How to Spend a Weekend in York and Where to Go?

The city of York, in North Yorkshire, UK, is famous for its architecture, history, and culture. With a population of almost 200,000 people and a moderate climate, it offers a variety of activities and sights to visit. From ancient walls, museums and historic attractions to outdoor activities such as walking in the countryside and boating on the River Ouse, there is plenty for tourists to do. Here is a quick guide to how to spend a weekend in York and where to go to make the most of your weekend getaway.

Friday Evening

As you arrive in the city, take a stroll and soak up the atmosphere of York. Take a walk around York’s old wall or visit The Shambles – one of Europe’s oldest shopping streets – and explore some of the city’s iconic attractions. If you’re looking for a bit of culture and entertainment, there are several theatres in York including the Grand Opera House, York Theatre Royal and the Theatre Royal Concert Hall. At night you can continue the culture with a performance at one of these venues or try out the lively bar scene at The Gate, one of York’s most popular nightspots, or grab a bite to eat at one of the city’s delicious restaurants. There are some great pubs in town as well, where you can enjoy local ales and live music – just be sure to wrap up warm if it’s winter!

Saturday Morning

When it comes to historical sites, York has plenty to offer its visitors. Begin your day with an early morning trip to the iconic York Minster – the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe – and take in the awe-inspiring architecture inside. Explore some fascinating museums such as The Jorvik Viking Centre or National Railway Museum and visit Clifford’s Tower – a 12th Century monument built on the site of the ancient York Castle. If that sounds too much like hard work, why not treat yourself to some retail therapy instead? After all you’re in one of the best shopping cities in England! Stroll along The Shambles and pick up some unique gifts, or take a wander through Stonegate – the city’s quaint cobbled street. The Stonegate area is also home to some of the best boutiques and independent stores in York, so make sure to check them out too.

Saturday Afternoon

Continue your day with a visit to Treasurer’s House – one of the most magnificent stately homes in England – and take a tour around the grand house and see the gardens. For something a bit different, why not explore York’s underground tunnels at the preserved Castle Howard? Or if you’re feeling adventurous, take a trip on the river Ouse and travel along the gentle current on a punting tour for a truly unique experience. If you have time before dinner, why not enjoy some outdoor sports? If it’s summer you can take a stroll around York’s beautiful parks or tee off at one of the many golf courses dotted around York’s countryside. If you’re looking for something more exciting you could take a spin on the miniature railway at Energise Yorkshire – an award-winning leisure facility.

Saturday Evening

Take time out from the culture by visiting one of York’s popular attractions – York Races. There you can watch live horse racing and soak up the atmosphere of the coveted racing track. With its incredible views of the city skyline, this is sure to be an unforgettable experience. If that doesn’t take your fancy, why not hit the clubbing scene at York’s popular dance music venue Fibre? Or simply chill out with good food and company in one of York’s restaurants or pubs.Finally, end the day with a nightcap or two at one of York’s country pubs, such as The Fox and Hounds or The Plough Pub. Enjoy some classic pub grub such as fish and chips from The George Inn – voted one of Yorkshire’s best pubs – before taking a stroll back home to call it quits on a truly unforgettable weekend in York!

Sunday Morning

On Sunday morning you can carry on with your sightseeing tour and visit some of the more off-the-beaten-track attractions in York. Visit Treasurer’s House once more for a guided tour of its secret tunnels and underground passages, or take a boat tour on River Ouse and learn more about York’s diverse culture from their knowledgeable tour guides. If you’d rather take it easy on Sunday morning, why not visit Museum Gardens – York’s green heart – which doubles up as an outdoor gallery with historical monuments such as St Marys Abbey ruins and an observatory dating back to 1832. Explore Greendyke Street market for some local produce or arts and crafts and wander along Ouse Street for more shops along both sides of the river. Finally, why not visit Monk Bar – one of eight original gates left from York’s city walls – and admire the history contained within its walls? All said-and-done you can head off back home with an enriched understanding of this amazing city with lifelong memories that will last forever. York is no doubt one of the most historically absorbing cities in Britain and offers its visitors an unforgettable experience like no other city can. Whether it’s exploring grand stately homes or shopping at unique boutique stores – this ancient city has something for everyone! Spending a weekend in this enchanting city is certainly an experience you won’t forget in a hurry – so don your walking shoes, pack your camera and get ready for an unforgettable weekend away!For more information about where to visit while spending a weekend in York you can reference visityork.org.