York is a wee gem of a place. And as with any place I write about, I would highly recommend spending more than 1 day there. But, I know that isn’t always possible, so here is my guide to 24 hours in York.
24 hours in York : Itinerary
12 Midday – Lunch at Source
Start your visit at Source restaurant (1 Castlegate) – a great mix of hearty meals, superfoods, locally sourced produce, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. A great way to fuel up for your 24 hours in York!
2pm – Vikings
Head to the Jorvik Viking Centre. This celebrated interactive attraction teaches you about the archaeological dig which revealed the rich viking history in York. Charges apply. You can utilise the York City Pass if you have many attractions you want to visit.
4pm – Clifford’s Tower
Take a walk up the 13th century castle keep, Clifford’s Tower. It’s a steep walk, but the view from the top of the steps is fabulous!
5pm – The Shambles
You can’t miss a wander down The Shambles. While it’s a tourist trap these days, you can’t beat seeing the wonky houses and shops. What was once a street full of butcher shops, is now gift stores and jewellers.
6pm – Aperitifs
Head over to Petergate to Mr P’s Curious Tavern for aperitif time. This small plates restaurant has a great bar in the window, so you can drink gin and watch the world go by.
7pm – Dinner at Ambiente
Now, for the marvellous tapas restaurant that introduced me to the joys of padron peppers – Ambiente (14 Goodramgate). This place has an exceptional menu, and everything we tried was delicious. They also accommodated our vegan family members with ease and enthusiasm.
9pm – Catch some live music in York centre
There are loads of generic pubs and clubs in the centre of York that cater to the stag and hen parties that frequent the area, BUT, there are some great lower key alternatives if rowdy nightclubs aren’t your thing. I recommend The Yorkshire Terrier (10 Stonegate), for good ales and Saturday night gigs; and The Habit (40 Goodramgate), for intimate gigs and yummy burgers.
*** Fall into bed at an undisclosed hour ***
If you’re an early riser, you will also have time to walk some of the city walls too – I recommend the section between Goodramgate and Petergate!
9am – Breakfast
Try the Barbakan on Walmgate for the eggs bene, or Bistro Guy on Gillygate for the American pancakes.
11am – York Minster
Visit York Minster. Well, obviously! This incredible edifice presides over York like a loving mother. Even if you just view the outside, it is stunning – but it is worth a look inside too.
12 Midday
Finish your time in York by visiting The Trembling Madness, a rather fantastic pub and shop, with taxidermy on the walls, and more beer on their menu than you can shake a stick at!
Love UK short breaks? Why not have a weekend in London, or Edinburgh?
24 hours in York
I have spent many many weekends in York, so obviously I’m a fan. Hopefully this 24 hour guide will just serve to kick off a longer visit. But if you only have 1 day in York, these are the highlights that will give you a good taste of the city. This charming city will lull you back in an instant, so don’t worry, you’ll spend more than 24 hours in York eventually.
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All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF Lens 50mm 1:1.8 STM; and an iPhone6s.
