Discover York's history and charm in 4 days

Step back in time and explore the historic charm of York.

22 April 2023

As a tourist in York, United Kingdom, you will step into a realm of ancient history, stunning architecture, and thriving cultural life. Tour the York Minster to witness its magnificently preserved medieval architecture and breathtaking stained glass windows. Explore the Shambles, a picturesque street that exudes Harry Potter charm with its timber-frame buildings and quirky independent shops.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploring York

  • Check in at The Principal York Hotel, minutes away from York Minster
  • Visit York Minster, a stunning cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows
  • Walk along The Shambles, a charming cobbled street lined with timber-framed buildings
  • Stop by The York Dungeon for a spooky history lesson
  • Enjoy a pint at The House of Trembling Madness, a unique bar with a great selection of beers and meads
Day 2

History and Scenery

  • Take a scenic walk along the River Ouse
  • Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre to learn about York's Viking past
  • Explore York Castle Museum, an interactive museum with exhibits on life in the past
  • Admire the views from Clifford's Tower, the remains of a medieval castle
  • Have dinner at Rustique, a French bistro with delicious food and a cozy atmosphere
Day 3

Day Trip to the Coast

  • Take a short train ride to Whitby, a picturesque seaside town
  • Visit Whitby Abbey, an ancient ruined abbey on a hilltop overlooking the sea
  • Take a walk along the beach and explore the town's quaint shops and cafes
  • Have lunch at The Magpie Cafe, a renowned seafood restaurant with great views of the harbour
  • Head back to York for a relaxing evening at The Ivy St. Helen's Square, a stylish brasserie
Day 4

Gardens and Museums

  • Visit the York Museum Gardens, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city with beautiful flowers and fountains
  • Explore the Yorkshire Museum, with exhibits on the region's geology, Roman history and more
  • Have lunch at Betty's Tea Room, an iconic spot for tea and scones
  • Visit the National Railway Museum, a fascinating museum with exhibits on the history of trains
  • End the day with dinner at The Star Inn The City, a charming restaurant with a riverside terrace and great British food.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to York, United Kingdom by plane is to arrive at Leeds Bradford International Airport, which is approximately 30 miles away from York city centre. From the airport, you can take a direct bus or train to York city centre.

Car

Driving to York is a great way to explore the idyllic British countryside. From London, take the M1 and A1 for approximately 200 miles to York. Once you reach York, there are many car parks available in the city centre, such as the Bootham Row Car Park and the Monk Bar Car Park.

Train

York is well-connected by train, with direct services from major cities such as London, Edinburgh and Manchester. The main station in York is York Station. From there, you can take a taxi, bus or walk to the city centre.

Boat

Although York does not have a direct port, you can take a ferry from mainland Europe to the ports of Hull or Newcastle, both of which are approximately one hour away from York city centre by car or train.

Bus

There are direct bus services to York from many major cities in the UK, including London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Leeds. The main bus station in York is the York Bus Station. From there, you can take a taxi, bus or walk to the city centre.

Destination

York

If medieval history and constant rainfall are your thing, then York is the place for you. Don't forget your umbrella and chainmail armor.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

A Day Trip to York: Family-Friendly Fun, History, and Quirks

A family-friendly trip to York, United Kingdom offers a rich experience of history, culture, and fun-filled activities. Immerse yourselves in the ancient allure of York Minster, explore the fascinating exhibits at the National Railway Museum, and stroll along the charming medieval streets of the city. Don't forget to indulge in the famous Yorkshire puddings and peruse the unique shops and markets for delightful souvenirs.

York Romantic Retreat: Explore, Relax, and Indulge

York, with its charming medieval streets and historic sites, makes for a perfect romantic getaway in the United Kingdom. Explore the cobbled lanes, ancient city walls and stunning Gothic cathedral, before retracing your steps along the winding pathways of the beautiful York Minster. Delight in local cuisine at one of the many intimate restaurants around the city or take in a show at the celebrated Theatre Royal.

York on a Budget: 4 Days of Fun

Discover the charm of York, United Kingdom while on a budget trip. Explore the city's rich history through free walking tours and take advantage of affordable accommodations outside the city center. Indulge in delicious and budget-friendly meals at local food markets and independent cafes.

Yorkshire Delight: A 3-Day Adventure

As a tourist visiting York, one cannot stop marveling at the skyline of ancient buildings, cobbled streets, and cosy pubs all around the city. A trip around the city walls is a must-do, offering breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings from a bird's eye perspective. One can delve into the city's rich history by visiting the York Minster, National Railway Museum and The Shambles, which are just some of the tourist attractions that make York stand out.