2024 York Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)

York Citywalk, step into the magical world of Harry Potter

Just finished the York itinerary, really love this small city❤️ This capital of North England, the second largest tourist city in England, is often used as a short stop between London and Edinburgh, but this city with a rich history is definitely worth slowing down and taking more time to experience deeply. George VI once proudly said: The history of York is the history of England. To be honest, the city itself is really not big, here to share some of my experiences: 1️⃣ The Shambles: The most complete and oldest medieval street preserved in the UK to date, but very short, it takes only 1 minute to walk through. During the day, The Shambles is bustling, either queuing for trinkets or buying butterbeer. But at night, The Shambles is the real magical world of Harry Potter, the corner of Diagon Alley seems to be able to change shape at any time, wizards buying wands appear, the golden light showcases are hung with wanted posters for Potter, and ghostly shadows flicker around as if eyes are watching us muggles who have intruded. ❗So, you must stay in York for at least one night to see the magical world as night falls. 2️⃣ York Minster It is the largest existing medieval Gothic cathedral in Europe, and it took more than 200 years to build. The cathedral was originally an all-wood structure and was destroyed by fire during the civil war. Later, the Normans conquered York and built the first Norman church, whose foundation stones and crypt can still be seen today. Must-see at York Minster: ✅ The Great Hall: This is the filming location for the Great Hall of Hogwarts in Harry Potter. ✅ Stained Glass: The Heart of York, the Great East Window, the Rose Window, etc., each one is an art treasure, and the most interesting part of York Minster is these windows. ✅ Tower Climb: There are fixed times each day for climbing the tower, ours was at 11 o'clock, be mentally prepared, it's a bit tough both physically and mentally to climb 200 feet in the narrow steps. Halfway up there is a section of the aerial bridge, I was trembling with fear of heights, but the top of the tower is much better, because it is enclosed with wire mesh on all sides. 3️⃣ St Mary's Abbey: The ruins in the museum gardens, a famous building from the Catholic period in England, destroyed during the Protestant Reformation, the abbey is in the free museum gardens, where the little squirrels🐿️ will come to your hand looking for food. 4️⃣ National Railway Museum: Near York Station, it houses a train that was donated by the Chinese government and once ran in China. York actually has quite a few places to visit, take more time, stroll the streets, York as an old industrial city, the Victorian buildings everywhere feel like stepping into the most glorious period of Britain. 5️⃣🧸 The Ghost Merchants This is the only shop in York still trading souls, always a queue, and the shop assistants are interesting and chat with the customers in line ‼️Must-try food recommendations ❶ Butterbeer 🍺 Shop name: The Potions Cauldron (YO17LZ) This really tastes like a mix of AD calcium milk and beer, with a thick layer of creamy milk cap on top, sweet caramel-flavored beer, and the straw is pasta that can be taken home and cooked haha ❷ Firework Beef Sandwich🥪 Shop name: Shambles Kitchen (Yo17LX) The firework sandwich is a classic commemorating the 'Gunpowder Plot' by the people of York, mainly for the love of the fireworks, and the taste is also good, the smoked beef is delicious ❸ Basque Cheesecake🧀 Shop name: ALYS BAKERY YORK Address: 81 Gillygate, York YO31 7EA The shop is very small and only offers takeout, not dine-in, there are also some bread, cookies, and coffee, but my favorite is blueberry and original flavor, the other flavors are still a bit sweet 🚌Surrounding tours: There are quite a few attractions around York: 1️⃣ Whitby: You can take a bus from York for just 2 pounds 2️⃣ Saltaire: The little Kamakura of England, you can take a bus from Whitby, or go by train. 3️⃣ Scarborough: The mysterious Scarborough Fair is also a good place to go. 4️⃣ Howard Castle: The legendary place of Jay Chou's grand wedding, worth a visit if you have time.

York is full of energy after coming back, this city must be magical, right?

