Posted: 10.05.26
There’s something rather special about a city steeped in history - and few places capture it quite like York. Once a centre of Roman and Viking life, this much-loved northern city has evolved into a vibrant destination where ancient charm meets a quietly modern energy. Think winding cobbled streets lined with timber-framed buildings, independent boutiques tucked down hidden lanes, and a thriving food scene that makes it just as inviting for weekend escapes as it is for longer, unhurried stays.
From its awe-inspiring Minster to its centuries-old walls, York has long inspired storytellers and today, that same spirit lingers in its museums, cosy corners and atmospheric streets. Whether you’re drawn by the history, the culture or simply the slower rhythm of city life, here’s how we might spend 48 hours in York.
TO SEE
York Minster
Your 48 hours in York must include York Minster. One of the most breathtaking cathedrals in the world, the Minster is an architectural masterpiece. Its towering stained-glass windows and medieval Gothic design make it an unmissable landmark in the heart of the city.
The Shambles
This famously crooked medieval street looks straight out of a fairytale. With overhanging timber-framed buildings, quaint shops, and cobbled lanes, The Shambles is a magical place to wander - especially for Harry Potter fans, as it’s said to have inspired Diagon Alley.
Clifford’s Tower
The last remnant of York Castle, Clifford’s Tower sits atop a grassy mound offering stunning panoramic views over the city. Once a royal stronghold, it’s a fascinating piece of York’s history, with a dramatic past dating back to the Norman conquest.
The National Railway Museum
A must for train lovers, this museum is home to iconic locomotives, including the Mallard and a Japanese bullet train. It’s free to enter and packed with interactive exhibits, making it great for all ages.
TO DO
Walk the City Walls
York’s ancient walls are the best way to see the city from above. The 3.4-km circuit offers beautiful views of York Minster, historic gatehouses, and hidden gardens. It’s a scenic way to step back in time while stretching your legs.
A ghost tour by lantern light
York is one of the most haunted cities in England, and an evening ghost walk through its narrow alleys and shadowy courtyards is the perfect way to discover its eerie past. Spooky tales and theatrical storytelling bring the city’s dark history to life.
Explore Museum Gardens
A peaceful escape in the heart of York and a 5 minute stroll from No. 1, Museum Gardens are home to Roman ruins, medieval abbey remains, and lush botanical displays. A great spot for a picnic or a moment of quiet amid sightseeing.
Cruise down the River Ouse
See the city from the water with a scenic boat trip along the River Ouse. Whether it’s a daytime sightseeing cruise or a twilight dinner experience, it’s a unique and relaxing way to take in York’s historic charm.
TO TAKE HOME
York Ghost from The York Ghost Merchants
The charming York Ghosts are handcrafted figurines by The York Ghost Merchants, a unique shop located at No. 6 Shambles in York, inspired by the city’s rich history of ghost stories and folklore.
Harry Potter souvenirs
If you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast visiting York, The Shop That Must Not Be Named is a must-see destination. Situated at 30–31 The Shambles, this independent shop specialises in officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise.
Bath and body products from The Yorkshire Soap Company
The Yorkshire Soap Company is a beloved boutique located at 10 Blake Street. The charming store is renowned for its handcrafted products, including soaps, bath bombs, and lotions, all made with care in Yorkshire.
GUESTS WHO...
sip cocktails on The Terrace and up on The Rooftop
celebrate very special occasions
find beauty in window views
try something or somewhere new
Which guest are you?
Brighton is made for spontaneous summer getaways! If you`re visiting the city, here`s what`s happening...
20th-26th July
🏖️ On The Beach: Seafront concert series featuring Big Beach Boutique 7 and world-class live music
27th July - 2nd August
🌈 Pride (Aug 1–2): This year`s headliners are Raye and Diana Ross. Head to The Terrace Bar for our Pride Party
24th-31st August
🛵 Brighton Mod Weekender: Sharp suits, music, and a classic scooter run celebrating 21 years
🎵 Day Fever, Brighton (Aug 30): Iconic 20th-century hits, from Madonna to Prince
And...
🎭 Live music and comedy nights throughout summer at iconic venues such as Komedia
🏊 Dive in for a swim at the beach
🎡 Enjoy the nostalgia of fairground rides at Brighton Palace Pier
📚 Wander The Lanes and North Laine for antique jewellery, vintage, records, art, books and independent cafés
🧺 Visit Royal Pavilion - Regency glamour meets dramatic Indo-Saracenic architecture meets Chinoiserie interiors. Pair it with a picnic in the Pavilion Gardens
- If there`s time for more, take a day trip to Seven Sisters or Devil’s Dyke
📸 Bedroom view at No. 124 @benjiryder
BRIGHTON`S BIGGEST PARTY DESERVES THE BEST TABLE 🌈✨🪩
Think ice cold cocktails, champagne, tacos, oysters and front-row views of the parade. @coops.png will kick off the party at 10am followed by a live performance by @michaelmarouli. Expect powerhouse vocals, quick wit and plenty of sparkle!
