York in September is when the city glows with late-summer light and the crowds start to ease, allowing for some relaxed wandering down the cobbled Shambles and lanes for sweet treats, gifts, and quirky shops, then look up to the soaring York Minster (tower climb for the keen). Walk a section of the City Walls for skyline views, pause in the Museum Gardens, and spot Roman, Viking, and medieval layers as you go.

Fancy more? Dip into the National Railway Museum, explore Clifford’s Tower, or take a gentle River Ouse cruise for waterside views of the city. History lovers can trace centuries at every turn. With plenty of cafés, snug pubs, and tearooms for a leisurely lunch, York is perfect for easy exploring, heritage fixes, and photo stops around every corner.