If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion such as a landmark anniversary, then nothing quite beats a luxury weekend getaway. Luckily the UK is blessed with a treasure trove of fabulous short break destinations. Stoke Park or London obviously. However, another city deserves to be highlighted in this context: York, in Nothern England.
York, nestled in England’s biggest county Yorkshire, is one of these incredible short break getaway places. A city bursting full of incredible restaurants, luxury hotels, and grand entertainment spots.
From a tour around an opulent 18th century Mansion House to a luxury spa day, here’s just a few things you can enjoy on a luxury weekend escape in York.
1. Marvel at The Mansion House
York is blessed with an enviable collection of architectural triumphs. Not least the epic York Minster which is undoubtedly the city’s most iconic landmark. However, if you’d like to embrace the essence of inescapable luxury be sure to take a tour of the opulent Mansion House, home to the Lord Mayor of York.
This 18th century building holds an intriguing and storied past. Originally built as a place for entertaining guest including none other than members of the British Royal Family.
On your tour you’ll follow the sweeping staircase, stopping to admire the grand Drawing Room. It houses the largest collection of civic silver outside of the capital! You’ll also be shown plenty of other majestic rooms with elegant portraits on even robes belonging to Lord Mayors past.
Following renovation works in 2018 you can even discover the fully functional recreated Georgian kitchen which offers a fascinating insight into what life was like for the building’s privileged former occupants.
The Mansion House is open for public viewing on Wednesday-Sunday with last entry at 4pm.
2. Entertainment at York Grand Opera House
This year York Grand Opera House celebrated its 120th anniversary and over the last century this incredible venue has stood as the birthplace of regional entertainment. Becoming one of the first places to broadcast motion pictures at the start of the 20th century.
From West End shows to pantomimes, comedic stand-up performances to live music, there’s always a brilliant show waiting for you.
Before taking your seats in the grand surroundings of the main theatre be sure to order a glass of something sparkling. Or, try one of the Opera House’s famous sweet snacks including a delectable Eton Mess ice cream!
3. Fine Dining at The Star Inn The City
On the subject of food York is a place renowned for its diverse and ever-evolving gastronomy scene. Dotted around the city’s cobbled streets you’ll find an abundance of exceptional eateries that serve as the perfect compliment to a luxury weekend escape.
One of the stand-out fine dining restaurants in York city centre is Michelin-starred cook Andrew Pern’s The Star Inn The City. A charming riverside brasseries-style restaurant contained within the site of York’s old brick built engine house.
On the menu you’ll find a triumph of modern British cuisine. Flavoursome starters and mains comprising the finest locally-sourced ingredients feature prominently whilst their decadent desserts are simply heavenly. Throughout the year the restaurant even releases special tasting menus where diners are treated to dish after dish of delectable plates brimming with delicious North Yorkshire countryside ingredients.
4. Shopping at York Designer Outlet
Conveniently located just 15 minutes outside of York you’ll find York Designer outlet, a shopper’s paradise brimming with over 100 stores selling a plethora of the latest designer goodies.
This is the place where you’ll find all the biggest names in fashion from Michael Kors to Ralph Lauren. And actually pretty much every other top brand in between.
If you’re not quite willing to literally shop until you drop, you’ll find plenty of sofas and comfy seating areas scattered amongst the shops whilst you can also take a break and enjoy a cup of scrumptious Italian coffee Café Valeria.
During the festive season York designer outlet is transformed into a veritable winter wonderland where you can enjoy ice skating and an abundance of other great festive activities alongside your luxury retail therapy appointment.
5. Luxury Spa Day at The Grand
Idyllically located within a stone’s throw of York’s majestic medieval walls, The Grand York epitomises luxury in every sense.
The venue is Yorkshire’s only 5-star hotel and true to that label you’ll be greeted by an abundance of palatial furnishings, as well as a first-class Yorkshire welcome as soon as you arrive.
Nestled in the hotel’s former vault you’ll find the award- winning spa that offers a range of indulgent treatments that aim to alleviate all of the aches strains you accumulate in the course of everyday life.
Escape the world and enjoy treatments including holistic massages and relaxing body wraps, whilst highly skilled therapists also perform beauty treatments including pedicures, facials and manicures.
Combine your luxury spa day with a spot of delicious afternoon tea, served in the hotel’s ‘grand’ Rise restaurant.