Bootham charms visitors with its elegant Georgian townhouses and tree-lined streets just steps from York's medieval center. The historic district showcases York's rich heritage through ancient stone walls and cultural landmarks. Museum Gardens bloom with ancient ruins while York Art Gallery houses artistic treasures.
This walkable neighborhood offers the perfect balance between residential charm and cultural exploration. Visit Bootham Bar's medieval gateway or enjoy performances at York Theatre Royal. Yorkshire Museum and St. Mary's Abbey provide fascinating glimpses into the past, all within a peaceful setting away from downtown crowds.
Clifton offers a peaceful retreat from York's bustling center with tree-lined streets and charming Victorian homes. This authentic neighborhood gives travelers a genuine taste of British suburban living. Homestead Park provides a leafy escape for afternoon strolls.
Venture along the River Ouse pathways for scenic walks into central York. The area features a few welcoming local pubs and cafes serving traditional British fare. Most visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere while still having easy access to York's famous attractions.
Fishergate blends historic charm with modern convenience in York's ancient heart. This welcoming neighborhood sits between medieval city walls and the grand Victorian railway station. Travelers can explore York Castle Museum or climb Clifford's Tower for panoramic city views.
The area buzzes with a mix of tourists and locals. York Barbican hosts cultural events while the Kohima Museum offers military history. Traditional British pubs serve hearty Yorkshire fare alongside casual cafes. The neighborhood provides an authentic glimpse of York's rich heritage without the crowds of the city center.
York City Centre captivates visitors with 2,000 years of history along its medieval streets. The magnificent York Minster cathedral towers above timber-framed buildings that lean over cobbled lanes. Walk the ancient city walls for stunning views of this remarkably preserved historic district.
The pedestrian-only Shambles offers a journey through time with its overhanging buildings and charming shops. Discover Viking heritage at the Jorvik Centre or explore York Castle Museum's Victorian streets. Most attractions sit within walking distance, making this neighborhood perfect for history enthusiasts.
South Bank offers a peaceful retreat across the River Ouse from York's bustling center. This charming residential area features quiet streets and lovely riverside walks with stunning views of York's historic skyline. Rowntree Park provides a green sanctuary for visitors seeking relaxation after sightseeing.
The neighborhood connects easily to central York via Skeldergate Bridge, just a short walk from major attractions. Traditional pubs and local cafes serve authentic Yorkshire fare in a genuine community setting. Victorian terraced houses converted into welcoming B&Bs offer comfortable accommodation at reasonable prices compared to city center options.
York Minster's soaring Gothic architecture houses one of Europe's largest medieval stained glass collections. Climb 275 steps up the central tower for breathtaking views across ancient York.
Shambles
9.2/10 (3,906 reviews)
Walk through York's most enchanting medieval street, where timber-framed buildings nearly touch. The Shambles offers a magical blend of historic charm and unique boutiques treasured especially by Harry Potter fans.
Photo by Julian Matthews
Open Photo by Julian Matthews
York Racecourse
8.2/10 (528 reviews)
York Racecourse combines historic prestige with world-class horse racing on the scenic Knavesmire. Experience the thrill of the Ebor Festival while enjoying fine dining in award-winning facilities.
York City Walls
9.4/10 (1,555 reviews)
York's medieval walls encircle the historic center, offering panoramic views from England's most complete ancient fortification. Walk the elevated pathway for stunning vistas of York Minster.
Photo by Martin Gerrish
Open Photo by Martin Gerrish
Castle Howard
8.8/10 (408 reviews)
This 300-year-old stately home displays magnificent Baroque architecture and world-class art. Admire the Great Hall's impressive dome before exploring lakes, temples, and statues in the expansive gardens.
York Christmas Market
8.6/10 (607 reviews)
Wander through alpine chalets at St Nicholas Fair, where historic York transforms into a festive wonderland. Browse artisan Yorkshire crafts while enjoying the aroma of mulled wine and sounds of carolers.
Photo by JORVIK Viking Centre
Open Photo by JORVIK Viking Centre
Jorvik Viking Centre
9.0/10 (1,259 reviews)
Step back in time at JORVIK Viking Centre, where a glass-floored ride transports you through a recreated 10th-century village. Experience authentic sights, sounds, and even Viking-era scents.
McArthur Glen Designer Outlet
8.6/10 (117 reviews)
Shop over 120 designer and high-street brands at discounted prices in this spacious outlet set in landscaped gardens. Arrive on weekdays before noon for a more relaxed experience with better availability of markdowns.
"This was our second visit to The Milner and we will definitely be returning again. It's a beautiful hotel with plenty of facilities and is ideal if your traveling by train as it is right next door to York Railway Station with direct access. The staff are amazing, very friendly and welcoming. We loved our stay!"
"We booked a room on the 7th floor facing the river. Staff are over stretched, reception has long lines and I failed to summon up the will power to queue to tell them that our aircon and (of less importance) the Nespresso machine wasn’t working. So at night, the room was overly warm (a summer in the UK, who knew) and then loud cacophony from the bar across the river went on until the small hours. Sound Insulation could be better. Noise went on for the second and final night of our stay, so I’d...
"Views - large construction site outside.
Room - mould in the bathroom on the ceiling, toilet did not flush properly. No lock on bathroom door. Duvet and pillows were of a very low quality.
Breakfast - We went to breakfast early (6:30) which resulted in no staff present. Gluten free food was available on request but unable to do so. Fried breakfast was lukewarm. Coffee machine broken.
Decided to try somewhere nice and was sadly letdown."
"We received a friendly welcome on check-in and we're shown to our room personally, which was a really nice touch. Our room was quiet and had the bonus of a bath, it was very good.
