
It’s not looking likely that we’re going to get to enjoy a normal summer vacation this summer, but instead of dreaming of far flung beaches and exotic city spots, I’ve decided to focus on where to go in the UK to really make the most of when restrictions lift. One of the first spots I think I’ll be heading to is York. From Edinburgh, it’s only about two hours away on the train, and if you’re driving, it’s just about three, so it’s an easy spot to reach for a night or two away, and if you leave early enough in the morning, you can have pretty much a whole day to enjoy and explore the city.

The city is far from one of the UK’s biggest or busiest – it’s easy to navigate on foot, and there are a number of beautiful hotels to enjoy. I stayed in the stunning Principal a couple of years back, and absolutely loved it!

The city is far from one of the UK’s biggest or busiest – it’s easy to navigate on foot, and there are a number of beautiful hotels to enjoy. I stayed in the stunning Principal York a couple of years back, and absolutely loved it! The hotel is stunning Victorian Railway Hotel, so not only is it incredibly convenient for travellers, but it’s right in the heart of town too! You could see the Roman walls from some of the hotel’s windows, and the stunning York Minster is only a short stroll away.

If, like me, you’re a bit of a culture geek, a guided tour around York Minster can’t be missed. When we visited we had a lovely chap who highlighted key elements of the art, architecture and windows, and it really allowed me a greater understanding of the building, which has stood in the heart of York for nearly 1500 years. When we were there last, we ran out of time before being able to visit the Fairfaix House – a Georgian townhouse museum, but I’ve been dying to get back to see it. I’ve also been wanting to visit the famous Jorvik centre since I was small.
If that’s too many museums for you, York is pretty enough to want to wander round. From their iconic Shambles street (it’s touristy, but a must-visit) to dawdling down the streets and parks, it’s the perfect way to soak in some summer sunshine!
In collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own