🖤Everyone knows that Diagon Alley in 'Harry Potter' comes from The Shambles in York, but York is not just about Diagon Alley. I rushed to York in the Christmas month, the Howard Castle of Jay Chou's wedding has a new theme exhibition, the old city is full of lights, the Christmas market is bustling, even the York Designer Outlet is full of Christmas dress up. York must be magical~ 👣I stayed in York for two days and sorted out a citywalk route for everyone, so let's experience the Christmas atmosphere in York: Day1️⃣ St. Mary's Abbey (in the York Museum Gardens, it is now ruins, but it is very photogenic) ➡️York Minster (the largest Gothic cathedral in the UK, the Rose Window is spectacular) ➡️Viking Centre (part of York's history and culture) ➡️Clifford's Tower (you can overlook the entire city of York, I personally feel that the view is better than the top of York Minster, there is no obstruction) ➡️Christmas Market (it starts to be super lively in the afternoon, in addition to a wide variety of goods, you must taste the wonderful combination of hot red wine + hot dogs like the locals, and you can see band performances from time to time) ➡️The Shambles (you should go to The Shambles later, it has more atmosphere after sunset, the famous butter beer must be tried, and the York Ghost, you have to queue every day) Day2️⃣ 🏰Howard Castle (Castle Howard is definitely a must-visit place for Jay fans, and it is also the location of many British dramas. The castle is surrounded by forests and two lakes, with swans passing by from time to time, both classical and elegant. During Christmas, there is a new theme decoration 'Dream Island' that recreates the dream world of Peter Pan. Each room has a different Christmas decoration, from George's bedroom to the bathroom, from the pirate's light and shadow show to the occasional little elf🧚, all show the dream to the fullest. The coolest thing is the huge Christmas tree in the hall, probably all the dreams of Peter Pan are hanging on it) -York Designer Outlet (Christmas season + Black Friday, the shopping buff is full, you can go directly to the outlet for shopping + dinner after returning from the castle, and return with a full load. There is also an ice rink at the entrance where you can experience the local winter entertainment activities) 🚞 The best way to go to York is of course by train For travel in the UK, the train can be said to be the best way to connect cities. The combination of train➕citywalk allows you to have more time to immerse yourself in the charm of the destination. There are many choices of LNER train schedules, departing from London Kingscross station and arriving in York in about 2 hours. The first class includes catering services, and the luggage rack space is enough to carry large suitcases~ The surprising thing is that LNER trains are also pet-friendly, so lovely! York train station is also full of Victorian flavor~ 🏠Accommodation I strongly recommend everyone to live near the train station, so you won't be too tired to drag the suitcase. Most of the attractions can be reached on foot. There are direct buses to Howard Castle and the outlet, overall the public transportation is very friendly. York·North Yorkshire

