Trains to York

The Shambles is an ancient cobbled street that looks captivating on even the dullest winter day. Dating back to the Domesday Book, its nooks and crannies will charm your socks off.

Its leaning timber-framed buildings were once home to as many as 26 butchers in medieval times. That’s a lot of meat! York obviously wasn’t a great place to be a vegetarian in the olden days.

Today, the street has much more variety, filled with quirky boutiques, quaint cafes and artisan food shops. Soak up the atmosphere as you look for Christmas gifts.

You have to pay to get into the minster, but it doesn’t cost a penny to stand outside and admire it. The architectural magnificence really tugs at the heart strings.

One of the UK’s greatest historical buildings, this Gothic masterpiece is incredibly old too – the last stone was laid in the 1400s.

If you do want to step inside, lots of treasures await. The Undercroft takes you on a 2,000-year journey through interactive chambers beneath the Minster. You can also climb the 275 steps up the Central Tower for life-affirming views of York.

Ambulance trains did a sterling job during the First World War, transporting millions of sick and injured troops to hospital. They were pretty much like a mini-hospital packed onto a train.

To show its appreciation, the National Railway Museum has recreated a lifelike ambulance carriage, complete with ward, pharmacy and nurses’ mess room.

You can share in the stories of the staff and passengers through letters, diaries, photos and drawings. Be warned – some of them are incredibly moving.

Other famous trains include the slinky looking Mallard – still the world’s fastest steam train despite setting the record in the 1930s!

Want to take snaps of some of York’s most iconic sights? This selfie trail is ideal for social media specialists who want to Instagram their way past cathedrals, Viking monuments and city walls. All you need is the map and you’re ready to go without paying a penny.

How to get there: Starts at the train station.

The city has some terrible tales to tell, and this tour will fill you in on all the grisly bits, Join Mad Alice as she relates blood curdling stories of torture, execution and famous residents such as Guy Fawkes on this fun tour that’s still okay for the family.

How to get there: If you’re meeting Alice straight off the train, it’s a 15-minute walk into the city. Directions on Google Maps.

Here's a fun way to explore the city. You’re given a series of clues which can only be solved by following a map. Take your own good time and stop off for drinks along the way: it’s probably the most relaxing way to uncover the many secrets York has to share.

How to get there: Your journey starts in the city centre, 15 minutes from the station but the rest of the tour is your choice. Directions on Google Maps.

Fossgate dates back to Roman times and the street itself is a step back in history with a brilliant mix of independent shops, bars and restaurants. Expect book shops packed with interesting reads, vintage clothes and the best coffee in town. It’s not so much a shopping experience as a day of exploration.

How to get there: In the heart of the city centre, you’re only 20 minutes away from the train station. Directions on Google Maps.

The site of the famous JORVIK Viking Centre also allows you to carry out some sneaky raids on a great collection of shops. Take a stroll in the open air as you look through the various windows, but be sure to look up through the summer to see the monthly themed umbrella walk.

How to get there: Right in the middle of York, Coppergate is easily accessible from the train station after you've made the 15-minute walk into the city. Directions on Google Maps.

Visit the outlet to find over 100 big brands in one place such as Nike, Kurt Geiger and Cath Kidston. There are also plenty of discounts on offer in this out-of-town venue. Free parking, a children's play area and a spacious food court make it the ideal day out for shopaholics.

How to get there: You’ll need to either use the Park and Ride bus or drive to reach the outlet once you arrive in York. Directions on Google Maps.

For a truly individual gift, why not buy a ghost? Each of these hand crafted, exquisitely packaged items would look great on any shelf in any home. The shop itself seeps history from its walls and is a must-visit destination when you visit the most haunted city in the world.

How to get there: You’ll find the shop, which was built in 1780, located at number 6 Shambles, unarguably York’s prettiest street. It’s a 15-minute walk from the station. Directions on Google Maps.

Where else in the world would you find a potions shop but York? The perfect place to find a gift for the Harry Potter fan in your life, it’s a magic location where you can also visit the secret potion room that embodies over 700 years of York history.

How to get there: The shop is also based in the Shambles in the city centre where you’ll enjoy a retail experience like no other. Again, it's a quarter of an hour from the station if you walk. Directions on Google Maps.

