Nestled half-way between London and Edinburgh and with the scenic Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors right on its doorstep, the vibrant city of York is steeped in rich history, with its Roman roots and Viking past – and boasting a plethora of lavish high-end hotels, fine dining eateries and designer boutiques, it’s the perfect place for the luxury lover to enjoy a city break on home soil.
With its medieval charm, cobbled streets, and iconic landmarks, York promises to whisk you on away on a journey back in time, and with thirty world-class museums and the best racecourse in the country to its name – not to mention a thriving cultural scene – it ticks all the right boxes for a great getaway.
Having recently visited the city to check out what was on offer, I was impressed with what I found. Here, we delve into how exactly you, too, can spend an opulent 48 hours in the city, immersing yourself in all of York’s alluring sights and sounds and enjoying every moment in the very lap of luxury.
Where to stay
Middlethorpe Hall
The classical grandeur of Middlethorpe Hall makes it the perfect place to base yourself for your York mini-staycation, and indeed, was where I chose to check in for my time in the city. Offering an unparalleled experience from start to finish, it’s nestled within 20 acres of meticulously manicured gardens, and promises a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of York whilst being perfectly located for exploring all the delights the city has to offer.
With its 29 elegantly designed rooms and suites, it seamlessly combines the opulence of a private 18th century country house with the amenities of a luxury hotel. Inside, it’s adorned with antiques and paintings from a bygone era, exuding history and heritage at every turn, and the warmth of this beautifully-furnished property ensures that it feels instantly welcoming from the moment you set foot inside.
After a busy day immersing myself in the culture and history of the city, returning to my traditionally-decorated room, which came complete with a four-poster bed and country house-style furnishings – not to mention breath-taking views of the gardens – was just the ticket, and the perfect place to enjoy a few moments of tranquility.
On that note, the hotel also boasts its very own spa and wellness centre, tucked away inside two lovingly converted Edwardian cottages. An oasis of calm featuring three treatment rooms, a large indoor swimming pool with garden views, a spa bath, a steam room and sauna, it has all you need to spend a thoroughly relaxing morning or afternoon, and once you’ve soaked away the stresses and strains of the day, you can indulge in a treatment or two to really achieve that state of bliss. The spa uses the finest products from brands like Mii and Aromatherapy associates to deliver a variety of massages, facials and other delightful treatments that promise to leave you feeling pampered.
If you’re the type who finds it difficult to sit still though, there is also a gymnasium on site, which is home to an array of modern machines and plenty of additional equipment to help you keep up your fitness routine with ease.
Middlethorpe Hall is a member of the Historic House Hotels group, and was gifted to the National Trust 15 years ago this year. One of the most enjoyable things to do during a stay here if you’re a nature enthusiast is head off for a stroll in the gardens, which have been extensively restored and replanted since the 1980s. Today, you can meander along its paths at leisure, taking in the beautiful plants and shrubbery along the way, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot roe deer, beehives and nesting birds near the lake. For those interested in the specimen trees found throughout the gardens, you can also follow a special tree trail that takes you on a journey around the grounds, accompanied by a map and guide to help you identify notable specimens. The 200-year old Oak tree is a must see!
In the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, the focus is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and as such, its grounds are also home to a walled kitchen garden, where herbs and fruits like apples, pears and plums are grown for use by the chefs in their dishes. You’ll also find a beautiful display of flowering shrubs here, so it’s worth stopping by for a look during the warmer months to see what’s in bloom.
The Grand York
Another of York’s most esteemed luxury hotels, The Grand York is steeped in olde world charm, and offers a selection of plush rooms and suites that combine traditional and modern decor for an elegant but homely feel. The hotel is also home to an array of tempting dining options, including fine-dining eatery Legacy, a spa, and even a cookery school where you can try your hand at everything from artisan breads and pastries to curries and fish dishes under the guidance of the hotel’s expert head chef and pastry chef. Once again, it’s also ideally located for exploring the city, and is just a stone’s throw from all of the main sights and sounds.
Where to eat
Middlethorpe Hall Restaurant
Middlethorpe Hall offers a feast for the senses in the shape of its impressive 2AA Rosette restaurant, where imaginative menus dreamt up by head chef Ashley Binder are infused with the traditional excellence on which the hotel prides itself. Set in a stunning 1699 oak-panelled dining room which sets the stage for the culinary journey to come, here you can expect classic dishes cooked with love to ensure that each and every one is a gastronomic delight.
