Discover how hot yoga at Hedley House combats winter blues, builds flexibility, and creates the perfect January wellness routine in York's heated studio.

Discover York and Hedley House Hotel:  Your Perfect Home Base Simple stays are often the best. Most people overcomplicate their York trip planning. They spend hours scrolling through endless hotel options, worrying about parking, and trying to figure out which area gives them the best access to everything. But what if there was an easier way? Where to Stay in York with a Car? The Parking Problem Solved Finding accommodation with parking in York is like striking gold. York's ancient streets weren't built for cars. Most hotels offer no parking at all, forcing you to use expensive public car parks or risk parking on the street. Here's the thing... Hedley House Hotel offers something truly rare: secure off-street parking right in the city centre. For just £18 per night, you can leave your car safely tucked away while you explore York on foot. No parking stress, no hefty daily charges, no worrying about where you've left your vehicle . Why does this matter? Because parking in York can easily cost £20-30 per day in public car parks, and street parking is limited to a few hours. Having your own secure spot changes everything. Want to know why locals consider this such a big deal? York's city centre parking is notoriously difficult. During peak tourist seasons, you might circle for ages looking for a spot. Hedley House eliminates this headache completely. Which Part of York is Best to Stay In? York has several charming areas, each with its own character: City Centre - where most attractions are located but often noisy and expensive Bootham - quieter, residential feel yet still central Micklegate - known for its food scene South Bank - more natural surroundings but farther from attractions The sweet spot? Bootham area, where Hedley House Hotel is perfectly positioned. Located in Bootham Terrace, the hotel sits in a goldilocks zone - just far enough from the city centre noise but close enough to everything: 6-7 minutes walk from York Railway Station (with step-free access) 10 minutes walk to York city centre and Minster Close to the River Ouse for morning walks and runs This location means you'll avoid the tourist crowds and noise when you want to rest, but can easily reach attractions like York Minster, The Shambles, and the city walls within minutes. How to Get Cheap Hotel Accommodation in York York accommodation prices can make your eyes water, especially during summer months and festivals. But there's a secret most tourists miss... Book directly with the hotel. Many independent hotels like Hedley House offer their best rates when you book through their own website rather than big booking platforms. Hedley House specifically mentions: " Book directly with us for our best rates and personal service " . Other money-saving tips for staying at Hedley House: Call us and say lovely things to sweet talk us Visit during off peak season (January- April) when rates start from £99 per night Sunday nights are the cheapest Stay longer - we can do a deal for extended stays Look for special offers on their website for midweek stays Consider the value-adds - free WiFi, wellness facilities and the money saved on parking all add up Remember this: the cheapest hotel isn't always the best value. With Hedley House, you're getting comfortable ensuite rooms with modern amenities plus access to wellness facilities that would cost extra elsewhere. Where Should You Stay in York? The Complete Answer When choosing where to stay in York, consider these factors: Location and walkability Parking availability Value for money Unique features Personal touches Hedley House Hotel checks all these boxes and offers something many others don't - a genuine connection to York through its family owners. The hotel has been family-run for 40 years, with a fascinating back story. "We learned what truly matters - meaningful connections and genuine care. That's what we bring to every guest's stay." Beyond the practicalities, Hedley House offers unique wellness features rarely found in city centre hotels: Hot tub to soak tired feet after exploring York's cobbled streets Yoga studio for stretching and relaxation Modern gym to maintain your fitness routine Massage and beauty services Coming in Jan 2026 Sauna and cold pod A variety of rooms for all budgets Family and rooms for group These wellness options transform a standard city break into something more restorative. What Makes Hedley House Different? The hotel proudly states they're "More than a hotel. A home." This isn't just marketing speak. Guests consistently mention the personal touches in their reviews: "The hot tub after a day of walking York's walls was absolute heaven. Friendly staff made us feel like family." - Sarah from Manchester "Knowing our car was safely parked while we explored was worth every penny. Just a short walk to everything!" - James from Edinburgh While large hotel chains offer predictability, independent hotels like Hedley House provide character, soul and a more authentic connection to the city you're visiting. Your York Adventure Awaits Next time you're planning a York getaway, remember: The right hotel makes all the difference. When you can park without stress, walk to attractions easily, and return to a place that feels like home - your entire York experience is enhanced. Hedley House Hotel sits in that sweet spot - centrally located in the Bootham area, offering rare secure parking, comfortable rooms from £99, and wellness facilities you won't find elsewhere in central York. So before you spend hours comparing endless options, consider what truly matters for your York stay. Sometimes the answer is simpler than you think. Ready to book your York adventure? Check Hedley House Hotel's availability directly on their website for the best rates and personal service.