Just 11 tickets left - click the link in our bio to reserve yours.
An unforgettable day and evening with Freya and Dave 💍
Our first wedding ceremony at No. 42 Margate!
📸 @jacksonandco
Your guide to what`s on and what to see in York this summer by local @bykatieelena
💛 @Yorkminsterofficial - the magnificent architecture is particularly striking during golden hour
🚶♀️Walk the city walls - particularly beautiful between Bootham Bar and Monk Bar and then between Micklegate Bar and the river
⚓️ River cruises - very fun when it`s nice weather and they allow dogs too
🖼️ Clifford`s Tower - recommended for views of the city. Whilst you`re here, visit the Art Gallery too
👻 Ghost Bus Tour - York`s spooky history is rather well known - get to know it
🌳 Museum Gardens, Deans Park & Rowntree Park - the parks are great for everyone but particularly the little ones
☕️ Bishopthorpe Road - stop by the coffee shops, delis and independent shops
🪄 @TheShamblesYork & Shambles Market - step foot on the famous medieval street believed to have inspired Harry Potter`s Diagon Alley
Some of my favourites...
🚆 Day trips - Whitby, Knaresborough, Castle Howard
📚 Shops - Upside Down (Bootham), The Imaginarium (Blake St), Criminally Good Books (Colliergate)
🥐 Coffee shops & bakeries - @Flori.bakery, @stanandromana, @kiosk_cafe
Events and happenings to keep an eye out for
🎶 @YorkCastleMuseum - A Victorian Summer Spectacle involving gala-inspired décor, crafts, and immersive live music
🎤 York Georgian Festival: A citywide celebration of York’s Georgian era, featuring heritage events, talks, tours, and performances
🎼 York Minster Organ Recitals: Six musicians performing in this magnificent cathedral
🐎 Racing in York (Aug 19–22): The Ebor Festival returns with sporting excellence, fashion, and York’s most famous races
Check-in series #10
No. 1 York - Large Guest Room
Spread across the ground, first and second floors, there rooms are ideal for a longer stay, or if you just enjoy the comfort of more space. You can choose a super-king-size bed or two decent-sized single beds and definitely dog-friendly and children-friendly too. Most rooms can fit an extra cot or bed! All have seating areas to relax too. As always, you’ll find all the usual GuestHouse goodies too
Your guide to the different room types at No. 42 Margate 🐚🌊
Family friendly. Dog friendly. Find a room that suits you all. And if there`s more of you than can fit in one room, we have interconnecting rooms too
How to enjoy the sun... ☀️
- Late afternoon, post-work or after dinner drinks at The Terrace Bar. Borrow a hat for extra shade!
- Sips on The Rooftop Bar in Margate (now open 7 days a week!), on the terrace or back in your room, on the balcony
- Breakfast or dinner al fresco at @pearlycowyork
Places to escape the heat... 💨
- Cool off in The Bar at Bath with quintessential to unexpected cocktails and some bar snacks
- Work from ours at The Lounge in Margate and keep topped up with iced lattes
- Take a seat in one of many of our spaces at No. 124 for some desk time or to chill
- Not been able to sleep? We`ll help you reset in our soothing Spas
- Stay the night. All of our coastal properties have air-con and many of our rooms at Bath and York too
A new cocktail destination on Great Pulteney Street
Sip refined classics, signature serves and seasonal creations alongside small plates and bar snacks
Our standout serve of the season: The Biscotti Espresso Martini - an indulgent take on the classic with notes of Biscoff, caramel and warming nutmeg. Finished with our signature crunchy No. 15 biscotti
Open daily with The House Hour 8-9 PM, Sunday to Thursday, where all cocktails are just £8
COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED
The ultimate summer package ☀️🏖️🌊
Check-in to a coastal or city glow up! We’ve teamed up to give you the chance to win a dreamy @guesthousehotels stay and beach-ready essentials from @dockandbay to match. Keep cool from the rooftop to the shoreline. Pack your bags, get set for summer.
WIN:
£300 voucher to spend on Dock and Bay
A one-night stay for two at any GuestHouse hotel, including breakfast the next morning, and a cocktail each
How to enter:
1. Like & save this post
2. Follow @dockandbay & @guesthousehotels
3. Tag a friend in the comments, each tag in a new comment counts as a new entry
4. Share this post
Competition ends: 22nd July, 11:59pm. Good luck.
T&Cs: UK entries only. GuestHouse Hotels stay: for two people sharing a guest room, valid Sunday–Thursday, subject to availability. Excludes July, August and 23rd December-3rd January. Must be taken by 25th March. Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for money or alternative items.
