York

For history lovers and those with a gothic aesthetic, York is a hidden gem in the north of England that’s well worth a visit. Known as Eboracum to the Romans, Eoforwic to the Saxons, Jorvik to the Vikings, and finally York under the Normans, this small walled city is brimming with myths and legends. Nestled at the junction of the Ouse and Foss rivers, York offers a truly medieval atmosphere that will transport you back in time.

Arriving in York

You can reach York by bus, train, or car (shocking, right?). We drove there and made our first stop at our hotel to check in. We stayed at B+B York, a grand Victorian house successfully converted into a small, welcoming hotel that immediately sets the mood for the city.

York is a peaceful city with a relaxed pace, friendly locals, and lots of rain. Armed with our umbrellas and high spirits, we walked from our hotel to enter the city through its ancient walls. We arrived at Bootham Bar, one of the well-preserved gateways, and as we stepped inside, we left behind the noisy modern world. We wandered through narrow medieval streets, filled with historic buildings now home to charming cafés, quirky shops, and characterful restaurants. Of course, we also encountered a rather large crowd (considering the city’s size), as it was a Saturday afternoon. We had to be patient and wait for the "sun" to set so the streets would clear a bit.

Points of Interest

York Minster

Passing through Bootham Bar, our path led us straight to York’s epicentre, the York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. The cathedral has suffered multiple fires and undergone restorations, yet it remains awe-inspiring, retaining its pure Gothic grandeur. The most recent addition? A statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II stands out due to its bright white colour compared to the rest of the structure.

We didn’t enter the cathedral as the entry fee was a bit steep, and we were on a tight budget. Instead, we opted for an extensive walk around the cathedral, admiring it from every angle.

Time for Food!

Back to the narrow streets in search of food! Our random choice turned out to be Lucia, a delightful (and very pink!) restaurant. We originally wanted to experience a traditional pub, but everything was fully booked. Top tip: If you're visiting York on a Saturday, make a reservation in advance.

The Shambles

With our energy and stomachs replenished, we headed to the most touristy and bustling street in York, The Shambles. This is one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. But why does it always draw such huge crowds fighting for that perfect Instagram shot?

Because The Shambles is believed to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films! Naturally, it’s now home to countless wizarding shops, selling everything a wannabe wizard could wish for. But the real magic of The Shambles happens after dark, when the crowds vanish. We walked through it again at night in the rain, and that’s how we’ll always remember it: peaceful, atmospheric, and enchanting.

Riverside Walk & Café Stop

As the afternoon set in, we took a leisurely walk along the River Ouse, stopping by Sophie Skeldergate, a charming little local café located on a historic bridge. We absolutely loved it and will definitely return!

Clifford’s Tower

We then climbed the hill to see what remains of York’s medieval castle, originally built by William the Conqueror. Unfortunately, when we arrived, the site was closed, so we made do with climbing the external steps and admiring the view over the city from a higher vantage point.

House of Trembling Madness

As the day drew to a close, we couldn't leave without experiencing the famous House of Trembling Madness, an authentic medieval pub. The pub is decorated with hunting trophies on the walls, and the building itself dates back to 1180 AD, the first Norman house built in York. The upstairs medieval hall still has its original wooden beams, which once belonged to ships that sailed the seas centuries ago.

It’s quirky, historic, and completely unique, a pub that feels like a time machine. Don’t expect luxury; the stairs are narrow, the doors low, and the seating made from barrels. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love it!

The Vanilla Café

Day two in York began with coffee, tea, and cake at my favourite café, Vanilla Café. This tiny, cosy, and quiet spot is perfect for hot drink lovers and sits right across from the Minster. If you manage to grab a seat upstairs by the window, the experience is truly magical!

The City Walls

The moment we had all been waiting for, the walk along York’s city walls! Best of all? It’s completely free! Walking the walls gives you a fantastic perspective of the city, both inside and outside the ancient fortifications. There are various entry and exit points via gates and staircases, but keep in mind that dogs aren’t allowed.

Museum Gardens

After our wall walk, we headed to the Museum Gardens, a lush, beautiful green space perfect for relaxing on the grass on a sunny day. The highlight of the gardens? The ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey, which create a cinematic backdrop.

If we had more time, I would have loved to spend more time in the gardens and also visit the Yorkshire Museum (which we skipped due to budget constraints). Entry is around £10.

Q&A

Is York worth visiting if I’m travelling/living in the UK?

Absolutely! If you have the time, York is a great opportunity to experience a smaller city with a unique character. If you love history, architecture, or the supernatural, York has plenty of surprises in store for you!

Is York an expensive city?

York is reasonably priced by UK standards. If you plan ahead, knowing where you want to stay, eat, and visit, you can budget accordingly and book in advance to avoid last-minute surprises, especially on weekends.

What’s the nightlife like in York?

York is a small, quiet city, but that doesn’t mean there’s no nightlife! While there aren’t many big nightclubs, we found historic pubs, stylish bars, and charming restaurants. York is also famous for ghost tours, where guides dress in Victorian costumes and share haunting stories and legends. You can also catch a theatre production or, if you’re a drink enthusiast, visit a local distillery for a beer or gin tasting.

Got more questions?

Drop them in the comments, and I’ll answer ASAP!

And if words aren’t enough, check out my Instagram and TikTok!