“I always loved the idea that a photograph was a memory frozen in time,” Ed Gass-Donnelly admitted. The concept is a popular one, the idea of a piece of history locked to the present – luxuriously interactable. However, in York, no photograph is necessary. In the enclosure of ancient walls, York flickers luxuriously between past and present. Overhanging medieval buildings line original narrow streets. If it weren’t for the ‘established’ signs above each independent shop and café, it would be easy to believe you’d slipped back to Medieval England. Whether you want to explore relics of Roman and Viking history, bask in medieval architecture, or simply enjoy renowned hospitality – York is a city to slip away to unwind.

In the centre of York, York Minster is the clear star of the show. Dating back to the 13th century, the Minster is an icon of the city. In fact, there is a rule that no building can be constructed higher than the Minster, meaning you have an almost constant view of its spires. The River Ouse, which divides the city into two halves, is another important city feature. Because of York’s riverside location, the city passed hands between settlers and invaders over many centuries. The Romans left a particular mark on York, building its iconic walls in around 71 AD. Nowadays, York’s history is closely guarded – highlighting it as one of the best cities to visit for a taste of preserved English history. A tourist’s dream, York offers luxury and attractions in blessed abundance.

York: What to See and Do

1. York’s Chocolate Story

For those with a sweet tooth, the York’s Chocolate Story demands a place on your itinerary. The city is famous within the industry as, after British invaders brought cacao beans back from Central America, York became the powerhouse of UK chocolate production. 

To visit York’s Chocolate Story, we recommend booking a tour in advance online. The museum is also an immensely popular attraction (and with good reason), so it’s best to avoid peak tourist hours. The tour itself places emphasis on visitor interaction, tasting experiences, and real-time demonstrations. You can expect informative digital displays, a chance to make our own chocolate, and a short film. Guests also receive a goodie bag to sample the relevant treats as your guide leads you through a series of rooms on York’s chocolate history.

For a luxury, hands-on immersion into York’s chocolate, a tour of York’s Chocolate Story is a great place to start.

2. York City Cruise

To experience York from the river is a unique experience in itself. And, if you want to experience the city from the river in style and comfort, York City Cruises are a company to note down. 

York City Cruises offer a variety of cruise options to suit both guest preference and itineraries. If you’d like to combine a sunset and night-time experience of York, we’d recommend the Early Evening Cruise in autumnal months. York’s cityscape makes for a beautiful sunset backdrop before lighting up prettily in the dark – great for those who enjoy photography. 

While, if you prefer a culinary cruising experience, we’d recommend opting for the Afternoon Tea cruise. On this cruise, you will navigate the River Ouse with informative commentary and an upscale ambiance while you indulge in classic afternoon tea delights. What better way to admire York’s scenery than with a jam and cream-topped scone in front of you?

On all cruises, guests have a fully-stocked to purchase a tipple and unwind. Whether you choose a local beer, a double whiskey, or perhaps a bottle of bubbles to share, you are guaranteed a drink with scenic views.

3. The Shambles

The narrow, cobbled Shambles is considered by many as the pinnacle of preserved medieval streets. Tall, overhanging shops line either side of the road, creating a unique, enclosed street aesthetic.

The buildings all feature original timber structures, with some dating back to the 14th century. At alternate points, blink-and-you-miss-it snickelways (think alleys in the form of stone tunnels) offer walkers quick exits back out onto major shopping streets and the Shambles Marketplace.

Even walking The Shambles is an experience to prioritise. Many liken the experience to exploring Diagon Alley, a magic wizarding street in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter. While all the shops are likely to entice a visit, we do have a few select recommendations. The Shambles Sweet Shop, The Shop That Must Not Be Named, and Little Saffrons are all favourites and well-deserving of a visit. 

4. Merchant’s Adventurers Hall

To further immerse into ridiculously preserved medieval architecture, plan a stop at the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall. The hall was built in the 13th century and still functions as a guildhall today – over 650 years later. 

