Top 3 Itineraries in York

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to York.

If you only have a few days, York weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in York offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in York are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into York’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through York offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover England's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to York truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that York belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to York are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in York and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect York itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in York for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of York without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to York!

A scenic 12-day road trip through London, Leeds, Lincoln, York, and Alrewas is one of the best ways to experience England. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 12-day itinerary means that York can easily be combined with other top destinations in England without stress. While it’s possible to travel between London, Leeds, Lincoln, York, and Alrewas by public transport, renting a car in England opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 12 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Leeds

• Arrival city: Leeds
• Accommodation: hotel in Leeds, e.g., The Chambers Park Place Apartments
• Sightseeing: Tick Tock Unlock - Leeds Live Escape Rooms

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Leeds. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Leeds, Halifax, and West Bretton

• Destinations: Leeds, Halifax, and West Bretton
• Driving distance: 155.29 km, approx. 3 hours and 3 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Sheffield, e.g., Roomzzz Manchester Victoria
• Sightseeing: The Piece Hall, Roundhay Park, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and Royal Armouries Museum
• Recommended tour: Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Sheffield with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

Set out on a day of discovery and visit The Piece Hall, Roundhay Park, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and Royal Armouries Museum. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Leeds, Halifax, and West Bretton, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Sheffield.

Day 3: Discover Alrewas, Edensor, and Rosliston

• Destinations: Alrewas, Edensor, and Rosliston
• Driving distance: 288.36 km, approx. 4 hours and 30 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Oxford, e.g., Mollie's Motel & Diner
• Sightseeing: Peak District National Park, Chatsworth House, National Memorial Arboretum (Alrewas, Staffordshire), and Rosliston Forestry Centre
• Recommended tour: Oxford | Alumni-Led Walking Tour w/opt New College

Spend the day exploring Peak District National Park, Chatsworth House, National Memorial Arboretum (Alrewas, Staffordshire), and Rosliston Forestry Centre. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Oxford.

Day 4: Experience Salisbury and Eton

• Destinations: Salisbury and Eton
• Driving distance: 255.47 km, approx. 3 hours and 37 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and St George's Chapel
• Recommended tour: Walking Tour for Muggles in London

Continue your journey through Salisbury and Eton, where you can explore Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and St George's Chapel. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of London.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in London and Leavesden

• Destinations: London and Leavesden
• Driving distance: 72.62 km, approx. 2 hours and 28 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: Big Ben, St James's Park, Westminster Abbey, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, and Buckingham Palace
• Recommended tour: Historical Pub Walking Tour in London With a Small Group

Drive through London and Leavesden, stopping to visit Big Ben, St James's Park, Westminster Abbey, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, and Buckingham Palace. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of London, Brentford, and London Borough of Southwark

• Destinations: London, Brentford, and London Borough of Southwark
• Driving distance: 35.2 km, approx. 1 hour and 54 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: The Shard, Borough Market, Tate Modern, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and London Bridge
• Recommended tour: London 30 Top Sights with Fun Local Guide

Spend time discovering The Shard, Borough Market, Tate Modern, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and London Bridge, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in London and Kensington

• Destinations: London and Kensington
• Driving distance: 12.19 km, approx. 1 hour and 9 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park, Science Museum, Kensington Gardens, and Victoria and Albert Museum
• Recommended tour: Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour in London

Explore Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park, Science Museum, Kensington Gardens, and Victoria and Albert Museum at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore London

• Destinations: London
• Driving distance: 17.93 km, approx. 1 hour and 23 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: Tower of London, The Regent's Park, The British Museum, Madame Tussauds London, and Tower Bridge
• Recommended tour: Day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

Continue your road trip through London, enjoying the flexibility to explore Tower of London, The Regent's Park, The British Museum, Madame Tussauds London, and Tower Bridge and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through London and Greenwich

• Destinations: London and Greenwich
• Driving distance: 116.89 km, approx. 2 hours and 29 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Colchester, e.g., GreyFriars
• Sightseeing: Imperial War Museum, Greenwich Park, lastminute.com London Eye, The National Gallery, and Trafalgar Square

Visit Imperial War Museum, Greenwich Park, lastminute.com London Eye, The National Gallery, and Trafalgar Square as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Colchester.

Day 10: Uncover Lincoln and Colchester

• Destinations: Lincoln and Colchester
• Driving distance: 257.22 km, approx. 3 hours and 13 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Lincoln, e.g., The Old Palace
• Sightseeing: Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln Castle, and Colchester Zoo

Continue your exploration of Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln Castle, and Colchester Zoo, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure. End the day by checking into a lovely hotel in Lincoln.

Day 11: Journey Through York

• Destinations: York
• Driving distance: 161.52 km, approx. 3 hours and 1 minute
• Accommodation: hotel in Leeds, e.g., The Chambers Park Place Apartments
• Sightseeing: Shambles Market, JORVIK Viking Centre, York Minster, and National Railway Museum York
• Recommended tour: Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Leeds with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

Take in the highlights of Shambles Market, JORVIK Viking Centre, York Minster, and National Railway Museum York, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of Leeds.

Day 12: Bid Farewell to Leeds

• Departure city: Leeds
• Driving distance: 1.38 km, approx. 18 minutes
• Sightseeing: Park Square

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Leeds. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1847 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond York.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in York for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 8-day city break in York with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 8-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of York without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in York

Arrive in York and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Rowntree Park.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Yakamoz is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover York's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in York by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Goddards and National Railway Museum York.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in York. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of York in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of York

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Fairfax House, York Castle Museum, The York Dungeon, and Clifford's Tower, York are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in York.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in York. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of England!

Day 6: Connect With the Local Culture in York

No York itinerary is complete without learning something about the local culture. The large selection of cultural tours in York has something for every traveler.

If you prefer sightseeing on your own, head out to explore Shambles Market and DIG: An Archaeological Adventure, other popular attractions in York.

End the day with a sunset walk and dinner around Shambles Market.

Day 8: Savor Your Final Moments in York

Spend your last few hours in York soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from York in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in York, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go York travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 5-day weekend getaway in York offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned York itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect York weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in York

Arrive in York around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Rowntree Park, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover York’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in York with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit York Minster early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to York Mansion House, stopping by York City Walls for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in York and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of York

No itinerary in York is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Shambles Market.
• Afternoon: Explore JORVIK Viking Centre and York Castle Museum, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in York and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of England.

Day 5 - Depart from York

Make the most of your last few hours in York before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to York. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable York itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore York, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in York for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience York in a way that feels truly unforgettable!