Where to stay and eat

▶ Middlethorpe Hall: York’s finest hotel, an august Queen Anne house near the racecourse. It was built by the Barlow family, Sheffield cutlers who had made a fortune in the 17th century and wanted to relocate to York. The house was built on the main road leading south out of York rather than in a park, to be sure that no-one would miss it. Today the hotel is famed for its Champagne Afternoon Tea. There is also a lovely spa with a swimming pool in a cottage on the estate. → middlethorpe.com

▶ Guy Fawkes Inn: This Georgian townhouse stands close to York Minster and claims to have been built on the site of the medieval inn where the Gunpowder plotter, Guido Fawkes was born. Inside, the hotel offers diners a ‘ Conspirators Menu' and a free two-hour walking tour of York’s historic sights. → guyfawkesinnyork.com

▶ Galtres Lodge: A unique 12-bedroom boutique hotel has been formed out of two Georgian townhouses in the centre of York. Its location in Low Petergate is ideal for both sightseeing and shopping. → galtreslodge.uk

▶ The Refectory: The Refectory Kitchen & Terrace is part of York’s old 19th-century railway hotel, now known as The Principal, York. Its bar – known as the Chapter House – and its dining room – known as the Refectory – take their names from York’s monastic origins. While you’re there check out the hotel’s gorgeous main staircase. → therefectory.co.uk

▶ Pearly Cow York: Pearly Cow is the first in a mini-chain of new British restaurants opening in heritage buildings. Fire and Ice are the themes of the menu so whether you want steak cooked in a Mibrasa Grill or oysters served on a plate of ice, book in from the end of March. → pearlycow.co.uk

▶ Pairings: Sisters Kelly and Kate opened Pairings Wine Bar in 2015. Their mission is to offer a relaxing space for drinking good wine but with the opportunity to order the food the two women suggest as an ideal pairing with each bottle.

Hence the name. → pairings.co.uk