What to do in Bishopthorpe

Activities, attractions and tours

A church with only one wall! Who says the Church of England is one-dimensional?!
A church with only one wall! Who says the Church of England is one-dimensional?!
The planets cycle path - this is a great bike route starting in York and finishing half way to Selby. It follows a scale model of the solar system. The route is really beautiful once you get out past Bishopthorpe. You can stop at the pub in Naburn along the way as well. This sculpture is fishing a train out of the river Ouse.
Sim Balk Lane View along Sim Balk Lane as it passes over the A64 in the distance.
Photo by Darren Haddock (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
The York Solar System Model - Earth The disused railway line is an ideal place for a concept that can be modelled in a straight line, such as a solar system model. This part of the model is the earth and moon (separate pedestal), and beyond are the cropfields northwest of Bishopthorpe village.
Photo by Peter Church (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Places to Visit in Bishopthorpe

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Bishopthorpe, York while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Bishopthorpe attractions from NZ$11, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Bishopthorpe tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 87 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Bishopthorpe. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Shambles

The Shambles is a medieval street in York’s center with a topsy-turvy layout full of shops and restaurants. Stroll down the quaint cobblestone road that runs through the narrow street to see the lopsided 15th-century buildings jutting out overhead. Many visitors compare the jumbled arrangement of the street to Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter saga. In 2010, the Google Street Team voted it the most picturesque street in Britain.
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Shambles featuring a small town or village, heritage architecture and street scenes

2. York Minster

York Minster is a Gothic masterpiece and among the largest and most impressive cathedrals in Europe. Climb the Minster’s historic tower, tour its underground chambers and discover 2,000 years of history. The current structure dates back to the 12th century and features medieval stained-glass windows.
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York Minster featuring a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

3. Harrogate Convention Centre

Harrogate Convention Centre is a multipurpose complex containing several entertainment venues. With around 2,000 seats, the main auditorium is famous for hosting the 1982 Eurovision Song Contest. Check out the varied program and choose from the many shows across the center’s eight halls.
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Harrogate Convention Centre

4. Roundhay Park

Roundhay Park is a public park with a wide diversity of environments and manicured gardens to discover. Find a selection of formal gardens, two picturesque lakes, a sports arena, a Greek-revival mansion and a collection of greenhouses that mimic different climates from around the world when you explore this 700 -acre (2.8-square-kilometer) park.
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Roundhay Park which includes a fountain, a park and a river or creek

5. Jorvik Viking Centre

The JORVIK Viking Centre makes use of dioramas and lifelike models to show how the city was in the time of these Scandinavian peoples. The center first opened in the 1980s, after excavations revealed the hidden history of the Vikings’ presence in York. Follow in the footsteps of the archaeologists by digging for genuine artifacts in the DIG pits.
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Jorvik Viking Centre which includes interior views

Recommended things to do in Bishopthorpe

Number of things to do
87
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Audio Self Guided Haunted York Ghost Walking Tour: NZ$11
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Bishopthorpe

Discover the most popular places to visit in Bishopthorpe

Shambles which includes heritage architecture and street scenes

Shambles

This picturesque cobblestone street has a fascinating medieval history and crooked buildings that appear to almost fall into one another.

Shambles
York Minster featuring a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

York Minster

The city’s emblem is known for its superb stained-glass windows, underground treasure chambers and tall tower with spectacular views.

York Minster
a little night time photo shot at York Racecourse

York Racecourse

You can take time to visit York Racecourse during your travels to York. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.

York Racecourse
The sun setting over a wintery day on the Heslington East campus at the University of York #goldenhour

University of York

Explore the campus of University of York during your visit to Heslington. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

University of York
Jorvik Viking Centre

Jorvik Viking Centre

Imagine yourself as a Viking in this museum that allows you to dig up Norse artifacts and witness reenactments, while you learn about York’s Scandinavian settlers.

Jorvik Viking Centre
York St. John University.

York St. John University

Explore the campus of York St. John University as part of your travels around York. Discover the area's shops or seek out its local tours.

York St. John University
A view from the atlas fountain across to Castle Howard, a beautiful stately home to visit in Yorkshire. Made famous from the television series ‘Brideshead Revisited’

Castle Howard

You can find out about the history of Henderskelfe with a stop at Castle Howard. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this quaint area.

Castle Howard
Walmgate Bar in York

York Barbican

Enjoy a show at York Barbican, a theatre with a story to tell in York. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.

York Barbican
York featuring heritage architecture

York City Walls

See some of York’s most impressive sights on a walk around the historic perimeter wall that has its origins in the Roman era.

York City Walls

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Bishopthorpe

York Minster featuring a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

York

The planets cycle path - this is a great bike route starting in York and finishing half way to Selby. It follows a scale model of the solar system. The route is really beautiful once you get out past Bishopthorpe. You can stop at the pub in Naburn along the way as well. This sculpture is fishing a train out of the river Ouse.

Acaster Malbis

Frequently asked questions

Is Bishopthorpe worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor activities and history, there are loads of fun things to do in Bishopthorpe. Make sure to experience the area's mix of unmissable sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Bishopthorpe?
Begin your day with a visit to York Castle Museum and National Railway Museum. Then, check out different parts of Bishopthorpe for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bishopthorpe?
York Minster is one of the top tourist attractions in Bishopthorpe and deserves a spot on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Bishopthorpe?
Three days will be plenty of time to check out the leading city highlights, like York Minster, York Castle Museum and York Maze. The average stay in Bishopthorpe is two days. If you have the time to extend your adventure, York isn't far away.
Is Bishopthorpe a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Bishopthorpe is a good place to explore on foot. Have fun wandering between York Minster and York Castle Museum. Then take a stroll through Fulford, located 3 kilometres from the centre, and Acomb, which is about 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Bishopthorpe with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Bishopthorpe with kids.

What to do in Bishopthorpe for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Bishopthorpe, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Jorvik Viking Centre or National Centre for Early Music.
Are there free things to do in Bishopthorpe?
In Bishopthorpe, Undercroft, Treasury & Crypt is a popular spot for anyone wishing to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a top way to discover the best free things to do in Bishopthorpe.