Holiday cottages, airbnb and bed and breakfasts in York

­­York is filled with over thirty museums, loads of independent shops, cafes and cosy pubs which lie inside ancient walls. You can spend hours strolling around the cobbled streets, along the river or around the 3.4km perimeter of the wall, stopping to see the sights as you go. The rich heritage of the city combined with the impressive architecture, delicious delicacies and modern culture make it a truly special city to visit. Unsurprisingly, York has been voted to best place to live by the Sunday Times Magazine, so why not book a holiday rental in York and see what all the fuss is about.

When to go?

All year-round York attracts visitors from around the world. At Christmas time, York is a magical place to visit to see the York Christmas Markets or take the children to meet Santa on a river cruise. Find a cosy B&B in York to get some Christmas shopping done and get in the festive spirit. In Summer, find an apartment or hotel down by the river for a picturesque view from your window. Spend the days sat in the Museum Gardens with a picnic or out exploring the surrounding areas

How to get there:

York is pretty much located in the centre of Edinburgh and London, making it accessible by road from a lot of the UK. However, in the city, the parking charges can be quite high. Check out accommodation in York with parking to avoid the hassle of finding a space or consider the Park and Ride services on offer. You can also get a train to York from most major UK cities and in as little as two hours from London. The train station is just outside the city walls which makes it very easy to get from there to your hotel, B&B or apartment. The closest airport to York is Leeds Bradford Airport where you could hire a car to reach the city or get a bus transfer to Leeds and get a train over to York.

Getting Around:

When you're in York, the easiest way to get around is by foot as most of the attractions are in walking distance so it's very easy to get from your hotel, B&B or apartment to your destination of interest. However, you can also hire bikes which can be a fun way to hop around the sites and there are good bus services to reach any out of town attractions or smaller nearby villages.

What to see in York:

Shambles

York is a beautiful city to spend hours wondering around. The famous Shambles date back to the fourteenth century and for any Harry Potter fans, is said to be the street that gave inspiration for Diagon Alley.

York Minister

York Minster is a magnificent cathedral which has stood in the centre of the city since the 7th century. It's dramatic and imposing front is an iconic sight of the city and is definitely not one to be missed. You can also take tours around the Minster and its tower for an admission fee. More history can be explored by visiting Clifford's Tower which is the last remaining part of York Castle and originates from the 11th century. You can climb to the top of the tower for spectacular panoramic views over the whole city.

History

If you're choosing rental accommodation in York for a dose of history, there are a number of activities on offer. York is a city filled with history as it was founded by the romans but is also known for its Viking heritage. The Jorvik Viking centre is an interactive museum that recreates Viking life in the city and is a great day out, especially with the kids. The York Dungeon is another immersive experience with live shows to explore the gruesome past of York over the last 2000 years.

Food & Drink

If you're looking for something a bit lighter and have a sweet tooth, visit the Chocolate Story where you can unwrap the history of chocolate and learn to taste it like a professional. You can also treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea in the iconic Betty's York Tea Rooms which has been serving up afternoon tea since the 1930s. If pints of ale are more your cup of tea you can find plenty of drinking holes in the city. If you believe the old wife's tale that there are 365 pubs within the old walls, then that's one for each day of the year.

Sightseeing Tours

If you want to come away from your visit with some amazing selfies, you can even follow the Selfie Trail which can be found on the Visit York website to optimise your photo opportunities. Pose in front of the Minster and the museum gardens to get the ultimate Instagram picture for your feed. There are also many sightseeing river tours which operate in the city. It's a relaxing way to cruise down the River Ouse and take in the pretty city from a different angle.

Art

If it's an interest in art which brings you to pick a short-term rental in York, then look no further than York Art Gallery which has art ranging from the 14th century up until today. It boasts the most extensive collection of studio pottery and ceramics in the world but also has something for everyone with specific exhibitions to keep the children entertained.

The Races

Time your visit to coincide with a racing fixture between May and October and enjoy a day at the races. Get a group together and find yourself a rental apartment through Airbnb or TripAdvisor in York for a weekend of fun. Don your best dress or suit and place your bets at the third biggest racecourse in Britain.

Surrounding area

If you want to escape the bustle of the city, York's surrounding areas are home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK. The city is on the doorstep of the North York Moors so renting a cottage in Yorkshire is the perfect base to experience a mix of city life and outdoor adventure. Walk through the heather covered Moorlands which proves a stunning dramatic landscape which makes you truly feel like you're in a wild natural environment. Venture to the Yorkshire coast where there are a host of vishing villages like Robin Hood's Bay and you can take a walk down the unspoilt coast line to spot fossils and footprints from the Jurassic Age. Likibu also have a selection of hotels, Airbnbs and apartments in rural areas of the North York Moors so if you are looking for a true outdoor experience, browse what we have on offer.