Scotland 4-day tour itinerary! Edinburgh + Highland New Year's guide

Scotland Highland | Highland The highlands are vast and sparsely populated, completely different from England. The scenery in England is mostly pastoral and gentle, while the scenery in the Scottish Highlands is desolate, rugged and magnificent. 🌬️Even the wind has a taste of freedom💗 The Scottish Highlands can be said to be suitable for travel all year round, and it is also the location of countless magical blockbusters! Especially in winter, the Scottish Highlands with snow as the background are even more poignant and magnificent! - 🚗Transportation ❗️The distance between the attractions in the highlands is relatively long, it is recommended to drive or join a group~ The weather in the highlands is unpredictable, everyone must check the weather forecast and prepare rain gear! 👇If you plan to go to Scotland, you must not miss this itinerary. If you are short on time, you can join a group like us. But if you have plenty of time, I recommend driving, especially Loch Ness, you can stay there for one night, it's really too beautiful✌️ - ⛳Scotland New Year's 4-day 3-night tour route Day 1⃣️: Departure place—Lake District (Windermere Lake—Lake District Cruise—Peter Rabbit Museum) Day 2⃣️: Luss Town—Loch Lomond—Glencoe Gorge—Three Sisters Mountain—Fort William—Ben Nevis Peak—Glenfinnan Bridge Day 3⃣️: Full day tour of Edinburgh & New Year's Eve Day 4⃣️: York (York Cathedral—"Diagon Alley" Meat Shop Street—Ancient City Wall—Betty's Tea Room) - ⛳Recommended attractions in the Scottish Highlands 1️⃣Windermere Lake District The scenery here has a kind of "lakeside school" poet's charm, and the lake district under the sunset has a bit more tenderness, feeling that you can sit by the lake and stare at the swans and lake water for a long time. The lake district is not big, it takes about an hour to stroll around. . 2️⃣Highland Tour Glencoe Gorge🚌Harry Potter Train🚌Loch Ness + Three Sisters Mountain Experienced the typical rainy weather in the highlands, 🚞The Glenfinnan Viaduct is the location of the Hogwarts Express, and there is only a steam train from May to September every year 🦕If you have read the story of the Loch Ness Monster since you were a child, you will be a little excited, and you are full of curiosity about this mysterious black lake. . 3⃣️One-day tour of Edinburgh It is worthy of being the "Northern Athens" of the Scottish capital. The combination of medieval classics and modernity has a strong sense of story. No wonder it is the source of inspiration for many authors. . 4⃣️York🚌 Supermarket bars and Chinese food Diagon Alley also have shops open, very Christmas atmosphere - 🏨Hotel: Stay in a three to four-star hotel double room for 2 nights, and stay in the highlands for 1 night 🚗Vehicle: 7-seater luxury business car 🤵🏻Staff: Professional driver + Chinese tour guide 🍕Catering: Hotel buffet breakfast, tour guide recommends well-reviewed restaurants for free choice every day 📜Tickets: Includes Edinburgh New Year's Street Party tickets

Historic Place to visit - York

Stay in Minster Hotel with private parking and close to historic places in town. Just 10 - 15 minutes walk to different spots such as - York Art Museum - Little Shambles - Shambles Market - City Wall - York Minster - National Railway Museum - Cliff’s Tower You may spend 2 days to visit those places

York City Walls

#citywalk York is one of my favourite places I have been to in the UK. And it’s easy to see why! One of the must do when in York is to walk along the ancient city walls. The walls were constructed during the Roman times as a form of defence for the city. It is roughly 3.4km long in total, making it the longest town walls in England. The walls are split into different sections, with several entrance and exit points. There are lots of historic views and photo opportunities. It was unlike anything we have ever experienced before. The walls are well preserved and kept and held so much history. We loved exploring the city through the walls as we got to avoid the traffic and also had a bird’s eye view of the city. Some parts of the wall are narrow, so some patience is needed especially when it’s crowded as we had to take turns to pass. Also, please be careful if visiting with children as there are some parts of the wall that has no barrier. So close supervision is needed. Otherwise, the city walls are a beautiful way to see York and all that it has to offer. You have to visit here if you ever get the chance.

York Museum Gardens

The York Museum Gardens is a beautiful and peaceful place to walk through and spend some time with history. Though often missed by tourists as it is not the main attraction of York, it is still nice to take some time to explore the gardens. It is located near the train station and the York Cathedral. The gardens are well maintained with so much history that has been kept. There are lots of vibrant flowers, plants and ruins to admire throughout the walk. As it was a Sunday when I visited, there were many families having picnics and little children on their scooters. There is also a large museum on the grounds which unfortunately I didn’t have time to check out but if there’s a next time I hope to visit it. #tripblazers

say yes to York

Getting There - you can either go by car or by the train for relatively cheap Attractions - york cathedral york minster the railway museum Hotels - a multitude of places to stay nearby the train station such as premier inn Food & Restaurants - pizza express, nandos, Bella italia Shopping - lots of high street shops such as primark h&m zara and urban outfitters. Lots of super markets to buy your essentials and groceries#foodie #summervacation #2023travelwish

