York - A Magical Family Weekend
If you’re looking for a weekend that ticks the boxes for kids, grown-ups, and history lovers alike, York is where it’s at. This walled city in North Yorkshire is one of the most historic in the UK, dating back to Roman times and later ruled by the Vikings, Normans and beyond. Today, it’s a beautiful mix of ancient streets, cosy tea rooms, timber-framed buildings and world-famous landmarks like the Minster and Clifford’s Tower. With cobbled lanes like The Shambles, boats drifting along the River Ouse, York really does feel like walking through a living storybook. Given that it’s compact, charming, full of surprises and with so much to do, it really is the perfect destination for a family UK Staycation.
We recently packed our bags, grabbed the kids (ages 7 and 9), and headed off for a family staycation in partnership with Hilton Hotels. And spoiler alert, it was one of our favourite trips this year. We can’t shout it loud enough….York has to be one of THE BEST UK destinations for a family city staycation.
Where We Stayed
We split our weekend between two fab Hilton hotels and both brought something different to the table.
Hilton York. Location, location, location! Literally across from Clifford’s Tower and minutes from all of the major sights. It’s ideal if you want to roll out of bed and straight into sightseeing mode. The family rooms are spacious, the breakfast is a winner, and there’s parking on-site, huge bonus in York.
Over at Elmbank Hotel – Tapestry Collection by Hilton, you get more of a boutique vibe. Think Art Nouveau interiors, stained glass windows, and cosy corners to collapse into after a day of adventuring. It’s slightly further out (about a 15-min walk to the centre) but feels like a little sanctuary, especially if you’re after somewhere a bit quieter in the evenings.
What We Did: Family-Friendly York Adventures
Here’s how we spent our weekend, we crammed a lot in but I would pick a few from the list below and really take your time enjoying the surprises of this city.
Walk the City Walls – FREE
A great way to see York from above (and tire the kids out a bit!). The medieval walls wrap around the city and you can hop on and off at various gates. Our favourite stretch was from Bootham Bar to Monk Bar, perfect photo ops and just the right length for little legs.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Golden Tours – from
£16 per adult £9 per child (ages 5–15)
Want to cover more ground without anyone complaining of tired feet or just a good place to rest and watch the city pass you by? We hopped aboard the Golden Tours York open‑top bus, which visits 20 stops across the city, including must‑see spots like York Minster, Micklegate Bar, Clifford’s Tower, and even the Jorvik Viking Centre.
Tickets are valid for either 24 or 48 hours from your first boarding, with unlimited hop-on, hop-off use during that time. The full loop takes about an hour if you stay on for the entire route. We had an entertaining driver and guide, and you can choose to stop off whenever something catches your eye.
Hire a Boat on the River Ouse – from £35/hour
This was a highlight! You can hire self-drive red boats from York City Cruises (no license needed, just a quick demo and off you go). We took to the water for an hour, floating past ducks, bridges, and some very intrigued swans. The kids loved steering (with supervision of course!).
York Castle Museum – Adults £17, Kids FREE
An absolute gem. Step back in time with Victorian streets, period rooms, and even a 1960s gallery. It’s interactive, educational, and surprisingly fun for all ages, the old-school sweet shop was a big hit.
JORVIK Viking Centre – Adults £17.50, Kids £12.50
Climb aboard a time-travelling ride through a reconstructed Viking village. From the smells (yes, really….it stank!) to the animatronic villagers, this is fun, immersive learning at its best. You’ll want to pre-book this one, as it’s super popular.
The York Dungeon – Adults £21, Kids £17
A bit spooky (for adults) and very spooky for the kids but a lot of laughs. The actors are brilliant, and while it’s not for the very faint-hearted, our two loved the jump scares and gruesome history. (If you’ve got younger ones, check the recommended age, it’s better for 8+).
Harry Potter Shop at The Shambles – FREE Entry (souvenirs extra!)
The Shambles is like Diagon Alley IRL; narrow, crooked streets lined with quirky shops. There are a couple of Harry Potter stores, but The Shop That Must Not Be Named is the star. Wands, cloaks, butterbeer, the lot. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, do not miss this!
The York Minster – Family Ticket £30
You can’t go to York and not visit the Minster. It’s jaw-dropping, even for the kids, and if you’re up for it, climb the tower for panoramic city views. We combined it with a rest in Dean’s Park just outside, a really lovely spot to rest little feet.
Where (and What) We Ate
York is a foodie haven, and we definitely made the most of it, from hot chocolates to the best pies of our lives. Here are some of our tasty highlights but we know this is just the tip of the ice-berg for the York food scene:
Coffee & Cake at Brew & Brownie
We popped in for a mid-morning pick-me-up. This cute little café near the Museum Gardens serves top-notch coffee and delicious cakes.
Hot Chocolates at York Cocoa Works
A real treat! The kids went for a classic milk and a white chocolate, while we tried the rich dark hot choc, dreamy. You can even watch the chocolate-making in action or book a workshop if you’ve got extra time.
Butterscotch Beer from The Shambles
Channel your inner wizard and grab an ice-cold and elaborate Butterscotch Beer (non-alcoholic and kid-approved) from the Harry Potter shops. A novelty drink and one for the people with a very sweet tooth.
Pies by Tommy Banks at THOR’S Tipi
This may just have been the best pie we’ve ever had. Tommy Banks’ menu at THOR’S York includes seasonal, hearty, absolutely divine options. We sat in one of the outdoor cabins with fairy lights and fire pits. The curry chips were also not to be missed!
Dinner at Elmbank Hotel (Tapestry Collection)
We booked a table at Elmbank for our Friday night dinner, and it was such a relaxing way to end the day. The dining room feels like something out of a period drama, and the food was fresh, modern British and beautifully done.
Room Service at Hilton York
After a long day of sightseeing, we crashed and ordered room service; burgers, chips, and a cheeky dessert or two. Service was quick, and the kids thought it was the coolest thing ever to eat in bed while watching a movie.
Riverside Lunch at Sophie’s
We loved this place! Right on the water with indoor and outdoor seating, Sophie’s is a gem. The food is fresh and unfussy, and you absolutely have to peek inside, it’s an old toll house with original features and gorgeous design touches.
And of course, we hit up our hotel both mornings; bacon, eggs, fruit, pastries… the works. Big thumbs up from all of us.
York is hands-down one of the best UK cities for a family staycation. It’s got the perfect mix of history, activities, and magic and with everything so walkable, there’s no faffing about with cars or public transport once you arrive.
Whether you’re after a boutique stay at Elmbank or want to be in the heart of it all at Hilton York, you’re sorted either way.
Already planning our next trip back. Next time we’ll add a ghost tour and afternoon tea in a vintage bus or a Betty’s Tea Room…see there’s just too much to do.
Want to see more of our trip? Check out our York highlights over on Instagram @myukstaycation