Relaxation & Adventure in York

Looking for an ideal place for a mother-daughter getaway?

Why wait for Mother's Day to show your mum how much she means to you? Surprise her with a spontaneous getaway to a beautiful UK destination! It's the perfect chance to create unforgettable memories with the most important woman in your life.

This is exactly what Rachel O'Brian did with her daughter, spending a blissful 3 night stay at The Old Coach House located right in the heart of York city centre. Wander through charming streets lined with quaint shops and cafes, soak up the history at iconic sites such as York Minster and the Shambles, and relax in the comfort of a cosy holiday cottage that will feel like a home away from home.

Together, they enjoyed mouthwatering local dishes at some of York's well-loved restaurants, cherished leisurely moments chatting, and created precious memories destined to last forever. Whether they were bonding over their mutual love for history, immersing themselves in the city's lively culture, or simply relishing each other's company – this girls' retreat to York became an ideal way for them to reconnect and forge enduring bonds.

Read on to experience their ultimate girls getaway.

Where did you go and for how long? And with whom?

My daughter and I chose to spend a long weekend in the charming, historical city of York. We needed a cottage close to the city centre and its attractions since we were travelling by train. A holiday home that would let us relax outside with an early morning cup of tea surrounded by birdsong was also on our wish list. The Old Coach House turned out to be everything we dreamed of! This wonderful holiday gem is converted from a Grade II listed Regency coach house and stable. Nestled quietly in a serene garden, it offers seclusion away from the city's vibrant buzz, yet it's just a 15-minute walk to the heart of York!

Were there any specific amenities or features of the cottage that you particularly enjoyed?

The cottage was immaculately clean, and it's easy to understand why it's a customer's choice winner. Cosy and serene, yet equipped with everything we could possibly need. From the outdoor grilling area to the charmingly converted hay basket turned fully-equipped kitchen, it truly felt like a home away from home. Safe and quiet, while conveniently located for us to explore York at our leisure – it offered the best of both worlds!

What were the highlights of your break? Any memorable experiences?

There are three highlights that I absolutely adored: strolling along the city walls, imagining the countless footsteps of history we were following; exploring the quirky shops in The Shambles and being fascinated by the line outside York Ghost Merchants; and basking in the serene beauty of Museum Gardens.

We fell in love with York Art Gallery, especially by the current Monet exhibition. Margaret Clitheroe's shrine in The Shambles offers a wonderfully peaceful spot to spend a quiet ten minutes right in the heart of the city. Additionally, we enjoyed embarking on the York Cat Trail walk—a fantastic way to discover all corners of this charming town!

Immerse yourself in history at the majestic minster, explore the fascinating Jorvik Viking Centre, stroll along the iconic City Walls, and marvel at the wonders of the National Railway Museum. With convenient access to major roads, you're just a short drive away from the breathtaking North York Moors. Don't miss out on a trip to the beautiful coastlines of Scarborough and Whitby either—they're absolutely worth it!

Did you visit any local restaurants and discover any hidden gems?

Our visit to York was a culinary adventure! The city is brimming with fantastic dining spots that are sure to please any palate. Betty's Tea Shop truly lives up to its stellar reputation and left us enchanted. For a taste of authentic French cuisine right in the heart of York, Rustique Castlegate next to Clifford's Tower is an absolute must-visit; the location itself is iconic! Partisan on Micklegate amazed us with its intriguing brunch menu. This lively independent coffee shop also doubles as a licensed restaurant and arts space, adding even more charm to our experience in York.

Looking for inspiration for your next cottage getaway?

Booking a cottage holiday offers a precious chance to pause and find balance. It's an invitation to step away from daily pressures and immerse yourself in the serene embrace of nature. Imagine staying in a charming seaside cottage or a snug cabin nestled in the woods—each offering an experience you'll cherish forever. In our increasingly hectic world, these moments disconnected from technology yet deeply connected with loved ones are becoming hard to find.

The peace and quiet that come with a cottage getaway are invaluable. Picture starting your day with coffee on the porch, ending it by roasting marshmallows over an open fire, creating memories you'll hold onto long after the trip ends.

We invite you to explore our additional blog posts for further inspiration and ideas for your next escape—you won't regret it, we promise.

For more inspiration of short breaks in the UK take a look at our blogs of the best walking hotspots in the UK or if you prefer two wheels then our self guided cycling holidays around the UK is for you. If you're looking for trusted holiday homes across the UK, our My Story blogs are here to help. Whether it's Reconnecting in Yorkshire or A Girls Getaway in Scotland or even a short midweek break in Suffolk, we've got you covered.

About Us

cottages.com is your go-to destination for an extensive selection of memorable cottage holidays. With a wealth of experience spanning over 45 years, we boast a portfolio of over 21,000 holiday homes spread across the UK, catering to every budget. We're committed to maintaining a high standard of service to our customers by abiding by ABTA's Code of Conduct Our excellent Trustpilot rating reflects the high level of customer satisfaction we strive for. We believe in keeping things simple, so you can focus on making lasting memories with your loved ones from the moment you book with us.