York Vacation Rentals

Like everywhere in England, you never know quite what you’re going to get from the weather in York. At any point in the year it’s not uncommon for the weather to go from sunny to rainy and back again in a single day. Generally speaking, you can expect the weather to correspond with their seasons; ice and fog during winter, damp autumns, pleasant springs, and warm summers. Of course, you’ll want to ensure your York vacation home is well stocked with umbrellas and waterproof clothing just in case.

The best way to get a sense of York is by putting on some comfortable shoes and leaving your York vacation home to go for a walk around the city’s historic streets. It won’t be long until you find something that draws your attention. Once your interest has been piqued, it’s time to visit some of the must-visit attractions the city offers those with a vacation rental in York.

The city’s best attraction is also one of the best in the country. York Minster was built between 1230 and 1472 and is one of Europe’s largest Gothic cathedrals. It’s not difficult to find the cathedral - it is huge. Spend some time exploring the interior of the building before heading up the central tower for the best view in the city. If you have the opportunity to see one of the performances that take place in the cathedral, seize it - you won’t regret it.

Elsewhere, there are plenty of other ways to explore York’s fascinating history. At Clifford’s Tower, you can travel back more than 800 years to see what was classed as a tower fortress during medieval times. It’s named, somewhat cruelly, after Roger de Clifford II, who was hanged for treason against King Edward II in 1322. The tower also offers great views over the city and beyond.

On the same premises is York Castle Museum, an interactive museum that lets you walk through the city at various point in its history. In the museum you’ll find a recreated Victorian street, period style rooms, an exhibition about what life in prison used to be like, an exhibition on World War I, and also one on the history of toys!

York hosts many events throughout the year. These are diverse, covering a wide range of interests. With any luck, there’ll be something that appeals to you, and is located close to your York vacation rental.

Horse racing dates back many centuries in York, so it’s little wonder that the city is one of the best in the country when it comes to meets. The beautiful York Racecourse hosts meets throughout the year, and any are good to attend, but the very best is the Ebor Festival, which is held in August.

One of the best events for whole family is the Viking Festival, which takes place each February and celebrates the city’s rich Viking past. During the week-long event kids can learn Viking combat, you can peruse 10th century goods for sale, judge who has the best Viking beard, and also watch an epic re-enactment of a Viking battle!

In July, the York Early Music Festival takes place, an arts festival that focuses on music from the 1700s and earlier. It’s something a little different that can only be found in York.

National Railway Museum

Not just for rail enthusiasts, this museum encompasses 300 years of locomotive history from around the world. See how railways changed how the world worked.

York Castle Museum

Home to the famous reconstructed Victorian street, this museum displays exhibitions about life from the 18th-century onwards. The building itself is a former prison, used as a place of incarceration for 1000 years.

York Minster

Considered one of the greatest cathedrals in the world, York Minster hosts exhibitions and events whilst also being a historical landmark. Take a tour, see its treasures, or admire the intricate architecture.

The Shambles

This medieval complex of ramshackle buildings dates from as early as the 14th-century. The narrow street was once filled with butchers who used the street as a slaughterhouse.

York City Walls

The longest medieval town-walls in England, visitors can walk along its entirety, which takes around 2 hours. The views, towers and posterns are enjoyed by 2.5 million visitors annually.