Campervan Hire near York

Motorhome Hire York

Founded by the Romans in 71 AD, York became the capital of the province of Britannica Inferior and has rarely fallen from this august position since. Boasting York Minster, one of the most important medieval religious buildings in the world, the city became part of Viking Britain until the tenth century. It continued to prosper into the twenty-first century because of its location midway between London and Edinburgh. This saw it become an important link in the country’s railway network. Just 35 kilometres north-east of Leeds, York has a much more relaxed ambience. Its proximity to several sites now designated national parks, including the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales, regularly sees it top the list as the best place to live – let alone to rent a motorhome in York.

Getting to York

The majority of north-south traffic travelling into and out of York by road is carried by the A1(M), a trunk road upgraded to the status of a motorway, via approximately 16 kilometres of the A64. The A64 also connects York with Leeds to the south-west and Scarborough on the North Sea Coast to the north-east. The A1(M) should not be confused with the M1. York Railway Station is a primary stopping point on the East Coast Mainline, meaning several trains per hour travelling between London and Scotland stop here. The closest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport, which sees regular arrivals and departures to a variety of European destinations thanks to Jet2 and Ryanair in particular. Destinations further afield can be reached from Manchester Airport, approximately 130 km away. This airport acts as a hub for budget airlines such as easyJet, as well as national carriers from Air France to TAP Air Portugal.

Parking in York

York city council is pushing to end all non-essential vehicle journeys into the city centre. However, for the moment, it’s still possible to find larger, campervan-friendly parking bays on Foss Islands Road. The prices charged are €5 for two hours to €13 for 12 hours, although parking overnight is not permitted. The city’s ‘park and ride’ scheme, which sees people park on the outskirts of the city and catch the bus in, also has designated parking for campervans and motorhome hire in York without height restrictions. What’s more, parking here is free, although once again overnight stays are not permitted. Askham Bar Park and Ride is located south of the city, and Rawcliffe Bar is to the north-west. Both are well signposted.

Annual Events in York

• Jorvik Viking Festival, city centre, February. Discover York’s Viking heritage during this week of battle re-enactments, tours, family events and evening entertainment. Free.
  
• Yorkshire Day, city wide, July/August. A celebration of the county of Yorkshire old and new, Yorkshire Day sees a host of free city centre events. Many top attractions in and around the city have special entry offers for the weekend too.
  
• York Food and Drink Festival, Parliament Street, September. Try everything from Wensleydale Cheese to Parkin cake from the stalls surrounding the main demonstration stage. Free, with some ticketed activities

Camping in York

• York Caravan Park. An adults-only caravan park less than 3.5 km from York Minster. Rated 5- star by Visit England, pitches are well-spaced and include access to a modern toilet and shower block. From €34 per night.
  
• Wagtail Park. A site with grass and hard-stand pitches with optional electric hook-up overlooking a tranquil fishing lake a short distance from the city outskirts. From €23 per night.
  
• Flaxton Meadows. A spacious site with a rural location, 20 minutes from central York. Guests can make use of a nature trail that winds among the trees. Fully-serviced pitches cost around €36 per night.