A weekend away with a loved one is exciting to plan! From choosing where to eat and drink, what to do and finally which hotel to stay at. When you add up all the costs, you can be looking at a fairly expensive weekend away. But don’t worry; our boutique hotel in York has come up with the top 5 free things to do when you visit the city this summer. Read on to find out more…
Yorkshire Lavender
Ok, so the first one on our list isn’t technically ‘free’ however it won’t break the bank with their £3 admission fee! Yes, we’re talking about Yorkshire Lavender farm, just a short drive from our York hotel. Immerse yourself in the sweet smell of this plant, whilst walking around one of their many lavender gardens or perhaps you fancy the challenge of escaping their lavender maze! If that’s not enough for you, why not head to their tearooms and try a delicious lavender scone, or even some lavender ice cream!
(Photo Credit: Yorkshire Lavender, Facebook)
Dick Turpin’s Grave
If history is your forte, then you might be interested to know that notorious highwayman, Dick Turpin’s grave is located in the city and only a 2-minute walk from our hotel in York! Located at St George’s Church, few gravestones remain and space is now mainly used for a public park. However, one gravestone that has stood the test of time is that of Dick Turpin, real name Richard Palmer. On the day of his hanging in York, a large crowd gathered to witness Turpin in the flesh – cementing his almost ‘celebrity-like’ status back in the day.
(Photo Credit: York Mix)
York City Walls
What better way to explore York than taking a stroll around the city walls? Measuring a comfortable 3.4km, completing the entire circuit will take you around 2 hours. Every year, around 2.5 million people head on an adventure around the City walls and explore York’s rich history. There is five main bars and gateways along the way, with one Victorian gateway, one small gateway and 45 towers. It’s a great day out, plus, with 365 pubs in York you’re sure to find somewhere to stop for a drink along the way!
(Photo Credit: Visit York)
The Shambles
It’s prettier than the name suggests, honestly! This cobbled street is now home to quirky little shops and tea rooms and is one of the best preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. None of the original shop fronts has survived but many still have exterior wooden shelves outside, to remind you of a time when cuts of meat were sold through the windows! The narrow design of the street itself meant the meat was always kept out of direct sunlight, to stay fresher for longer! This street is a great little step back in time.
