York Hotels

George VI once said that “the history of York is the history of England”. It is also the history of the elevenses – Terry’s, Thorntons and Rowntrees were all here at one time.

York neighbourhoods

From your York hotel, head to the east bank of the River Ouse for the glorious Gothic Minster. Surrounding it are the twisting lanes – known as ginnels – of the medieval city. The best preserved is the boutique-heavy ye olde England classic the Shambles, voted Britain’s most picturesque by Google Street View. It’s full of half-timbered houses leaning into each other on the cobblestone streets as if for a natter. Further south in the pedestrianised shopping area of Coppergate, you’ll find the Viking-themed Jorvik Centre. In the shadow of Clifford’s Tower is Castle Museum. West of the Minster you’ll find the York Art Gallery and further out the Yorkshire Museum.

Shopping in York

York has become a shopping magnet for local fashionistas. In the Coppergate Shopping Centre you’ll find everything from the Fenwick department store to designer names like Ralph Lauren. Blake Street has a Vivienne Westwood. For those who wear their conscience on their Paul Smith sleeve, the One Boutique produces ecologically sound styles. Handbag-hungry shoppers swing their clutches down to the York Mulberry Factory Shop in Swinegate. For your TK Maxx fix, Monks CrossShopping Centre is where to head. Coney Street has the high-street multiples. In Newgate Market, hollers echo from more than 120 stalls in a market square within one of Europe’s largest single pedestrianised areas.

Eating and drinking in York

For candelit medieval ambience try the Nineteen restaurant in one of the city’s oldest buildings in Grape Lane. If you’re after an unfussy traditional pint and a game of bar billiards, potter down to the Golden Ball on Cromwell Road. Betty’s Café Tea Rooms in St Helen’s Square has shoppers all at sea: it’s based on the Art Deco interior of the Queen Mary passenger liner. Check out the mirror in the basement bar scratched with the names of bun-handling American airmen sheltering here during Second World War air raids.

Culture and nightlife in York

City Screen on Coney Street shows art-house movies and traditional blockbusters. The Friargate Theatre features highbrow poetry readings, musicals and top-notch drama. The Grand Opera House is your bet for comedy and West End musicals. In the winter, skaters glide around an illuminated oak tree in the shadow of The Designer Outlet at the Christmas-themed Ice Factor rink.

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