Planning your York Christmas Market visit this year? Here's exactly what's changed and how to make the most of your trip to what promises to be a completely different festive experience. What's Actually Changed This Year York Council and Make It York have listened to visitor feedback and made significant changes to tackle the overcrowding that plagued previous years. Seven fewer huts have been removed entirely, including three from the busy St Sampson's Square area. This creates much more space for walkways and reduces bottlenecks where crowds used to build up. Food stalls have been relocated from their cramped positions opposite Davygate to St Sampson's Square, spreading out the queuing areas that caused major congestion last year. The traditional carousel in King's Square is gone - replaced with a dedicated busking area and quiet space where families can actually breathe and enjoy the atmosphere. Where Everything Is Now Located The market still runs on Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square from Thursday, November 13 to Sunday, December 21, but the layout is completely different. Parliament Street Changes: The bottom block of chalets has moved to create a massive 29-foot (9-metre) wider walkway More space around the Christmas tree for photos without the crush Better signposting and event dressing St Sampson's Square Improvements: Three fewer huts mean proper pedestrian flow Food stalls now positioned to reduce queuing at the Church Street and Davygate junction The popular Treehouse attraction has moved to Parliament Street to spread crowds more evenly King's Square Transformation: No more carousel creating bottlenecks Quiet space for families and those needing a break Dedicated area for street performers How to Plan Your Visit Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings and early afternoons will still be quieter, but the new layout means weekend visits should be far more manageable than previous years. Getting There: If you're staying at Hedley House Hotel , you're perfectly positioned. The market is just a 10-minute walk from our Bootham Terrace location, and you can park securely with us rather than battling city centre parking. What to Expect: Wider walkways throughout Better access for pushchairs and wheelchairs Shorter queues at food stalls due to better positioning More space to actually browse the craft and artisan stalls Why These Changes Matter The statistics tell the story: nearly one-third of visitors surveyed after last year's market said it was too crowded, and more than a fifth specifically asked for it to be spread out. Make It York's report to the council stated these modifications aim to make the event "safer and more accessible" - addressing the genuine safety concerns that arose when thousands of people were squeezed into inadequate spaces. Making the Most of Your York Christmas Market Trip Combine with Other York Attractions: With better crowd flow, you'll have more time and energy to explore York's other winter attractions. The market's improved accessibility means you can easily walk to York Minster, the Shambles, or along the medieval city walls. Plan Your Accommodation: Stay somewhere with secure parking and easy walking access to avoid the stress of city centre driving. From Hedley House Hotel , you can walk to the market, explore the city, and return to relax in our hot tub after a day of festive shopping. Food and Drink Strategy: With food stalls now spread across different areas, you won't be stuck in one massive queue. Try the traditional German bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps, and mulled wine from various vendors without the previous bottleneck frustrations. What Hasn't Changed The market still features the same high-quality local craft and artisan products that make it special. You'll find handmade gifts, local artwork, and traditional Christmas decorations alongside the improved food and drink offerings. The festive atmosphere remains - it's just now properly accessible and enjoyable rather than an endurance test. Your Next Steps The 2025 York Christmas Market runs from November 13 to December 21. With these significant improvements, it's worth planning your visit earlier in the season when you can properly appreciate the changes without the last-minute Christmas rush. Book your York accommodation now to secure the best rates and avoid disappointment.  The improved market experience means more people will likely extend their stays to fully enjoy what the city offers during the festive season. Get booked in ...... www.hedleyhouse.com

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Christmas markets transform cities into winter wonderlands. None more so than York. Want to know why York's Christmas Market stands out from the rest? The Magic of York at Christmas York's award-winning Christmas Market (also known as St Nicholas Fair) returns from 13 November to 21 December 2025, bringing the heart of this historic city to life with festive cheer. Picture this... Alpine chalets lining Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square. The scent of mulled wine fills the crisp winter air. Twinkling lights reflecting off ancient buildings. This isn't just another Christmas market. It's a Yorkshire celebration. With over 80% of traders coming from Yorkshire, you're not just shopping – you're supporting local artisans and experiencing authentic regional crafts and flavours. What Makes York Christmas Market Special? The market offers more than just shopping opportunities. It creates an experience that stays with you long after you've returned home. Here's what you can expect: Local focus – Almost all traders are Yorkshire-based, showcasing the best regional products Unique gifts – From handcrafted jewelry to artisan food products Festive treats – Warm drinks in specially designed York Christmas cups Inclusive experience – Quiet times from 10am to 12pm daily (music-free) for a more sensory-friendly visit Sustainability – Eco-friendly practices from many traders Beyond the market stalls, York transforms into a Christmas paradise with attractions throughout the city. Beyond the Market: York's Festive Highlights The Christmas magic extends beyond Parliament Street. Don't miss these festive highlights: Thor's Tipi This Viking-inspired winter retreat returns to York Museum Gardens (22 October 2025 - 4 January 2026). Think giant tipis with roaring log fires, live music from local bands, and delicious winter warmers. It's the perfect place to escape the cold after exploring the markets. Festive Events From meeting Santa to enjoying Christmas pantos and concerts, York offers festive entertainment for all ages. The city comes alive with special events that capture the spirit of the season. Christmas Lights Wander through York's historic streets after dark to see the city illuminated with festive lights. The ancient walls and medieval buildings provide a magical backdrop for the twinkling decorations. Making the Most of Your Visit York Christmas Market gets busy, especially on weekends. Here are some insider tips: Visit early morning – Arrive when the market opens at 10am for a more relaxed experience Weekday magic – Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be quieter days Evening atmosphere – After 5pm offers a magical experience with all the lights Transport smart – Use Park & Ride services to avoid city centre parking hassles Your Relaxing Christmas Retreat at Hedley House After a day exploring York's Christmas wonders, you need somewhere special to unwind. That's where we come in. Hedley House Hotel offers the ideal festive retreat, just a 10-minute walk from York city centre and the Christmas markets. Our family-run hotel combines traditional Yorkshire hospitality with modern comforts that make Christmas stays truly special. Imagine returning from the markets to: A warm welcome in our cosy lounge A relaxing soak in our communal hot tub under winter skies A hearty meal in our restaurant featuring seasonal Yorkshire produce Secure off-street parking (rare in York!) so you can forget about your car. Our central location means you can easily pop back to drop off shopping bags before heading out again for evening festivities. Make This Christmas Truly Special The festive season should be about making memories, not stressing about details. Stay with us at Hedley House, and we'll take care of everything while you immerse yourself in York's Christmas magic. From comfortable rooms to our unique wellness facilities, we've created a home away from home where you can truly relax during the busiest season of the year. Book your Christmas stay today and discover why our guests return year after year for their festive York adventures. Remember to book early as York becomes extremely popular during the Christmas market period. Contact us directly for our best festive rates and special packages.