn more about York’s chocolate days in this fabulous museum, and of course, you won’t go home empty handed...

2. York Dungeon: like all old towns, York has many gruesome stories to tell, and they’re all told here, in the spooky Dungeon museum. This is NOT for the faint hearted. If however, you like your history with a good dollop of gore, this is most definitely the museum for you.

3. Ghost walks: sticking with the macabre theme, try to catch a ghost tour when you’re staying in York. There are various ghost walks around the city (look out for the billboards), and it’s a great way to spend an evening.

4. River cruises: for a more laid-back sort of tour, catch a cruise boat along the River Ouse. There are several tour operators offering trips down the Ouse, and look out for dining cruises if you feel like something a bit different.

What to do in York with pets?

What are the best things to do in York with a dog? There are lots of places to go for a walk together, and the city’s known for its parks and green spaces. Plus of course, there are all those dog-friendly pubs...

1. The Knavesmire: York’s famous racecourse is actually also one of the city’s pieces of common land, where between race meets, citizens are allowed to kick a ball around, have a picnic and walk the dog (and apparently, graze their cattle…). It’s a beautiful, big green space that’s perfect for energetic dogs.

2. Sightseeing Bus Tours: if you fancy a change from walkies, dogs are welcome on the bus tours. As well as giving you a great view of the city, these buses run a hop-on-hop-off system, so it’s an easy way for you and the dog to cross town.

3. River walk to Rowntree Park: walk along the river path along the Ouse to this pretty park. Dogs are allowed in Rowntree Park, provided they’re kept on the lead. There are a few riverside walks to choose from: find out how often you and your pooch should be heading out for walkies.

4. Spark: York: this colourful collection of upcycled containers provides a hip new eating and shopping zone in a formerly run-down part of the town. There are plenty of fab outdoor bars and cafes for you and your furry companion.

5. Go to the pub: York has more than its fair share of pubs and many of them accept four-footed visitors. Try the Brigantes Bar or (where else?!) The Yorkshire Terrier.

Looking after a cat? Treat them (and you) to something from The Cat Gallery store, then snuggle up together on the sofa after your day exploring York attractions.

Best restaurants in York: Food and drink

York is full of welcoming pubs, cafes and restaurants. It’s an absolute pleasure to eat and drink in this city, whether you’re after a cosy spot in the winter, or want a nice al fresco place on a summer’s day. Here are a few of the best restaurants in York.

Best restaurants in York for lunch 

Take a mid-day pause from visiting York tourist attractions and chill out in one of its many fabulous eateries. 

1. Betty’s: a true Yorkshire icon, everyone simply has to do lunch or afternoon tea in these elegant tearooms.

2. Oscar’s: you'll find this restaurant and wine bar in a lovely courtyard off Stonegate in the centre of town. Oscars is famous for its generously sized burgers.

3. The Rattle Owl: tasting menus made from divine Yorkshire produce, served in beautifully restored 17th-century surroundings.

4. Cafe No 8: this tiny bistro is on Gillygate, a street not far from the Minster. It’s a great spot for lunch and is popular with locals

5. Los Moros: if you fancy street food, head for this kiosk near The Shambles for exquisite Levantine takeaways, washed down with a fresh mint tea.

Best restaurants in York for dinner

Let’s be honest: one of the best things to do in York is eat and drink. The city’s evening scene is based around its bars and restaurants and here are a few of our favourites.  

1. Melton’s: this fine dining restaurant has been a favourite in York for years. It’s the locals’ place of choice for a celebration or special occasion.

2. Pairings: named after its owners’ love of pairing food with wine, this stylish restaurant has become a popular spot since it opened in 2015.

3. Ambiente Tapas: there are now three branches of this Yorkshire-based tapas chain in York, in Goodramgate, Walmgate and Fossgate. All are lively, welcoming, and serve delicious Spanish food and drink.

4. The Judge’s Lodging: choose from the elegant restaurant and the cosy cellar bar in this legendary, city centre hotel. The outside space is perfect on a warm evening.

5. Rustique: this Castlegate bistro serves gorgeous, French-inspired cuisine made from quality local produce. The dining terrace is a lovely spot in the summer.

We could talk about this incredible place for ages! We hope our guide to the top things to do in York has given you an idea of what to expect during your stay here. 

House and pet sitting in York

Does the idea of spending time in York appeal to you? Take a look at our latest house and pet sitting sitting assignments. There are owners across Yorkshire just waiting to make contact with a sitter like you. If this is your first time applying for a pet sitting assignment, find out more about the process in our pet sitting communication guide.