Things to do in Henderskelfe

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Ryedale District

Castle Howard

Castle Howard is about 24 kilometers northeast of York City, and is owned and lived by the Howard family for generations. This huge mansion is decorated with paintings of many famous people. The castle is surrounded by rolling hills, rose gardens, RayWood forest gardens and cylindrical mausoleums. Its gorgeous and elegant shape is not inferior to Windsor Castle. Influenced by the well-known novel "Brideshead Revisited" (the original novel of "After the Wind and Rain"), people have a deep impression of the historic Howard Castle. In summer, concerts are also held in the courtyard, attracting a large number of local residents and tourists every time.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in York

York Minster

York Minster is the largest Gothic church in England. Construction began in the early 13th century and was completed 250 years later. The church has the world's largest medieval stained glass and the world's oldest side porch. There are also some small collections inside, such as cherubs and shields from the feudal era. When visiting the church, you can choose the time when York Minster holds evening prayers, and enjoy the magnificent atmosphere of York Minster with the beautiful singing of the choir and the sound of the organ. Walk 275 steps to the top of the 71-meter-high central tower, which offers beautiful views of York. Walking along the city wall from BoothamBar to MonkBar, you can enjoy the majestic view of York Minster.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in York

Shambles

Shambles is one of the best-preserved medieval streets in York. As early as 1086, the area was recorded in documents as a meat market, and from the 14th century, it gradually became a hub for butcher shops. Records show that in 1830, there were 25 butcher shops operating along the street, until they gradually disappeared by the early 20th century. The street retains timber-framed, overhanging buildings constructed between the 14th–15th centuries. The upper floors overhang the street, with the eaves on either side almost touching, and in the narrowest parts, the walls on both sides can almost be touched simultaneously. This overhanging design was not just for aesthetics—in the Middle Ages, the projecting floors shaded the meat below to keep it fresh longer, and the gutters between the raised stone slabs on either side of the road made it easy to wash away waste from slaughtering. Today, you can still see the original meat hooks and wide window ledges used to display meat on many of the shop exteriors, which are important traces identifying the street's historical identity. Today, the scene of butcher shops operating in the Shambles is gone. Walking through the ancient alleys, you will find antique shops, craft stores, bakeries, and specialty restaurants on both sides, with several narrow lanes branching off to the nearby open-air market.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in York

The York Dungeon

York Dungeon is a tourist attraction in York. The entire dungeon depicts the dark history of Yorkshire for 2,000 years, and the staff vividly restores them through performances. As you walk around the dungeon, you'll hear creepy screams, steel crashing, and more. You'll also learn about all the supernatural, frightening and bizarre events that have happened in Yorkshire history. Dungeon actors and performances will appear around every dark corner, and you can experience York's dark past and learn about local lore through all your senses - seeing, hearing, touching, smelling. There's also the Golden Fleece bar, where ghosts surround drinkers; there's also a Tudor room famous for the raging Henry VIII.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in York

Clifford’s Tower

Clifford’s Tower is located in the heart of York, England, United Kingdom, and is one of the important surviving architectural remnants of York Castle, as well as a representative medieval landmark in the area. It sits atop an artificial mound, surrounded by open grassy areas and historic buildings. The existing stone tower was mainly built in the 13th century, featuring a heavy stone masonry structure with a four-lobed floor plan composed of four circular protrusions, and its outer walls retain the architectural characteristics of a medieval castle. Most of its interior has become a ruin without a complete roof, but you can still see traces of stone walls, narrow window openings, old staircases, and parts of the chapel space. After renovations, walkways and stairs were added inside the tower, and a circular observation deck was installed at the top, where visitors can climb up to overlook York Minster, the rooftops of the old city, and the surrounding neighborhoods, and on clear days, even enjoy a view of the hills beyond the city.

No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Northern England

York City Walls

York City Walls are located in the heart of York, North Yorkshire, England, and encircle the historic city center, making them one of the area's iconic urban landmarks. The existing structure spans approx. 3.4 km and is primarily constructed of magnesian limestone. Some sections of the wall were built atop earlier earthen defensive embankments, with architectural details such as gates, towers, battlements, and arrow slits preserved along the route. Its walkway connects major gates such as Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar, and Micklegate Bar. Along the walk, you can enjoy elevated views of York Minster, the city's rooftops, streets, and surrounding green spaces. Parts of the route pass through the Museum Gardens, where you can see remnants of the Roman-era walls and a polygonal tower.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in York

National Railway Museum York

National Railway Museum York is located near York railway station and is a museum that focuses on railway vehicles, engineering technology, and railway transport. The museum features multiple exhibition spaces that house and display steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, railway carriages, and related equipment from different eras. Among them, the Great Hall displays steam locomotives, a replica of Stephenson's Rocket, and a Japanese Shinkansen train, allowing visitors to observe the appearance, structure, and technical features of different trains up close. Other exhibition halls use historical carriages, station facilities, signage, and exhibits to present the operation of railway stations and the passenger travel experience, making it suitable for railway enthusiasts, families, and visitors interested in transport engineering.

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Malton

Flamingo Land Resort

Flamingo Land Resort is located in Kirby Misperton, Ryedale District, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, and is a comprehensive leisure destination that combines a theme park, zoo, and resort facilities. Founded in 1959, the park initially opened as a zoo and has gradually expanded over the years into a large resort area that integrates wildlife viewing, rides, and stay experiences. Today, it has become one of the notable family entertainment attractions in the north of the United Kingdom. The park covers a vast area and offers a wealth of attractions, including multiple themed areas, thrilling rides, and interactive experiences suitable for family visitors. The theme park features various types of rides, ranging from high-speed roller coasters to leisure facilities, catering to the needs of visitors of all ages. Additionally, the zoo within the park houses numerous mammals, birds, and reptiles, providing visitors with the opportunity to observe animals up close and learn about the natural ecosystem.

Eden Camp Modern History Museum

No. 7 of Best Things to Do in York

York's Chocolate Story

Whether you're a sweet tooth enthusiast or a visitor captivated by the sweet stories behind chocolate, you won't be able to resist stopping by York's Chocolate Story when in York. The delightful aroma in the air will surely capture your heart—why not follow your senses and step inside for a cup of hot chocolate to warm your stomach? Of course, the various handmade chocolate cakes at York's Chocolate Story won't disappoint your taste buds either. After indulging, whether it's "York Chocolate" or other chocolate treats, they're all worth taking home across the seas to share with family and friends.