A Guide to York

Welcome to our York Guide, a useful guide that provides you with a glimpse into the unique sights, shopping and nightlife available in this beautiful city. With an array of world class attractions, medieval architecture and a vibrant city centre the historic city of York has plenty for you to discover on your short break.

Getting there

Set in the heart of Yorkshire the historic city of York is accessible from all directions. Whether travelling to York via road, air or rail you’ll find this wonderful city is easy to get to. With several roads running into the city, and good connections to the A1 and M1, travelling to York by road is simple and direct. If you are travelling by air then Leeds/Bradford airport is under an hour from York and connects to the city via the A658 and A59. York railway station is minutes from the city centre and offers direct links to London, Edinburgh, Manchester and more.

Getting around

Getting around York is simple, with a compact city centre, dedicated pedestrian areas, superb cycle routes and plentiful bus services in and out of the city you’ll find it easy to navigate. Whether hopping on a Coastliner to Whitby, jumping on the Park and Ride to the Designer Outlet or catching the First Bus No 6 service to enjoy bowling at Clifton Moor, there are plenty of ways to get around this beautiful city. Why not hire a bike and head down the river or explore the hidden solar system of the route 66 to Selby.

York attractions

From the iconic York Minster, one of the largest gothic cathedrals in Europe, to the award winning Jorvik Viking centre, the world famous National Railway Museum and the striking medieval walls that surround the centre you’ll be amazed at all this city has to offer.

Must do’s by day:

1.Treat yourself to afternoon tea in Betty’s Tea Rooms2.Step back in time at the Jorvik Viking Centre3.Walk the city walls, the longest medieval town walls in England!4.Shop for unique gifts down the cobbled lanes of The Shambles5.Enjoy a day at the races from the John Smith’s Cup meeting in July to the Ebor Festival in August

Must do’s by night:

1.Get spooked on one of the city’s many Ghost Walks2.Marvel at York Minster beautifully lit up at night3.Sample real ales in one of the city’s 200 pubs4.Hit the theatres and enjoy an evening performance at either the York Theatre Royal or Grand Opera House5.Enjoy a leisurely evening cruise along the River Ouse with dinner

Nightlife

Home to a great selection of pubs, clubs, theatres and bars the nightlife in York is thriving. From live music and comedy to the best touring musicals, and an array of pubs and bars in all shapes and sizes, there is really something for all tastes in this great city. Why not spend an evening discovering all about York’s former residents with one of York’s many ghost walks, where you can explore the many haunted corners of the city or simply relax in one of the city centres great bars.

Live Entertainment

For live entertainment there’s plenty going on with music, shows and comedy at the York Barbican Centre, Grand Opera House and York Theatre Royal, while Fibbers and The Duchess offer a late night alternative for live music. With a range of pubs offering late licenses, including popular chain bars, and a selection of clubs to choose from you can stay out until the sun comes up, if that’s what you want. York also offers three cinemas, showing the latest films, and has a bowling alley easily accessible from the city centre so there is something for the whole family to enjoy.

Shopping!

You are truly spoilt for choice when shopping in York, from the main city centre shopping on Davygate, Parliament Street and Coney Street to an array of quirky shops in The Shambles and designer styles on Stonegate, York has a great selection of shops to explore. Whether searching for hot fashion, the latest chart music, an old paperback book or seeking a treasure in the antique centres you are sure to find your perfect prize.

Shopping!

With a great range of familiar high street shops you can find all your favourites from BHS to HMV, Boots and more. The Coppergate centre offers a hub of fashion, including Topshop, Miss Selfridge’s, Joy and Ark. For something a little bit different York has a great selection of independent jewellers, gift shops and delicatessens, plus with daily and seasonal markets there is plenty to browse through. Clifton Moore, Monks Cross and the Designer Outlet all offer great shopping outside the centre and with direct bus links from the train station and Stonebow you can easily discover the shops out of town.

Have a browse on Superbreak’s website to book your York Hotels as well as for great offers and ideas for weekend and short breaks.