City Weekend Breaks in York

York, founded in AD 71, is rich in tradition and history with many preserved historical buildings and structures, making the city the perfect place for a weekend city break getaway.

The city is the former centre of Yorkshire, though the county was divided into separate counties in 1974. Still, York remains the so called capital city of northern England, London’s only counterpart. A guided river trip is an excellent idea since York sits at the coming together of Ouse and Foss rivers.

Perhaps a stroll along the Ghost Trail, a hike along the medieval city walls, or visit York Minster and James Herriot’s Yorkshire dales. The Shambles offers olde worlde charm shopping.

York is known as the “City of Festivals, and you may wish to book your weekend trip around one of the official city festivals such as The Viking Festival, the Roman Festival, the Ghost Festival, the Festival of Angels, Jazz, Early Music, Late Music, Digital Arts, the Ebor Race Meeting, the Learning Festival, the Multicultural Food and Arts Festival, the Chinese New Year, the Lesbian Arts, St. Nicholas’ Fair, just to name a few! Other interesting sites include the Battle of Fulford tour, which celebrates the greatest shield wall battle in history.

York Minster is the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe and can be seen from any part of the city. The Ruins of St. Marys Abbey Museum and Gardens near Minster offer a great setting for a romantic picnic. The York Dungeon is an interesting site as well, and nearby several pubs along the Ouse River banks.

Whatever you do in York, you’ll find what you are looking for, whether a romantic get away for two or an educational outing for the whole family. Or just a great time at a few pubs or immersing yourself in the city’s café culture, York is a great weekend getaway.