The hall’s exclusive, prized collection of art and merchant creations are displayed across the property. Guests can appreciate an impressive dedication to heritage, with members documented back to the hall’s opening in 13th century England. Staring up at portraits of influential hall figures from hundreds of years ago is a humbling and unique experience. 

Guest entrance includes access to the property’s Great Hall, Undercroft, and Chapel. The hall also offers flexibility for independent exploration, with an audio or printed guide available. Finally, the onsite café is conveniently ideal for indulging in a cake and coffee treat for refreshments. Coffee in a 1200-built medieval hall does not get more indulgent. 

5. York Museum and Museum Gardens

For history lovers, York Museum is an easy itinerary candidate for a further taste of city history. However, we’d like to suggest the Museum Gardens as a separate attraction in their own right. 

The Gardens are home to the striking remains of St Mary’s Abbey, which was first built in 1088. And, despite the Garden’s inner-city location, the crumbling architecture and serene nature create a beautiful spot to unwind after a morning of sightseeing. The Gardens sit on the edge of the River Ouse, gifting visitors with riverside views and an abundance of birdlife. Around the Abbey itself, you can walk under its arches and admire the architecture at leisure. 

For a taste of nature’s own luxuries and the imposing ambiance of the Abbey ruins, the Museum Gardens are a worthy itinerary addition.

York: Where to Stay

1. The Grand Hotel

At the Grand Hotel, guests can experience Edwardian luxury in central York. The Grand Hotel was once a railway headquarters and, in its full renovative glory, now stands only a minute away from York’s current railway station. In walking distance to all of York’s attractions and public transport links, the Grand Hotel is an ideal luxurious base for a weekend.

The hotel has 107 room choices to select from, starting from Double Rooms to Grand Heritage Suites. However, the Grand Hotel’s leading draw is its luxury spa facilities. Guests can unwind from sightseeing with the aid of a lengthy indoor swimming pool, hot tub, steam room, and sauna. And, to splash out on a little more indulgence, guests can also book in for an optional massage or beauty treatment.

Address: Station Rise, York, YO1 6GD, United Kingdom

Website: Yorkshire’s Luxury 5-Star Hotel & Spa in York | The Grand, York (thegrandyork.co.uk)

2. Judges Court Hotel

For a townhouse aesthetic with plenty of heritage, Judges Court Hotel is a great place to choose for a luxurious base in York. The hotel’s name originated from the 18th century when the property was used as lodgings for judges travelling to judge cases at York Court.

Guests can choose between a Deluxe Twin, Deluxe King, or an assortment of Luxury bedrooms – with fifteen bedrooms in total. Designed in line with its Georgian beginnings, Judges Court aims to blend ‘contemporary design and a nostalgic quality of centuries gone by’. Of course, Judges Court’s rooms are a further ode to York’s rich history. The Luxury King room hosted Sir William Chapple while he trialled Dick Turpin, the famous English highwayman. 

Sat in a private courtyard, Judges Court offers a sense of inner-city seclusion while still providing immediate doorstep access to York’s centre. Judges Court speaks of luxury through bespoke furnishings and guest comfort – ideal for a weekend’s stay.

Website: Judges Court Hotel York – City Centre Hotel

Address: Judges Court, Coney Street, York, YO1 9ND

3. Grays Court Hotel

Grays Court Hotel holds the title for the oldest inhabited building in York, with many a famous visitor passing through over the last centuries. Most notably, Grays Court was held by the Gray family for over 200 years. Nowadays, Judges Court Hotel claims its own fame. The property has an illustrious chain of awards, including its three-years winning the Visit York Tourism Award for Small Hotel of the Year.

When it comes to bedrooms, Grays Court alludes to the attitude of quality, not quantity. Each room features unique, distinct qualities. Possible features include a private ‘winding Georgian staircase’ taking guests to the upper floor of their split-level bedroom, a William IV four-poster bed, and an elegant free-standing bathtub. 

