York is a fantastic destination to visit any time of year. Whether you come in spring, summer, fall, or winter, York will always welcome you. With autumn truly upon us now in the UK, the fall leaves have burst into color around the city. Here are the best places to see the autumn colors and fall leaves in York!
City Walls: York Minster & Gray’s Court Hotel
My favorite stretch of the City Walls is between Bootham and Monkgate, for this fantastic view of York Minster and the city. However, in autumn this is one of the best places to see the spectacular ivy leaves changing color on Gray’s Court Hotel. A historic, boutique, luxury hotel, Gray’s Court Hotel is stunning—and their garden is one of the best in the city. However, it understandably might not be quite in your price range to stay there. So, you can get a view of the gorgeous property from the City Walls!
Rowntree Park
Rowntree Park is very popular with locals, from its large open spaces, to the cute reading room café near the pond. The fall leaves change color to a bright red and drape some of the park structures in a red curtain. If you’re on the hunt for the best places to see fall leaves in York, you can’t miss Rowntree Park! This is one place you need to visit in York in autumn.
Museum Gardens
York’s Museum Gardens is one of my favorite places in the whole city. Best of yet, it’s one of the top things to do in York for free! In autumn, the fall leaves throughout various areas of Museum Gardens turn the gardens into a fall fairytale. Some leaves change colors at different times (ie. The beginning of October and at the beginning of November), so keep in mind you might want to make more than one trip here!
| Interested in a FREE 10-page York Mini Guide?
Included in this York Mini Guide are:
|
 |
Precentor’s Court
This hidden snickelway (accessed by the Hole in the Wall pub) is one of the best locations for photographing York Minster. But you should definitely visit at the end of October, as the tree’s leaves change color to a warm orange. This is one of my favorite places to photograph autumn in York.
Dean’s Park
Another one of York’s beautiful parks is Dean’s Park, located in the shadow of York Minster. The leaves change color here to yellows and oranges—and the Minster Library is one of the most impressive buildings here, tucked away in the back. If you’re visiting the Minster and Precentor’s Court, pop into Dean’s Park as well!
Tower Gardens
Whether you’re stopping by Dyl’s, or you just want a nice view of Clifford’s Tower, the Tower Gardens are located by the river and turn a beautiful yellow during fall. One of the best shots is from Skeldergate Bridge, looking across the yellow tree leaves to the tower in the distance. You can’t miss this stop on a search for fall leaves and autumn colors in York!
The River Ouse
There are several sections of pedestrian paths along the River Ouse that make for a pleasant walk. However, come autumn the trees lining the riverbank change into hues of yellow and orange! The best areas to see this are near Skeldergate bridge, or near Lendal bridge.
South Esplanade
One of the lesser known locations to see autumn colors in York is along the Ouse, at South Esplanade. Ivy covers one of these gorgeous brick houses, and from the middle of October the ivy leaves turn to red. I’ve managed to miss photographing this location most years I’ve lived here, but finally timed it right this year!
Fishergate Postern
One of my favorite trees in the city is near Fishergate Postern, on the City Walls. If you’re walking the City Walls in York during autumn, the tree at the corner (the intersection of the Fishergate loop) is one to photograph. The fall colors at this section of the wall are beautiful!
Memorial Gardens
One of York’s lesser-known gardens (and continually confused with Museum Gardens) is Memorial Gardens off Leeman Road. This is a quiet part of the city, but not far from the hustle and bustle of the train station. The trees that change color here in the autumn are beautiful, and you can get a great view of the River Ouse (and Museum Gardens) from this side of the river. It’s not far to Station Road, which also has some beautiful yellow and orange leaves in autumn.
No.1 By GuestHouse (Queen Anne’s Road)
Another boutique hotel in York, No.1 By GuestHouse sees some pretty spectacular ivy cover its walls during autumn. You can stay at the hotel if you’re so inclined (it was formerly the Grange Hotel), otherwise you can just enjoy the autumn colors as you stroll along Bootham. Don’t miss the ivy-covered building on Queen Anne’s Road!
Planning Your Trip
York is easily accessible by train (approximately 2 hours from London) and makes a fantastic daytrip or weekend break! I always book my train tickets in advance through Trainline for the best deals. The nearest airport is Leeds-Bradford, although for international flights Manchester Airport is much better. I use Skyscanner to book flights! If you’re staying overnight in the city, you can search for hostels here, or hotels and B&B accommodation in York here. You can also sign up to and search accommodation on Airbnb here! Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
York is a beautiful city throughout the entire year. But I do think the fall leaves and autumn colors make the city particularly special to visit in autumn! I hope this post helps in planning an autumn adventure in York!
Have you been to York in autumn? Where are your favorite places to visit to see the fall colors?!
You might also like my posts:
20 Things to Do in York That Are Absolutely FREE!
The Complete Guide to the Best Instagram Spots in York
The Best Walks in and Around York, England
The Best Restaurants in York, England
The Best Bars and Pubs in York, England
The Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in York, England
All posts in the York category!
Like this post? Pin it for later!
Good article. Really nice photography. I have not been to York for years but now thinking a return visit would be good.
Thanks so much, I really appreciate your comment! 🙂
I really like the detail in the York posts. These are going to come in handy while Ashley does her PHD 🙂
Thanks Chris! Plenty of excuses for a visit to York 🙂