Travel to York in late September

I can't help with a tour, as I remained in the city, nor accommodations as I used Premier Inn which is not near the Minster, but came here to recommend Forest Restaurant for both food and atmosphere. You will love the city, it's very walkable, even on the walls. I have never been in a place with so many bookstores. I also highly recommend the Viking Centre. It seems as though it's going to be cheesy with the animatronic figures on the ride, and then you learn that their facial features are based on the skeletons that were unearthed in this very site, and you enter a wonderful museum with incredible artifacts and thoughtful displays.

I can't help with your tour questions, but for accommodations in York, you can't get much closer to the Minster than the Dean Court Hotel. Its right across the street. Lovely old building that's been modernized. Comfortable room and friendly staff. York is so walkable - I have a degree of mobility impairment and use a cane, but was still able to walk everywhere, including the walls. And for a bit of peace and quiet, the hotel is just a few minutes walk to the Museum Garden and the ruins of St Mary's Abbey. And you will be there while the Ghosts in the Gardens will be happening. So much fun finding the ghost sculptures all over town. You are spoiled for choice when it comes to museums and historic buildings. Ditto for restaurants. For afternoon tea, try to get a reservation for Betty's. Walk ups are possible, but there will be a long line.

Try Mountain Goat for the tours.

Agree with the expectations and comments about the Viking Centre. We enjoyed it!

We stayed in a Townhouse B&B, in a district of same, walking distance from the Railway Museum and the York City Wall. There are several B&Bs close to York and throughout Yorkshire if you want to stay in a village that is in the countryside. You may be able to book a tour of the countryside at the train station, or at a Hotel. They used to have Tourist Offices and may still have one in York. We prefer the small comforts of B&Bs and don't need a fitness gym or room service at a hotel. At B&Bs there are usually other guests to share breakfast and even share travel info, etc. I would reccommed going to one of the Villages by the Sea if you have time. You can look up locations on Google Earth of accommodations and prices. I like the National Trust UK for sites to visit.

We stayed at the Minster Hotel near the North Gate of the old city. It was great, they had parking for our rental car, the rooms were nice and breakfasts great.
We were there in October and the weather was good.

I haven't stayed at the Dean Court but have stayed in several other properties in this small North England chain and they have all been excellent, indeed one is my local pub. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there based on my experience.
I also echo recommendations for Mountain Goat tours by small minibus.

I too have no help for hotels, and I have not been in York yet, but am planning and have some of the same parameters as you. Here's what I found:
Grand Yorkshire, Mountain Goat and Rabbies all seem to have small group day trips to the Yorkshire Dales (and separately to Whitby & the Moors) but they do not all offer them every day of the week. On the day we chose, we only had one option...Mountain Goat. But they all get great reviews. I looked into a private driver that would pick us up in York, do a day tour of the Dales and drop us at our new hotel in Grassington. The prices started at about 695 GBP, which I may have been able to justify for four people, but seemed to steep for us as a twosome. If you go that way, Grand Yorkshire can arrange a tour for you...on the day that I chose they were not available for a private day trip, but were able to suggest another person who was available.

My last visit to York, as part of a Yorkshire group tour, included a stay at the Grand York across the street from the train station. Bit of a splurge, but great history and building--the hotel is in the former headquarters of the North Eastern Railway. My room had a cavernous, arched ceiling. I don't know whether it was a bigwig's office in the early 1900s or served another purpose, but as a history and transportation buff, let's just say that I'm glad I had the chance to be there. It's convenient to the station but also a brief walk to the Minster and city centre.

I hope you enjoy your travels no matter which hotel you choose!

We stayed in Grays Court Hotel and loved it. Right next to the Minster.

The Guy Fawkes pub is opposite the Minster.

York accommodations - As others have mentioned, York is very walkable and so if you don't find something right by the Minster, there are many hotels within a 5 or 10 minute walks.

The Minster is amazing - not just the cathedral but the undercroft exhibits as well. There are general tours during the day as well as some special tours (best book those ahead). If in need of a bite to eat nearby, there is a small but delicious cafe in the nearby Treasurer's House. (There is also a tour of the Treasurer's House but if limited time I'd skip)

Would also recommend the Castle Museum and Merchants Hall. The Jorvik Centre is fun and interesting (must reserve ahead).

Betty's is lovely but a smaller tearoom option is the Castle Tea Room right by the Jorvik Centre.
Nice teas also available at some of the lovely, upscale hotels.

We had a terrific (and free) walking tour through the Association of Voluntary Guides. (Our guide was a retired professor). Need to book ahead.
https://avgyork.co.uk/

The staff at the York tourist office are every helpful

"All Creatures tours" - Mountain Goat, Rabbies, Grand Yorkshire do day tours.

The James Herriot Museum is in Thirsk - there is a local bus from York which takes about an hour. (weekend bus schedules will be different) The museum displays his office, sets from the original show and history of veterinary science. Thirsk is cute with a nice bookshop and multiple teashops/cafes/pubs.

Castle Howard (film location for Brideshead Revisited) is about 30 minutes from York by vehicle/taxi/Uber and an hour by local bus on weekdays. I think Mountain Goat also has a half-day bus to/from. (We went by taxi and used Streamline taxi arranged by our hotel. Need to book pick-up too)

Last but not least - York can be cold so would suggest a scarf and gloves.

there is the moot point of which version of "All Creatures Great and Small" you are familiar with. The newer PBS version or the original BBC version? The original had a bigger following in the UK with viewing figures about 4 times that off the PBS version, partly becausethere were few channels to choose from in the 80s and partly because in UK the PBS version was on Channel 5, which doesn't have the best reputation for quality . As a result the BBC locations are still being visited and they are some distance from PBS's - and closer to the real life locations, which are also attracting fans. Luckily all three choices are explained on one website!

https://worldofjamesherriot.com/

Stayed at the Dean Court Hotel 2 years ago for a few nights. Location was ideal and both the hotel and staff were great.

I smiled seeing the response in the first reply about the Forest Restaurant. We stayed at the Galtres Lodge Hotel associated with that restaurant and were very happy with the lodging, the hospitality of the staff, the amazing home cooked breakfasts, and our special 45th anniversary dinner with them.

Here’s the trip report with the details. Recommend the city bike tour, also mentioned.

Going to York Minster was a priority, too, and the Evensong (went twice) is very beautiful.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/june-2023-england-wales-trip-report

You wont need scarfs and gloves at the end of Sept!