Following Warrington Wolves on the road is always an adventure, but our latest away day to York had a little extra sparkle. Not only were we heading to cheer on the Wire against York City Knights, but the fixture also fell on our 12th wedding anniversary, so we turned it into a mini getaway without the boys and it was one of our favourite away trips yet.
A Last Minute Anniversary Stay at The Grand Hotel, York
As the match landed on our anniversary weekend, we decided to stay overnight and make the most of it. We managed to grab an amazing last‑minute discount at The Grand Hotel and it felt like such a treat (read our full review here.) From the moment we checked in, the staff made us feel welcome, the room was beautiful and there was a lovely anniversary treat for us. The Grand Hotel was the perfect location as a base for exploring York.
Exploring York’s Historic Charm
No trip to York is complete without soaking up a bit of its incredible history, and we made sure to squeeze in some exploring before heading to the match. York is one of those cities where every corner tells a story, from the towering beauty of York Minster to the winding medieval streets that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. We wandered along the famous Shambles, browsed the independent shops and chocolatiers, and took in the views along the city walls. Even after countless visits, York still has that magical mix of heritage and atmosphere that keeps pulling us back.
A Mini Food Tour of York
York is a fantastic UK city for experiencing great food and shopping, so we couldn’t resist turning it into a little York food tour (full blogs coming soon). We wandered through the city sampling everything from street food favourites to cosy pub classics and indulgent sweet treats. Each stop had its own charm, and York proved why it’s such a brilliant destination for food lovers. It was the perfect way to start our anniversary weekend before the rugby kicked off.
Heading to the Stadium
When it was time for the match, we grabbed an Uber from the hotel to the stadium. The LNER Community Stadium is home to both the York CIty Knights Rugby League and York CIty Football Club. It is genuinely impressive, not just a stadium, but a whole entertainment hub complete with a leisure centre, cinema, bowling and restaurants. It’s modern, clean and easy to navigate, making it a great away venue for families.
Matchday Atmosphere & Views
The stands themselves are fairly small, with a capacity of just 8,500 and fully seated , but that actually adds to the charm. You’re close to the action, the atmosphere builds quickly, and the views are brilliant from pretty much anywhere. It’s one of those grounds where you feel properly involved in the game.
Matchday Drinks: Cider Wins This Round
Like many rugby league grounds, the lager wasn’t the best, let’s just say it wouldn’t win any awards. But the cider was much better, so that became the drink of choice for the evening. Prices were pretty standard for a stadium, and service was quick enough that we didn’t miss any of the action.
Easy Transport Links (and a Little Drama!)
One thing we noticed about the stadium was how simple it is to get back into the city after the match. There’s a bus stop right outside that runs straight to York train station, which is ideal for away fans heading home. We decided to hop in an Uber back to our hotel, The Grand.
However we only just managed to avoid a disaster thank to a fantastic Uber driver. We stepped out of the car at the hotel and decided to take a detour to the local Irish bar. Then we heard honking on a horn, we noticed that the Uber driver was turning around and then there he was waving Marks phone which he had left on the back seat. Thank goodness the Uber driver had checked the back seat, absolute legend.
Final Thoughts: York Away Days Are Always a Win
Between celebrating our anniversary, exploring York’s food scene, staying at a gorgeous hotel and cheering on Warrington Wolves, this away day was a fantastic experience. York is such a welcoming city and we’re already looking forward to our next trip to York.
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