Things To Do
in Huntington
Huntington is a suburban village on the northern edge of York in North Yorkshire, offering a calm residential atmosphere with easy access to the city. It combines green spaces, local shops and traditional village features with commuter links into historic York. The area is popular with families and commuters who value quiet streets, good schools and proximity to countryside.
Huntington makes a convenient base for exploring York’s medieval centre and the wider Yorkshire countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic town center of Huntington, where charming architecture and quaint shops await. Visit the iconic St. Mary's Church, which dates back to the 14th century, and admire its stunning stained glass windows. Enjoy a traditional English breakfast at a local café, fueling up for a day of exploration.
After lunch, immerse yourself in history at the Huntington Museum, where you can discover the town's rich past through engaging exhibits. Take some time to wander the beautiful grounds surrounding the museum, which feature lovely gardens and sculptures. As you stroll, keep an eye out for vibrant street art that adds a modern twist to this historic area.
As the sun sets, find a cozy pub in the town center for dinner, indulging in classic British fare paired with local ales. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the River Ouse, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and scenic views. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local theater for a play or live music performance.
Begin your day with a refreshing walk in the picturesque Huntington Park, where you can enjoy the vibrant colors of nature. The park's well-maintained trails offer a perfect setting for a peaceful morning stroll or a jog. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you take in the tranquil surroundings.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the park's designated areas, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Afterward, explore the park's various walking paths that lead to stunning viewpoints overlooking the river. This afternoon is perfect for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the essence of the English countryside.
As evening approaches, make your way to a local restaurant with outdoor seating to enjoy your dinner with a view of the park. Savor seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients while soaking in the natural beauty surrounding you. End your day with a relaxing walk back through the park, where the moonlight creates a magical atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Pint of beer at pub | $5-7 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 miles) | $10-18 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to historic York with its attractions and transport links
- Quiet, family-friendly residential feel with green spaces
- Good access to scenic countryside and stately homes like Castle Howard
- Limited nightlife and dining options within Huntington itself
- Can be busy in York at peak tourist seasons, affecting local traffic
- Public transport frequency drops in evenings and on Sundays in some routes
Places to Visit in Huntington
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic Gothic cathedral and the medieval walls provide dramatic architecture and skyline shots; early morning or golden hour yield the best light.
Riverside scenes with bridges, boats and reflections — especially photogenic at sunset and during high river flow.
Grand stately home set in landscaped gardens and lakes — a mix of formal architecture and sweeping parkland views.
Quieter shots of village life, traditional cottages, village greens and local church settings — good for intimate, local character photos.
Food in Huntington
Huntington Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Sunday roast with proper Yorkshire pudding — widely available in local pubs and inns around Huntington and in York city centre.
Must-Try!
Many country pubs and restaurants use seasonal game and vegetables from nearby farms; try during autumn and winter at gastropubs in and around York.
Traditional Yorkshire baked goods and classic British desserts served in bakeries, cafés and tearooms across the area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held regularly in York city centre — great for local cheeses, meats, breads and seasonal produce; pick up picnic supplies or artisanal treats.
Street-food vendors and independent producers near the Shambles and Bootham offering pies, gourmet sandwiches and sweet treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People in the UK value orderly queues — wait your turn and respect personal space in lines.
Politeness goes a long way — use please and thank you, and expect light small talk about the weather in casual interactions.
Being on time for appointments and tours is customary and appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Huntington
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory — 10–15% in restaurants for good service, rounding up small amounts for taxis, and leaving a couple of pounds in pubs is fine if table service is provided.
Contactless bank cards and mobile payments are widely accepted; carry a small amount of cash for market stalls or very small shops which may be card-free.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blossoming trees and fewer crowds make it ideal for walks and garden visits; pack a light waterproof and layers for variable weather.
Warmest, busiest time with long daylight hours — perfect for outdoor activities, but expect tourists in York and higher prices for accommodation.
Crisp air and colourful foliage in the surrounding countryside; harvest events and game season in pubs — bring a warm jacket for evenings.
Cold and occasionally frosty with shorter daylight; Christmas markets in York are festive but popular — wrap up warmly and expect fewer daylight walking hours.
Huntington at Night
Hiking in Huntington
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A long-distance walking route through the Howardian Hills AONB connecting numerous villages and scenic landscapes — suitable for day sections or multi-day hikes.
A local riverside trail following the River Foss with easy terrain, good for gentle strolls and family walks from Huntington towards York.
Rolling chalk hills and country lanes east of York offering varied routes, viewpoints and quiet walking away from main roads.
Airports
How to reach Huntington by plane.
Approximately 40–50 minutes by car — the closest major airport with domestic and European connections; reachable by train/bus combinations from York.
Around 1–1.5 hours by car — offers regional flights and is useful for some domestic and seasonal routes.
Around 1–1.5 hours by car — has had variable service offerings; check current routes and timetables.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families and professionals who commute into York for work and education, attracted by good schools and suburban housing.
A number of older residents choose the quiet village lifestyle with easy access to health services and community activities.
Nearby York universities mean a presence of students and younger adults in the wider area, though fewer live directly in Huntington compared with central York.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely followed locally — York City FC is the regional club and community teams are popular for participation.
Cricket is a traditional summer sport with local village teams and clubs in the surrounding area.
Rugby clubs and running groups are common, with local fixtures and countryside running routes popular among residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Huntington.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés, pubs and restaurants; most places are happy to adapt dishes. Supermarkets in the area stock vegetarian and vegan products.
Vegan choices are increasingly common in York’s eateries; however, in smaller village pubs you may need to ask for adaptations or check menus in advance.
Many cafés and restaurants offer gluten-free options — useful to mention dietary needs when ordering. Bakeries may have limited GF baked goods, so plan ahead for specialty items.