Amazing Polish Food in York

Whilst in York, we have the pleasure of dining at The Blue Barbakan. They serve up some of the most yummy Polish food I’ve ever had. The food is fresh, wholesome and tastes like delicious home cooked food. Portions are generous too and you’re sure to leave feeling extremely satisfied and full. We ordered the pierogies, hunter’s stew and a mushroom soup to share. The beef pierogies were packed full of meat with a chewy savory exterior. The hunter’s stew had lots of beef chunks, sausages and cabbage and tasted just like what mom would cook on a cold winter’s day. The star however, is the good ol’ mushroom soup. It was easily the best we’ve ever tasted. There was chunks of fresh mushroom inside with a unique flavour that we can’t describe in words. You need to head there to try for yourself! Amazing food and we’ll love to come back again. #tripblazers

York minster and the Tower

For York Minster, the students from York University can go in for free. Otherwise, you have to pay for it. However, you can get student ticket for the minster and the tower. Be aware of the steps in the tower, they are really tiny so be sure to watch your step! It is suitable for people who are active although it’s not too hard to get to the top. The panorama of York was lovely! Would recommend everyone to go up!

Who needs ‘New’ York !

Getting There - train from inverness to York Attractions - York minister, the national railway museum. Hotels - stayed at the Principal York. Could not recommend enough! Food & Restaurants - Shopping - great high street. One of the few busy shopping cities. Lots of independent retailers as well as the bigger brands. Also several bookshops and antique shops (my favourite)

York old town

Getting There - Train (Glasgow central—York) Attractions - Clifford‘a tower, shambles market, York minster, York city walls Hotels - Diamond’s villa Food & Restaurants - Shopping - Alys bakery, 200 degrees coffee shop, Cresi pizza It took about 4 hours from Glasgow to York. We went to York Minster and hung around the city. Betty’s tea room is very nice. Although the afternoon tea is very famous, I would suggest takeaways from their bakery. Not only to avoid the queues but also the price is more reasonable. The pizza and bakery were fantastic as well. suggested visit time: 3 -4 days

A day in York, England

York is a rather small and full of surprises city in England. I’ll recommend you to spend a day or two here to visit 📍 The City Wall 📍The Shambles 📍Market in the City Centre Especially in Spring, the blooming flower and a beautiful canal is all under your eyes while crossing the bridge between the train station and the city centre. Once again for Harry Potter fans must go to 📍The Shamble, Said to be the inspiration for the film version of Diagon Alley!! 😍 #harrypotter #diagonalley #york #springblossoms April 2022

Visit York on a Day Trip

York is a city in northern Yorkshire, England. It is located between London and Edinburgh and just about 3 hours by train either way. York has a lot to see for a day trip, so definitely reserve 5-6 hours to walk around and enjoy a good lunch! For most people, the first thing to do when arriving to York by train is to walk the City Wall. Built in the 13th-14th Century, the York city wall has the most intact wall in all of England. walking along the wall will lead one to the city center where the St Mary’s Abbey, York Minister, the Shambles, Clifford Tower and as well the Railway Museum are located. The museum , Shambles and the Abbey are free to visit, while the York Minster and the Clifford Tower will require advanced booking. #urbanexplorer #england #york #daytrip

The wizard city 🪄

The best things to do : Walk the city wall 🚶‍♀️🚶 Clifford tower🗼 York castle museum 🏰 York minster Railway museum 🚊 Shambles market 🛍️ Museum garden The wizard walk of York 🧙🏻‍♂️🧙‍♀️ Perfectly placed half-way between London and Edinburgh! York is unlike any other English city. There’s thirty museums you can explore! Moreover, the best racecourse in the country! #york #todolist #tripblazers #spooktaculartrip

York! Me and Taylor went to York on Monday 19th December We walked along the York Wall and sat by the river. Then we ate at Nandos and ran back to catch the train Overall had a lovely day out at Christmas and enjoyed the markets.

The Rome Bible & Stunning Stained Glass

The Rome Bible in Greek Language and Stunning Stained Glass Windows The Bible was written in Greek in England, but later on King James VI and I created the Authorized Version and translated it to English during his reign in 1604. The original bible version is the truly art piece with exquisite colours and works on it. If you would like to explore more about the art and history in this period, you could come to York, England to find out. The York Minster has the famous stained glass windows which called Five Sisters Window and Rose Window featuring the outstanding stained glass window craftsmanship. It is truly beautiful and impressive selective colour to make the lighting so perfectly inside. #artshunting

Akbar Middlesbrough

Location: 192-194 Linthorpe Rd, Middlesbrough TS1 3RF, United Kingdom Fantastic Asia Indian cuisine. Nicely flavored and in good portion! You probably find the chilling beverages here that matches with the spices. Check them out!

