How many days in York? Followed by…..Chester?
How Many Days Should I Spend in York? And What’s Next—Chester?
Hi everyone,
I’ll be visiting the UK this fall from Canada and I’m planning a road trip through Scotland, then down through England and over to France. My first stop is York since I’ve heard it’s a “must-see” destination. I’m curious—how many nights do you think I should spend there? I’ll be arriving by train from Edinburgh around 6 PM and am currently planning for two nights, which gives me essentially one full day to explore. I usually like to keep my travels brisk, but if York truly deserves more time, I’m open to that. My interests include visiting museums, trying local street food (not fancy dining), exploring aimlessly, and soaking in historical sites.
After York, I initially considered visiting either Manchester or Liverpool, but my initial research suggests there might not be a lot of tourist attractions in those cities. Instead, I’ve heard great things about Chester as a possible alternative. While I’m curious about Manchester due to its reputation as one of England’s largest cities, I’m not quite sure what the key highlights would be. Following that, I’ll head to Wales for a few nights before spending time with family in London.
Lastly, I’ll be in England from around September 11 for 10-14 days. Is it possible to catch a Premier League game during that time? Are tickets typically available to the public, or are they mostly sold to fan clubs and hard to acquire? Is there a particular city where it’s easier to find tickets? I have plenty of time for detours, so that’s not a concern.
Thanks for any suggestions as I try to finalize my itinerary!
Hi there!
It sounds like you have an exciting road trip planned! York is definitely a fantastic place to start. With your interests in museums, street food, and historical sites, I’d recommend spending at least two nights in York. That way, you’ll have a full day to explore the gorgeous medieval streets, the famous York Minster, and the many museums like the Jorvik Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum. Plus, with more time, you can wander around the Shambles and sample local treats without feeling rushed.
As for Chester, it’s a lovely city steeped in history, known for its unique Roman walls and beautiful Tudor-style buildings. Spending one to two nights there would be worthwhile, especially if you enjoy historical sites and scenic walks. The Chester Zoo is also a great attraction if you happen to be an animal lover.
Regarding Manchester and Liverpool, both cities have their unique draws. Manchester is known for its music scene, shopping, and industrial heritage. Many people enjoy visiting the Science and Industry Museum or taking a trip to Old Trafford if you’re a football fan. Liverpool boasts significant Beatles history and the Albert Dock, along with numerous museums. If your primary goal is historical exploration, Chester might be the better fit, but both cities have their appeal depending on what you’re looking for.
As for catching a Premier League game, you should have a good chance of getting tickets during your trip! Many clubs do sell tickets directly to the public, but they can be popular, especially for high-demand matches. It’s advisable to check the specific club’s website for ticket availability or consider services like Ticketmaster. Manchester has two major clubs (Manchester United and Manchester City), and Liverpool also has a passionate fan base. Just keep an eye on their schedules, as you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Enjoy your travels, and I hope you have a fantastic time exploring all the beautiful places in England!