York Travel Diary

York Travel Diary

Discover York

With over 100 designer stores and on the doorstep of quaint riverside strolls and quirky independent shops to world-famous museums, it’s easy to see why York is frequently voted one of the UK’s best places to visit

Where to shop
One of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe and often referred to as ‘the real-life Diagon Alley’, the Shambles is home to a plethora of small independent shops and beautiful boutiques. However, it’s not the only place to enjoy a day of retail therapy. A mere 15-minute drive from the city centre, York Designer Outlet is home to over 100 designer and premium brands including Polo Ralph Lauren, Paul Smith, Michael Kors and Coach. If you’re visiting from Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Doncaster, Sunderland, London, Birmingham or Bristol, York Train Station is just a 15-minute bus ride from the outlet’s front door.

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York City
From quaint riverside strolls and quirky independent shops to world-famous museums, it’s easy to see why York is frequently voted one of the UK’s best places to visit. A vibrant and very visible Roman history makes the city one of the most interesting places to wander, whilst sumptuous sights and landmarks can be found around every corner. Visible from all angles, York Minster Cathedral may be the city’s crown jewel, but there are many more beautiful places to discover down the charming cobbled streets. Better yet, nearly all of York’s main attractions are within walking distance of one another, and with over 365 pubs, you’ll never be short of refreshment. Why not spend an hour or two walking around the walls of the city? You’ll certainly have earned a spot in a cosy pub after that.

Things to do
If you’re making a visit to York, why not delve into the walled city’s Scandi past at The Jorvik Viking Centre. Here you’ll get a chance to stand on the site of one of the most remarkable modern archaeological discoveries, the Viking-age city of Jorvik as it stood nearly 1,000 years ago, complete with the remains of houses, workshops and backyards. Visitors can journey through detailed reconstructions and experience life as it would have been in 10th century York.

With its medieval stained-glass windows, tall towers and striking stone buttresses, York Minster is an architectural marvel and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Venture inside the underground chambers for a lesson in the area’s Christian history, from Roman times to the present, or gaze at the simply stunning St. Cuthbert’s window. It’s one of the largest surviving narrative windows in Europe. Those with a head for heights can embark on the 275-step journey up the central tower journey to enjoy York’s highest viewpoint. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot a peregrine falcon or two nesting among the cathedral’s gothic gargoyles. Depending on when you visit, the Luna Cinema in Dean’s Park offers an unforgettable big-screen experience beneath the cathedral’s strikingly lit facade.

Where to eat & drink
Feeling peckish? The little rascal buns and fondant fancies at Betty’s Tearoom are legendary. Established in 1919 and an institution in its own right, Betty’s beautiful Belmont Room is well worth a visit for luxury afternoon tea. Alternatively, why not sample some local produce at the York Farmers Market, held on St Sampson Square on the first Friday of every month.

If your taste buds tingle at the thought of chocolate, you’ll delight at a visit to York’s Chocolate Story. A lesser-known fact about this former Viking city is that while other northern cities made their wealth from wool, cotton and steel, York made its name from cocoa. From its exotic origins in Central America to the winding streets of Yorkshire, you can unwrap the history from bean to bar at this delightfully sweet offering.