A Fun-Filled Five Day Trip to York, UK

Explore ancient history and modern charm in York, UK.

22 April 2023

York, in the north of England, is a city steeped in history and culture. It features many magnificent sights, including the iconic York Minster, the medieval walls that surround the city, and the National Railway Museum. As a tourist, one can enjoy strolling through the city's many historic streets and visiting its many museums and galleries.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to York!

Check into the lovely Cedar Court Grand Hotel and Spa in the heart of York.
Grab some lunch at Skosh, a trendy restaurant that serves small plates with big flavors.
Head to York Minster, the iconic cathedral of York, and take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history.
Discover the beauty of the Shambles, a quaint medieval street with timber-framed buildings and charming shops selling local products.
Time to unwind with some craft cocktails at Evil Eye, a funky bar with a quirky decor and a fantastic atmosphere.

Day 2

York for Culture Vultures

Explore the York Castle Museum, a fascinating museum that showcases life in York over the centuries.
Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre to learn about York’s Viking past and even take a ride through a reconstructed Viking village.
Have lunch at Harkers, a traditional pub with a cozy atmosphere and classic British dishes.
Browse the art galleries and exhibition spaces at the York Art Gallery, where you can admire works by famous artists such as David Hockney.
End the day with a performance at the York Theatre Royal, a renowned venue that hosts a variety of plays, musicals, and shows.

Day 3

York’s Hidden Gems

Start the day with a stroll through the Museum Gardens, a tranquil oasis in the heart of York that’s home to ancient ruins and beautiful botanicals.
Take a tour of Treasurer’s House, a 17th-century mansion with opulent interiors and a haunted past.
Stop for lunch at Cafe No. 8, a delightful cafe with a seasonal menu that uses local ingredients.
Visit the York Cold War Bunker, a fascinating underground facility that was built in the 1960s to protect the city in case of a nuclear attack.
Try some Yorkshire pudding at the Hole in the Wall, a cozy pub with a rustic charm and a friendly vibe.

Day 4

York’s Foodie Scene

Start the day with a breakfast of champions at Brew & Brownie, a hip cafe that serves delicious coffee and pastries.
Join a food tour of York with York Food & Drink Tours and discover the city’s culinary secrets, from artisan bakeries to street food vendors.
Have lunch at Pairings Wine Bar, a chic venue that offers a great selection of wines and tapas-style dishes.
Take a cooking class at York Cookery School and learn how to make some traditional British dishes with a modern twist.
Feast on some award-winning steak at the Whippet Inn, a stylish restaurant that specializes in grilled meat and craft beer.

Day 5

York’s Surrounding Countryside

Rent a bike at Cycle Heaven and explore the beautiful countryside around York, such as the Yorkshire Wolds or the Howardian Hills.
Stop for lunch at the Star Inn at Harome, a Michelin-starred pub with a stunning location and a menu that showcases the best of Yorkshire produce.
Visit Castle Howard, a magnificent stately home with impressive architecture, landscaped gardens, and art collections.
Take a walk along the River Ouse and enjoy the scenic views of the city from a different perspective.
Have a farewell drink at the House of Trembling Madness, a quirky bar and bottle shop with a huge selection of craft beers and spirits.

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.