York city tour plus extented staycation

#staycation #railstrike #girlsonlytrip #solotravel walking tour for York , England. we prepond a day due to railstrike announced on 5th nov. had to book extra day at hostel . air bnb was non refundable we reached a day prior and we herd the news that rail strike was canclled. haha juat had to make best of what is now. first day saw the fall colour of york near city wall . rest two days were rainy. explored night life . safe shifted to airbnb and had most relaxing gurl bonding time.

Hangout by the riverside of Yorkshire

The River Ouse North Yorkshire Six longest river in the UK Many local eateries along side the river Sizzlers (pizza place) is one example of halal eatery Beautiful surrounding beautiful people #meetlondon

Dreamy Sky

Look at the sky! Stunning find on the daily dog walk

The Roman City Walls at England

The Roman invaded Britain in AD43 under Emperor Claudius. In Rome, after the death of Emperor Caligula, his uncle, Emperor Claudius, was the next Emperor of Rome and they decided to conquered Britain to support the political and financial situation for the Roman Emperor. Their invasion was succeed and settled in York. At that time, York was called Eboracum by Roman. Then, the saxon called its English name as Eoforwick. The Roman had built the infrastructures in York and it includes roads, fortress, houses, city walls (as you could see from these above pictures) to strengthen its military status in York. #york #romancitywall

York Minster, England

King Henry VIII had tried to converted England from Catholic to Protestant and set up the new church of England. You could experience the history from York and England and view of York Minster. In this minster, you could join the tower tour with additional cost and walk 275 stairs to view the York City and see the architecture details of this gothic minster.

A railway-lovers must-go museum

National Railway Museum in UK Getting There : 10mins Walk from York Railway Station It is about British trains and its history. There are many old British trains and carriages. Many of them are really classy and gorgeous. If you are a fan of train, you definitely must visit. And it is free of charge and family-friendly!! #uk #york

York-Yes!

I must admit, this place was not on one of my lists to go, but since I have been I will recommend this so much! I have so much to say about this city and so little time to tell it. From cosy bars and pubs (proper English feel) to lavish waterside bars and cute hidden away restaurants and eateries to proper glam yourself up restaurants the city has it all! Super easy to navigate and with sights to see a-plenty! I’m even thinking it has to be a place I have to revisit to fully master all avenues and all places I didn’t discover before! I didn’t take too many pictures because I just felt on the moment, but I highly recommend to have at least a day or two here! 💪🏽

Roman Belongings

Like us, Roman empire in United Kingdom also trade with money, for their case it was coins. Here's the display of what their daily live and tools used for survival. Be it the one who worked as guard or trade. Everyone use coins to transact. Certain type of coins have certain values, all is well written in the description near display. Imagine if you are living in ancient time with old tools made from natural resources, without any technology around. Can be terrible, can also be enjoyable as long as there's no war, it should be fine. But here, social statuses still very distinct. #createwithtrip #unitedkingdom #exploreuk #historicalsites #roman #uk

The Temple Courtyard

This part of Roman Bath is sacred area where there's temple used to be for gathering and worshipping Roman British goddess, Sulis Minerva. The ruins and table of sacrifices to worship remain there. Sulis's head made of bronze is a symbollic of preciousness and sincerity that Romans display since it's very rare to find. Another one made of unique stone by special priest. Very interesting and historical but too bad, I only enjoyed the artifects display and not the story. 😄 #createwithtrip #exploreuk #unitedkingdom #bath #temple #historicalsites #urbanexplorer #discovereurope #exploreeurope #roman

