The ultimate weekend itinerary to make any York student happy

Phew, it’s been a long semester! Thankfully, as it’s April now, the sun is out. Long gone are the long dark days of winter!

As we approach summer and the end of second semester, the weather is getting warmer and we need to start making the most of gorgeous York before we head home. So, here is a list of the best ways to spend your weekend in your last few weeks of being students.

Saturday

11:00am: Give yourself a lie in after all the hard work you’ve done this week and the extra hours you have put in at the library. Put on your best, most summery outfit and some comfy shoes (but make sure you pack your umbrella, the Yorkshire weather is never reliable) before heading out to grab the bus into town.

12am: Grab a coffee from York’s brand new Black Wheat Club to drink on the 25 minute train journey to Knaresborough. Make sure you snap a pic of the Minster on your way to the train station! Seriously, are you even a York student if you’ve never taken a photo of this famous and beautiful landmark?

12:30am: Once you arrive in Knaresborough, find your way down to Mother Shipton’s Cave – a park linked to a prophesying witch and a well that can turn things to stone. When the weather is good, this is a perfect place for a picnic on the grass as well as a look around some of the market stalls. 

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2:30pm: Wander back through the town centre and walk down along the riverside and under the gorgeous Knaresborough viaduct. You can also hire row boats to really get up and close to the viaduct and you’re able to see the town in a whole different light. At around £10 per person, it’s an essential for a York student when the weather is good for once. 

3:30pm: Stop at the Marigold Cafe situated on the riverside to get a quick bite to eat and a drink with a stunning view. 

4:30pm: The best spot to grab some memorable photos is the Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse Museum and the Bebra Gardens. This ruined Norman fortress from the 1300s is surrounded by greenery and overlooks the rest of the town – ideal for a picture-perfect Insta story.

5:00pm: Head back to the train station to get back to York.

6:00pm: There are so many great, independent restaurants in York so you have to take advantage of them. Some of my favourites include Nola, Los Moros, Spark, and Lucia, where you can treat yourself to some delicious food and drink before heading back home.

8:00pm: After a long day of sightseeing and walking, this is now the perfect time to have a movie night with your friends, read a book or scroll on TikTok before falling asleep. The perfect way to end your day!

Sunday

11:00am: Have another lie-in after your long day of walking yesterday before heading into town for a bit of a browse – maybe even walk into town to enjoy the campus greenery.

12:30am: Once you’re in town, head to Rise or Drift-In for a cheeky bit of lunch and check out their most recent seasonal drinks like its new blueberry matcha or elderflower iced tea (yum)! Make sure to use your 10 per cent student discount while you can, so bring your student ID card with you to claim your discount.

2:00pm: Take advantage of all the charity shops and second hand shops in York. You can definitely find something for your summer wardrobe on Fossgate or Goodramgate as well as some brilliant books in the three Oxfam’s and Amnesty bookshops we have around the centre.

3:30pm: Use your best perk as a York resident – go and visit the Minster for free! You can learn something new about the history of the city, and if you are feeling like it, pay £6 to climb up to the top and get some pictures of York from 60 meters above ground. You also have to post the obligatory photo of the gorgeous stained glass windows (again, do you really go to York Uni if you’ve never been inside the Minster?)

4:00pm: Only a short walk away from the Minster, have a wander around the York Museum Gardens and take in all the greenery as well as learning something about the ruins of the Abbey of St Mary. You could really get lovey dovey and romanticise it, and start dreaming about holding your wedding at The Hospitium in summer. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there…

5:00pm: As the sun is still out and not even close to setting, it’s time to get to your nearest pub garden to soak up the sun with a drink in hand!

7:00pm: After a few pints, why not head to Stone Roses or Dusk, where you can grab a few cocktails and get into the clubbing mood as…

10:30pm: Sunday Revs open its doors to finish off your perfect weekend as a Uni of York student!

Hopefully my weekend itinerary has given you lots of fun and summery ideas for activities and things to do during your last weekends as a student in York. Time will fly by, so it’s important to make the most of your remaining time in York while it lasts. Eat, drink, party, and explore the city – you’ll make more memories to cherish for the rest of your life.