The hot breakfast was quality and cooked well. We would have preferred more bread choice, cheese and charcuterie to be self serve."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Offering great value package deals on Expedia, you'll be thrilled with how little a vacation to York costs! Expedia's packages simplify travel planning and maximize your savings.
What are the cheapest months to go to York?
February, June and December are great times to search for cheap York vacation packages. Traveling in quieter periods means you can typically find lower prices on accommodations and flights.
How many days is enough for York?
York vacations come in various shapes and sizes, but to get a true feel for this place, we'd suggest 2 days is about right. In this timeframe, you can visit major attractions like Yorkshire Air Museum and York Maze along with lesser-known spots. Don't forget to explore neighborhoods such as Bootham and Rawcliffe either. If you're clever with your time, you can even allow for a day trip or two from York too.
Is it worth booking a vacation package to York?
York has everything you need for a memorable getaway — views, history and nature are just the start. Whether you want to check out sights like York Minster and York Dungeon, or take the road less traveled, you'll find plenty to experience on your York vacation.
How to find the best York package deals?
Bagging a cheap York package deal is easy with Expedia. After you've entered your destination and travel dates under our "Packages" tab, set your budget, apply some filters and browse what's available. You can tweak your search by "Area," "Amenities," "Property type" and more. Sort the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most affordable York package deals. Want a simple trick to score even more savings? Have some flexibility with your departure dates and consider traveling on a weekday, when prices are typically lower.
Is it cheaper to book a York vacation as a package?
Expedia vacation packages are designed to help you keep more money in your pocket. Bundle your hotel, flight and car rental into one great-value price and you could save hundreds of dollars. You'll typically snag a better deal than booking each component individually. And you'll still enjoy the flexibility to create a personalized York vacation by choosing your preferred airline, accommodation type and car class.
When to book a vacation package to York?
If you're planning an impromptu York vacation, browse our last-minute deals that can be booked up to a week before you go. Don't want to leave things to the last minute? You can score amazing deals on your hotels and flights by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to York?
Choose when to get away: Check your diary and get packing. Your preferred season and the type of activities available will also help you decide when to escape to York.
Set your budget: Consider costs such as flights, transportation and food when calculating how much to set aside for your trip to York. Then, choose a property that suits your budget, whether that's an economical option or a lavish getaway.
Use our trip planning tool to explore York: Research every aspect of your trip to York with this handy planner. Invite family or friends to collaborate on a group trip, search for hotels or things to do and make bookings.
Work out your trip length: Think about how much time you want to spend discovering York. Plan your days so you can get to all the experiences and attractions you're interested in at a comfortable pace.
Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in place, you can combine your car rental, flights, hotels and more into a tailored York vacation package.
Book activities and experiences in advance: Whether it's a ticket to a major attraction or a day trip in nature, you won't have to worry about missing out on the highlights of York. Find all the exciting things to do in York with our dedicated travel guide.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later York vacation packages?
Your York trip is meant to be a relaxing escape from your daily routine, not a source of money-related stress. So to allow you more flexibility, we've joined up with online lender Affirm to bring you our Book Now, Pay Later vacations. Choose one of our vacation packages with payment plans and spread the total cost over 3, 6 or 12 months. Plus, there are no hidden or late payment fees to worry about.
York is perfect for outdoor and adventure vacations, offering a variety of activities such as scenic walking tours and exhilarating brewery tours. Visitors can explore the vibrant recreational areas and catch a show at local theaters. Don't miss a trip to the famous York Racecourse for an exciting day of racing. For budget-friendly options, there are plenty of cheap activities to enjoy while soaking in the rich history and culture of this charming city.
Shopping
In York, you can shop for unique souvenirs at Newgate Market, which has a vibrant city atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, visit McArthur Glen Designer Outlet for designer brands, or head to Xscape Yorkshire, a family-friendly shopping center located 20 miles away.
Recreation
Experience the serene ambiance at The Oaks Spa, where relaxation and rejuvenation await. Enjoy soothing body treatments that melt away stress. For outdoor enthusiasts, challenge yourself at Kilnwick Percy Golf Course, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Additionally, catch a thrilling match at Bootham Crescent Stadium, embracing the energetic sports vibe.
Adventure
Navigate the twists and turns of York Maze, perfect for family fun. Experience excitement at The Wacky Warehouse arcadeAdventureZone, where adventure awaits. For adrenaline junkies, Tockwith Motor Sports Centre offers thrilling motor racing experiences, ensuring an unforgettable adventure in York.
Nightlife
York's nightlife offers a vibrant mix of pubs and bars. Check out Goffs UK for an electrifying atmosphere, only 30 miles from York. Enjoy craft cocktails and local brews at cozy spots, and catch live music for a night to remember.
Find the best attractions in York
York, England, is an ideal destination for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, boasting a rich tapestry of historic buildings, churches, and houses. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying family-friendly experiences. Notable attractions include the magnificent York Minster and the charming Visit York, offering a perfect blend of history and scenery for every traveler. Whether seeking adventure or cultural enrichment, York has something special to offer.
York Minster: Explore one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe, renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate stained glass windows. Experience the rich history and spirituality of this iconic site while enjoying breathtaking views from the tower.
Shambles: Wander down this charming medieval street lined with timber-framed buildings, shops, and cafés. The narrow lanes and vibrant atmosphere make it a perfect spot for unique shopping and delightful dining experiences, all set against a historic backdrop.
Jorvik Viking Centre: Step back in time to the Viking Age at this immersive museum, featuring life-sized reconstructions and interactive exhibits. Learn about York's Viking heritage through engaging displays and even experience a ride through a recreated Viking settlement.
Best time to go to York
The best time to visit York can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in York falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature in York falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to York
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to York.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January to March) for more affordable package holidays to York.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.