York is a fantastic place to be in the summer. It’s when the historic city really comes alive with festivals, culture, and charm. And, it looks like 2025 is promising to be one of the best years yet for a summer staycation, with an exciting schedule of events and celebrations!
So, if you’ve decided to stay away from the heaving airports and opt for a chilled family staycation in York, then you’ve come to the right place for ideas and inspiration on how to get the most out of your stay.
Let’s take a look at where to stay, what to do and a whole lot more…
Events & Festivals in York
York Georgian Festival (Aug 7th – 11th)
Immerse yourself in five days of Georgian-themed fun. Set in the grounds of the fabulous Mansion House, you can get involved in activities like period dance classes, Regency cooking demos, walking tours, and gin tasting events.
River Art Market (Aug 2nd – 17th)
Meander along the River Ouse and browse stallholders’ contemporary and traditional art – all set in York’s scenic riverside walkways. Ideal for a leisurely summer afternoon.
The Magpies Festival (Aug 8th – 9th)
Run by a Yorkshire-based folk band, this is a low‑key family music festival in the green surroundings of Sutton Park, York. Featuring an eclectic line up of folk, americana, swing and acoustic sets, this is perfect for a laid‑back family outing or date day as part of your summer holiday in York.
Ebor Festival (Aug 20th – 23rd)
One of the UK’s most prestigious horse racing events, The Ebor Festival is back for 2025 at York Racecourse. Taking place across four glam-packed days, highlights include Ladies’ Day, taking place on Thursday 21st August, and The Coolmore Nunthorpe 1000m sprint – the fastest of all the races.
Rugby Women’s World Cup (Aug 23th – 24th & 30th – 31st)
Watch thrilling international women’s rugby as the World Cup games arrive at York’s Community Stadium at the end of the month. Plus, expect fan zones, big screens and rugby-themed experiences all around town in celebration of this monumental event!
Where to Stay in York?
Staying in your own private holiday home in York gives you the flexibility and privacy to enjoy the most perfect, relaxing break with your family or friends.
From large properties for big groups to small boltholes for couples, we have a fantastic range of luxury properties to let in York. Take a look at our suggestions below
Laundry Cottage
Two Bedrooms. Dog Friendly. Hot Tub.
Located just outside York, Laundry Cottage offers a stunning stay for up to four people. Newly renovated and situated on a privately owned 3,000 acre estate, you can make this your base to explore the best of York.
The Byre
Three Bedrooms. Dog Friendly. Hot Tub.
Featuring gorgeous interiors and a delightful outdoor space, The Byre is located just a short drive from York city centre and is perfect for a relaxed family staycation.
Tawny Nook
Three Bedrooms. Townhouse. Riverside Location.
Discover this stunning riverside bolthole waiting for you in the historic town of Knaresborough – just a short drive or train ride away from the centre of York.
The Stables
Eleven Bedrooms. Dog-friendly. Hot Tub
Perfect for larger group stays, The Stables is ideal for bringing all your family and friends together for a fabulous staycation in York. Featuring a stunning walled garden, luxurious sleeping accommodation and a private cobbled courtyard with outdoor seating and hot tub.
The Granary
Five Bedrooms. Dog-friendly. Hot Tub.
Discover The Granary – our contemporary, light-filled converted barn just 7 miles from York. Set on 3000 acres of farmland, you can enjoy beautiful private walks and great cycle routes to explore during your stay.
The Dovecote Barn
Four Bedrooms. Dog-friendly. Hot Tub.
Combining modern luxury and rustic charm, The Dovecote Barn is a superb holiday home with plenty of character. Featuring relaxed spaces to eat and luxurious bedrooms, it offers everything you need to enjoy a stylish stay in York.
Herbert Cottage
Two Bedrooms. Dog-friendly. Cottage Charm.
If you’re looking for somewhere cute and cosy to rest your head in between fun-filled days, then Herbert Cottage ticks all the boxes. With easy access to local attractions and nearby pubs, it’s an ideal retreat for both exploration and relaxation.
Where to Eat in York?
York’s food scene is absolutely thriving at the moment, offering everything from fine dining to quirky street food and outstanding pub food.
Treat yourself to the Michelin-starred tasting menu at Tommy Banks’ Roots restaurant, or sample Skosh – a bespoke dining room known for its inventive small plates and unique open kitchen experience.
No York trip is complete without a Fat Rascal at Bettys Tea Rooms, and for relaxed riverside dining, try The Star Inn The City – located in the Old Engine House on the edge of York’s Museum Gardens.
For casual eats, barista brews, and quirky international fayre, head to SPARK – it’s a vibrant container park full of independent street-food and drink traders. Open Tuesday through to Sunday from 9am until 10.30pm.
Ambiente Tapas is a great spot for families in Fossgate to feast on sharing plates (that’s a mouthful in itself!), or try local favourite, Rudy’s, for Neapolitan pizza in a cool, laidback environment.
Dog-Friendly York
If you’re travelling with your pooch in tow, then luckily York is one of the UK’s most dog-friendly cities!
Explore the city walls (on a lead), wander around Rowntree Park or The Museum Gardens, or take a riverside stroll at your leisure. Popular dog-friendly pubs include The Fossgate Social, Brew York, and the aptly named The Whippet Inn.
The majority of our Yorkshire Escapes properties welcome dogs with open arms, so you can all enjoy the trip together in perfect harmony.
Check out all our dog-friendly properties
Family Fun Days Out in York
Wondering where to go with the kids in York? Thankfully it is packed with family-friendly attractions for the summer and beyond. Here is a selection of our favourite family-friendly places to visit during your stay…
York Maze (open July – September)
Created from over one million living, growing maize plants, York Maze is the largest maze in the UK! Discover Giant maize mazes, slides, rides, and live shows – it’s a solid day of outdoor fun!
National Railway Museum
Free to enter and full of hands-on exhibitions, York’s National Railway Museum is one for young train enthusiasts and lovers of interactive activities. They’re currently celebrating their 50th birthday this year, so there are a whole host of special events taking place throughout 2025.
York River Cruises
See York from the water with a family-friendly boat trip on the River Ouse. Awarded TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award in 2024, it’s great for picking up some local knowledge thanks to the live, on-board commentary from the local skippers!
Jorvik Viking Centre
Travel back to the year AD 960 and immerse yourselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of Viking-age York at the world famous Jorvik Viking Centre! Pre-booking is essential, so be sure to reserve early to avoid disappointment.
Ready to start your York staycation?
With its world-class events, mouth-watering food, historic attractions, and plenty of family and dog-friendly activities, York most certainly promises a summer staycation destination to please absolutely everyone! If you’ve not yet booked already, start planning your trip today with Yorkshire Escapes, and make Summer 2025 in York one to remember forever!
