The Old Vicarage is ideally situated for visiting the nearby historic city of York (12 km/ 7.6 miles). The A19 bypasses Selby and leads straight to York. Parking in the city is not ideal, so leaving the car at The McArthur Glen outlet stores (which you pass on the way to York) and taking the park and ride is the most convenient way of seeing York. Shopping at McArther Glen is excellent too.
Selby (6 km/ 3.7 miles) on the way to York is worth a stop due to the beautiful Abbey.