Top, Best & Fun Rooftop Bars in High Catton

"This hotel, in arguably York's smartest address, positively vibrates with the past, from its medieval stone-flagged entrance hall and leaded windows to the bow-windowed Georgian dining room and 90ft long, Jacobean, oak-panelled gallery on the first floor. It feels elegant but relaxed, with a mix of English and French antiques, modern sofas and contemporary artwork and reportage photography. Fireplaces and leaded windows add character to the rooms while Jo Malone diffusers and thick curtains add luxury."

"I studied English at St John’s University and at that time they owned Grays Court, so the vast majority of my lectures were in there, and it’s such a beautiful building!. Now, a luxury hotel and restaurant you can “explore the great British food on our evening menu in our restaurant. With seasonal ingredients sourced from the highest quality suppliers, our innovative team of chefs guarantee a dining experience like no other."

"An unexpected pleasure in the heart of York, this 16th-century mansion hotel's small restaurant focuses on British, locally produced food, some of it plucked from the house gardens. As well as multi-course..."

"One of the more unique and wackier places on this list is none other than the House of The Trembling Madness. Many of the reviews of this place say that it is a ‘MUST-visit’ and 'If you’re looking for unusual, fun, esoteric and eclectic then this is your place.’ With its unusual name, many people are drawn to this place by its pure aesthetic alone, with its famous 900 year old wall, the House of The Trembling Madness resides in the first Norman building built in York, the wall is all that remains of its original structure. When you come here though, you won’t want to leave when you see their generous selection of world crafted beers on offer, and their big portions of hearty pub meals all at very reasonable prices, such as their large steak and stout pie with mash and peas, at only 13 USD!"

"The House of the Trembling Madness is a great place to drink in York if you’re into quirky and unusual buildings. The original Trembling Madness is much smaller, quirkier and has a very odd charm to it, whereas the newly refurbished one is much bigger and has a classier vibe to it; it also has a shop downstairs where you can purchase your drinks for a fraction of the price and then take them upstairs to drink in the bar/restaurant!. Whichever one you visit, you’re sure to delight in its weirdness and enjoy wonderfully crafted drinks."

"The main focus of the Trembling Madness is the stunning three rooms upstairs; each is finely presented in the grand Georgian style but with that quirky Madness shining through with a smattering of taxidermy and quite disturbing renaissance gothic works of art mainly depicting hell. Two of the rooms are set out with tables and chairs, the high ceilings and big windows giving a spacious and relaxing atmosphere."

"From grain to glass, see how traditional ale is created at York Brewery. Located just inside the city walls on Toft Green, York Brewery has been handcrafting real ales since 1996. The brewery site was built in the late 16th century, and has seen many uses over its history, but now it is home to a 20-barrel brew plant, with six traditional open top fermenters and five conditioning tanks."

"Brew York, a renowned independent business brewing its own fantastic variety of booze is a favourite amongst beer fans. Their riverside beer garden in York is a hidden gem tucked behind the Enterprise Complex on Walmgate through the metal gates. Enjoy their own creations with everything from chocolate stout to sour lingonberry beer."

"Spark:York is a place that looks and feels like no other venue in York. It’s a vibrant, relaxed place to eat and drink, with kids or without, and a good option if you’d like a range of food and drink to choose from and take away (or eat there). There’s a changing rota of pop-up bars and restaurants, but if you imagine craft ales, edgy cocktails and some of the best street food in town, you’re not too far from the mark."

"Spark is a relatively new addition to the city of York but it’s certainly one that’s been welcomed with open arms (at least by me). Offering a vast selection of different cuisines, as well as gorgeous seating areas and unique shipping containers disguised as shops and food stalls, Spark is a great place to grab some pictures."

"When to go: When you fancy something quick, casual and can’t decide so visit more than one. What to have: The buttermilk fried chicken burgers from Clucking Oinks are unbeatable. Wash one down with an ice-cold can of craft beer from resident bar Piccadilly Tap."

"Sited at the top of Micklegate a few yards from the city walls this bar from independent Scottish brewing giants Brewdog opened after a protracted court battle with a local trader – much to the relief of their loyal following of fans in the York area. I say fans because Brewdog as a company have so far attracted investment in their crowdfunding equity scheme from over 100,000 loyal drinkers. The multi-roomed bar is huge."

"This bare, plain drinking space – stripped wooden floor, blue and cream colour scheme, Celtic cross logo – looks a bit like an O'Neill's, but the beer range is worlds away from the Oirish chain. Ten hand-pulls concentrate on Yorkshire and northern breweries, such as Isle of Man outfit Okells (owned by same people as Brigantes' parent company, Market Town Taverns), York Brewery (which Brigantes backs on to), and Great Heck Brewing, a micro much-loved in this part of the world, which produces Mo Hops (half, £1.78), a very interesting supercharged best bitter. Seven keg pumps deliver a mixture of classic continental and innovative craft beers, with a short, solid bottled menu (Nøgne Ø, Flying Dog) further ensuring that every drinker leaves happy."

"On a street that is notorious for its Saturday-night drunken revelry, Brigantes is a wood-panelled haven of peace and sophistication, with hand-pulled ales (mostly from Yorkshire) on tap and a dining room that..."

"Just south of the spa, the South Cliff Italian Gardens were plotted at the turn of the 20th century and sit on a terrace that bends with the contours of the cliff. In the Italian Renaissance style, the gardens have geometric flowerbeds, a lily pond topped with a statue of Mercury and two very ceremonious stairways climbing to shelters beneath pergolas dating to 1914. It’s all part of a long tapestry of open spaces, including a rose garden and a cliff-top path with wonderful vistas back to the castle, all equipped with stairways and the Cliff Lifts down to the beach."

"It has lots of flowers, well arranged in and around sitting areas. A good place to relax while walking around the South bay. Highly recommended to take some monkey nuts and feed the squirrels."

"Located by the river to the south of the city centre, Rowntree Park is York’s first municipal park, and boasts a combination of historical features and a multi-functional recreational space. With a performance space and a sculpture play trail as well as children’s play areas and sporting facilities, Rowntree Park has much to offer, and serves as a commemoration to all those members of the company’s staff who lost their lives during World War I. Price: admission is free"

"Located on the banks of the River Ouse, Rowntree Park was built as a scenic memorial to those who fought in the World Wars. Across its 30 acres, you will find children’s play areas as well as facilities for bowling, tennis and basketball. Enjoy walking around the lake, woodland and flower beds for free!"

"There is the option to eat out or takeaway at Happy Valley, and it is one of the cheapest Chinese takeaways in York. Despite the low prices, the food is excellent quality, and there are plenty of options on the menu to suit all tastes. There are also some unusual items on the menu that you do not see at many Chinese restaurants and takeaways."