A weekend in York is always a good idea. Less than 2.5 hours from Edinburgh, and under 2 hours from London, York is an easy weekend break away. History, fabulous food, and renowned architecture will keep you occupied; and the amazing bars will keep you merry in this North Yorkshire city.
Arriving into York
The walled centre of York is only a 10 minute walk from the train station. You can use York Minster as a navigation point by which to guide you to the city centre. Once in the walled old town, everywhere is walkable, and there are many pedestrianised areas.
If you are arriving by car, I recommend you stay outside the city walls and choose a hotel with parking. York centre’s roads are typically cobbled and narrow, so having a car can be a hindrance.
Places to stay in York
I recommend staying either within or near the walled city if you are on a short break in York. Why not try an Inn such as the Gillygate Pub, just outside Petergate. Based on the traditional Coaching Inn (for cheap lodging on the Stage Coach routes, which, incidentally, are the predecessors of modern hotels), these ‘Pubs with Rooms’ are a great option for travellers to York.
My favourite luxury hotels are the Gray’s Court Hotel, just behind York Minster. And the Principal York, a palatial hotel over the River Ouse. Budget options include the Fort Boutique Hostel, and the Ibis York Centre.
Eating out in York
Mr P’s Curious Tavern
71 Low Petergate
For something quirky, head to Mr. P’s Curious Tavern for fun hipster décor and freshly cut charcuterie platters. Mr. P’s has a great gin selection, and offers cozy surroundings for a light lunch or mid-afternoon tipple.
Ambiente
14 Goodramgate
We visited Ambiente tapas restaurant on Goodramgate because we were travelling with a vegan. It was a real find, and we had a marvellous, and well-priced meal, that included lots of vegan options. The sangria was delicious, as were the Pimientos de Padrón (seared Padrón peppers served simply with some salt) – I could’ve eaten two bowls!
Lamb and Lion Inn
2-4 High Petergate
A quick google search for ‘The best beer gardens in York’ lead us to The Lamb & Lion Inn, right near Petergate itself. Through the building and up some steps was a gorgeous suntrap of a garden – right next to the walkway around the city wall, and with a view of the Minster. The Lamb & Lion also has rooms and a full pub menu.
Las Iguanas
21 Back Swinegate
Las Iguanas is a chain restaurant, but with lots of vegan options. Near little Stonegate, an area full of clubs and craziness late at night, it is lovely and quiet during the day. Las Iguanas York has a great patio area – half under canopy, half outdoors – very convivial! Las Iguanas also belongs in the Cocktail Bar section below…
Cocktail Bars in York
Love beer? Then a visit to the House of the Trembling Madness is a must. This fun medieval style bar has lots of old taxidermy, and has a beer and spirits shop underneath. We went in to procure some Masons Yorkshire gin – in Lavender and Earl Grey Tea flavours!
Head to Victor J’s (1A Finkle Street) for cocktails and art exhibitions. For drinks with a viking theme, check out Valhalla York (4 Patrick Pool). If you’re looking for late night cocktail madness, try Bobo Lobo Cocktail bar on Little Stonegate – this Havana styled bar is in the party district.
Love UK city breaks? Have you thought of visiting London for a day or perhaps a weekend in Edinburgh?
Things to do on a weekend away in York
The Shambles
This marvellous wiggly little street is all quaint and touristy now, but back in the fourteenth century it was a street full of butchers. The name ‘shambles’ is an old term for a meat market. All the former butcher shops have overhanging upper floors, with hooks for the butchers to display their stock. Walking down this once murderous street with my vegan family was a juxtaposition indeed (even if only in my head). Luckily for them, The Shambles is now full of tourist gift shops and jewellers instead.
Clifford’s Tower
Clifford’s Tower is, in fact, almost all that remains of York Castle, built by William the Conqueror. We missed the opening times unfortunately, but if you’re up for a work-out, I recommend running up the steep steps and taking in the marvellous views of the York Crown Court, York Castle Museum and surrounds.
You can visit Clifford’s Tower as part of a York Minster and City Walking Tour
If you want to learn more about York Castle, you can visit the York Castle Museum nearby. Entry to this museum, and the Jorvik Viking Centre is included in the York City Pass, if you want to pack your visit with as many attractions as possible.
York Minster
You just must see York Minster in all its glory. The current Minster was consecrated in 1472, but there was actually evidence of a church on that site as far back as 627AD. It is one of the most magnificent churches I have ever seen.
York City Walls
One of the best restored sections of the city wall is between Goodramgate and Petergate. With several areas to pause and sit down along the way, and great views over inner and outer York, it is certainly worth the effort.
A Weekend in York
A weekend away in York will sail by – there is so much to keep you occupied, and so many pubs to keep you hydrated. The charm of the city walls and old cobbled streets, and the history that is evident everywhere you go.
Only have 24 hours in York? Check out my special 1 day itinerary. If you have planning questions, catch me on twitter!
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.
