Weekend Away in York

party_of_five

Having been seduced by a really good deal on Ramada Hotels (check out the website http://www.ramadajarvis.co.uk/HOLIDAYSPECIAL.aspx), and being in need of a break, I grasped the nettle and booked three nights in York for me, my husband and 8 year old son during the first week of the summer holidays.

I got excited and scoured in the internet for things to do and picked up a great thread on here about places to eat (thanks to all who posted - I've made some notes) but I wondered if there was any other advice, tips, local knowledge, money saving opportunities that any one could give me?

Any 'insider knowledge' would be massively appreciated...

SUESMITH_2

i live in york, what exactly do you want to know?

cyclingyorkie

so do I....

splatt30

I used to love going to the castle museum as a kid

party_of_five

I've never been so I guess just family places to visit / walk / hang out... Sorry, that isn't very specific I know.

party_of_five

Sorry, just thinking on, I already have down the dungeons and jorvik centre although I'd be interested to know if you think they're worth it...

Bob_the_Saver

Just a comment, York is exactly the correct size to walk around, one thing you will not need to do is spend anything on city transport.

SUESMITH_2

jorvic centre is good

there's a dig which is run by york archeological trust, good for kids ive been told http://www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/dig/digabout2.htm

our big read this year is focused on the tudors - to commemorate 500 years of henry the 8th http://www.york.gov.uk/content/45255/31671/Get_involved/BigCityRead09.pdf lots of events, some free

we like to eat at mirchiz (indian), up fishergate - they do a cheap night on thursday - its byo so nice and cheap. or bella roma which is opposite the wetherspoons at the end of piccadilly, again byo.

in town we like little italy which is down goodramgate

for lunch the spurriorgate centre is very nice, thats on the corner of coney street and ousegate - opposite h and m

Errata

The National Railway Museum is terrific and it's free
http://www.visityork.org/inspire/must-see-york/thedms.aspx?dms=13&venue=1500151&campaign=11

billy858

We have often had lovely weekends in York. The National Railway museum is great (and free). You can hire bikes quite cheaply from near the river and there are some nice rides in the area. Instead of eating in a cafe, if the weather is nice the museum gardens are fab for picnics. Have a great time whatever you decide to do.

jennyo

Castle museum is brilliant,
museum Gardens is near the city centre, some would say in, great place to sit and eat your lunch if the weather is nice and for your young one to hav a run around and there is a Thomas the bakers nearby, which is reasonably priced and yummy grub.
If your young one likes trains the railway museum is free, although a bit of a treck from the city centre. York dungeons is a bit scarey for me, but I'm a wimp. Only been to the Jorvik centre once, and that was about 15 years ago, had some residents get in free passes, I think its a bit pricey.
River boat trip on the ouse is good, but haven't been for a while so out of touch with prices.
Lots of pub's many of them doing reasonable priced pub lunches.
The Shambles, a cobbled street, just near the market, well worth a visit to see the medieval buildings.
The minster, not sure if you have to pay now, or if its just donations.
York is pedestrianised, so great for walking around, just dodge the cyclists who think it doesn't apply to them.
There are no longer any swimming baths in the city centre, but I think there is one in the hotel you are staying at.
A walk round the bar walls is free and you get some fantastic views of the city, you don't have to do all 4.
Cafe's are expensive in York, but there are loads of bakers/sandwich shops etc, place to sit in parliament street or museum gardens, or down by the river.
Will you have transport ? Eden camp is about 25 miles from york and is brill, flamingoland is about the same distance, but expensive.