Whilst this Northern city remains one of England’s finest and most beautiful – the York of today is a fashionable tourist hotspot that successfully combines its heritage and superb historic architecture with sophisticated designer shops, smart restaurants, bars and cafés.
TRAVEL
From Sheffield to York by car takes around 50-60 minutes off-peak. If you’d prefer to take the train, a return ticket costs £20.
At the station you’ll be welcomed by a line-up of taxi drivers ready and waiting to load your luggage and take you to your destination. I’d confidently say York has the friendliest taxi drivers in the UK.
STAY
A country retreat @ York Pavilion Hotel
The Best Western York Pavilion is a country house on the outskirts of York. You will love the décor and design of this lovely building which has been sympathetically restored and developed over the years by the owners Irene and Andrew, to create a warm, welcoming retreat.
This historic Georgian house enjoys a wealth of history dating back centuries and if only walls could talk you can imagine the conversations with some of its most famous guests – Duke Ellington, George Formby, Gracie Fields and Adam Faith, along with the Beatles in the 60’s. You can bet they all found it an enchanting place to stay! John Barry grew up here and of course is renowned for his successful music in Hollywood movies including James Bond and Dances with Wolves so it has always been a house where music, merriment and great memories have been of paramount importance.
There is free parking at the hotel and 2 electric car charging points. The venue also offer free parking within the City of York – just ask for details when you visit. We’d also recommend using Streamline Taxis if you’re heading out for a drink – reliable and fairly priced!
A lot of thought has gone in to the bedrooms at the hotel. Each room has its own name with décor to match! Take a look at the great rooms on offer via the website before you book – then decide which will suit your personality. We recommend the four poster room and don’t miss out on breakfast in the luxurious downstairs dining room.
Streamline Taxis, Tel +44 (0) 1904 638833.
http://www.yorkpavillionhotel.com //01904 622099 // 45 Main Street, Fulford, York, North Yorkshire, YO10 4PJ
EAT
Afternoon Tea @ Betty’s tearooms
For nearly 100 years people have been flocking to Yorkshire for a taste of Betty’s afternoon tea and cakes. Betty’s Afternoon Tea has become legendary – at any time of day. Add a touch of opulence to your trip by reserving a table in the York Belmont Room. If you make a reservation after 15th May you’ll be one of the first to enjoy the new, luxurious Lady Betty Afternoon Tea.
Three tiers of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and miniature cakes served with Betty’s famous brews of tea (£32.95) or champagne (£39.95).
http://www.bettys.co.uk // 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP // 01904 659142
SEE
Top five things to see:
- Walk the Walls – Circumnavigate the city as you walk around York’s famous medieval walls, the longest in England – the best way to get your bearings.
- Yes Minster! – You can’t come to York and not visit the Minster, the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe. Soothe your soul with a lunchtime recital, view the largest concentration of medieval stained glass in Britain or tunnel underground to the Roman, Saxon and Norman remains in the Undercroft and crypt.
- Let’s Do the Time Warp! – Take the time machine back to AD975 and experience the sights, sounds and smells of Viking York at JORVIK in Coppergate.
- Indulge yourself in the home of Chocolate – Celebrate York’s chocolate and confectionery heritage in York’s visitor attraction ‘York’s CHOCOLATE Story’ and immerse yourself and interact with this special story. Follow the path and walk along York’s chocolate heritage on York’s self-guided Chocolate Trail, and taste York’s chocolaty centre at the York Cocoa House on Blake Street.
- Fancy a Flutter? – Dress up for a day at York Races (May – October)
DO
Top five things to do:
York International Shakespeare Festival: 9 – 16 May 2015
The York International Shakespeare Festival (‘YorkShakes’) is a major new cultural venture for York and for the North. The headline production will be the Northern Broadsides King Lear, directed by internationally acclaimed director Jonathan Miller. This will run for six performances from 12th to 16th May. There will be family-friendly events suitable for children, outreach activities into local state schools, and inviting local children in for Shakespeare-related fun and educational events. There will be international conferences, Shakespearean productions, screenings, exhibitions, events, workshops, talks and many more activities.
York Horse Races: May – October 2015
York Racecourse, known as the Knavesmire, has been a favourite amongst racegoers since it was founded in 1731. In 2015, 17 meetings combine top class horseracing with world-class facilities to make it a sporting and social occasion for all to enjoy. Even if your horse fails to come up with the goods, it’s a fabulous day out in a beautiful location, a chance to dress up, and jolly good fun into the bargain. http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk
York Food Festival: 6 – 7 June, 18 – 27 September 2015
York’s fabulous food festival returns for the 19th year. There will be markets, sampling stands, festival bars and demos in various venues across York with free entry. Tickets for tastings, dinners and many other events will be out in 2015. Full details will be confirmed in 2015. http://www.yorkfoodfestival.com
Great Yorkshire Fringe: 24 July – 2 August 2015
The Great Yorkshire fringe will be one of the key summer events in York’s entertainment calendar, bringing the best in comedy, cabaret, theatre and music to Yorkshire. A sustainable fringe festival, it will build on the recent success of the Grand Départ to grow with the city of York, engaging residents and visitors, supporting local businesses and encouraging tourism for the wider area. The festival will have multiple stages, from the White Rose Rotunda to the little Tea Pot. There will be plenty of entertainment for young and old alike. See website for full list of events. http://www.greatyorkshirefringe.com
Little and Loud: A lifestyle blog 