Yorkshire Wheel: Panoramic Ferris Experience in Historic York
Experience York’s historic skyline from a unique panoramic Ferris wheel in the heart of the city’s vibrant St Sampson’s Square.
The Yorkshire Wheel was a Ferris wheel attraction located at St Sampson's Square in York, offering panoramic views over the historic city. Though it operated only briefly in 2025, it provided visitors a unique vantage point near iconic landmarks such as the Roman Bath and the Three Cranes pubs. The wheel was a seasonal feature, blending modern entertainment with York's rich heritage.
A brief summary to Yorkshire Wheel
- St Sampson's Sq, York, YO1 8RN, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during clear weather for the best panoramic views of York’s historic landmarks.
- Combine your ride with a visit to nearby historic pubs like the Roman Bath and Three Cranes.
- Check seasonal opening times carefully, as the wheel operated only briefly in 2025.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Local bus services run regularly to York city centre from surrounding areas, with stops near St Sampson's Square. Travel times vary from 15 to 40 minutes depending on starting point. Tickets cost approximately £2–£5. Buses operate frequently throughout the day but check schedules for evening services.
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Train
York railway station is about 1.5 km from St Sampson's Square, reachable by a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride. Trains connect York to major cities such as London and Leeds, with fares starting around £10 for regional journeys.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout York city centre. A typical fare from the railway station to St Sampson's Square costs around £6–£10, with travel time about 5 minutes depending on traffic.
Yorkshire Wheel location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Yorkshire Wheel
A Brief but Memorable Presence in York's Heart
The Yorkshire Wheel was situated in St Sampson's Square, a lively area in York known for its historic Roman Bath and the Three Cranes pubs. This Ferris wheel was a temporary installation in 2025, open for just a few weeks during the spring and early summer months. Despite its short lifespan, it attracted attention for the sweeping views it offered over York's medieval streets and landmarks.Capturing York’s Historic Skyline
From the cabins of the Yorkshire Wheel, visitors could enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of York’s skyline, including its iconic cathedral spires, ancient city walls, and the River Ouse winding through the city. The elevated perspective allowed for a rare chance to appreciate York’s blend of historic architecture and natural beauty, making it a favored spot for photography and sightseeing.Location and Atmosphere
Nestled in the bustling St Sampson's Square, the wheel was surrounded by charming pubs and cafes, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere. The area is steeped in history, with cobbled streets and medieval buildings providing a picturesque backdrop. The wheel’s presence added a modern twist to this historic setting, creating a unique juxtaposition of old and new.Seasonal Operation and Visitor Experience
Operating only for a limited period in 2025, the Yorkshire Wheel was a seasonal attraction, open daily from late spring to early summer. This limited schedule meant visitors had a brief window to experience the ride. The wheel’s cabins were enclosed, offering comfort and safety while allowing for clear views regardless of weather conditions.Community and Cultural Impact
Though temporary, the Yorkshire Wheel contributed to York’s cultural tapestry by offering an accessible and family-friendly attraction. It complemented other city events and festivals, providing a fun and scenic activity for locals and tourists alike. Its location near historic sites encouraged visitors to explore the surrounding area further, enhancing the overall visitor experience.Legacy and Future Prospects
While the Yorkshire Wheel ceased operation shortly after its 2025 run, it demonstrated the potential for temporary attractions to enrich York’s tourism offerings. Its success may inspire future installations that blend entertainment with the city’s rich heritage, continuing to draw visitors eager for unique perspectives on this historic English city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Parliament St
0.1 km
York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
Ghost Hunt of York
0.1 km
Explore the haunted streets of York with the Ghost Hunt, where history and the supernatural collide in an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
The York Ghost Merchants
0.1 km
Explore a unique blend of York's ghostly history and charming souvenirs at The York Ghost Merchants, your destination for eerie collectibles.
St Crux
0.2 km
Explore the echoes of medieval York at St Crux, where a grand church’s legacy lives on in a historic parish hall and poignant tales of martyrdom.
The Norman House
0.2 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
Roman Column
0.2 km
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
Ouse Bridge
0.3 km
Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
0.3 km
Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Yorkshire with personalized tours from Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours.
The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York
0.3 km
A soaring Gothic masterpiece in the heart of York, where 1,400 years of faith, history, and light-filled architecture converge in one of England’s greatest cathedrals.
York Minster
0.3 km
Discover the grandeur of York Minster, a stunning Gothic cathedral steeped in history and architectural brilliance, perfect for visitors seeking cultural immersion.
St Mary's Church
0.3 km
Explore the enchanting St Mary's Church in York, a historic site blending medieval architecture and cultural heritage in a serene setting.
Sundial Column
0.3 km
An elegant 18th-century sundial column on stone lions, quietly marking time just east of York Minster in a peaceful corner of the cathedral precincts.
Bedern Hall
0.3 km
Experience the enchanting Bedern Hall in York, a perfect venue that beautifully blends history and elegance for unforgettable weddings and events.
