York City Guide
An Introduction
When it comes to taking your Motorhome into the City, you might feel a little overwhelmed. When you imagine a camping holiday, you don’t neccessarily imagine being in amongst the hustle and bustle. However, York is not a place to miss!
There are ample motorhome parks for you to pitch up but we’ve picked our favourite & given some inspiration on what you can get up to whilst in York.
Fun Fact
York city centre is home to England’s shortest street which lies between Fossgate and The Shambles. What’s more fun is the name of this street which is impossible to pronounce without a smile: Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate !
In 1505, this street was known as Whitnourwhatnourgate, which translates to ‘what a street’!
Nestled by the scenic River Ouse, The Riverfront offers a family and dog-friendly touring park just ten minutes from York. Welcoming campervans, caravans, and motorhomes, the park features electric hardstanding pitches and various glamping options. Onsite amenities include boat rentals, a play park, and beauty treatments. For dining, guests can enjoy a restaurant, cafe, and a seasonal pizza oven and BBQ grill.
- Heated Toilet & Shower Block
- Children Play Park
- Day Boat Hire
- Canoe/Kayak Hire
- Pizza Oven/BBQ Grill
- Takeaway Food Cabin
- Restaurant & Cafe
- On-site Beauty Treatments
(Disclaimer: This was taken from their website when this article was written, for accurate pricing please view their website)
Adjacent to the picturesque BoatYard Campsite lies the exquisite Bosuns Restaurant, helmed by the acclaimed chef Kurtus Auty, a familiar face from BBC’s MasterChef. This culinary gem offers an array of meticulously crafted dishes, showcasing the finest local produce.
A Day in York - Food & Drink Edition
Even though the The Riverfront has great food & drink options on-site you might fancy venturing further afield to see what York has to offer.
A must visit is Heppni Bakery. A real neighbourhood treasure providing the most delicious (and beautiful) freshly baked goods.
Spark is a vibrant dining hub made from repurposed shipping containers, offering a diverse array of food and drink options. Perfect for families as everyone can choose something different, from gourmet burgers and stonebaked pizzas to fresh arrancini and yummy desserts, all in a lively and friendly atmosphere.
Kiosk is a tiny little cafe serving up some of the best coffee in the city, alongside the most mouthwatering of sandwiches. The menu is ever-changing but one thing is certain, they will be delicious.
A firm favourite by Mr Todd himself is The Black Swan, a proper good old english pub. No frills but serve a lovely pint of Theakstons.
And finally one we were tempted to gate-keep, It’s the best italian outside of italy – Delrios needs no words. 10/10 Everytime & the house red is delicious.
A Day in York - Things to See & Do
York Minster is open to visitors year-round, offering both guided and self-guided tours. You can explore the cathedral’s awe-inspiring architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and fascinating history. It’s typically open daily, with specific hours that may vary by season, so it’s best to check their website for the latest details. Admission fees apply, and you can also climb the tower for panoramic views of the city. The Minster is centrally located, making it easy to explore York’s other attractions too!
Fairfax House in York is a hidden gem, offering a glimpse into 18th-century Georgian elegance. Once home to a wealthy merchant, the house is beautifully restored, showcasing exquisite period interiors, fine furniture, and impressive decorative arts. Visitors can step back in time to experience the opulence of the Georgian era, with its stunning architecture and fascinating history. Perfect for history buffs or those looking to uncover a unique side of York, Fairfax House is a must-visit spot, just a short walk from the city center.
The JORVIK Viking Centre brings York’s Viking history to life with interactive exhibits, reconstructed Viking streets, and fascinating artifacts. Visitors can experience the sights, sounds, and even smells of Viking-era York, making it a captivating stop for history lovers and families alike.
This medieval street is famous for its narrow, crooked buildings that lean in so much, they almost touch. It’s one of the best-preserved streets of its kind in Europe, and it’s packed with independent shops, food spots and even a pub or two. Whether you’re snapping pics, shopping for unique souvenirs, or just soaking in the history, it’s a pretty magical spot to explore.
Highlight – The Shambles Kitchen do epic sandwiches!
Clifford’s Tower is one of York’s most iconic landmarks, sitting high on a hill with stunning views of the city. Originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068, it’s been used as a royal stronghold, a prison, and even a treasury! Fun fact: the tower is all that remains of York Castle, which once covered a huge area. The name is sometimes interpreted as evidence that the Clifford family claimed the post of constable to be hereditary. Alternatively, it may refer to the rebel Roger de Clifford, who was executed after the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322 and whose body was displayed on a gibbet at the castle.