The Big Guide to Your YORK Stag Weekend

If you're new to York or just need some advice on how to plan a legendary weekend in this great city, you're in the right place.

Below, we dissect everything you need to know about a York stag weekend - from where to sleep to where to party and everything else in between.

But what makes us the experts?

Well, we've been helping lads party in York since way back in 2002 and are across all the latest and greatest this city has to offer.

We've helped over 600,000 people - and counting - party on their pre-wedding weekends, so we're well placed to offer your tips, inspiration and more.

But that's enough chatter, let's dive into it.

Less talk, more York!

Contents

Is York Right for Your Group?

York has built a reputation as one of the UK's top stag cities.

Boasting a phenomenal party scene, a wide range of activities, and awesome pubs, it's a recipe for the ultimate stag do.

No matter what time of year you head there, you're bound to have a blast.

The Places in York You Need to Know About

Little Stonegate & Swinegate

A great place to start the party. From independent pubs and bars to stag-friendly hits like Turtle Bay and Slug and Lettuce, you won't be short of options in and around these streets.

Micklegate

On the west side of the river, this street is perfect if you're after cosy pubs and some classic bars.

Goodramgate

The highlight pub here is The Habit, which serves ice-cold pints and top-quality food in a friendly and lively atmosphere. Plenty of other historical pubs crowd this street.

Clifford Street

Home to York's biggest nightclub, Kuda, this place is ideal for late-night party animals.

Top 10 York Pubs, Bars & Clubs

The Best Time to Go

Our stats for 2023 show that 50% of groups head to York between February and May.

Why?

Well, Spring is always popular because it usually means better weather and it's just before summer - AKA peak wedding season.

It also avoids the summer holiday price hikes and overcrowding.

However, the beauty of York is that you can rock up anytime of the year and you'll still have an absolute blast.

How Long Do People Go For?

In 2023, 58% stayed for 3 days and 2 nights, which is the perfect amount of time if you ask us.

You'll be able to enjoy a range of activities, see the city sights and check out the nightlife without having to take any additional days off work.

How Soon Do People Book?

People heading to York in 2023 ended up booking a lot later than we'd recommend.

Yes, according to our end-of-year stats, people usually book 4 months in advance, but for York, the average was 3 months.

Why do we say to book earlier?

Well, York is a very popular city and hotels, activities and restaurants can book up months in advance.

It's also a hugely popular hen party destination, so you're there's double the demand.

Where to Stay in York

From central hotels to stag houses, we've got an impressive range of York stag accommodation to suit every group.

If you're looking to save some money, we'd advise staying at least walking distance to the centre, so you don't have to break into the beer kitty to pay for expensive taxis or faff about with public transport.

What to Do in York

With up to 40 different York stag do ideas as well as an impressive number of bars and pubs to choose from (there's one for each day of the year), you won't get bored on your big weekend away.

On top of that, York has a popular horse racing scene if you and the boys wanted to build your weekend around that.

Things to See in York

The Shambles

One of York's most iconic streets. Definitely worth a little stroll down when you're in the city centre.

Snickelways

Snickleways are twisting, narrow, medieval pathways that make up central York, and it's an area that houses some of the best pubs in the UK! This is a great place for a medieval pub crawl and many of the pubs are reputed to be haunted... or it could just be really old regulars!

Ghost Tour

As York is supposedly "the most haunted city in Europe", it's only right that you check out a ghost tour to scare away the hangovers.

How to Get to York...

Check out how easy it is to get to York...

Train - York Station is situated on the western side of the river, not far from the best that the city has to offer.

Visit Trainline to book your train tickets.

Car - Carpooling is always a good option, but parking in the city is difficult, so check if your accommodation has a car park or visit Parkopedia for the nearest one.

Plane - If any of the boys are going to fly in, Leeds Bradford Airport is 31.5 miles away with plenty of transport to get you to the city.

Visit the Leeds Bradford Airport website for more info.

Tips On Getting Around York

Walking - The beauty of this city is it's one of the most walkable of them all. It's easy to navigate between bars and restaurants, and much of central York is pedestrianised.

Bus - York has an extensive bus network that covers the entire city. Check the First Bus website for further details.

Taxis - If you're staying out of town or one of your activities is slightly further afield, a taxi is a solid option. There are plenty of taxi companies to choose from (we recommend Streamline taxis: 01904 656565), plus Uber also operate here.

Common York FAQs

Is York good for stag dos?

The historic city is perfect for stag dos. With an awesome range of activities, plenty of stag-friendly pubs and bars, and an impressive amount of accommodation, it's a real crowd-pleaser.

Does York have a good nightlife?

York is famous for its nightlife. Aside from the 365+ pubs and bars available (that's one for every day of the year), the nightclubs, comedy shows, and live music tick every box for a great night out.

Does York have clubs?

While you won't find as many as some of the bigger UK cities, the nightclubs that are here certainly make up for it. It's quality over quantity, after all. From chains such as Popworld or independent dancefloors like Kuda, there are buzzing spots to party all night.