Serviced Accommodation, Aparthotels and Serviced Apartments in York

When it comes to possessing a distinctive character and an exclusive history, not many cities compare to York. The 2,000-year-old walled city in north-eastern England belongs to the county of (North) Yorkshire which incorporates other major cities such as Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford. The city itself has a population of around 200,000 who occupy just over 100,000 square miles of land, intersected by the River Ouse. However, it is the city’s attractions which steal the headlines. Historical beauties are in the absolute abundance here. They compliment the amazing shopping and social experience on show. It all contributes to the idea that York truly does have it all.

In terms of transport, those coming to stay in our York serviced apartments will find the city really easy to access. There are a number of significant trunk roads linking to other locations and to the M1. The city has been a major railway centre since the early nineteenth century and is still a hub today too. It is an important stop on the East Coast Main Line from London to Edinburgh. Leeds-Bradford Airport is the closest airport, about 30 miles away. Whereas, Manchester Airport links up with an hourly service of the TransPennine Express.

BUSINESS IN YORK

Previously recognised as the best place to live in the UK, as well as one of Europe’s favourite destinations, York certainly has the climate to accommodate new business venture and relocation. Amongst the strongest in Northern England, the local economy supports around 115,000 jobs and contributes about £5 billion to the national economy. Figures such as these are supported by the fact that the infrastructure and prospects available in York are first class. The population is highly skilled, there is a pioneering digital infrastructure, the transports links are excellent, and the city is home to the outstanding University of York. A strong recognition globally also helps attract an estimated seven million visitors to the city each year. Amongst those is a population of corporate travellers. Either visiting briefly or relocating long-term for business, corporates are always in need of suitable centrally located York corporate accommodation.

York’s economy is also largely based within the service industry. In fact, close to nine out of ten jobs there are service industry-related. Big employers include the council and insurance company Aviva, as well as the food production company Nestlé. Business support is available for big companies such as these, as well as start-up smaller businesses. Support bodies and specialist networking companies include the Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, York professionals and the newly formed Guild of Media Arts. Helping to locate businesses in York too is Make it York, the city’s official inward investment support agency. There is also the York Science Park, the home of innovative business growth. It is just a couple of miles east of our range of city centre York corporate housing.

HISTORY

York is an ancient city, dating back to Roman times when it was a fortress known as ‘Eboracum’. The city, however, made its true entrance onto the historical stage with the coming of the Vikings. The Islanders called it ‘Jorvik’, from which the name York is derived. Ever since the arrival of the Normans a thousand years ago, York has been a centre for commerce and government.

Following the Roman, Anglian, Viking and Norman eras came the so-called ‘Late Medieval Age’. During this period, between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries, the York Minster cathedral was rebuilt, the city walls were developed, the Guildhall was built, and the now-city received its charter from King Richard II, granting York county status. Only London had received this status at the time.

The later centuries were also troubling times for York though. The terms and conditions of the overthrowing of Richard III caused social unrest and economic stagnation. Later leaders possessed weaker ties with the region to make matters worse. Elizabeth I’s anti-Catholic perspectives highlighted the mistrust between the monarchy and York at the time. Many argue though that it was this period of decline which ironically paved the way for the tourist boom of today. The lack of economic development means York has been relatively unchanged from its historic roots. For an even deeper insight into the city’s history, it is worth visiting the Yorkshire Museum nearby many of our fully furnished York temporary housing options.

WHAT TO SEE

Even if guests only book stays in York short term accommodation, they should make time to see some of the many sights. Our luxury serviced apartments in York can place business travellers at the heart of this historical, yet chic city. For example, York Minster is one of the largest cathedrals of its style in Europe. Worth visiting too the amazing medieval walls which circle the city for three miles. York’s narrow streets also reveal a wealth of independent shops and stylish little cafes, too. The famous Shambles Old Street is an obvious example of this.

It is unsurprising, therefore, that the city is brimming with museums. The three we picked out though as ‘must-visits’, all highlighting very different aspects of the city’s history, are the Yorkshire Museum, the National Railway Museum and York’s Chocolate Story. At the heart of the beautiful York Museums Gardens is the Yorkshire Museum. One of the first purpose-built museums in the country, it was reopened in 2010 following a nine-month £2 million refurbishment project. It is now home to five galleries and some of Britain's greatest architectural treasures within a stunning Georgian building. The opening of Yorkshire’s Jurassic World helped the museum attract a record number of visitors in a year – over 160,000.

Then there is the National Railway Museum. Boasting an unrivalled collection of railway items, which is actually the largest of its kind worldwide, this museum exclusively enables visitors to immerse themselves in a world of engineering extravagance and iconic locomotives. Attendees can expect to relive the interesting history of British railway transport and what impact it has had on society. Instead, corporates and their families may wish to visit the iconic York’s Chocolate Story. Whether it is learning the art of a chocolatier, exploring three floors of interactivity or unravelling the history of some of the biggest chocolate brands, this museum has something for everyone and offers a great way to spend the day in York city centre.  

We are just touching upon the things to see and do in York. Travellers could also enjoy the Clifford’s Tower, the Jorvik Viking Centre, the York Dungeon, the York Barbican or Barley Hall. Ultimately, there is so much to do in this historic city. Further combined with the fantastic business climate, it comes as no shock that home from home York aparthotels are so popular amongst corporates.