Spening a weekend in York is a charming experience and one that has been enjoyed for decades. To the Romans, it was Eboricum; the Saxons, Eoforwic; and the Vikings, Jorvik. As far back as 71AD York has been an important part of England’s landscape. Its rich history draws tourists travelling from far and wide to see the sights – from the Medieval Gothic York Minster Cathedral (the largest in northern Europe), to the famous medieval Shambles thoroughfare, and even the longest Roman wall in England.
In more recent years, however, a weekend in York has become synonymous with eating and drinking well – very well, in fact. This is best witnessed at Roots and at Michelin-starred The Black Swan at Oldstead, both helmed by self-taught chef Tommy Banks. Over lockdown, the chef’s premium three- and five-course delivery boxes – along with bottled cocktails – flew off the proverbial shelves, and now Banks and his brother James (who heads up the drink offering at both restaurants) are even flogging their own Banks Brothers wine.
Things to see and do during a weekend in York
With a weekend in York, you can walk along the City Walls Trail with easy access via the four main gatehouses, known locally as “bars” – Bootham and Monk to the north of the city (where you’ll also find York Minster), Walmgate to the south-east and Micklegate the south-west.
Duck into the city and head to The Shambles to continue the medieval theme. One of Europe’s best-preserved streets (and said to be the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley), it was once overrun with butchers shops. Now, you’ll find independent gift shops filled with antique coins and stamps, quaint cafés and ye olde tea merchants as you pass under the old-fashioned shop signs and past beam-fronted buildings. A weekend in York isn’t complete without visiting Betty’s for afternoon tea, or to pick up a box of its signature chocolates.
For a trip out of the city, drink lovers are well catered for. Cooper King Distillery, which turns out award-winning gin and whisky, is 20 minutes by car and offers tours – and the drivers can leave with a takeaway sample. Westow’s Ryedale Vineyards host small groups for informal two-hour tours with a winemaker leading you around the vines and orchards – if you fancy making a night of it, there’s even an onsite B&B. Carry on towards the coast and you’ll hit the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery in the small village of Hunmanby in nearby Filey – home to Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky.
Where to eat and drink in York
Yorkshire may be home of everyone’s favourite savoury pudding, but York’s burgeoning culinary reputation goes far beyond baked batter. At Le Cochon Aveugle, chef owner Josh Overington uses French cooking techniques with local produce to create daily changing tasting menus served in supper-club style, while Pairings Wine Bar is the perfect spot for a more informal yet special evening – think charcuterie-style platters matched with Coravin wine flights, similar to the Dublin restaurant Note.
For those happy to make the journey into the countryside, Banks’ The Black Swan at Oldstead is a must. You can even book one of the bedrooms on site for a truly special weekend in York. The tasting menu takes inspiration from the surrounding landscape and is based on whatever Banks and his family are growing on the farm.
Where to stay during a weekend in York
With the city being the best jumping off point for exploring York and its surrounding villages, there are plenty of luxury and boutique offerings for short and relaxed stays. For a weekend in York with a spot of grandeur and views of York Minster, The Principal combines Victorian architecture with modern interiors.
23 St Mary’s Guest House is a charming B&B housed in a beautifully decorated townhouse less than five minutes from the River Ouse. For something more personal, restored Regency townhouse Atelier 22 comes with the owners’ own artwork, Persian rugs, period French and contemporary furniture and 18th-century château doors.
The ultimate York drinking destination
Be sure to book yourselves in for lunch or dinner at Roots during your weekend in York. Here, you can experience Tommy and James Banks’ extraordinary and accessible approach to Michelin-starred dining (it won its first star this January). Menus change dish by dish, rather than seasonally – and drinks are no less ingredient-led, showcasing the goods grown on the farm at aforementioned sister restaurant The Black Swan.
Sample the Master of the Woods ‘Lager’, a Kolsch-style lager brewed locally and using sweet woodruff from The Black Swan’s garden, and the Blackcurrant Leaf Martini, which uses a homemade distillate of leaves and their own vermouth. Wine hails from anywhere from Israel to The Black Swan’s own Charles Palmer sparkling. If you want to leave it up to the experts, though, we suggest you indulge in the drink pairing option – you’re on holiday, after all.