And, with the Garden Bar and Bow Room Restaurant onsite, the property is ideal for those looking for a hotel offering dining opportunities throughout their stay. You should also note that each reservation includes complimentary cooked breakfast for every morning of your stay. 

Website: The Bow Room Restaurant, York – Grays Court Hotel & Restaurant, York (grayscourtyork.com)

Address: Chapter House St, York, YO1 7JH

York: Wining and Dining

1. Lamb and Lion

The Lamb and Lion Inn’s beer garden is one of the best spots for a scenic culinary experience for wining or dining.

Opt for many small plates – such as pressed Yorkshire ham hocks, natural smoked haddock and pea risotto, or tempura king prawns. Alternatively, choose one of the deluxe comfort-style sandwiches, ‘served in warm ciabatta roll with a salad garnish’. The Lamb and Lion’s menu has plenty of feel-good luxuries to taste.

However, the Lamb and Lion’s winning aspect is its views of York Minster. Sitting at a wooden table under a heated lamp, what better way to enjoy a refreshing local beer than with a view? Make sure to bring a camera with you if you visit the Lamb and Lion.

Website: Beer Garden – Lamb & Lion Inn (lambandlioninnyork.com)

Address: City Centre, 2-4 High Petergate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7EH

2. Wine Stories

Mediterranean food lovers – this venue is for you. Wine Stories is a proudly authentic Greek restaurant sat in central York. The venue offers protection from the English elements with warm, indoor dining. However, the restaurant’s ceiling vines and greenery create a beautiful illusion of al fresco dining in Greece.

Wine Stories offers traditional Greek staples, including lamb kleftiko and a sweet galaktoboureko to finish. And, with a range of Greek wines and an extensive cocktail menu, Wine Stories is an incredible venue to sample some delicious Greek alcohol.

Wine Stories is a fantastic venue for those craving an all-round Greek immersion from the streets of York. For a luxurious slice of the Mediterranean, look no further than 24 Parliament Street.

Address: 24 Parliament Street, York, YO1 8RS

3. The Perky Peacock

Think quirky and indulgent in fiercely competitive measures, and you will have an idea of what an experience entails when dining at the Perky Peacock.

The café is set in the tower at the end of Lendal Bridge, overlooking the River Ouse. Guests can opt to dine upstairs in a cosy, friendly setting by the café bar. Alternatively, you can head downstairs to sit in the tower’s ‘Dungeon’. With a fireplace, soft lamp lighting, and an original arched stonework interior, the venue proves atmosphere is key.

Coffee lovers should treat themselves to a sweet chai latte, while, if you have an even sweeter tooth, the hot chocolates are sweetness heaven. The Perky Peacock has both a breakfast and lunch menu, but we’d recommend starting your day at the café for the ultimate, peaceful experience.

Address: The Perky Peacock, North Street Barker Tower, York YO1 6BE

4. Sora Sky Bar

Set on the seventh floor of the five-star Malmaison Hotel, Sora Sky Bar oozes class – delivering upscale Asian cuisine, flawless cocktails, and panoramic views of York below.

Sora’s drinks menu balances a mixture of the local and exotic. On the one hand, guests can sample a locally distilled York gin, while similarly, Sora also offers Jinzu or Roku Japanese gins. Even the classics feature an oriental twist – with Cherry Blossom Negronis and Sesame Old Fashioneds available for guests to enjoy.

Accessible via a private golden lift from the Malmaison lobby, Sora Sky Bar whisks you away entirely to a world of luxury and indulgent culinary possibilities. And, as it’s split between an outdoor and indoor design, Sora is an ideal way to experience York from above, rain or shine.

Website: Sora – Malmaison

Address: 2 Rougier Street, Malmaison Hotel York, York YO90 1UU

Forget a dream; York is a tourist’s heaven. The city has culture, history, culinary delights, and luxury hospitality venues – you name it, and you’ll find it within York city walls. When planning a city break in the UK, we can assure you that York will exceed expectations.