Best Spas in Howden Dyke Road

"For guests seeking a touch of luxury from their visit to York, the centrally located 5 Star Grand hotel lives up to its name. The lavishly decorated suites offer large plush beds, a full mini-bar, in-room dining and access to the luxury spa located in former vaults. Upgrade your stay with a bottle of bubbly and chocolate-covered strawberries waiting upon your arrival or a sprinkling of rose petals on the bed for those extra brownie points on your romantic weekend away."

"As the destination restaurant within York’s only five-star hotel, it will come as no surprise that Hudson’s deals exclusively in tasting me ..." Read our full review"

"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."

"Perhaps one of the most unique establishments in York – Spark is a vibrant hub of some of the best food and drink in the city. With large benches on the lower and upper floors, this venue is the perfect place to grab and go, or to spend an evening with a few friends and drinks."

"The Georgian-style Mansion House in York is the home of the city's Lord Mayors during their term in office. This is the earliest purpose-built house of this sort still in use – it predates the Mansion House in London by at least 20 years. The foundation stone for the building was laid in 1725, and it was completed seven years later, in 1732."

"Located in the center of the city, the Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York. But along with being a home, this historic house is popular with visitors. The Mansion House exhibits an impressive collection of paintings, silver and furniture."

"Learn about the history of Vikings in York on the very site where the excavations had taken place. Different to most historical exhibitions or museums, at the Jorvik Viking Centre you are transported abound in what they call a “ride experience” (a bit like a very slow cable car, but only inches off the ground – nothing to be scared of!) – really good fun!. This attraction got a big thumbs up by an excited 4 year old (Rebecca’s friend’s son) – it was his second favourite thing that we did in York when he visited – and we did a lot!"

"Interactive multimedia exhibits aimed at bringing history to life often achieve exactly the opposite, but the much-hyped Jorvik manages to pull it off with aplomb. It's a smells-and-all reconstruction of the Viking settlement unearthed here during excavations in the late 1970s, experienced via a 'time-car' monorail that transports you through 9th-century Jorvik (the Viking name for York). You can reduce time waiting in line by booking timed-entry tickets online; there is almost always a queue to get in."

"Set on the site of a major Viking settlement, Jorvik Viking Centre whisks visitors back in time to ninth-century England. Glass floors reveal remnants of the original village uncovered by archaeologists in the 1970s, while a train ride takes passengers past detailed diorama-style displays that recreate typical scenes from Viking life—complete with animatronic figures, a soundtrack, and more."

"For fun-filled free attractions you’re on the right track with the National Railway Museum. This is the largest railway museum in the world and is open year round. There are lots of free activities as well as a railroad-themed play area to keep kids entertained so it is a good choice for the whole family."

"This part of the UK often conjures up thoughts of the great age of the railway. York’s National Railway Museum does the train-era serious justice, and you’ll get some cracking old-school photos when here. View this post on Instagram"

"The world’s largest railway museum, from the Japanese Bullet Train to Queen Victoria’s favourite carriage, The Rocket and The Mallard. This is one giant museum with free entry!"

"Reviews: "Went back to cognac on Sunday and meal again was outstanding. The filet Monte Carlo was delicious and we enjoyed our 3 courses. Service was attentive and excellence.". "Everything from start to finish was simply outstanding. The food, the staff, and the service was top quality and so professional. The ambience was perfect, everything looked stunning and was so clean. We will 100% be returning again, one the best restaurants/meals we have both had."

"Recent review: "This place is one of the best restaurants in Hull the service is fantastic the food is even better! Kinda blink and you will miss it if driving down there but you won't be disappointed a hidden gem 5 stars thank you cognac we will be back!!!". Dish to try: Crab cakes"

"There are two Rustique French restaurants in York, the second one opening a few years ago after the popularity of the first on Castlegate. “Established in 2004, Rustique specialises in rustic French cooking in a busy, vibrant upbeat Bistro atmosphere. Offering a large and varied selection of traditionally cooked, locally sourced meat and fish dishes, we pride ourselves on giving our customers a first class, French-inspired dining experience."

"Another restaurant where the answer is in the name, Rustique is all about rustic French food. The idea here is to provide a typical French dining experience with traditionally cooked fish and meat dishes. If you haven't done so already, maybe this is the place to try Escargot for the first time."

"Just around the corner from The Shambles on Castlegate, Rustique is the York’s finest French restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner every day, this heaving spot makes for the perfect mid-sightseeing break. Expect everything from crêpes to steak frites."