Copper Cove Experience - our signature treatment at @fieldtripspa
Switch off, slow down and share a little time together
Our signature copper tub soak and magnesium salts set the scene, followed by side-by-side massages to melt away any lingering tension. Tailor your finish with a bespoke facial or foot ritual, both grounded in a restorative scalp massage
Unhurried, peaceful, and entirely yours
@margoinmargate’s Summer Residency at No. 42 Margate by @guesthousehotels
Very excited to announce our partnership which brings 12 beautiful artworks by Margo to the hotel. You’ll find them from the ground floor leading all the way up to The Rooftop Bar
To celebrate, we’ve created a Kiss Me in Margate cocktail too. Sip a glass and enjoy 10% off all prints by Margo
And, if you see a piece you particularly like from the collection, turn left out of the hotel and you’ll find Margo’s gallery just a few doors down and can arrange bringing one home!
The Margate Coast is full of coastal culture. Here’s why we think it’s a pretty special place...
@visitengland, @VisitEnglandbiz @visitthanet #AllOnTheCoast
Your front-row seat to Brighton Pride with the drag icon that is @michaelmarouli 🌈🎭🎤
On Saturday 1st August, we`re throwing open the doors to our Pride Party at The Terrace Bar, Brighton
Think front-row parade views, DJ sets from 10am with @coops.png, a live performance from Drag Race UK star Michael Marouli, exclusive Pride cocktails, oysters, tacos and all the sunshine (we`ve ordered it already)
Your £95 ticket includes £75 to spend on food and drinks, so you can celebrate your way
Come for the Pride. Stay for the atmosphere. Leave with a camera roll full of memories
Plus we have just a handful of rooms left for Saturday, so why not make the most of the celebrations and stay the night?
Last year`s party sold out, so don`t wait. Tickets available via the link in our bio 🌊✨
Details in York...
A sweeping central staircase to welcome you
Our model train that makes a journey around The Rhubarb Bar every 30 minutes
Do not disturb because we all have those moments
Games in the Marmalade Lounge for you to pass time
Record library - take any up to your room
Help-yourself pantry
Write down your thoughts from your stay in our GuestBook
Check-in series #9
No. 15 Bath - Pulteney Suite with @ettinger.london
The jewels of our townhouses. Most boast super-high ceilings and grand sash windows framed by shutters and drapes. Dog friendly and family friendly too. Plus, if you’re looking for somewhere to escape the heat, these rooms have air-con to keep you cool.
And if you stay before the 28th August, Sunday-Thursday, there’s £150 spa credit, per room, per night for you to spend as you wish
Meet @tessa__layzelle, the creative behind the hand-sewn tapestries in some of our newly refurbished Guest and Bigger Guest Rooms at No. 15 Bath.
Tessa is a designer/maker specialising in ‘practical paintings’ and her quilts sit in the crossover between artwork and homeware. For our in-room pieces, she nods to mysticism found throughout the city and the sense of the ethereal is further expressed through handmade celestial-themed bedside lampshades and delicate glass-domed pendants
Stay with us in Bath to see the beautiful pieces in person
If you’re booked in to stay in our Large Guest Rooms with Sea View or a Lookout Suite at No. 124 Brighton this weekend, here’s what your sunny stay might look like...
Put your bags aside, unpack and cool down ☀️
A peek of our Lookout Suite!
Your own balcony to soak up the rays and feel the sea breeze 🌊
The beach is right at our doorstep! Just cross the road for a refreshing dip 🐚⛱️
Return to your room to escape the heat. Put on the records, watch tv or read a book 📕 🎶
And then it’s back out for a drink or two at The Terrace Bar! P.s if you’re staying with us now until Thursday, enjoy 50% off cocktails 4-5pm and 9-10pm with our Two Tides offer 🍹
And on Fridays we have our DJ evenings. Borrow one of our hats to keep cool 👒
And maybe one nightcap up in your bedroom? 🍸
Lights out, tucked in 💤
Go coastal 🌊
Pack your bags and make the most of the heatwave with a beach getaway to Brighton or Margate
Check-in to sea-air and check out a couple more reasons to book...
Stay & Spa - a stay with breakfast the morning after and £150 spa credit per room, per night
Two Tides - 50% off cocktails Monday - Thursday 4 – 5pm & 9 – 10pm
Don`t forget your sunnies 😎
Happily ever after in York 💍
📸 1-2 Jess and Luke @meghantaylor_photography
📸 3 Kate and Liam @meghantaylor_photography
📸 4 Sophie and Mark @iam.ivanaking
📸 5 Ben and Gabi @sophiemortphotography
📸 6 Katy and Piaras @mariawphoto
📸 7 Eleanor and Alex @ellieniamhphotos
