Perfectly placed half-way between London and Edinburgh, York is increasingly popular as a group holiday destination. It’s historic past seamlessly blends with on-trend dining and nightlife, all with a big dose of famous Yorkshire hospitality. And when it comes to York group accommodation, here at GroupHolidays.com we can ensure a successful search for small and large group bookings in York alike.
Location: North Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
Closest Airports: Leeds Bradford, Manchester.
Local Currency: Pounds Sterling (GBP).
For beer lovers, here are few places better than York. Real ale and Yorkshire go hand-in-hand and places like Brew York are keeping the tradition alive. They sell their own beer across two floors, hold a pub quiz every Sunday and you can book tables in the tasting room or even book the room for group hire. If you fancy a bit of a pub crawl in York, pubs to consider include the Eagle and Child (a timber framed pub built in 1640), York Tap near the station, and Walmgate Ale House that also has an upstairs French restaurant.
For a party vibe, Flares York is popular for its music from the 70’s to the 2000’s, and does great theme nights and VIP packages for York holiday groups. Another club that has theme nights and events is Popworld York, including its Carnival of Pop every Friday. Some other clubs worth checking out are Kuda (with three rooms it’s one of the city’s biggest clubs), Club Salvation and Vudu Lounge.
York is also a hub for live music, with picks for venues including York Barbican (which also has its own comedy club) and the York Vaults. We’d also recommend smaller venues such as Dusk, Kennedy’s and the Basement. The Angel on the Green is a pub that has live jazz on Sundays.
Any trip to York will surround you with examples of the city’s history and heritage, with reminders of its Roman, Norman, medieval and Viking past everywhere you look. History is also very much a theme when it comes to things to do in York. Group activities with a history theme in the city are far from dry however, with operators bringing fun to the experience. And of course, there are plenty of other things to see and do on your trip.
York City Centre
Many people visiting York will find everything they want within a relatively small city centre area. This should start at the Shambles, a medieval cobbled street that’s full of cafes, restaurants and quirky shops selling all kinds of gifts and food.
As you venture just a few streets from the Shambles, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food. For a quick bite, try German fast food at Döner Summer on Gillygate or the excellent Tiro Sicillian Street Food on Picadilly. We also loved the noodles at Coto Kitchen and Bar on Swinegate and the great steaks at Corner Grill House on King Street.
With your appetite sorted, the top attractions begin with those that have a history theme, including the National Railway Museum, York Castle Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre. The outstanding York Minster is a must-see; the city’s magnificent cathedral is simply stunning and we’d recommend getting a guided tour to really appreciate it.
A York history walk will help you and your group make the most of your stay in York. We especially like the sound of the Bloody Tour of York and Dark Chronicles Horror Walk that both focus on the city’s macabre history, with tales of invasion, torture and execution.
But a York group holiday is about much more than history. It’s a beautiful city, so why not enjoy it on a sightseeing cruise on the river Ouse – possibly with a party vibe on a party cruise with drinks, dinner and DJ. You can also tour the city on its hop-on hop-off tour buses, or even by horse and carriage (with Prosecco if you like!).
There are some great fun activities in the city, such as a combination of axe throwing and great cuisine at The Hilt. Groups who like a puzzle will also love Mindlock Escape Rooms or GR8escape York.
Outside of the city
If you fancy getting out of the city for a day, make the most of the city’s location with a tour of the Yorkshire Dales from Mountain Goat, or a ride on the Yorkshire Steam Railway. Trips to Whitby are also popular with York group holidays who fancy a day at the seaside.
Some great group activities are also worth a short trip out of the city centre. York FootGolf Centre is a good example. Here you can have a go at the UK’s fastest growing sport (yes, it’s golf but with a football) and enjoy drinks and food in the clubhouse. It’s a great couple of hours’ of fun that people of all abilities can enjoy.
If your group is full of petrol heads, there’s the excellent Everyman Racing at Elvington. This has a wide range of driving experiences, from supercars, drifting and rally to HGVs. If your group has a head for heights, head for the Wired High Ropes Challenge. And finally, don’t forget that York Racecourse is one of the best in the country.
From small, independent hotels to the major household names, the choice of York group accommodation is extensive. Starting with York group hotels at the super-affordable end of the scale, one of our picks is Safestay York Micklegate. This converted Georgian town house is clean and comfortable, with a great décor, a mix of private rooms and spacious dormitories, and its own private bar. Another option for York group accommodation is a more traditional B&B style such as the Park View Guest House.
If you’d prefer a larger hotel, the Queens Hotel is rated by guests for its central riverside location, great breakfasts and friendly staff. Meanwhile, staying at The Grand will bring luxury and pampering to your group holiday in York. When it comes to York group accommodation in bigger hotels from familiar brands, there’s the Hampton by Hilton, Radisson, Novotel and Holiday Inn among others.
Party Apartments York
Another option is to book centrally located group party apartments. York certainly caters for this style of accommodation. Bootham Crescent Apartments offers three 2-bedroom apartments within a converted town house in a quiet street less than a mile from the city centre. In the heart of the city itself, the Shambles Suites is a clean, bright and modern facility with three York party apartments. As well as the double bedrooms, it features sofa beds in the living rooms so can accommodate larger groups.
Party Houses York
Finally, for York holiday homes if you’d prefer a whole house for your group, check out the 3-bedroom Clifford Gathering York that sleeps 10 people. It’s just a short walk from the city centre and is rated by guests for being especially clean and comfortable. To get a taste of York’s history from the moment you wake up, try the 4-bedroom Maison Parfaite YO1: a stylish 400-year-old city centre townhouse that also sleeps 10 people.
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