Spending a week or more in York is one of my favourite ways to really soak up the river, cobbled streets and slow rhythms of the city — but longer stays can add up if you aren’t careful. Over the years I’ve learned practical ways to stretch a travel budget while keeping the comforts that make a stay feel restorative: a cosy room, a good breakfast, and time to linger by the Ouse. Below I share hands-on tips for deals, transport, meal planning and small ways to save that add up into a more affordable, more relaxed break.
Book smart for longer stays
When I arrange weeks at a time, I look for properties and platforms that reward length. Many independent guesthouses and aparthotels, including places similar to Fevershamlodge Co, offer weekly or long-stay discounts — sometimes as much as 10–20% off the nightly rate. If you find a place you like, email them directly to ask about a longer-stay rate: owners often prefer the certainty of a guest for seven nights or more.
Midweek and shoulder-season travel are big money-savers. Arriving on a Monday and leaving the following Monday usually avoids weekend premium rates, and visiting in late autumn or early spring brings lower prices and a calmer city. I also check cancellation policies closely — a flexible rate slightly higher can be cheaper than a non-refundable one if plans change.
Consider self-catering or hybrid options
One of the best ways to lower daily costs is to stay somewhere with basic kitchen facilities. An apartment or a room with a kitchenette lets you prepare breakfasts and a few evening meals. Even simple routines — porridge and fruit for breakfast, a thermos of tea for a riverside picnic — keep costs down without feeling frugal.
- Grocery tips: The Co-op and Tesco Express have convenient riverside and central locations; for better prices and local produce, visit Bootham or the Shambles Market on market days.
- Batch-cook: Make a few large pasta or grain salads and portion them for several evenings.
- Picnic essentials: Pick up picnic blankets and reusable cutlery — eating outside by the Ouse is free and memorable.
Use transport options that reward longer stays
York is compact and wonderfully walkable, but you’ll likely want to take buses or the occasional taxi. For longer stays, I compare weekly or seven-day transport options rather than buying single tickets.
| Option | Best for | Money-saving tip |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | Daily exploration of central York | Free and healthy — aim to base yourself near the river or within the walls |
| First York bus | Trips to the racecourse, suburbs, or shopping centres | Buy day or multi-day bus passes; use contactless to cap spend |
| Park & Ride | Longer stays with a car | Park & Ride is cheaper than city centre parking and convenient |
| Rail | Day trips to Leeds, Harrogate, or Scarborough | Get a Railcard (16–30, Two Together, Senior) for 1/3 off or book Advance tickets |
For visitors driving in, I recommend leaving the car at a Park & Ride and walking into town. Central parking is expensive for extended visits.
Take advantage of memberships, passes and local deals
Memberships quickly pay for themselves if you plan multiple visits to museums or attractions. The York Pass is helpful if you want to visit lots of tourist sites in a short period — calculate whether the attractions you plan to visit are included. For longer, gentler stays I find single-entry tickets plus time spent wandering free attractions (museums with pay-what-you-like donations, historic streets) often matches a more relaxed itinerary.
- Museum memberships: If you plan several museum visits, joining a museum or National Trust for a year can be cheaper than multiple admissions.
- Local loyalty cards: Check cafés and eateries for loyalty stamps — many small spots offer a free coffee after a number of purchases.
Plan meals to balance treat nights and savings
I build a meal plan around one or two special dinners and affordable daily meals. York has a brilliant range of cafés, bakeries and small restaurants where a modest meal feels like a treat.
- Breakfast: Buy pastries or fruit locally and make tea/coffee where you’re staying. If your accommodation includes breakfast deals for guests, take advantage — a good cooked breakfast can keep you going all morning.
- Lunch: Opt for market lunches, picnic sandwiches, or set-lunch menus. Many pubs run lunch deals that are hearty and well priced (look out for lunchtime pies and stews in traditional pubs).
- Dinner: Save restaurant nights for special occasions. Try a local pub for one evening and splurge on a riverside dinner another night.
- Snack smart: Bakeries like those on Stonegate or pawnbroker streets offer excellent pastries for a small price — perfect for a riverside snack.
Use free and low-cost activities to fill your days
York is full of inexpensive joys. I plan several free activities into each week to balance paid attractions.
- Sunset walks along the Ouse and through Museum Gardens — bring a thermos and enjoy.
- Self-guided walks: download free maps or follow themed routes (medieval walls, riverside, chocolate walk).
- Explore independent bookshops and galleries — browsing is free and often rewarding.
- Attend free or low-cost events during your stay: check local listings for markets, seasonal fairs, or evening talks.
Practical saving tips for longer stays
Small things can trim costs over a week or more:
- Pack laundry essentials or find a small launderette — doing a little washing avoids repeated packing and expensive hotel laundry.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and coffee cup — York has refill points and many cafés offer a discount for reusable cups.
- Use comparison sites to check weekly electric vehicle charging costs if you drive an EV — some hotels include charging in long-stay rates.
- Sign up to local newsletters on arrival — many restaurants and attractions send last-minute offers or midweek deals.
With a little planning — choosing the right base, mixing self-catered and special meals, using passes wisely and favouring low-cost activities — a longer stay in York becomes both affordable and indulgent. These choices keep costs down without feeling like sacrifice; instead you gain slower days, more local discoveries and extra time to savour the river’s calm.
