Arrive at York train station on Friday morning and take the short walk to your hotel for the weekend. Our recommendation is the Hilton York, a stone's throw away from the town centre with large, airy rooms, perfect for getting a good night’s rest. Once you’re checked in, it’s time to explore!
Book onto the Hooting Owl Distillery Tour to set the vibe for your weekend. Try gins, vodka, and rum and learn how your favourite spirits are made as well as the myth and legend of Sir Owlfred and the distillery’s history.
Next up is a pint at Valhalla, a rustic Viking themed bar serving mead, ales as well as meat, fish, and cheese platters great for sharing! You could also grab an expertly brewed coffee if you’re in need of a pick-me-up.
Hooting Owl Distillery Tour
Try a range of spirits and learn how they're made
(Rougier Street, YO1 6HZ)
Start your evening with something spooky! The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York will show you why York is known as the ‘city of a thousand ghosts. Listen to creepy theatrical tales of hauntings and murders, perfect for those with a darker sense of humour.
(Grape Lane, YO1 7HU)
Whilst out and about why not try some street food at Spark? With 9 vendors to choose from you’ll find your new favourite in no time. There are plenty of gourmet vegan options, Indian street food, pizza and burgers, and Greek food on offer, plus an independent coffee vendor and bar.
Spark York
Buzzing food court filled with bars and eateries in funky upcycled shipping containers
(Piccadilly, YO1 9PB)
Ye Old Starre Inne
Traditional pub with flock wallpaper, wooden boards and a fire, for cask ales and comfort food
(Stonegate, YO1 8AS)
Start your action-packed Saturday with a hearty breakfast at Wheldrakes, often labelled the top breakfast place in the city. Wheldrakes offer local sourced ingredients and their own unique house coffee blend that has captured the heart of the York locals.
Once you’d eaten your fill of bacon and eggs it’s time to explore the city. Wheldrakes is a few streets over from York Minster, which is a beautiful building filled with history and knowledge. Make sure to head down to the Undercroft to see some of the darker objects on show.
Wheldrakes
Top breakfast in town, with a huge range of food and coffee
(Goodramgate, YO1 7LJ)
Robinson’s Cafe
Plenty of options for vegans and great quality produce
(Bishopthorpe Road, YO23 1NA)
Next up is the Shambles, the quaint old streets and houses home to artisan shops, food vendors and curiosity houses. Make sure to spend some time wandering the pop up market in the main square too.
Cocoa Joes
Chocolate drink specialists; we're heading there later
(Museum Street, YO1 7DT)
Grab a bite to eat at the Dark Horse Espresso Bar in the Shambles. This small coffee van is praised by locals for having the best coffee in town, and some of the best food too. The van offers bagels, toasties, cakes, and other snacks alongside top tier coffee.
Dark Horse Espresso Bar
Unassuming coffee truck with amazing toasties, bagels, and paninis
(Silver Street, YO1 8RY)
The Fat Badger
Wide drink selection and great Sunday roasts
(High Petergate, YO1 7EH)
A trip to York is never complete without a visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre. This interactive museum shows you what life would have been like in York during the time of the Vikings. Viking fancy dress is not obligatory.
To refuel, head to Cocoa Joe’s Cafe for the best hot and cold chocolate drinks in the North. Sample any of their chocolate varieties until you find your favourite and have it turned into the perfect choccy drink. Yummy.
For dinner, take your meal at Fish and Forest for an exquisite seafood dining experience. This Michelin starred restaurant boasts it’s use of local ingredients and seasonal menus featuring a range of dining options including gluten-free and vegan options.
Plonkers Wine and Beer Bar has a fantastic range of drinks and an extensive cocktail menu and well as bar snacks and small plates. A great stop off for some pre-drinking!
Fish and Forest
Each dish is justified in its place on the menu with fresh, local ingredients
(Grape Lane, YO1 7HU)
Plonkers Wine and Beer Bar
Relaxed basement bar with a bistro serving great food
(Cumberland Street, YO1 9SW)
Want to dance till the early hours? Head out to Flares for a nightclub hosting themed nights and events almost every weekend. Perhaps it will be a decade's theme, or maybe something seasonal, make sure to check it out in advance!
(Tanner Row, YO1 6JB)
Kick start the day with a tasty toastie and eggs at Robinson’s Cafe. This cafe is slightly out of town but worth the extra couple of minute walk for the some of the best eggs in town.
For another chocolate fix, book yourself on to the Chocolate Manufactory Tasting tour at York Cocoa Works. Sample fabulous chocolate, learn how those cocoa beans are made into those sweet treats we love so much, and make some chocs of your own for chomping on later.
York Minster
This iconic building towers over the North York skyline
(Deangate, YO1 7HH)
If after all this, you’re still hungry, The Fat Badger pub, found nestled in the walls of York Minster, is your next stop for an epic Sunday roast. Choose from beef, pork, chicken and vegan pie options with all the best Yorkshire trimmings! The pub is literally a part of Yorks intriguing history.
A wander round the York Castle Museum to ward off the food coma. Check out exhibits from York’s history and take in the Yorks oldest indoor street with items dating back to the Victorian period and beyond.
In need of a treat for the train home? Crumbs Cupcakery offers stunning gourmet cupcakes baked daily and with 10-12 different flavours to choose from, you might even want to get two! Enjoy.
