York is where most people start their Yorkshire trip, and it deserves it. Roman and medieval walls, the Minster, the Shambles and a street plan that hasn’t changed much in centuries, all in a centre you can walk across in 20 minutes.
Callie took me here on my first ever visit to England. It was the best first impression I could ask for! I love history, and for that, York is amazing.
York at a Glance
- From London: about 2 hours on a direct LNER train from King’s Cross, with trains roughly every 30 minutes.
- Nearest airports: Manchester (about 2 hours on a direct train) and Leeds Bradford (about an hour by car).
- How long to stay: one full day for the highlights; two nights to take it slowly.
- Do you need a car? No. The centre is compact and parking is expensive. Trains run to Harrogate, Leeds and Scarborough.
- Best time to visit: spring and early autumn. December is magical but very busy.
My York Guides
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York in Winter: What’s On and What to Do (2026–27)
York in winter, from the Christmas market and a city-centre ice rink to the Minster’s Christmas Tree Festival, panto, the Ice Trail and the JORVIK Viking Festival.
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London to York: How to Get There by Train, Car or Coach (and as a Day Trip)
How to get from London to York: direct trains from King’s Cross in under 2 hours, how to get cheap tickets, driving and coach options, and how to do York as a day trip from London.
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Where to Stay in York: The Best Areas and Hotels for Every Budget
Where to stay in York, England: the best areas (inside the walls, by the station, Bootham, Bishy Road) and hotels for every budget, from The Grand to the Bar Convent.
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10 Best Day Trips from York (With or Without a Car)
The best day trips from York, England: Castle Howard, Whitby, Harrogate, Scarborough, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, with travel times by car, train and bus.
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York Christmas Market 2026: Dates, Tips and What to Expect
York Christmas Market 2026 runs from 12 November to 21 December (closed Tuesdays). Dates, opening times, when to go, how to get there and what else to do in York at Christmas.
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York Itinerary: How to Spend 1, 2 or 3 Days in York, England
A realistic York itinerary for 1, 2 or 3 days: the Minster, the walls, the Shambles, a ghost walk and a pint, with timings, booking tips and day trips.
Explore More of Yorkshire
- Yorkshire Dales: waterfalls, stone villages and the walks I do from home.
- North York Moors: heather moorland, steam trains and abbey ruins.
- Yorkshire Coast: Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay and Scarborough.
- Harrogate: my favourite town, with spas, gardens and Bettys.
- Plan your Yorkshire trip: getting here, getting around and how many days you need.
- Yorkshire itineraries and road trips: how to split your time.