How To Plan The Perfect Weekend Break in York

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Ask anyone who’s been to York what they’re favorite UK city is, and I can guarantee it will be in the mix. One of the most historic cities in England, York combines medieval, Roman and even Viking history. It’s then tied up in a neat little bow by being one of the most visually stunning cities in the country. It’s easy to see why you would want to spend a weekend break in York.

Where is York?

York is a large city with a small town feel in the northern English county of Yorkshire. The city of York is about a 40-minute drive northeast from Leeds, the county’s largest city.

From central London, York is about a 4 hour drive. Or the easier option: take a direct train from London’s Kings Cross station. That’ll get you there in a little over 2 hours. A train from Manchester will take around the same amount of time too.

York is not only popular with tourists and history fans alike, but it’s a prominent university town with one of the best post secondary institutions.

Why my family love York

York is a city a little more close to my family’s heart for different reasons. You see, this is where my parents went on their honeymoon in 1980. When my parents got married they couldn’t really afford a honeymoon so they decided to skip the traditional post-wedding trip.

However on the morning of their wedding a huge protest caused my Mum to be late to the wedding. Being a small town, their local newspaper wrote about my Dad, worried at the alter while my Mum was stuck getting to the church, wondering if she’d done a runner!

The day after the wedding they were so tired of reporters they decided to skip town until the story died down. They borrowed a car and drove to York, arriving without even a place to stay, stopping at the first B&B with a room available.

They had a lovely weekend break in York, and still enjoy going back. Second happy ending: the protesters felt so bad they pooled money and bought my parents a crystal vase as a gift which they still have to this day.

Where to stay in York

There are literally hundreds of Bed & Breakfasts in York, and that’s probably the best accommodation choice in the city. They’re staffed by helpful locals who prepare insanely delicious full English breakfasts in the morning and will point you in the right direction for anywhere you need to find.

One of my favorite little B&Bs is The Farthings B&B. Far enough out of the city centre that it’s a little quieter, but close enough to easily walk in. Their breakfast was lovely and the rooms super comfortable.

Another great option is Brentwood Guest House. Similarly close and on a quiet residential street, the rooms were just what we needed. Brentwood however is a guest house only with no breakfast option, and easy access is provided with a keypad on the front door which makes check in a bit more convenient if you’re traveling.

Activities for your weekend break in York?

You’re going to need a lot of time in York to see everything. It’s not a massive city, but there’s so much to do. Get your comfy shoes on and keep reading for some ideas of the best activities in York. A weekend is a good amount of time, but spend longer if you have it.

York Minster

Hundreds of years old, and honestly one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe, York Minster should not be missed. The stained glass windows are unreal, and the Minster is a central point in the already picturesque city.

If you’re looking for a good view over York pay the extra to include a climb up the Central Tower. The highest point in the city gives an incredible birds-eye view over the quaint streets below.

Walk the city walls

One of the most fun (and free) things to do in York is to walk along the city walls. There aren’t many cities that still have the city walls intact, let alone open to the public like York.

Although some restoration work has been done on the medieval walls, much of the original outline was put in place as far back as Roman times.

The majority of the walls are still from around the 12th-14th Centuries. The four main gates (also known as “bars”) create almost north, south, east and west entries into the town.

Walk the walls from one of the many access points around them, and get a unique view of the city.

Yorkshire Museum

One of the best museums to find out more history about the city of York and surrounding area. Learn all about the Vikings, Romans and even the Medieval times in the city. As well as the permanent collection, there are regularly changing exhibitions also so there’s always something new to see.

If you’re short on time (or money), the Museum Gardens are lovely and are completely free to walk around. Bring a picnic on a nice day and enjoy the peaceful botanical gardens within the city.

St. Mary’s Abbey

One of the most impressive sights in the York Museum Gardens are the ruins of this 11th Century abbey. As with many other UK monasteries its downfall came about in the mid-16th Century as collateral damage of Henry VIII wanting to get a divorce.

The King essentially “broke up with” the Catholic church to do so, disbanding and destroying many monasteries and abbeys then appropriating the money for the Crown. The Abbey is still an interesting sight to see today though. You can wander around the defunct abbey now completely free of charge.

Jorvik Viking Center

Just a short few hundred years after the Romans left York, the Vikings arrived. They settled in the region naming it Jorvik. Well wouldn’t you believe it, in the 1970s a massive excavation project uncovered this Viking settlement.

By the mid-1980s the Jorvik Viking Centre was built around the site introducing modern-day England to the Vikings once more. As a young child I was terrified when visiting Jorvik. I mean, the Vikings are not the most friendly looking bunch are they?

Childhood trauma aside, the attraction is very well done and even has the sounds and smells of Viking England permeating through the museum.

The Shambles

Any Harry Potter fans in the house? The Shambles is a curious old street in the city of York which is said to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books. One step onto this medieval, cobble-stoned street and you’ll immediately see why.

The street is crammed full of overhanging timber-framed buildings, many of which date back to the 14th Century. All of that makes this one of the most uniquely interesting streets you’ll ever have the chance to walk down.

The Shambles has some lovely individual shops and a ton of history – this used to be a street with dozens of butchers’ shops.

