Things to do in York?

Hiya all. A group of sorta-relatives are coming to York (via Ireland, then London, and on their way to Paris), and have decided to visit me.

These sorta-relatives consist of my ex-sister-in-law (we share a common, intense dislike for her brother), her son, his wife, and their 18 year old daughter.

As I said, we are meeting in York. I have been there a few times and absolutely love the city. However, I know it can be rather expensive to see all the attractions. I am taking them to York Minster (of course), the York Wheel, the Jorvick Viking Center (depending on how long the line is) and the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens, and we'll be eating at Harker's Bar.  They guy may go off to the Yorkshire National Railway Museum while the ladies go shopping (they've never been to a Lush before-  hee!) All this will cost a pretty penny for the 6 of us. So, besides walking down all the lovely streets, seeing the buskers, etc. are there any other attractions that I could take them that might perhaps be free?   Maybe some less museum-y kind of place? Any and all suggestions would be welcome.  This is a group of many and varied interests, ranging in age from 18 to 71, 4 men, 2 women.  Suggestions? We would like to stay within the city proper and be able to walk to the place/attraction.  Thank you!

I loved York! I was there last February.

You have to do the "Hop On/Hop Off" city tour buses (tickets are good for 24hrs, so you can use 'em the next day if there was something you missed!)

Have a meal at Betty's!

The national railway museum is huge, and can take up the whole day, and I still think it's free!

Yorkminster is a waste of good money.

The York Haunted mansion & The viking museum were fun.

Hope some of this helps!

Walk the walls!

Train Museum!!! Brilliant.  I would go to York again just to see that again. Loved it. But I'm a geek.   

I disagree that the Minster is a waste of money.  I loved it. I really enjoyed the choir that was singing in there when I was in there. It was gorgeous. 

Walking the walls is nice. 

The pubs. The beers are TOP notch.

The Shambles is worth a nice visit to see. 

Now a good waste of money is the Yorkshire Wheel!

I don't know what you mean by "walking the walls"?  Do tell!

York Minster a waste of good money???    Oh my.  I'm not a huge fan of churches, but I thought it was one of the most beautiful and interesting places I've ever been, and I've been there 4-5 times already.  (Although I chickened out 2/3 the way up the tower due to claustrophobia, but I tried!)

I've been reading some negative reviews about the Wheel, so I think we'll skip that.  Seems it's rather pricey and the views aren't that great, from what I've read.

Since it is getting such rave reviews, I think the gals will have to go to the Railway Museum as well, as we are all kinda geeky like that.  I didn't realize it was so big. They only have one day to spend in York, so I need to plan this well. We'll have about 8-10 hours of actual visiting time for the whole city

They don't really drink, so I think we'll skip the pubs, but yes, The Shambles is definitely on the list to do.

Is the Haunted mansion near the Viking museum?  I'm trying to picture where it is in my head.

You know the big walls that completely surround the centre of York? You can walk along the top of it almost the whole way around. In a few spots you have to come down the steps and walk a few feet to the next set (there is a museum in at least one of the bars, so you can't go straight through), but mostly you can walk the whole perimeter of the city along the walls.

Oh yes, I'm so dumb. I've actually walked them before. Thanks for reminding me.

York is one of my favourite places!!! If you're up for another meal, J Baker's Bistro is amazing.  It's run by a michelin starred chef, but has totally reasonable prices (and is on the same street as an amazing used bookstore!).  I love, love, love the Jorvik--but I used to teach middle school and am 14 years old on the inside. I also really enjoyed the Minster, I think it is beautiful. There are loads of Roman type ruins as well and I just enjoy walking the bridges and staring at all of the white roses everywhere. Thirding the train museum as well.
There is also Clifford's Tower, which has a sad and terrible history attached to it, but amazing views.

They have free walking tours.  There is one at 6:45 in the evening so you can get some history and orient yourself.

Also, you can take a river cruise. The museum right near Clifford's Tower is pricey, but worth it.

I like York Minster, but I like churches. I second Betty's, it is a lovely tea shop and you can't visit the UK without having a cream tea.