You’ve endured the daily commute, studied endless spreadsheets, cooked, cleaned and ferried the kids to and from footy practise. Now the long week is at an end and it’s time to get away from the daily grind.
So, how about a wonderful weekend in York?
Why Spend A Weekend In York?
York is home to a whole host of attractions. By day you can visit the majestic York Minster, stroll along the River Ouse, enjoy the museums and browse the shops. There’s plenty to do come rain or shine. The city also has an impressive array of restaurants and pubs open day and night, so you won’t go hungry or thirsty!
In fact, there’s so much going on you will be hard pressed to decide what to do with your time. With that in mind, we’ve put together this handy guide to make sure your weekend in York is jam-packed with moments you will remember forever.
A Superb York Saturday
Welcome to York, you’ve a whole weekend looming and you want to make the most of it. So let’s not waste a minute!
Start your Day at Jorvik Viking Museum
19 Coppergate, YO1 9WT. Saturday: 10:00 to 16:00
York was famously invaded by Ivar The Boneless, King Halfdon and their Vikings posse back in 866AD. You can find out all about these fearless warriors by paying a visit to the Jorvik Viking Museum.
This immersive experience allows you to board carriages and travel through 10th century York and discover the sights, sounds and even smells of Jorvik, discover how the Vikings lived and check out the authentic Viking artefacts (unearthed at the museum site).
Enjoy brunch at Partisan
112 Micklegate, YO1 6JX. Saturday: 9:00 to 17:00
Take a break for brunch at Partisan, a short stroll from the rail station. This cosy gem of place combines exceptional service with top-notch food. From eggs benedict to the full veggie breakfast (complete with avocado!), there’s plenty to tickle your tastebuds. Just remember to arrive early or book as the popular spot quickly reaches capacity!
Continue your Viking adventure with throwing axes at The Hilt
57 Goodramgate, Y01 7LS. Saturday: 11:30 to 20:15
You’ve found out many fascinating facts about the Vikings at the Jorvik centre, now it’s time to engage in the exhilarating Viking past-time of axe throwing. The Hilt is located near York Minster and this unique venue ideal for groups of between 2 and 12 (although larger groups can be accommodated on request). Experienced coaches will guide you through a safety briefing and practise session - then it’s competition time! Hurl your axe and hit the wooden target - the warrior with the most points will be crowned Viking or Viqueen.
Feed your face at Fancy Hank's Bar & Kitchen
39 Goodramgate, Y01 7LS. Saturday: 10.00 to 00.00
As you are nearby, why not pay a visit to Fancy Hanks? This relatively new venue offers good mood food inspired by America’s Deep South. Sample soulful dishes such as slow braised short rib with fries, BBQ beans & Jack Daniels Sauce. The cocktails are delicious too - don’t miss the South Carolina ‘Heavens to Betsy,’ a heavenly concoction of elderflower infused gin, pomegranate liqueur and prosecco.
Finish Your night with a cocktail at Jalou
2 Micklegate, YO1 6JG. Saturday: 12noon to 02:00
Jalou is the place to be if you love cocktails, RnB and a laid-back, stylish vibe. The resident DJ and first-class drinks menu make this place stand out from the crowd.
Splendid Sunday In York
Start the day with a stroll along the Shambles, the cobbled streets at the heart of York. You can’t miss the overhanging timber-framed buildings, dating as far back as the fourteenth century, and the streets are lined with shops ripe for browsing. The Shambles market is open every day from 9:00 to 17:00 and sells local produce, crafts and clothing - the perfect place for a leisurely amble on a Sunday morning.
An instagrammable brunch at Brew & Brownie
5 Museum St, YO1 7DT. Sunday: 09:30 to 16:00
We’ve heard on the grapevine that this is the place to go for perfectly presented fare (and it tastes good too)! From the lush fluffy pancakes to the Terry’s Chocolate Orange Hot Chocolate - this place won’t disappoint. This is a popular spot, so much so that the owners now have two venues (Brew & Brownie and The Bakeshop) and they are just doors apart.
An afternoon of contemplation at York Minster
Deangate, YO1 7HH.
Sunday: General admission 12:30-15:00. Museum 13:00-15:15. Shop 12:30- 17:30
Spend your afternoon marvelling at one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, York Minster. A historical, sacred place boasting medieval stained glass, including the restored Great East Window. A visit to the onsite Undercroft museum allows you a fascinating glimpse into the history beneath the cathedral. There are also expert guides on hand to offer free guided tours of York MInster. Light a candle, attend a service or simply absorb the tranquil ambience.
The perfect end to your weekend in York at the Old White Swan
80 Goodramgate, YO1 7LF. Sunday: 10:00 to 12midnight
Finish your weekend with a visit to a traditional pub that began trading in 1873. The Old White Swan is full of charm, and reputedly even has its own resident ghost!
This place is chock-full of character and offers classic British pub grub at it’s best. Feast on the steak and pale ale pie or toad in the hole and finish off with an apple & blackberry crumble (smothered with custard of course). Wash it all down with one (or two) of a range of cask ales. We can’t think of a more fitting end to your wonderful weekend in York.
P.S. Looking for a place during the weekend? Here's a guide on where to stay in York.
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