Lake District and York

we were in York longer than one night but here's what we enjoyed .1) walking the walls around York 2) the York Minster - we attended evening song since we were there on a Sunday - lovely experience 3) a ghost walk 4) the transportation museum is amazing 5) just strolling the streets and along the river.
It sounds like you have a lovely trip planned. Enjoy!
Diane

I take it you'll be driving? If so, Hadrian's Wall is well worth a stop. We went to Vindolanda and Housesteads near the east end, but there are other sites to the west. I'd base the choice on how far you're going on one day vs. the other. Here's some good information.

If you have time on the way south toward York, I'd recommend a stop at Durham Cathedral. A great example of Norman architecture, with amazing carved columns in the nave, and an interesting contrast to York Minster, which you won't want to miss either.

We stayed at the Abbey Guest House several years ago and liked it very much, especially the location on the river. From the website it looks like new owners since we were there, but the essentials are the same I'm sure.

Just returned from the Lake District, staying in Keswick, and York so I have a few suggestions. You didn't mention if you are into hiking, historical sites, good food, distilleries, shopping, etc. so I will just assume you are! You did not mention if you were driving, so again, I will assume you will be.

In Keswick I would spend 1/2 day in the village center and eat lunch at the Dog & Gun pub. If you like antiques, visit Price Walker just off the main square. After lunch, I would drive out to Castlerigg Stone Circle, just out of town. Upon returning, I would walk down to Derwentwater to view the sunset, take a cruise on the lake, see a play at Theatre by the Lake or just enjoy the beautiful views. I would have dinner at Magnolia or Brossen Steakhouse in the Inn on the Square. Day 2, I would drive to The Lakes Distillery, take a tour and enjoy lunch there. Don't forget to walk around the back to see the Alpacas. Then take Rick's drive mentioned in his book through the Honister Pass ending in Buttermere. Take dinner at The Pheasant Inn at Bassenthwaite Lake.

In York, I would take the 2 hour city tour in the morning, walk over the river to enjoy lunch at The Whippet Inn, 15 North State St, then take a tour of the Minster. Across the street, stop in at the Guy Falkes Inn for a drink, before walking the ancient wall, restored by Queen Victoria.
Take dinner at No 8 on Gillygate - excellent food and service. Make reservations as it is a small restaurant.

York is small enough, you can do all this in a day! We did.

Castle Howard and Fountains Abbey not to be missed, along with Durham Cathedral.

Definitely do the York Minster. The wall walks are fun.

If you're short on time, skip the viking museum in York. I wasn't very impressed with it.

I enjoyed a walk up to Castlerigg, the stone circle in Keswick. Gorgeous view up there too! Surprisingly, I also enjoyed the Pencil Museum. The helpful ladies in the TI in the center of the pedestrian area can direct you to both.

Thank you all for your tips. We had to cancel our trip 24 hours before departure due to illness. We hope to reschedule for fall of 2016 as we think that would be a beautiful time. Less crowds, less heat, beautiful leaves. Can't wait.

So sorry you had to cancel! Since I have now been to York since my post about Keswick I will add that I enjoyed the Castle Museum there in addition to the Minster. Try to do Evensong, it's wonderful at York Minster.

My husband and I toured Keswick and York in May of this year, and loved both!!

In York there are so many things....the free guided walk of the City is fantastic!!! The York Minster is also great...your entry ticket includes a guided tour which was wonderful. We also thoroughly enjoyed touring the underground Crypt....so interesting to learn how the Minster almost fell down, and how it has been stabilized. I highly recommend EvenSong, regardless of your religion. We were lucky enough to see some of the stained glass they were restoring up close and personal. Quite an experience! The Transportation Museum is another great thing. We truly enjoyed the walking tour along the river which is in Rick's book.

We also went to Castle Howard, and can't recommend it enough. We spent an entire day there, and maybe could have spent even longer. If you have a car, seeing Hadrian's Wall is really something (so much history).....we enjoyed Housestead's Roman Fort. Also with a car is Cragside, an amazing home with very innovative for the time appliances. (This is quite a distance north from York). Very interesting home, and amazing grounds. This was the countryside home of inventor William George Armstrong (1810 - 1900)

Keswick was beautiful. We thoroughly enjoyed Rick's driving tour, stopping to hike up to many waterfalls along the way. Excellent meal at The Fish. While there, we drove down through Ambleside and onward to Levens Hall...the Topiary is really something. We drove back to Keswick past Lake Ullswater, which is very scenic. We finished up our day hiking up to aria Force, a very nice waterfall.

Enjoy.