A Nano Trip with over 2000 of history, a one night stay in York offers ancient Roman walls, Viking remains, Georgian splendour and is a railway enthusiast’s heaven. Claimed to offer more attractions per square mile than any other destination in the UK a short break to York can be full of sightseeing or just simply chill and explore the many narrow streets of the city. The famous Shambles street is supposedly the inspiration for Harry Potters Diagon Alley.
City Breaks to York By Train
York is wonderfully placed to leave the car behind and take rail break. Whether you are travelling during the week or looking for that weekend escape there are regular connections with the major cities within the UK. Depending on the service you can get from London to York within 2 hours and from Edinburgh in under 2 and a half hours.
Leave early in the morning from Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Glasgow and you can get into York by 11am and with regular services the following day you can ensure you are spending a good amount of time within the city. Other key connections include Peterborough, Derby, Sheffield, Leeds and Newcastle. Weekend services can come from as far as Plymouth and Exeter.
The main train from London departs from Kings Cross with LNER. There are direct services that finish at York but the majority of services continue to Edinburgh. The 9am on Saturday morning gets you into York before 11am with earlier services available if you are an earlybird.
The station is close to the centre with a walk to York Minster taking around 15 minutes. The National Railway museum is located close to the station so if you are looking to explore the great halls of steam trains then this might be a good last stop before heading home.
Spa Weekend Breaks in York
If you are looking for a bit of luxury why not explore the Grand Hotel. Centrally located it is York’s only five star hotel and was once the HQ of the North Eastern Railway Company. The hotel’s spa has a swimming pool and various treatments on offer.
Dog Friendly Breaks in York
If you are looking for a dog friendly hotel in York try the Dean Court Hotel. However, you do think about bringing your pooch on this Nano break. Dogs are not allowed in York Minster, on the city walls and in the majority of city museums.
Christmas Breaks in York
York Christmas Festival runs from mid November to just before Christmas making it an ideal destination for a festive break. There is a Christmas market and many other events held within this period. York Minster holds Christmas Carol Concerts and other events through this period. Do check their website as you do have to book and tickets do sell out quickly.
Family Breaks in York
York is an amazing place for a family short break. The National Railway Museum has halls of trains; the Jorvik Viking Centre is a great interactive experience and kids can learn all about the history of chocolate making in the city. These are just three of the many experiences to discover on a weekend family break to York. Many hotels have family rooms such as the centrally located Dean Court. A cheaper alternative is the YHA which is a 20 minute walk along the River Ouse just outside the city. It has private en-suite rooms for families.
Things to Do in York
York offers a diverse range of activities for a Nano Break. To get the most out of the city do look at the Visit York Pass which could save you money if you are looking to visit multiple attractions.
Highlights include York Minster which offers tours, we recommend to book, and you can climb the central tower. The Jorvik Viking Centre provides a glimpse of what the city was like in a previous age and is a great family experience. To get a feel of the whole city take a cruise on the River Ouse or walk the city walls. There are a variety of museums to visit but alternatively just discover the many shops along the Shambles.
Image by Eduardo Vieira
