Location Vale of York
Vale of York Lodges
The city of York is a fab city with historic landmarks, popular attractions, award-winning restaurants, bars and pubs, and famous for ghost tours. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, this is a great base for a city break and to explore the Yorkshire countryside. With popular ghost tours all year round, a Christmas market and plenty of family-friendly activities, the Vale of York is a great setting for your next short break or family holiday.
Best Things To Do In Vale of York
York Minster
In the heart of the city, York Minster is a magnificent cathedral. It is one of the largest in Europe and most beautiful in the world. It has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England since the 7th century and continues as a working church to this day, open daily for prayer and worship. The Minster is open to visitors where you can explore the beautiful cathedral, discover the wonderful architecture and learn about Roman history. For those who feel fit enough, you can also book the tower tour where you can climb to the top of the York Minster’s central tower, up 275 uneven, narrow and spiralling medieval steps, for panoramic views of the city.
York City Walls
The York City Walls are medieval walls that were built in Roman times to defend the city in the 13th century. Most of the walls remain and are accessible to visitors who want to walk along the walls. The York City Walls are 2.8 miles in distance and provide an easy, scenic walk for visitors with only a few stairs and there are plenty of benches along the way. However, the wall is not wheelchair accessible or dog-friendly. The ancient city walls are a great way to see the city and are one of the best free attractions in the city.
Clifford’s Tower
Clifford’s Tower is an imposing tower that stands on top of a large hill in the city centre of York. Close to the River, Clifford’s Tower is a must-see historical landmark. It is the remains of York Castle that was built by William the Conqueror and once served as a prison and royal mint. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding North Yorkshire Moors.
National Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum is a fantastic museum that is free entry and ideal for visitors of all ages in York. The museum provides a historic look at locomotives with a fantastic collection of some of the most iconic. From the world-changing rocket to the Japanese bullet train, there is so much to see and discover. You can learn about the history and impact on society and also climb aboard some of the trains to explore inside. You can even have afternoon tea on the Countess of York.
Allerton Castle
Allerton Castle is a beautiful Grade I listed 19th-century castle in North Yorkshire surrounded by 200 acres of lush countryside. The magnificent castle and grounds are a popular setting for weddings and private events and is open for guided tours. Visitors can explore the castle and grounds of this country house to explore the main rooms and luxury antiques, see the magnificent views from the upstairs bedrooms and indulge in afternoon tea in the ballroom.
The Shambles
The Shambles is a famous cobbled street in the centre of York. The old street with overhanging timber-framed buildings dates back to the 13th century. It was once known as the Great Flesh Shambles because butchers used to display their meat, hanging it outside the shops and to this day, you can still see some of the old hooks that were used to hold the meat. Now the street is full of shops including a Christmas shop, fudge, sweets and chocolate shop, tearoom, tavern, ghost merchant and several Harry Potter shops including one called The Shop That Must Not Be Named where you can get official merchandise. The Shambles has become popular amongst Harry Potter fans because of its resemblance to Diagon Alley.
Jorvik Viking Centre
York has a rich Viking history and you can learn all about it in the Jorvik Viking Centre. The museum is a popular, must-see visitor attraction in the UK. It gives visitors a unique look through dioramas and mannequins and sights, smells and sounds to fully immerse guests into Viking life.
York Maze
York Maze is a large maize maze with over 20 rides, shows and attractions to enjoy for a fun day out with family. Visitors can explore the mazes and enjoy a wide range of fun activities across the 15 acres of land. The maze is open throughout the summer months, perfect for family fun. In the Autumn, Hallowcream and HalloTween take over. HalloTween is a family-friendly Halloween event during the day where you can enjoy some Halloween fun including exploring some of the haunted buildings but the scares have been toned down. At night time, HalloScream takes place which is a scare event with scare mazes with live actors, live shows, scare actors and rides.
Askham Bryan Wildlife Centre & Conservation Centre
Askham Bryan Wildlife Centre & Conservation Centre is a great place to see a range of animals in North Yorkshire. Visitors can see plenty of small animals including meerkats, armadillos, turtles, beetles and many more! The centre is great for learning about conversation and exploring the grounds via walking trails.
The Web Adventure Park
For a fun day out, the Web Adventure Park is a great place to visit. With an indoor and outdoor section, this adventure park is good in all weather conditions. Visitors of all ages can enjoy playing in the indoor or outdoor play parks where there are climbing courses, slides, ropes, rides, animals, water play and much more. A great way to let your little ones burn off some energy, the Web Adventure Park is worth a visit when you’re in the Vale of York.
Take a look at other luxury lodges nearby in Yorkshire Moors and Coast and Yorkshire Dales.
