Holiday rentals in York

Both ancient and modern, York is a small gem of a city that manages to showcase two millennia of British history in the grandest of style. The fortress walls that encircle the city, set along the banks of the River Ouse, are just the beginning of its attractions. Beyond them rise the great towers of its famed Gothic cathedral, York Minster, and an incomparably pretty run of perfectly preserved medieval streets. Roman soldiers founded the city in 71 AD — their towers, baths, and roads survive — and the Vikings also made it their home; the story of their 9th-century invasion is superbly told at the famous Jorvik Center. From the timber frames of 14th-century guildhalls to the stone facades of Georgian buildings like the Mansion House, not to mention a beloved National Railway Museum, no city has created a living history quite like York.

Spring is the driest season, and a lovely season to stay in one of York’s apartments: temperatures in April and May tend to hover between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures don’t spike that much in summer, regularly reaching highs of around 70 degrees in early August; winters are cold and wet, dropping to an average of 40 degrees in January. There’s always a decent chance of rain, so bring a waterproof jacket whatever time of year you come (and an umbrella), but York isn’t as windy as some more exposed parts of Yorkshire. It’s always a good idea to pack layers and a selection of warm clothing when you’re visiting the northern regions of the UK.

York Minster

Although construction began in the 13th century, the Gothic splendor of York’s imposing cathedral took two and a half centuries to complete. Its gigantic and intricately decorated stained-glass windows are as impressive as its spires; there’s also an ancient crypt to explore, and breathtaking views from the top of the tower if you’re willing to climb the steep and narrow 275 steps.

The Shambles

Walking down York’s most historic street is like stepping back in time. The timber-framed medieval buildings, with their overhanging upper storeys, loom over the cobbles of this narrow lane, much like Diagon Alley. Once, every shop here was a butcher’s; now they’re an assortment of independent retailers and quirky gift shops.

Monk Bar

The fortified walls of the city were originally protected by four multistory gateways (or bars), complete with barbican defenses, shooting galleries, and murder holes that allowed soldiers to rain arrows or boiling water upon their enemies. Monk Bar, which dates back to the 14th century, is the most impressive, and the only one that still has a functioning portcullis.