A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom York vs. Loch Lomond National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit York or Loch Lomond National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit York or Loch Lomond National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park is a peaceful, relaxing, and scenic national park. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking.

York and Loch Lomond National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in York or Loch Lomond National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in York than Loch Lomond National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. York is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Loch Lomond National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Loch Lomond National Park and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Also, York is famous for The Shambles. Loch Lomond National Park is well known for becoming the first designated national park in Scotland in 2002.

How is York different from Loch Lomond National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Loch Lomond National Park and York. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in York or Loch Lomond National Park?

York
Loch Lomond National Park

York is a great city for its historical sights. However, Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into York. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in York or Loch Lomond National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York
Loch Lomond National Park

York is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in York have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Loch Lomond National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find some traditional Scottish food to sample but in general for the best food, head to one of the nicer hotels in the area.

Is York or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Nightlife?

York
Loch Lomond National Park

York is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in York has something for everybody. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is York or Loch Lomond National Park Better for its Old Town?

York
Loch Lomond National Park

York is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Loch Lomond National Park does not have a historic old town.

York offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Loch Lomond National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is York or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Hiking?

York
Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, York is not a hiking destination.

Loch Lomond National Park is a good destination for hiking. You can choose from relaxing walks or more strenuous hikes and options run along the shoreline or into the surrounding hills and forests. Some of the more popular hikes in the area include Ben Lomond, Conic Hill, and Callander Crags.

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Loch Lomond National Park?

York
Loch Lomond National Park

York is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

York has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is York or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Families?

York
Loch Lomond National Park

York is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Loch Lomond National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-friendly activities.

York is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Loch Lomond National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. You'll find a wide range of diverse activities for kids around the park. They can explore the maze at the Lodge Forest Visitor Center, get up close with animals at Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, or Loch Lomond Pony Trekking, or have an adventure at Doune Castle. Other highlights for the kids include Wellsfield Farm and the Maid of the Loch Paddle Steamer.


Is York or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Couples?

York
Loch Lomond National Park

With fun activities for couples, both York and Loch Lomond National Park make for a excellent place to visit.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Loch Lomond National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many waterfront accommodation options that make for a beautiful and peaceful couples retreat. The nature and serenity is perfect for couples who want to get away from it all.

Is York or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York
Loch Lomond National Park

York is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Loch Lomond National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Plenty of backpackers visit Loch Lomond National Park. There are some camping options available for backpackers and those who want to experience nature in its fullest.

Is York or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

York
Loch Lomond National Park

York is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not known for its public transit.

While York offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Loch Lomond National Park. You can reach the park by train, but transportation option within the area are generally limited.


Is York or Loch Lomond National Park a more walkable city?

York
Loch Lomond National Park

York is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

York is a somewhat walkable city. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is York Worth Visiting? and Is Loch Lomond National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Loch Lomond National Park or York?

How long in York or Loch Lomond National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either York or Loch Lomond National Park. In our opinion, York has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in York than Loch Lomond National Park. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in York than Loch Lomond National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in York, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in York than Loch Lomond National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in York that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York than Loch Lomond National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in York.


  • How many days in York or Loch Lomond National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    York 2-4 
    Loch Lomond National Park 2-4

One day in York or Loch Lomond National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fanciful city of York. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Loch Lomond National Park. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Loch Lomond National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of York. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Most people visit for the food. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Loch Lomond National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in York or Loch Lomond National Park?

York is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the scenic destination of Loch Lomond National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Loch Lomond National Park?

York is a popular choice for travelers. Most people visit for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The relaxing national park of Loch Lomond National Park offers . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours from London, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh.


Which place is cheaper, Loch Lomond National Park or York?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in York is £106, while the average daily cost in Loch Lomond National Park is £61. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for York and Loch Lomond National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    York £59
    Loch Lomond National Park £31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    York £118
    Loch Lomond National Park £62
Compare Hotels in York and Loch Lomond National Park

Looking for a hotel in York or Loch Lomond National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in York


Hotels in Loch Lomond National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: York Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    York £12
    Loch Lomond National Park £20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from York to Manchester Airport (MAN): $279
  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $271
  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $163

Is it cheaper to fly into York or Loch Lomond National Park?

Prices for flights to both Loch Lomond National Park and York change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    York £32
    Loch Lomond National Park £15
Typical Food Prices in York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    £22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in York.

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music: $56
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    York £11
    Loch Lomond National Park £16

Tours and Activities in York

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for York are as follows:

  • All Creatures Great & Small tour from York: $100
  • Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise: $19
  • Castle Howard Entrance Ticket: $32
  • City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $20
  • Clueniveristy of Magic!! Immersive Adventure in York City: $24
  • Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour: $25
  • Dark Tales of York. Private ghost tours.: $61
  • Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York: $18
  • Discover York's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of the City Walls: $11
  • Early Evening Boat Cruise through York: $18
  • Fish & Chips Boat Cruise in York: $30
  • From Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    York £13
    Loch Lomond National Park £3.93
Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    £9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $32
  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • The Full Hoot Distillery Tour & Guided Hooting Owl Experience: $57


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Loch Lomond National Park, we can see that York is more expensive. And not only is Loch Lomond National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Loch Lomond National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Loch Lomond National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in York would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in York than you might in Loch Lomond National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is York Expensive? and Is Loch Lomond National Park Expensive?.


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