The city.
Guided Tours.
Until you get your bearings, a good orientation tool is the free guided walking tour, run by volunteer guides. This begins in Exhibition Square (outside the Art Gallery), just 9 mins walk from us. To get a different perspective on the city, we'd recommend a Ghost Tour by foot, or a sightseeing cruise along the River Ouse.
York Minster.
Distance from us: 12 mins by foot
This magnificent Cathedral is the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe, renowned for containing the largest collection of medieval stained glass in England. Built in the Decorated, Early English and Perpendicular styles, it is a classic of the period. Its central tower rises one hundred and ninety eight feet making it the largest lantern tower in Britain. A tour of the Cathedral will offer a chance to see The Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country, now fully restored after a decade), and the magnificent vaulted ceiling of The Chapter House. A must see.
The Shambles.
Distance from us: 14 mins by foot
York is famed for its shopping opportunities; quirky streets full of small independent boutiques, and the vibrant and newly refurbished York Market, as well as all the high-street staples. One of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe, The Shambles is York’s most famous street. The beautiful old buildings of the cobbled street have earned it the title of the most picturesque street in Britain (Google Street View Awards), as well as making it a hotspot for Harry Potter fans to come and see York's very own "Diagon Alley".
Bettys Café Tea Tearoom.
Distance from us: 10 mins by foot
This branch of Bettys Tearoom and shop, found in St. Helen's Square, is famous for the quality of its confectionary, as well as its beautiful interiors, inspired by the Queen Mary ocean liner.
Pubs.
There are over 365 pubs within the city walls, so choosing a single recommendation is a hard ask. A good starting point is Within the Walls, a York Pub Guide, aiming to review every pub in York
York Art Gallery.
Distance from us: 9 mins by foot
York Art Gallery houses a breadth of works, from panels and paintings of the Italian Renaissance, to more contemporary collections from LS Lowry and David Hockney. Also found here is the most extensive and representative collection of British Studio Ceramics. The Gallery verlooks Exhibition Square, its front adorned with a statue of celebrated York artist William Etty.
York Racecourse.
Distance from us: 38 mins by foot, 10 mins by car
York is one of the Premier tracks in Europe having recently won Flat Racecourse of the Year Award and also came out top in The Times Newspaper survey of all Britain's racecourses. Many of our regular guests come to York for the series of annual events and festivals put on at the Racecourse.