York
5 day holiday - Monday 13th April 2025
Highlights...
- York Minster
- Jorvik Viking Centre
- Merchant Adventurer’s Hall
The thriving walled city of York is perfectly placed half-way between London and Edinburgh. It was founded by the ancient Romans, built on 2,000 years of incredible history and the City Walls form a walkway on both sides of the River Ouse. York is home to more world-class museums, art galleries and places of interest than anywhere else in the UK. The long history and rich heritage of the city continue to be visible through the exquisite architecture and quaint cobbled stone streets that are lined with Tudor houses.
During our visit to this historic city we will have the opportunity to explore the awe-inspiring York Minster, one of the world’s most magnificent Cathedrals. The Minster has been at the centre of Christianity since the 7th-century and the ancient building tells the story of Jesus Christ through the beautiful handcrafted stone and unrivalled collection of medieval stained glass. Nestled away in the city centre and tucked behind York Minster is the Treasurers’ House, a picturesque townhouse with many historic tales telling the story of Frank Green. The house was gifted to the National Trust in 1930 on the condition that the rooms would be kept exactly as he intended. If any changes were made, he vowed to return to haunt the building! Another must-see building is one of the finest medieval guild halls in the world – Merchant Adventurers’ Hall. This stunning timber-framed building houses many extraordinary collections of silver, furniture and paintings, which provide a glimpse into the rich history of the Hall and the people associated with it.
Over the course of our break, we will get to explore some of the very best places of interest with the benefit of them being situated a short walk from one another within a small area of the town. An experienced Blue Badge Guide will lead us on an enlightening and entertaining tour, at a leisurely pace, to discover some of the landmarks and rich history, such as The Jorvik Viking Centre and The Shambles. The Shambles is one of York's most famous landmarks and one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. With its cobbled streets and overhanging buildings, it is believed to have been the inspiration behind Diagon Alley from the movie adaptation of the Harry Potter series.
Parsonage Hotel & Spa ★★★★
We will be staying at the 4-star Parsonage Hotel and Spa, set in 6 acres of beautiful formal gardens and woodland, only a short drive from the historic city of York. Built in the early 1840s, the building maintains many of its original features. The Hotel has 60 bedrooms, spread between the Main House, the Coach House, the Cottage, the Lodge and The Fat Abbot. All rooms have en-suite facilities, flat screen smart TV’s, direct dial telephones, iron & ironing boards, hair dryer and tea and coffee making facilities all to make your stay a restful one. Rooms are lift accessible WiFi is available in all bedrooms. There are two restaurants within the grounds of the Parsonage Hotel & Spa, as well as The Cloisters Spa, a beautiful Conservatory and elegant Lounges. The three-course dinner each night includes two glasses of wine or soft drinks and will be served in The Fat Abbot.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Monday 13th April
Arriving by door-to-door car at the Crowne Plaza, Gerrards Cross, you will be greeted by your tour manager who will be with you throughout the holiday. Coffee or tea with pastries will be served before we board the coach. A light lunch will be served at The Marriott Hotel Leicester before we continue to The Parsonage Hotel and Spa, where we can relax, settle in and enjoy the beautiful surroundings before our evening meal.
Day 2 – Tuesday 14th April
After breakfast we will be introduced to our experienced Blue Badge Guide Sarah Milne-Day. Sarah will accompany us on our coach trip to the centre of York. Our gentle guided walk will start at the castle area before heading to The Jorvik Viking Centre. This stands on the site of a remarkable archaeological discovery that transformed our understanding of Viking life. From 1976 to 1981, archaeologists from the York Archaeological Trust, an independent educational charity, uncovered the houses, workshops, and backyards of the Viking-age city of Jorvik, which was nearly 1,000 years old. These incredible findings led to the creation of Jorvik Viking Centre directly on the excavation site, providing visitors with a ground breaking, immersive experience. Guests can journey through reconstructed Viking-age streets, witnessing life as it was in 10th-century York. Following lunch, we will have free time to enjoy ‘The Shambles’, a picturesque old cobbled street with shops and boutiques housed in beautiful overhanging 15th century timber framed buildings.
Day 3 – Wednesday 15th April
Today we will begin by touring the master piece that is York Minster. Steeped in history, it is one of the largest medieval cathedrals in Northern Europe and home to more than half of England’s medieval stained glass can be found in the Minsters stunning windows. It also has two functioning bell towers and The Monk Bar Gate houses an exhibition tracing the life of 15th century King Richard lll. After, we will walk around the corner to the Treasurer’s House for a guided tour to learn about the life of it’s owner Frank Green. Following lunch, we will enjoy an informative and entertaining city cruise on the River Ouse to gain a different perspective of this glorious city.
Day 4 – Thursday 16th April
Our day will start in the city centre with a visit to the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, a Grade I listed building that was constructed by a fraternity of York citizens to provide a base for charity, worship and business. Our tour guide will share the secrets of this unique hall and its 660-years of history. We will enjoy lunch in the town of Welburn before making our way to Castle Howard, one of Britain's finest historic houses, owned by generations of the Howard family for over 300 years. Our free-flow visit will give us time to admire the unique architectural design of this stunning 18th century house, with its contrasting baroque and Palladian wings and dramatic dome. The house sits in acres of parkland, incorporating rolling lawns, lakes, fountains, temples, woodland and ornamental walled gardens.

Day 5 – Friday 17th April
Today is departure day. We will have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and your Tour Manager will assist you with check-out. En-route we will stop for lunch at the Leicester Marriott where we will have time to relax and enjoy a two-course farewell lunch. We will then board the coach for the last time for our journey back to The Crowne Plaza, Gerrards Cross. Tea, coffee and cake will be awaiting our return before meeting our chauffer driven cars.
Total Price of the Holiday: £2,175 per person
Deposit: £300
Balance due: 18th Jan 2026
Discounts: National Trust - £12
Whats Included:
- Door to door cars from your home to the meeting point and back
- Transport to and from St George’s Chapel and the Theatre Royal Windsor
- Three nights’ accommodation at the Sarova Bull Hotel
- Full English or continental breakfast each day
- Afternoon refreshments on the first day
- Mince pies and mulled wine after Christmas Eve Midnight Service
- Three-course dinner on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day
- Christmas Day Prosecco and canapé reception D
- Five-course Christmas Day lunch with two glasses of wine or soft drinks
- Light supper on Christmas Day
- Two glasses of house wine or soft drinks with every evening meal
- Finger buffet lunch on Christmas Eve
- Light lunch Boxing Day
- Two-course lunch with coffee or tea on the last day
- The programme of entertainment as listed
- Tickets for Royal Stalls at the Theatre Royal Windsor
- Gratuities
- The services of your Tour manager throughout your stay
- V.A.T.
The minimum number required for this holiday is 11.
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377