York Gin uses traditional and sustainable methods to make some of the world’s best gins. Winners of gold medals at the world’s top spirits competitions. Inspired by York’s incredible 2,000-year past. York Gin is ‘History in the Tasting’. Enjoy free tasters and buy gin gift sets, along with a range of gorgeous souvenirs, gifts and mementoes - made sustainably by York craftspeople.

How to get there: You’ll find the famous timber-framed shop, dating back to the 16th Century, on Pavement, opposite the famous Shambles. A 15-minute amble from the station. Directions on Google Maps.

After trading for more than a century, Browns knows what it takes to offer a luxurious shopping experience. In between perusing quality items of all shapes and sizes, why not take a break at Browns Teahouse for some cake and caffeine before getting back to the retail reverie?

How to get there: If you’ve got time on your hands, you can take a 15-minute walk to Browns from the station before your train trip home. Directions on Google Maps.

Take advantage of the concierge service at this brilliant department store that has everything from top notch fashion labels to a toy department that will bring back happy childhood memories, everything is personal, everything is luxurious with this Best of British experience that makes old-fashioned feel like something new.

How to get there: Based in the Coppergate Centre, you’ll need to take a 20-minute stroll into York from the station to see what's on offer. Directions on Google Maps.

If scents are your thing, then no trip to York is complete without a fragrant tour of Molton Brown, a truly sophisticated haven for those who love personal products with a classy edge. Forget online, there’s nothing to beat choosing your perfumed items in person especially when the service and style is so strong.

How to get there: Davygate is just over the river meaning it’s a 12-minute walk from York station. Directions on Google Maps.

Put yourself in the thick of the action at the always brilliant value Travelodge. There are four to choose from in the city, but the York Central address is best placed for those who just want to head for their comfy king size bed after a busy day of sightseeing.

How to get there: There’s a picturesque 20-minute walk from the station to the hotel but the taxi is always an option.Directions on Google Maps.

This classic bed and breakfast offers a garden and free Wi-Fi in addition to a comfortable room that’s within a very short distance of the places you want to visit. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and the large screen TVs also come with Netflix for some late-night chilling.

How to get there: A handy 11-minute walk from the station will see you safely ensconced in your temporary new home. Directions on Google Maps.

Right next to the Jorvik Viking Centre you’ll find 2-star comfort at a hotel that offers a neat line of hospitality with a stylish 24-hour restaurant and a bar where you can play a traditional game of billiards. Only a few minutes from York Minster, you’re also just 20 minutes away from the racecourse if you fancy a flutter.

How to get there: Your hotel is 600m from the station so it’s perfect for those who want to save money on transport.Directions on Google Maps.

Go on the website and just check out the rooms. Your followers will think that you’re staying in a palace packed with luxurious features and individual touches. It also happens to be the old court where Dick Turpin was tried so beyond your room there’s much to investigate and photograph.

How to get there: A 15-minute walk from the station over the river will bring you to this historical and beautiful hotel. Directions on Google Maps.

From the historical to the hi-tech. The Moxy in York just looks plain cool from the hip open lobby with its state-of-the-art video wall to the contemporary furniture and connected up rooms that will provide you with some eye-catching imagery and suitably moody lighting.

How to get there: Located in the heart of York, just 5 minutes from The Shambles, it’s about 20 minutes from the station to get there. Directions on Google Maps.

Visit the Elmbank for the exquisite rooms and atmospheric Peacock Bar. But also get your camera phone out for the surrounding cobbled streets, charming shops and bars drawn straight from a Dickensian film set. You won’t stop snapping during your visit.

How to get there: Take a right out of the station and it's an easy 12-minute walk to the hotel. Directions on Google Maps.

Enjoy genuine five-star luxury with gourmet food, rejuvenating spas and the fluffiest slippers in town. The Grand truly lives up to its name and offers a range of great packages to make the experience even better for couples and families.

How to get there: Enjoy their luxury of a very short walk from the station to reach The Grand. You’re almost there as soon as you arrive. Directions on Google Maps.

As soon as you see this imposing, beautiful building you’ll know you’ve made the right choice. The Victorian epic grandeur is matched by the sheer comfort you would expect from the best modern hotel to make it an unforgettable experience for staycationers.

How to get there: Just steps from the station you won't be able to miss this magnificent hotel. Directions on Google Maps.