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Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Inspire me!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
York hotels: A city of medieval wonders and adventure
Are you looking for the perfect UK city break? Step into a real-life fairy tale in York, a city packed with charming cobbled streets, medieval landmarks and a Viking past. York is one of Europe’s most fascinating historic cities in the heart of England. You can travel back in time to the Jorvik Viking Centre and experience life in Viking-era York. Do you fancy a spooky thrill? York is one of the most haunted cities in England, so a ghost tour is a must! And after a day of exploring, relax in a cosy pub or indulge in afternoon tea at Betty’s.
Whether you want to soak up the medieval vibes or love ghost tours, York is an unforgettable city break. Don’t forget to check out our deals and find the best York hotel offers.
York at a glance
Flight duration (from London): 1 hour
Main airport: Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
Population: 218,000
Language: English
Currency: The British pound sterling
Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Planning your holiday in York
Getting to York
If you’re flying to York, you should know that there is no airport there. But you can get flights to nearby airports. The closest major airport is Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), just 30 miles from York. You can fly from London Heathrow, Belfast, Bristol and Edinburgh. From London, flights take about one hour, making it a quick hop north. Other good options include Manchester Airport (MAN) and Newcastle Airport (NCL), both around one and a half hours from York by train.
Once you land, you can get a direct train from Leeds, Manchester or Newcastle to York Station, which sits right in the city centre. If you prefer a car, taxis and rental cars are available, and driving from Leeds to York takes 45 minutes.
Where to stay in York
Are you looking for hotels in York? From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hotels, you can have your pick of York hotels. If you are a history lover, stay in the hotels in York City Centre, where you’ll be steps from York Minster, The Shambles and cosy tearooms. Top picks include The Grand York, a 5-star stunner with a spa, or Guy Fawkes Inn, a quirky historic pub-hotel. Are you on a budget? The Bar Convent offers affordable charm, while YHA York is great for backpackers.
The best time to visit York
York is beautiful, no matter the time of the year you visit. For instance, spring in York is picture-perfect, with blossoms in Museum Gardens and fewer crowds. Stroll the ancient city walls, explore York Minster or take a river cruise as the city wakes up from winter. In summer, you can enjoy outdoor Shakespeare performances and street entertainers at The Shambles and the Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta. You should expect more tourists and higher hotel prices. You can enjoy beer gardens and picnics by River Ouse.
The autumn colours in Dean’s Park are stunning, and the city’s ghost tours feel extra spooky as Halloween approaches. Enjoy the York Food and Drink Festival or cosy up in a historic pub as the weather cools. Wander through the festive Christmas Market or sip mulled wine at The Shambles Tavern. With twinkling lights and historic charm, it’s the perfect romantic winter getaway.
Top attractions in York
Stop by York Minster
York Minster is a jaw-dropping Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline. It’s packed with history, from its stunning stained glass windows to hidden underground chambers. You should climb the 275 steps to the top of the tower for epic city views. Inside, wander through medieval tombs, eerie crypts and the Chapter House, which looks straight out of a fantasy novel.
Stroll the Shambles Alley
Do you love quirky medieval streets? The Shambles is straight out of Harry Potter (it inspired Diagon Alley). This narrow, cobbled street is lined with wonky timber-framed buildings and shops selling wizard wands, handmade chocolates and souvenirs. It’s one of the most photographed streets in the UK, so bring your camera.
Jorvik Viking Centre
Have you ever wondered what York smelled like in Viking times? Travel back in time to Viking York. At the Jorvik Viking Centre, you can ride through a recreated Viking city, complete with authentic sounds and smells. You’ll meet animatronic Vikings, see ancient artefacts and even check out a 1,000-year-old fossilised Viking toilet. The experience is fun and interactive and is ideal for history lovers and families.
Walk the City Walls
York is one of the few cities in England where you can still walk the original medieval walls. These two-mile-long walls circle the city, offering breathtaking views of York Minster, hidden gardens and historic streets. Walk the whole thing in about two hours, stopping at Micklegate Bar, once the main entrance to the city.
FAQs about York holidays
Q: What is the best time to visit York?
A: The best time to visit York for stunning views without the crowds is autumn. As the summer tourists fade away, York’s medieval streets become peacefully charming. The golden leaves around Dean’s Park and the city walls make for picture-perfect scenery. Plus, autumn is packed with cosy pubs, ghost tours and the York Food & Drink Festival.
Q: How many days in York is enough?
A: A two- to three-day trip is perfect for exploring York! Spend a day visiting York Minster, The Shambles and Jorvik Viking Centre, then walk the medieval city walls for stunning views. On day two, enjoy a river cruise, explore York Dungeon and relax in a historic pub. A third day lets you take a ghost tour or dive into more museums.
Q: Which is the best airport to visit York?
A: The best airport to visit in York is Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), located about 30 miles away. It offers direct flights from London, Belfast, Edinburgh and other UK cities. From LBA, you can reach York in 45 minutes by car or taxi, or you can take a bus to Leeds and then a quick train to York.
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