St. Leonard's Hospital
0.3 km
Explore the evocative ruins of York’s largest medieval hospital, where healing met faith in a grand historic sanctuary.
The York Dungeon
0.3 km
Experience the chilling tales of York's past at The York Dungeon, where history, horror, and entertainment intersect for an unforgettable adventure.
Unmissable attractions to see
Roman Bath
0.0 km
Discover York’s unique Roman Bath pub where ancient history meets vibrant local hospitality beneath your feet.
Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop
0.0 km
Your welcoming gateway to York’s history, culture, and attractions, offering expert advice, tickets, and unique local gifts.
Peregrine Falcon Mural
0.1 km
Discover the awe-inspiring Peregrine Falcon Mural in York, a vibrant piece of street art that captures the city's rich culture and artistic spirit.
The York Cat Trail
0.1 km
Discover York’s historic streets through a whimsical trail of cat statues blending folklore, art, and city heritage.
Shambles Market
0.1 km
Discover York's vibrant Shambles Market, a historic covered marketplace blending artisan crafts, fresh food, and lively atmosphere daily from 9am to 5pm.
The Deathly Dark Tours
0.1 km
Experience York’s eerie history and ghostly tales with a witty, immersive night tour led by charismatic guides in atmospheric city streets.
The York Ghost Walk
0.1 km
Discover York’s haunted history through an atmospheric evening walk filled with ghostly tales and historic intrigue around Davygate.
York's Chocolate Story
0.1 km
Discover York’s rich chocolate heritage through immersive tours, hands-on workshops, and delicious tastings at York’s Chocolate Story.
Coney St
0.1 km
York’s historic Coney Street blends centuries of heritage with vibrant shopping, dining, and riverside charm in the city centre.
Barley Hall
0.1 km
Step into Barley Hall, York’s beautifully restored medieval townhouse, and experience the vibrant domestic life of 14th-century England.
Coffee yard
0.1 km
Discover the quiet charm and medieval heritage of Coffee Yard, a historic snickelway nestled in the heart of York’s old city.
The Potions Academy
0.1 km
Step into a magical classroom in York’s historic Shambles and craft your own enchanting potions in an immersive family-friendly adventure.
The Potions Cauldron
0.1 km
Step into York’s enchanting Potions Cauldron on The Shambles for magical brews, immersive potion experiences, and wizarding wonders.
The York Vikings
0.1 km
Discover authentic Viking heritage and unique Norse collectibles in the heart of York’s historic Shambles street.
King's Sq
0.1 km
King's Square, York – where ancient history meets lively culture in the city’s vibrant heart.
Essential places to dine
The Cut & Craft York
0.0 km
Stylish steakhouse in York’s historic St. Sampson’s Square, famed for premium cuts, craft beers, and inviting modern ambiance.
Wine Stories
0.0 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and an extensive wine selection in the cozy heart of York’s historic center at Wine Stories.
Las Iguanas - York
0.1 km
Experience vibrant Latin American flavours and lively cocktails in York’s historic city centre at Las Iguanas.
Turtle Bay York
0.1 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors and vibrant island vibes in the heart of historic York at Turtle Bay.
D'vine Restaurant And Social Bar
0.1 km
A vibrant York venue blending British, Italian, and Mediterranean flavors with a lively social bar atmosphere.
Valhalla York
0.1 km
Experience hearty Viking-inspired tapas, unique ales, and a lively atmosphere at Valhalla York in the heart of the city.
Los Moros
0.1 km
Experience authentic North African cuisine with vibrant flavors and a rustic charm in the heart of historic York.
Forage Kitchen & Bar
0.1 km
Refined fire-cooked dishes and inventive Yorkshire cocktails in a lush, intimate setting on York’s historic Little Stonegate.
Lucia Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience vibrant Italian dining and cocktails in York’s heart, with a heated courtyard and stylish lounge for all-day enjoyment.
Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant
0.1 km
A vibrant York hotspot blending modern British cuisine, live music, and expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Bill's York Restaurant
0.1 km
Colourful British comfort food in a historic York building, perfect for brunch, burgers and cocktails in the city centre.
Wildwood
0.1 km
Cozy Italian dining with stone-baked pizzas, fresh pasta, and vegan-friendly options in the heart of historic York’s Low Petergate.
The Ivy St Helen's Square York
0.1 km
Elegant British brasserie in York’s historic heart, offering modern classics, vibrant interiors, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.
The Botanist York
0.1 km
A vibrant botanical bar and restaurant on York’s historic Stonegate, blending fresh seasonal cuisine with live music and lush, nature-inspired interiors.
La Vecchia Scuola
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and contemporary dining in the heart of historic York at La Vecchia Scuola.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cello by Collectables
0.1 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
Paper Doll
0.1 km
Discover unique, colourful fashion and artisan jewellery in York’s charming Paper Doll boutique, a hidden gem for stylish and distinctive finds.
