Why UK Visitors Need to Visit York This Spring

The end of those cold, dark and miserable days are now well withing sight and in a matter of weeks springtime in the UK will arrive.

The arrival of spring marks the time that many of us start to emerge from our winter slumps, eager to replace those cosy nights in by the fire with fun-filled days out enjoying milder temperatures and all the joys associated with the great outdoors.

Although the UK is awash with plenty of must visit places none can quite compete with the historic city of York, one of the most popular visitor destinations in Northern England. This enchanting cobble-ladened city is home to swathes of stunning sights and attractions that are guaranteed to appeal to visitors of all ages.

From foodie festival fun to museum explorations and more. Grab a cup of Yorkshire Tea (other brands are available!) and join us as we discover the best things to see and do in York UK this Spring.

Fill up at York Restaurant Week

York has established itself as a leading foodie destination and this March hungry visitors are in for a real treat. York Restaurant Week, which takes place between 6th-12th, is a vibrant celebration of the city’s culinary offering and there are plenty of wallet-friendly dishes wating to be devoured.

For a whole seven days, cafés, pubs, hotels and bars in York city centre will come together to offer a plethora of deals on dining experiences, with meals priced at £5 ($8), £10 ($14), £15 ($19) or £20 ($28).

From Chinese to Indian, Italian to Thai, the choice is endless and several leading eateries, including popular chains and award-winning independents, will be taking part. Leading the line-up of participants are favourite York dining spots such as Malmaison, The Whippet Inn and Café 21, whilst The Star Inn The City, York city centres best restaurant is also taking part.

The award-winning riverside eatery, which is run by Michelin-starred Chef Andrew Pern will be inviting diners to taste mouth-watering spring-inspired dishes that are made up of the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re out and about enjoying a spot of shopping, visitors can also sample some divine street dishes served by the city’s quirky street food vendors.

Walk The City Walls

History and York are synonymous, and this special city has a past that’s far more storied and intriguing that most, even by UK standards. Standing as a glaring reminder of York’s Roman past is the city’s impressive ancient walls, which encircle the town centre.

Originally constructed in the 13th century, the walls stretch for 3.4km in total and boast fascinating detail such arrow slits, musket loops, sculptures and even masons’ marks.

Free to visit, there are many entry points at different locations around the city centre and the walk takes approximately two hours to complete. Many York locals suggest springtime as the best time to take on the walk given that the daffodils cover the surrounding slopes, making for a delightful sight.

During springtime there’s also much less chance of ice meaning you won’t have to watch your step just as much!

If your energy is on the wane and you need a quick caffeine boost, you’ll find plenty of lovely cafes serving coffee, Yorkshire tea and cakes withing close proximity.

Take a stroll in Rowntree Park

Spring is a brilliant time to head outdoors and stock up on some much-needed fresh air. Whether you’re an antophile or not most people can also appreciate the beauty of a majestic blossom, and you’ll find plenty of examples of that if you visit our next recommendation.

Rowntree Park, which is located just outside the city centre is a great place to visit in spring, the ideal spot for a picnic and a stroll. Named after Joseph Rowntree, the famous confectioner, the park boasts a library, café, ponds and swathes of beautiful woodland.

There’s even a tennis court and a basketball hoop for those that are up for something a little more sporty, whilst events such as crafts workshops and bird watching sessions run consistently through the months of March, April and May.

They say the best things in life are free and this park justifies that sentiment.  Keep an eye out for the ice scream van too and enjoy a delicious 99!

Discover Treasures at The Yorkshire Museum

Home to an astounding collection of some of the best archaeological and geological finds on the continent, the Yorkshire Museum simply must be on your itinerary if you’re thinking of visiting York this spring.

From incredible Roman masterpieces to Viking treasure and more the museum houses a magnificent selection of items in its vast galleries. Visitors are invited to admire stunning Medieval finds, including the Middleham jewel, whilst you’ll also discover plenty of artifacts unearthed at Star Carr, the UK’s most important mesolithic site.

This April the museum is also running a special exhibition which will showcase The Ryedale Hoard, a collection of Yorkshire’s most significant Roman objects including a near-2000-year-old bust of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Exhibition visitors will be able to learn all about the mystery of the Hoard on their visit whilst the museum also houses a Jurassic gallery that features a terrifying intriguing dinosaur skeleton and a terrifying Megalosaur tooth.

After you’re finished exploring the museum, head outside for a walk around the lovely museum gardens. Here you can enjoy a snack and a drink on one of the garden’s benches whilst admiring an assortment of plant species, wildlife, and historical features.

Enjoy a Relaxing River Cruise

With the temperatures only set to get milder as we head through spring, now is a great time to enjoy a relaxing boat trip in York.

Located next to Lendal bridge you’ll find plenty of river cruise operators ready and waiting to take you on a gentle boat ride down the River Ouse. Whilst you’re on board expect first-class food, flowing drinks, and some cruise operators even offer live entertainment.

If you book an evening river cruise it’s the epitome of romantic. Watch the sun set slowly as you glide down the river with a glass of champagne in your hand. If you’re interested in learning more about some of York’s most famous landmarks, some cruises even have the option of a ‘captain’s commentary’.