York & Vale of York

With charming cobbled streets and stunning architecture as well as the incredible York Minster dominating the skyline, there is so much to delight.

Away from the world class museums such as the Jorvik Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum, there are numerous events and festivals that combine to make the city one of the most exciting in Europe.

A place of exciting contrasts, York has a vibrant café culture with talented street entertainers on show, or one may prefer to relax in a heritage tavern or stylish riverside bar.

As a base for exploring the wider area, York is an ideal starting point as it is centrally located in the the Vale of York. North of the city, one will find the charming traditional market towns of Easingwold, Thirsk, Northallerton, Ripon and Bedale, each with its own distinctive features, all welcoming.

The Vale of York is easily explored on foot or by bike. At Sutton Bank on the edge of the Hambleton Hills, the vale spreads out below with the Yorkshire Dales rising up in the distance and a lush green view that stretches for miles, including the White Horse carved in chalk on the hillside. Wildlife enthusiasts will be overwhelmed with variety on offer at the stunning Lake Gormire.