Things To Do In York, England, 5 day travel itinerary, brief history, weather – Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall – Bike Paths, Campsites

March 27, 2024

York, England: A City Steeped in History

York is a beautiful city in northern England with a rich history dating back to Roman times. It’s a popular tourist destination for good reason, with plenty to see and do for visitors of all interests. Whether you’re interested in exploring medieval architecture, wandering through Viking museums, or enjoying the great outdoors, York has something for you.

Brief History

York was founded by the Romans in 71 AD and was known as Eboracum. Over the centuries, it has been an important center for Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, and Normans. The city walls, which are still largely intact today, were built by the Romans and extended by the Vikings. York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, was begun in the 13th century and took centuries to complete.

Weather

York has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.

Winter: Winters in York are mild by British standards, with average highs around 7°C (44°F) and lows around 1°C (34°F). There is occasional snowfall, but it usually doesn’t last long.
Spring: Spring is a beautiful time to visit York, with the city coming alive with flowers. The weather is mild, with average highs around 13°C (55°F) and lows around 5°C (41°F).
Summer: Summers in York are warm and sunny, with average highs around 21°C (70°F) and lows around 12°C (54°F).
Fall: Fall is a lovely time to visit York, with the leaves changing color. The weather is mild, with average highs around 15°C (59°F) and lows around 7°C (44°F).

5-Day Itinerary

Here is a suggested itinerary for a 5-day trip to York:

Day 1: Start your day with a visit to York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Take a walk around the city walls, which are still largely intact today. In the afternoon, explore The Shambles, a well-preserved medieval street with timber-framed buildings. In the evening, enjoy a traditional British pub dinner.
Day 2: Visit Jorvik Viking Centre, which offers a fascinating look at Viking life in York. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on the River Ouse. In the evening, catch a performance at the York Theatre Royal.
Day 3: Day trip to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a beautiful area of countryside with rolling hills, charming villages, and historic castles.
Day 4: Visit the National Railway Museum, which houses a collection of locomotives and carriages from British railway history. In the afternoon, explore York Castle Museum, which tells the story of York from Roman times to the present day
Day 5: Spend the morning relaxing in York’s Museum Gardens, a beautiful public park with a variety of plants and flowers. In the afternoon, do some shopping on York’s historic streets. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of York’s many restaurants.

Bike Paths

There are a number of great bike paths in and around York. The York City Walls Cycle Path is a traffic-free route that follows the city walls for about 2 miles. The Sustrans Route 65 is a national cycle route that passes through York. It is a great option for a longer ride, as it goes all the way to Liverpool.

Campsites

There are a number of campsites located near York. Here are a few options:

York Camping and Caravanning Park: This campsite is located just outside of York city center and offers a variety of amenities, including showers, toilets, and a laundry room.
The Mount York Camping and Caravan Park: This campsite is located in a beautiful setting on the banks of the River Ouse. It offers basic amenities, such as showers and toilets.
Poppleton Park Campsite: This campsite is located a short drive from York city center and offers a variety of amenities, including showers, toilets, and a playground.