48 hours in... York

SIP A PINT AT YORK BREWERY

Visit Britain

With everything from Viking history to designer shopping, York has more attractions per square mile than any other UK city, says Laura Shepherd

Centrally located in the UK (but just two hours on the train from London), what lies within York’s ancient city walls will easily keep you busy for a full weekend. And it doesn’t matter what time of year you visit the city, but the cosy pubs lying off York’s cobbled streets are particularly alluring in winter.

A stone’s throw from the train station and with impressive views of the city, the Principal Hotel comfortably mixes traditional and modern touches across its range of beautiful rooms and suites. Check in and dump those bags. The Refectory Kitchen & Terrace is on site so you can refuel on classic British dishes without having to move.

Get your bearings at the must-see York Minster. This beautiful gothic building, crafted in stone and stained glass, is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals and one of the Europe’s largest. Follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers through underground chambers transformed with audiovisual and interactive galleries to discover the stories from a fascinating 1000-year history. For panoramic views of the city and countryside, climb the 275 steps to the top of the Minster.

Head down to earth and to York’s most famous and most photographed street, the Shambles. The crooked old buildings are in touching distance of each other so you can wander leisurely between lovely boutiques, quirky shops and cosy cafés. The Shambles was apparently the inspiration behind J. K Rowling’s Diagon Alley and if you’re a Harry Potter fan you’ll soon see why.

If all the shopping has worked up an appetite, stroll back towards the river and the Star Inn the City, which has a beautiful open plan terrace looking over the Ouse and a seasonal Yorkshire-sourced menu. Alternatively, The Ivy on St Helen’s Square is a glamorous treat, especially if you’re with

Free to join, this all-female members’ club and travel concierge service empowers women to dream, plan and book amazing holidays that can’t be googled. Run by travel experts, Girl About is a network of women sharing unbiased advice, travel guides, offers and discounts. Charitable Travel is the official partner of Girl About, meaning members can book holidays via the club and give money to their favourite charity. charitable.travel/ girl-about

A short stroll across the River Ouse takes you to the York Museum Gardens, a lovely space to unwind after a journey. They are set amongst the atmospheric medieval ruins of St Mary’s Abbey and are free to visit every day.

SPRING FUN AT THE IVY THE ATLAS FOUNTAIN

Visit Britain / Andrew Pickett FAT RASCALS AT BETTY’S

your girlfriends, serving up great bistro-style food in a sophisticated but cosy setting.

Head to York’s Chocolate Story and unwrap the history of this delicious treat in a 90-minute guided tour. You’ll learn some fun facts about the creation of York’s greatest chocolate products, including chocolate oranges and Kit Kats, and hear the stories behind the city’s famous sweet-making families – Terry, Craven and Rowntree. You’ll be pleased to hear that you get to taste along the way and create your very own chocolate lolly.

Head to Coppergate and one of York’s most loved attractions, the Jorvik Viking Centre. Travel back in time on a chairlift through Viking-age streets to experience the sights, the sounds, and even the smells, of York over 1,000 years ago.

Free to join, this all-female members’ club and travel concierge service empowers women to dream, plan and book amazing holidays that can’t be googled. Run by travel experts, Girl About is a network of women sharing unbiased advice, travel guides, offers and discounts. Charitable Travel is the official partner of Girl About, meaning members can book holidays via the club and give money to their favourite charity. charitable.travel/ girl-about

York has many great spots for afternoon tea but Betty’s is so good you should book ahead. It offers a traditional afternoon tea all day but the bookable option serves the scrumptious selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes in the beautiful Belmont Room. Betty’s also has treats to take away in its bakery. Try a Fat Rascal, a cross between a scone and a rock cake.

VIEW OF THE OUSE

Wine and dine at The Rise Restaurant in the city’s only five star hotel, The Grand. Expect modern British cuisine in a luxurious setting with an open kitchen and a heated garden terrace.

For your night cap, drop in to the Evil Eye Lounge. This quirky bar has a Guinness World Record for offering the most varieties of gin commercially available (1,028) and has a great gift shop too.

Named one of the ‘best breakfast places in the UK’, the Pig and Pastry on Bishopthorpe Road (Bishy Road’, as the locals call it) has a fantastic choice of breakfast bowls, brunches and sandwiches, all made from regional ingredients. Try the BAFTA (a bacon, avocado, feta, tomato and aoli sandwich). Brew and Brownie on Museum Street also serves delicious breakfasts and has a Bake Shop so you can grab a tasty treat for the journey home.

Last but not least, walk the city walls for the perfect end to your weekend. The full circle takes about two hours but it’s worth it for the amazing city views.

AN EVENING STROLL OF YORK’S WALLS

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