If you’re in the mood for something special, then opt for the tasting menu, which is paired with exquisite wines at each course. Featuring delights such as rabbit with chorizo, pommary and tarragon; and crab ravioli with carrot, langoustine bouillabaisse and fennel – plus sweet treats like Yorkshire rhubarb with pain d’epice, white chocolate and vanilla and the chocolate tart with hazelnut, latte and espresso ganache – it’s a thoroughly decadent affair from start to finish, and the perfect way to spend a long and leisurely evening,
Breakfast for guests at Middlethorpe Hall is also served in the restaurant, and the Sunday roast and afternoon tea menus are extra reasons to pop in.
The Rise at The Grand York
AA Rosette-awarded The Rise Restaurant Terrace and Bar offers modern British cuisine based around fresh, ethically and locally sourced ingredients, and offers an immersive dining experience with an open kitchen so that you can watch the cooking in action throughout. Interiors have been inspired by York’s local heritage, with a soft industrial feel, and there’s a heated terrace for al fresco dining during the warmer months.
For dinner, guests can choose from classic starters like the chicken liver paté or the Grand scotch egg, followed by a choice of pasta and risotto dishes or something from the grill, if you fancy it. There are also a selection of mouth-watering main courses to choose from, ranging from the pan-fried seabass with ratatouille-filled tomato, wilted spinach and pomme purée to the braised crispy belly pork with bean, chorizo and vegetable cassoulet.
The Legacy at The Grand York
Fine dining eatery Legacy is also located within The Grand York hotel, and serves up a modern British and Yorkshire-inspired tasting menu alongside a choice of fine wines from across the globe. Once again, there’s a focus on locality, seasonality and sustainability, with executive chef Kevin Bonello working closely with head chef Ahmed Abdalla to create a delectable menu and sommelier Derek Scaife curating the perfect complimentary wine pairings. The Signature Tasting Menu is a must, with highlights including the Orkney scallop with buttermilk, dill sorbet and calamansi, and the duo of Yorkshire duck with parsnip, apricot and cep mushroom. The restaurant currently holds three coveted AA Rosettes and is widely regarded as York’s best fine dining destination.
Betty’s Café Tea Rooms
For a quintessentially British afternoon tea, be sure to pop into Betty’s which is something of an institution in York and is beloved for its mouth-watering finger sandwiches, scones, macaroons and other sweet treats that are hard to resist. Opt to enjoy yours with a traditional pot of English breakfast tea, or for an extra touch of luxury, upgrade to a glass of champagne. Up until Christmas, the tea room is also serving up a tempting festive offering, which features freshly baked cranberry and orange scones and a pot of Christmas tea – or, you can opt for a glass of mulled wine instead.
The best visitor attractions
York is awash with medieval guild halls, Roman baths and Georgian houses filled with historical treasures, so there’s plenty to fill your 48 hours in this breath-taking city. Here are some of the top things to add to your itinerary:
Visit York Minster
York is perhaps best known for being home to Northern Europe’s largest gothic cathedral, which has become an iconic symbol of the city. Steeped in rich history, its intricate architecture and medieval stained glass windows are quite simply awe-inspiring. For the best views of the city, climb to the very top.
Walk the city walls
To feel like you’re in an episode of Game of Thrones, be sure to make time to walk York’s well-preserved medieval city walls. From here, you can enjoy some spectacular views of the city and its most iconic landmarks.
Explore the Shambles
The narrow, cobblestone streets of the Shambles are the perfect place to get lost for a few hours. Here, you’ll find a medieval market that has somehow managed to retain all of the same charm over the years, and a variety of unique boutiques, craft shops and cafés.
Discover the JORVIK Viking Centre
For a journey back in time, pay a visit to the captivating JORVIK Viking Centre, where you can learn all about Viking-age York. You’ll have the chance to see some impressive reconstructed Viking villages and archaeological finds, and get to grips with how this bygone era influenced the city.
Enjoy a day at York Racecourse
With a history dating back over 275 years, York Racecourse boasts a rich heritage, spectacular setting, and hosts some of the biggest racing events in the world each year. If you happen to be visiting the city on a race day, then be sure to get yourself some VIP tickets so that you can enjoy all of the on-track action in the lap of luxury at what is arguably the finest racecourse in the country.
Shop ‘til you drop at Stonegate
Charming cobblestone street Stonegate is the place to be if you’re in the mood for a splurge, and is home to an array of upscale boutiques and designer shops. Home to a number of high-end brands, you’ll find everything from fashion and jewellery to lifestyle offerings. And could easily spend a whole day perusing what’s on offer.
