My husband and I will finish up our two-week trip through North England and Scotland in York this summer. We’ll be taking the train from Edinburgh to York and staying there three days. We will be visiting Hadrian’s Wall earlier in our trip. I’m wondering if there is enough to do in York for three days. If not, should we make another stop on our way there or do a day trip?
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
Do you mean four nights in York, with three full days there? If I were there three full days I'd probably use one of them for a day trip, to Castle Howard or the train up to Whitby or somewhere else. There are lots of choices, and you don't necessarily have to choose before you get there.
We spent three nights, with two full days, in York, and visited the Minster, the Yorkshire Museum, the York Castle Museum, Clifford's Tower, and the Railway Museum as I recall. Also walked partway around the wall and all over the medieval center, through the nearby park where the abbey ruins are, and along the riverbank. We skipped Jorvik and the Richard III museum. If we'd had a third day we would probably have done a day trip outside the city. Your mileage may vary. If we were real train buffs the Railway Museum could have taken a full day.
If you want a good stopping place between Edinburgh and York I'd recommend Durham, with its amazing clifftop Norman cathedral and surroundings.
Posted by
8322 posts
We spent three nights in York and had 2.5 days to see the city. There is much to see in York. It is one of our favorite places in Britain.
The Minster (Cathedral) is the number one sight to visit. We spend half a day there. It is filled with history. We loved the National Railway Museum next to the rail station.
The Minster Hotel is walking distance from the rail station, if you don't have a lot of luggage. It is perfect for seeing the city.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2094 posts
We also spent 3 nights and 2 1/2 Days in York and felt content. We enjoyed our stay at the No.21 York B&B. Short walk from train station, and convenient for walking around the city. Excellent breakfast and comfortable rooms. Safe travels.
Posted by
Sacramento, CA
695 posts
I suggest a day trip to Durham; I think it's about 45 minutes by train. The cathedral in Durham was one of the most amazing sites on our trip. In York, we enjoyed taking a free tour offered by the city, and walking the wall -- all that is there. In fact, I believe we walked most of the wall after returning from our trip to Durham.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9022 posts
We also spent 2.5 days there (3 nights). I thought that was just right, for the sights of York. We highly recommend the free (no tips please) volunteer walking tour to orient you. The core area is very compact and pleasant walking.
Posted by
OP
USA
11 posts
Thank you all for the good advice! Because we really would have three entire days, we’ve decided to overnight in Durham on the way to York.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
Another nice 1/2 day trip outside of Bath is Fountains Abbey...