York Guide
Welcome to our York Guide
Welcome to our York Guide, a useful guide that provides you with a glimpse into the unique sights, shopping, and nightlife available in this beautiful city. With an array of world class attractions, medieval architecture and a vibrant city centre the historic city of York has plenty for you to discover on your short break. From the iconic York Minster, one of the largest gothic cathedrals in Europe, to the award winning Jorvik Viking centre, the world famous National Railway Museum and the striking medieval walls that surround the centre you’ll be amazed at all this city has to offer.
Stuck for ideas? Our York Guide offers a wealth of ideas for all seasons no matter what you love to do! Steeped in history York blends together a rich heritage with a lively modern day culture providing you with the best of both worlds on your break. With a host of high street favourites, independent boutiques and quirky shops York offers a superb shopping selection. The charming medieval shambles are a must see and offer an assortment of gift shops in all shapes and sizes. While the city’s thriving cafe culture offers a great selection of coffee shops and hidden away tea rooms to stop and relax before continuing on your way. Not to mention the renowned Betty’s tearooms a hallmark Yorkshire institution.
In the evenings enjoy York’s eclectic nightlife. Whether it’s a boat cruise on the picturesque river, a discovery of haunted York on one of the city’s many ghost walks or enjoying live music in one of York’s many pubs. York has a fabulous selection of restaurants ranging a variety of cuisines so there really is something to suit all tastes. Browse through our York Guide to and get an insight into this wonderful city and all it has to offer you on your York break.
Treat yourself to afternoon tea in Betty’s Tea Rooms
Step back in time at Jorvik Viking Centre
Walk the City walls, the longest medieval town walls in England!
Get spooked on a Ghost Walk
Marvel at York Minster beautifully lit up at night
Enjoy a drink in one of the City’s 200 pubs
Top Visitor Attractions in York
Jorvik Viking Centre
Step back in time as you travel back over 1,000 years to the Viking-Age city of Jorvik! Discover the houses, workshops and backyards in Viking-Age York as you journey around this ancient city in time capsules. The old-Norse speaking citizens are there to guide you along your way as you visit the blacksmith and his furnace and enjoy the smells and sounds of the Jorvik Viking Centre. Uncover why the Vikings came to York, where they came from and how they lived and died in this incredible discovery of Viking life.
York Dungeons
Uncover the horrible histories of York with a visit to the chillingly good York Dungeons.
Travelling to York
York Overview
York has excellent rail and motorway networks making it one of the most easily accessible cities in the UK. London, Edinburgh & Manchester are only about 2 hours away by train. Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds/Bradford airports are also within easy reach.
By Rail
York Rail Station puts you just a short stroll from the centre and is an excellent way to reach the city from all over the UK. York Rail has regular and direct connections to Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and London King’s Cross.
By Road
The A1(M) offers a great link to York from both Scotland and the South of England. Running along the West side of the city, drivers from the South should head along the A1(M) until reaching the A64 whilst visitors from the North should pull of the A1(M) onto the A59.
By Air
The closest airport to York is Leeds/Bradford International Airport, which is just over 50 minutes drive away and has many nearby hotels with parking. Other reachable airports include Doncaster which is just over 1 hour away and Manchester International Airport which is 1 hour 40 minutes.
Getting Around in York
York Overview
York is compact and easy to explore on foot. However if you want to get around a bit quicker and see even more find out more about buses, taxis and bike hire.
By Bus
The First Bus Service runs multiple lines across the city, with some running as late as midnight. York has a Park & Ride service from five different spots around the city and a hop on hop off Sightseeing Bus that does a 60 minute loop of all the major landmarks.
By Taxi
There are multiple taxi firms around the city of York, but the major service is provided by a company called Streamline Taxis. For those arriving by train, you will find taxis just outside the front entrance of York Station.
By Bike
Get Cycling, Scoot Cycling Hire and Bob Trotters Cycling Hire all offer an alternative way to get around the city on your short break. With cycle lanes all around the city and the centre being quite compact, this is an easy, fun and convenient way to get around York.
Cedar Court Grand Hotel
We love everything about this new 5* spa hotel! Formerly the North Eastern Railways Headquarters. The buildings historical atmosphere is blended with modern design. This hotel is slap bang in the centre of the city and only a few minutes’ walk from the train station.
There are loads of great events & reasons to visit York and here are just a few!
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1
Various dates - York 800 Festival
A range of events and festivals celebrating 800 years of York being a city.
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2
5 - 6 Feb - Swan Lake
The Moscow City Ballet perfrom Tchaikovsky's famed ballet at the York Barbican.
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3
11 - 19 Feb - Wizard Week
The Hogwarts train returns to the National Railway Museum for half term.
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4
11 - 19 Feb - Viking Festival
The 27th annual Viking Festival, events throughout the city.
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5
20 - 25 Feb - Spamalot
Monty Python's Holy Grail is transformed for the stage at the Grand Opera House.
Out and about in York
York Shopping
As well as all the normal high-street shops, York has an outstanding array of one-off, independent shops where you are guaranteed to find something unique.
Eating Out in York
York has an amazing selection of places to eat from traditional and homely local dishes, to every cuisine under the sun – Indian, Italian, Mexican and Thai to name but a few!
York Nightlife
York’s liveliest nightlife is centered around Micklegate which is a street lined with bars. For live entertainment take a trip to the Theatre Royal or Grand Opera House.
York Bars
York has at least 200 places to enjoy a drink or two. With traditional pubs and trendy bars there is something for everyone.
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