You know that feeling when you fancy a long weekend or a couple of days away with the kids and you want to go somewhere nice but don’t want to go to the other side of the earth?
Well, I know just the place and it’s only a few hours away by train or car.
This beautiful spot ticks a lot of boxes for short breaks with your nearest and dearest and year after year, the walled city of York never fails to delight visitors.
There’s plenty to see and do yet the whole place just feels very relaxed and unhurried.
The kids are kept amused yet Mum and Dad also feel like they’ve had a break. The perfect combination in my book.
York is steeped in history and offers some of the finest architecture in England.
In the heart of this medieval city is the magnificent Minster, arguably one of the world’s most beautiful Gothic cathedrals.
Perhaps you might enjoy dropping into one of the elaborate and uplifting services within The Minster. Visitors are made very welcome.
Quaint, cobbled streets, upmarket boutiques and a vibrant café culture give historic York a cool, cosmopolitan vibe, yet, an irresistible mix of old and new, providing the perfect environment for exploring and spending quality time with the family.
Take a look at some of these fascinating attractions on offer.
Mother Shipton’s Cave and The Petrifying Well
You simply must visit England’s oldest attraction which is in nearby Knaresborough. You can catch a direct train from York which takes roughly 20 minutes or so, or if you have a car, it’s about a 40-minute drive from the city centre. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the atmospheric park and the fascinating story of Mother Shipton, a prophetess who foretold many things that would happen such as the Great Fire of London and the fate of several rulers.
Go back in time and learn about the Viking history of York at the Jorvik Viking Centre. Visitors can see how the city would have looked 1000 years ago in the reconstruction of the Viking streets. The Jorvik Viking Centre is open every day, and the admission ticket is valid for an entire year. It is in the Coppergate Shopping Centre in York.
York Maze
One of York’s most popular family attractions, visitors can navigate the labyrinth of towering crops. Spend a few hours planning your escape with lots of twist, turns and laughs along the way. The award-winning attraction also features amusement rides and fun activities and there’s a choice of play areas too, including an adventure climb, an inflatable maze, a sand and water play zone and a giant inflatable trampoline.
Taking visitors on a hair-raising journey through the city’s gruesome past, the York Dungeon is one of the city’s best attractions. York’s most notorious ghosts and villains are brought to life in the dungeons, with special effects guaranteed to thrill and scare you. Ideal for older children but this might not be suitable for the really little ones.
There are many reasons to spend a few days in this charming pocket of England but what better reason than chocolate? Chocoholics of all ages will love a trip to York’s Chocolate Story.
Unwrap the secrets of how chocolate is made and enjoy fun demonstrations during your visit. New for 2017 is a fabulous exhibition celebrating 250 years of the iconic British confectioner, Terry’s. Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a chocolate orange now, would it? York, put simply, is the home of chocolate and the perfect destination to indulge your passion.
There are some great deals on York hotels and attraction tickets from the travel social network talkholiday. Go on; book that special weekend away and make some memories together.
The Deals:
City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour from £13pp
The York Pass Including Hop-On Hop-Off Tour from £38pp
Best Price Guaranteed York Hotels Now from Only £59pn
Hotel du Vin Short Breaks in York from Only £109pn
Save up to 34% Off a 2-Night York Stay with Breakfast & Bubbly