York Staycation Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do and Where to Eat

York is one of the easiest cities in Britain for a short break. Almost everything worth seeing lies inside or just outside its medieval walls, the layers of Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian history sit within a few minutes' walk of each other, and the station is on the main line between London and Edinburgh. This guide covers where to stay in York, what to see and how to spend two days.

How long to stay

Two nights gives you time for the Minster, the walls, a couple of museums and the Shambles. A third night lets you add a day on the North York Moors or the coast. The city is busiest on summer weekends, race days and in the run-up to Christmas.

Where to stay in York

Staying inside the walls means you can walk everywhere; staying near the station makes sense if you are arriving by train. Compare everything on the York hotels page.

Historic inns in the old city

Guy Fawkes Inn on High Petergate stands on the site of Guy Fawkes' birthplace, in the shadow of the Minster, with gas lighting, log fires and dogs welcome. Golden Fleece York on Pavement is a historic inn with rooms above a busy pub, moments from the Shambles, and it also accepts dogs.

Hotels with extra comfort

The Grand, York's only five-star hotel, occupies the Edwardian former headquarters of the North Eastern Railway, with a spa, a cookery school and views of the city walls; it is rated 4.6 from over 3,200 Google reviews. Hotel Indigo York on Walmgate has an indoor pool and spa, rare for a hotel this close to the centre, and The Judge's Lodging is a Georgian townhouse hotel with a rooftop lounge.

Practical bases

Hampton by Hilton York on Toft Green is steps from the station, and Middletons on Skeldergate has on-site parking, which is hard to find in the centre.

Things to do

The full list is on the York attractions page. These are the ones to plan around.

History in the city centre

York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe, is the obvious first stop, and the walk along the city walls gives the best free view of it. Jorvik Viking Centre recreates the Viking city found on the site, with sights and smells to match. York Castle Museum is best known for Kirkgate, its recreated Victorian street, and in the Museum Gardens by the abbey ruins, the Yorkshire Museum displays Roman and Viking treasures.

Trains, chocolate and scares

The National Railway Museum is free to enter and holds around 300 locomotives and other vehicles, including the record-breaking Mallard; it is rated 4.7 from over 31,000 reviews. York's confectionery history is told at York's Chocolate Story, and York Dungeon brings the city's darker past to life with costumed actors.

On the river and beyond the city

City Cruises York runs sightseeing trips along the Ouse from King's Staith. Just outside town, Yorkshire Air Museum occupies a former wartime bomber base, and the National Trust's Beningbrough Hall is a Georgian house with portraits from the National Portrait Gallery and grounds where dogs are welcome.

Where to eat

Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms in St Helen's Square is a York institution for afternoon tea, and Cut and Craft serves steaks, burgers and craft beer. Browse more on the York restaurants page, and see the best UK staycations for foodies for more ideas.

A two-day plan

Day one

Start at the Minster, then walk a stretch of the city walls from Bootham Bar towards Monk Bar. Wander down through the Shambles for lunch, then spend the afternoon at Jorvik and York Castle Museum. Finish with dinner inside the walls.

Day two

Spend the morning at the National Railway Museum, then walk back into town through the Museum Gardens and the Yorkshire Museum. In the late afternoon, take a river cruise from King's Staith, and end the day with afternoon tea or an evening ghost walk.

Day trips from York

Harrogate is a Victorian spa town with Turkish Baths and the Valley Gardens. Scarborough is the nearest seaside resort, with two bays and a clifftop castle, and Leeds is a quick train ride for shopping and galleries. By car, head to Pickering for the North York Moors Railway, or on to Whitby and its abbey ruins. Rievaulx Abbey, one of the finest monastic ruins in England, makes another good drive out.

Camping and cottages near York

Acorn Glade York is an adults-only, off-grid lakeside glamping site, and Hart Lake Escapes offers glamping and lodges, both rated 5.0 by guests. Browse all campsites near York or York cottages.

Practical tips

York station has direct trains from London King's Cross, Edinburgh and across the north, and the centre is small enough to walk, so there is no need for a car; see staycations without a car. Drivers should use the park and ride sites. With so many indoor sights, York is one of the best rainy-day staycations; for a festive trip, see our guide to Christmas market breaks.