Top Photo Tip: The Shambles is very popular and you won’t get many shots without hundreds of people in – unless you get up early. Set the alarm and wander down the street before the shops open for some pretty atmospheric photos.

Release your inner witch or wizard

The Shambles is full of buildings so haphazardly configured that they look like they’re one Neville Longbottom-esque spell away from folding like a pack of cards. The street has leaned into its “wizarding world” esthetic with more than a couple Harry Potter themed stores.

Pick up some magical drinks at the Potions Cauldron, or take part in a potions experience with samples. Have your wand handy as you enter The Shop That Must Not Be Named for all your Harry Potter related gear. And for more unique gifts check out The Enchanted Galaxy.

Visit the outdoor market

Around the back of the Shambles street is Shambles Market. It’s here you’ll find plenty of street vendors selling everything from local crafts to fresh produce. There are some stalls selling the usual mobile phone cases, but the market is a great place to hunt a bargain or two.

There’s a food court and a number of bakeries and delicatessens around the market too – arrive on an empty stomach for the best experience. If there’s one thing you won’t be short of on your weekend break in York, it’s food!

Take a ghost walk

One of my favorite activities in York, there are ghost walks most evenings happening in the city. Many of them you can just show up and pay, although during COVID they restricted the group size so booking in advance was required for some.

Follow a historically dressed tour guide around the ancient streets of York and learn something new. The knowledgeable ghost walk guides will lead you to all the creepiest of places, telling stories of famous local ghosts.

Top Ghostly Tip: Since many of the ghost walks start at 7pm or 8pm, late summer through winter is a particularly good time to visit as it will be nice and dark during your walk. Just to add a little atmosphere to your ghost stories.

Learn about Guy Fawkes

One of York’s most famous former residents is non other than the Gunpowder Plot co-conspirator Guy Fawkes. Right across the street from York Minster is his birthplace – born in 1570, Guy Fawkes grew up in York.

He was baptized in the church across from York Minster and was educated at St Peter’s School nearby. But a place you must visit is the Guy Fawkes Inn, now a pub on the site of his birthplace.

Top Tip: If you’re in York on November 5th you won’t be able to celebrate Bonfire Night at the Guy Fawkes Inn. They are prohibited from partaking in the event that commemorates its former residents death.

Ghostly pub encounter

Although the Guy Fawkes Inn is said to be haunted by the man himself, it’s not the only ghostly drinking establishment in town. An old city with as an illustrious past as York is bound to rack up a ghost or two.

The Black Swan Inn is a 15th Century pub with more than a couple of resident specters. With the ghosts of a small boy and a highwayman among others, you might want a stiff drink to brave a visit.

The Golden Fleece is the most haunted pub in York though, and was the former home of the mayor of York. Turns out his wife really doesn’t want to leave so you may see her around the pub if you’re (un)lucky.

National Railway Museum

Where are my fellow train geeks at?! You’re going to love this museum if you are in any way interested in trains. The National Railway Museum in York is the world’s largest railway museum.

As if it couldn’t get any better, this fantastic museum is also completely FREE to visit. Donations are welcome, but this is the perfect budget activity for your trip to York. The museum is home to one of the original steam trains on which many future steam trains were modelled, Stephenson’s Rocket.

Finding good eats and drinks in York

One thing York isn’t short of is good food. We’ve already covered the Shambles market with it’s own food court. But there are other places for yummy food on the go.

For a local fan favorite order a Yorkshire Pudding wrap – think roast dinner in sandwich form. If Ross Gellar were here this would be the sandwich he’d really be insisting was “My sandwich“. You can also get a delicious Toad in the Hole in a traditional Yorkshire Pudding in most pubs.

A historic small city – in Yorkshire no less – isn’t without its fair share of cute little tearooms. Start your day right with a full English, enjoy a mid morning toasted teacake, or plan for an afternoon tea. Whatever your hunger level there are dozens of places to satisfy it.

York has a lot of great places to find delectable sweets, pastries and desserts. But for me, one great find was Oleria Patisserie on the northwest side of the city. Their selection of Mediterranean pastries was out of this world and I bought more than my fair share of yummy baklava.

If haunted pubs are a bit too passé for you, how about another truly unique experience? The Churchill Hotel has a winter wonderland igloo rental option in the garden. Enjoy the cold evenings from the safety of a protective bubble while sharing some snacks or a cocktail (or two).

Why choose a weekend break in York

Most people who visit the UK don’t stray too much further than London, which is a shame. Although London is an amazing city – and one of my favorites – there are a lot more places in the UK to discover. York being very high on the list.

York provides small town charm in the form of a big city. It has the historical sites that people search for when they visit the UK, and the quaint little streets that immediately come to mind when England is mentioned.

The city of York is teeming with cute little guest houses and B&Bs, just waiting for visitors all year round. But unlike other cities who might take popularity as an excuse to overdevelop, York knows its worth just the way it is.

It leans into its historical past and show off with everything it has. That’s what makes it a unique and wonderful UK destination and why a weekend break in York is the perfect getaway.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What would you plan for your weekend break in York? Are there any other UK cities you recommend for a unique weekend getaway?