The Medieval Scribe
0.1 km
Discover unique medieval-inspired crafts and artisanal treasures in the heart of York’s historic Church Street.
Barghest
0.1 km
Discover Barghest, a quirky gift shop in York’s historic Shambles, offering unique film, TV, and music merchandise in a medieval setting.
Sterling Souvenirs
0.1 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs at Sterling Souvenirs, your friendly gift shop in the heart of King’s Square.
Take One Gifts
0.1 km
Explore Take One Gifts in York for unique souvenirs, artisan crafts, and memorable collectibles reflecting the city's charm.
Pride of York Souvenirs
0.1 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs in the heart of the historic Shambles at Pride of York Souvenirs.
York Souvenirs and Gifts
0.1 km
Authentic Yorkshire souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic York’s medieval streets.
Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts
0.1 km
Discover quirky, unique gifts and playful treasures in the heart of York’s historic Shambles at Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts.
Pandora
0.1 km
Discover elegant, hand-finished jewellery crafted with care and inspired by timeless style at Pandora on Low Petergate, York.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
0.1 km
Experience authentic German Christmas magic year-round in York’s historic Tudor townhouse on Stonegate.
Gift Gallery
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and charming souvenirs in the heart of York’s historic Shambles, where tradition meets thoughtful shopping.
Rookscroft
0.2 km
Discover handcrafted treasures and local charm at Rookscroft, York’s cozy gift shop on historic Stonegate.
The Cat Gallery
0.2 km
York's iconic independent gift shop celebrating all things feline since 2001.
SOCTOPUS
0.2 km
Discover York’s playful sock boutique blending British humour, culture, and quirky style in every colourful pair.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Victor J's
0.1 km
Eclectic art-inspired bar and restaurant in York’s heart, offering cozy seating, creative vibes, and lively weekend nights.
Vudu Lounge
0.1 km
York’s eclectic after-hours lounge blending quality cocktails with a lively, quirky nightlife vibe until the early morning.
Slug & Lettuce - Swinegate York
0.1 km
A lively cocktail bar and casual dining spot in York’s historic centre, perfect for social drinks, events, and weekend late nights.
Oscar's Wine Bar & Bistro
0.1 km
A lively and welcoming wine bar in York offering quality food, diverse wines, and a charming atmosphere for all occasions.
Bobos Cocktail Bar York
0.1 km
York’s vibrant two-floor cocktail bar with tropical drinks, heated shisha terrace, lively DJs, and unbeatable drink deals in the historic Quarter.
Dusk
0.1 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Pivní York
0.1 km
Historic 16th-century timber-framed pub in York offering an exceptional selection of local and global craft beers in a cosy, multi-floor setting.
The Punch Bowl
0.1 km
A historic York pub blending traditional charm, eclectic ales, and hearty British fare in a cozy, welcoming setting on Stonegate.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.1 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Evil Eye
0.2 km
Quirky cocktails and lively entertainment blend seamlessly in York’s vibrant Evil Eye Lounge on historic Stonegate.
Social 8 Lounge
0.2 km
Stylish York lounge bar offering crafted cocktails, small plates, and boozy brunch in a relaxed, elegant setting with a courtyard garden.
Revolution York
0.2 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
Lendal Cellars
0.2 km
Historic underground pub with a quirky atmosphere, diverse menu, and a rare city-center beer garden in York.
Ye Olde Starre Inne
0.2 km
Historic and welcoming pub on York’s Stonegate, serving hearty British classics in a charming medieval setting.
Golden Fleece York
0.2 km
York’s oldest haunted pub offering historic charm, classic ales, cozy rooms, and a lively social atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
BlueBox
0.1 km
York’s premier late-night nightclub, BlueBox pulses with House, Tech House, and Disco beats until dawn in a vibrant city-center setting.
Flares - York
0.3 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
Kuda
0.3 km
York’s vibrant nightclub offering diverse music, live DJs, and a lively late-night atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Club Salvation
0.4 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
Popworld York
0.4 km
York’s vibrant pop music nightclub with a unique revolving dancefloor and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
0.5 km
York’s iconic student nightclub offering energetic dance floors, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere since the 1980s.
Bar 55 York
0.5 km
York’s exclusive strip club offering sophisticated adult entertainment and premium nightlife in a stylish, historic setting.
Karaoke Rooms (KTV)
1.2 km
Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
Big Fellas Nightclub
33.5 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
34.0 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Quadrophenia Night
34.6 km
Rev up for mod anthems, live ska-soul bands, and 60s film vibes at Leeds' ultimate Quadrophenia tribute night—pure energy and rebellion on the dancefloor.
Disco Stu's
34.9 km
Pulse-pounding beats and sticky-floored euphoria on Vicar Lane—Disco Stu's delivers unfiltered Leeds nightlife with affordable drinks and all-night energy.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
34.9 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
The Key Club
35.0 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
PRYZM
35.1 km
Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly