Things to do in Upper Poppleton

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo "Upper Poppleton" by DS Pugh (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by DS Pugh (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Upper Poppleton" by DS Pugh (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by DS Pugh (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Upper Poppleton" by DS Pugh (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by DS Pugh (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Upper Poppleton" by DS Pugh (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by DS Pugh (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Upper Poppleton" by David Rogers (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by David Rogers (CC BY-SA)
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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 street scenes, a small town or village and heritage architecture

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, a church or cathedral and religious elements

3. University of Leeds

Renowned for its research and teaching, the University of Leeds is also set apart by its campus, which unites a variety of divergent architectural styles in a celebration of British architecture throughout the 20th century. Grouped on well-manicured lawns just outside the Leeds city center, it welcomes more than 30,000 students each year from a variety of backgrounds. The university was the first in the region to accept women, Catholics and other disadvantaged groups. Go on a walking tour of its many striking buildings and have a picnic on the grass, as you watch the students go past.
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University of Leeds

4. First Direct Arena

When First Direct Arena opened in 2014, Bruce Springsteen and Elton John set a high bar for the quality of artists who would appear here. Since then, a huge variety of entertainers have come, from Drake and Miley Cyrus to championship boxing matches to beloved local acts such as the Kaiser Chiefs. Don’t miss any of the action in the arena’s fan-shaped configuration. It is unique in the U.K., with the rear seats only 230 feet (70 meters) from the stage, rather than the usual 330 feet (100 meters).
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First Direct Arena

5. 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

6. Royal Armouries

The Royal Armouries Museum is a comprehensive museum that displays a vast collection of weaponry spread across six galleries. Explore the extensive galleries and find displays of arms and armor organized into intriguingly curated exhibitions. Check out over 2,500 objects in the Hall of Steel or learn about the art of warfare and the history of hunting. Catch a live demonstration of jousting at the Tiltyard.
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Royal Armouries featuring interior views as well as a small group of people

7. 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

What to do in Upper Poppleton

Popular places to visit

Shambles featuring 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, a church or cathedral and religious elements

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
York Racecourse

York Racecourse

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

York Racecourse
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

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at York St. John University during your visit to York. Discover the area's shops, or seek out its local tours.

York St. John University
York which includes 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
York Grand Opera House

York Grand Opera House

Get tickets for a show at York Grand Opera House, a theater with a story to tell in York. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.

York Grand Opera House
York Dungeon

York Dungeon

Laugh, squirm and recoil at the ghastly torture methods and grisly crimes recreated in this prison-like museum where you can immerse yourself in macabre practices and living conditions of the Middle Ages.

York Dungeon
York Hospital

York Hospital

Though York Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of York while you are here.

York Hospital
York Minster featuring a square or plaza, a church or cathedral and religious elements

York

Photo "Moor Monkton" by DS Pugh (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by DS Pugh (CC BY-SA)

Moor Monkton

Photo "Overton" by DAVID JOHN SHERLOCK (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by DAVID JOHN SHERLOCK (CC BY-SA)

Overton

Photo "Rufforth with Knapton" by John Armitstead (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original

Rufforth with Knapton

Photo "Clifton Without" by DS Pugh (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by DS Pugh (CC BY-SA)

Clifton Without

Frequently asked questions

Is Upper Poppleton worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor pursuits, there are loads of great things to do in Upper Poppleton. Don't forget to discover the area's mix of unmissable sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Upper Poppleton?
After you've visited popular attractions like National Railway Museum, spend the rest of your day exploring the food and retail options in Upper Poppleton.
What is the top tourist attraction in Upper Poppleton?
Spend a day exploring York Theatre Royal and see why it's ranked as the top tourist attraction near Upper Poppleton.
Is three days enough to stay in Upper Poppleton?
With a three-day vacation in Upper Poppleton, you'll easily be able to enjoy the area's many fabulous sights, like York Theatre Royal and Bar Convent Museum.
Is Upper Poppleton a walkable neighborhood?
If you love walking, Upper Poppleton is perfect. You can reach leading attractions like York Theatre Royal and Bar Convent Museum on foot. At 5 kilometers from the center, the neighborhood of Bootham is also close enough for a good stroll. So too is Rawcliffe, around 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Upper Poppleton with kids?
If you are after activities and attractions for all ages, take a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Upper Poppleton with kids.

What to do in Upper Poppleton for adults?
Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in Upper Poppleton. Whether you're into art, history, outdoor pursuits or just love discovering new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Upper Poppleton?
Near Upper Poppleton, York Observatory is a top spot for anyone looking to enjoy this area without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the green spaces and other nearby neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for insider tips. It's one of the easiest ways to discover the top free things to do in Upper Poppleton.