York is a slice of Ye Olde England
There's nowhere that screams Ye Olde England more than the narrow winding Tudor-lined streets of the Shambles in York, a place encircled by the 13th-century city walls. While much of the UK's historic architecture was destroyed during WWII, York was the only one that managed to retain every inch of its old charm. If you've nabbed a York vacation rental, you can dive into attractions like the Gothic York Minster cathedral and fascinating little museums, or indulge in a little retail therapy. Alternatively, you can drive out for a sunny day on the North York Moors National Park.
Dive into Yorkshire's fascinating history
If you're looking to dive headfirst into Yorkshire's history, a good place to start is York Dungeon, which uses a mix of dramatic live storytelling and special effects to create a unique hour-long journey into the past. When you are staying in a York vacation rental, it would be criminal not to visit York Minster, a popular spot for vacationers and often considered one of the world's most beautiful places of worship. Afterwards, it would be a shame to miss Clifford's Tower, a 12th-century castle that sits upon a hill in the center of the city.
Activities in York to suit every vacationer
If you need a little more excitement than hitting the shops, you've got the whole of Yorkshire and all its national parks and moorland right on your doorstep. If you're looking for all-guns-blazing activities like racing around on 4x4s, throwing yourself out of a plane – with a parachute, of course – or hurtling down through the parks on mountains bikes, Yorkshire's got your covered. Alternatively, for something a little more sedate, you can take gentle walks through the rolling hills, or find a sunny riverside bank to cast in your line, before returning back to your York vacation rental.
York enjoys Britain's famously fickle weather
The summer season sees the biggest influx of travelers from around the world coming to stay in York vacation rentals and discover a true slice of old England. Though you can never quite tell with British weather, you've got your best chances in the height of summer, between June and August. With high season comes the highest prices, but if you score a rental in one of the shoulder seasons, not only will you save a few bucks, you'll also skip the local attraction queues. Just remember to bring your umbrellas, you'll likely need it here anytime you come.
Buzzards, badgers and minke whales near York
Other than the odd pigeon, you're not going to find a whole host of critters in York itself. If wildlife spotting is important, you shouldn't worry. Head out in your rental car to the nearby rolling North York Moors National Park and you've got your best chance of close wildlife encounters. If you visit at the right time, you may spot the odd humpback or mink whale, as well as seals on the beach. Up on the moors, keep your beady eyes out for peregrines and buzzards, while badgers rustle around on the forest floor.
Traveling to and around York
The nearest airport is in Leeds (LBA-Leeds Bradford), located 24.3 mi (39.2 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could book a flight to Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.), which is 40.7 mi (65.5 km) away.
If you prefer to travel by train, York Station, York (QQY-York Train Station) and Poppleton Station are the main stations in the area.
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