One day trip 🚊 to York, United Kingdom 🇬🇧

York is a beautiful city in northeast England that was founded by the ancient Romans. Getting There - 1 hour approx. train ride from Manchester. Very well connected with all cities via train. Attractions - York minster, City walls, Harry Potter shop Food & Restaurants - Brunch at Patisan (pictures included), dinner at Drake's fisheries (Fish and chips) Shopping - York chocolate factory for some chocolates. #onedaytrip #yorkshire #york #yorkminster #uk #traintrip #beautifulcity #travellovers #wanderlust #nomad

York - Historical City within Memories

Now I want to tell you about York. One of the old towns in mainland England that I've been wanting to visit for a long time. We took the train from Liverpool to York buying on the trainline tickets for £17/person. York is a small and beautiful city in the north east of England. (Northeast England). Old York is full of history with a variety of beautiful buildings, York Minster is most famous for its distinctive gothic buildings & glass mosaic is a strong attraction for tourism in this city besides the fort walls that surround this city. One thing that makes me want to go to York, The Shambles! There is a place called The Shambles in York, where Diagon Alley in the real world is located. This place is the inspiration for Harry Potter wizarding world shopping. And it's true! Most of the buildings here date from the 1300-1400s. Known as the original The Great Flesh Shambles, because in 1872 it was famous for the row of butcher shops in this place. The building is still standing strong, some of the slanted windows and doors look rickety as if they were curved, it turns out that it is so original, because it is aging but continues to be cared for, but still strong, in this hallway there are many small houses below, large ones above. Why is that? In the past, house taxes were measured based on land area, so people kept their land area below while the upper floors were built wider than the lower floors. Very unique! Now in the row of The Shambles more accessories/souvenir shops and most importantly: A shop selling Harry Potter knick-knacks. My fav shop is named: The Shop That Must Not Be Named! All the wands complete, all the historical items at Hogwarts too. Wow, a lot of shopping here. York is also famous for ghost stories because during the Black Plague era, York took many lives, especially children. Therefore, there are several 'Ghost Tour' ghost tours that you can join here. What we followed was their 'Ghost Hunt of York' open at 7.30pm, paying £5/person. This walking tour is interesting with theatrical performances from the guide. Worth it! But yeah, we're not satisfied with the tour because we don't get the 'horror', so the next day at night we retraced the traces of the ghost tour the night before. It feels more suspense, especially in conjunction with the Halloween atmosphere York is also famous for its haunted castle on a hill, named Clifford's tower, built by William the Conqueror. It was originally built as a castle and prison, but in 1190 when the Jews were massacred, they fled to the tower and committed mass suicide there by burning the entire castle. In York there is also a train museum - the National Railway Museum. All kinds of trains from the beginning of the line built are here. Free admission. I love York so much because: its used bookstores! Throughout the old city center there are always bookstores where we can read before buying and the books that ar location : york, united kingdom. #culturalattraction#themepark

When you travel to the UK, how can you not go to York! York, a classical and romantic town in the northeast of England, is a famous historic city in the UK. The prototype of Diagonal Lane in Harry Potter is in York, where the wedding party is also here! Come to York, you must not miss York Minster! York Minster was built in 1220 and completed in 1470. It is the old medieval cathedral in Europe and one of the world's most exquisite churches in design and architecture. York Cathedral is mainly built with stone. It is magnificent and exquisite in craftsmanship. It has remained solid and straightforward for hundreds of years! The spire at the top of the church is like a sharp thorn in the sky, giving people a deep and solemn history, especially those carvings are amazing! The appearance of the church is magnificent, and the interior is exquisite and gorgeous! A large piece of stained glass on the east side of the church, the size of which is almost the size of a tennis court. It is the medieval stained glass window of the world, composed of more than 100 patterns, it is amazing! In addition, the location of the Hogwarts Hall in the Harry Potter movies is in the York Church Hall! Attractions Name: York Minster York Minster Attractions Address: York Minster

York's most authentic afternoon tea in the Betty Tea Room 1st floor is a store selling boxed tea and desserts If you want to have afternoon tea, you need to queue up on the 2nd floor all employees wear uniforms to the whole The atmosphere of afternoon tea adds an ancient atmosphere 19th century ladies who always like to drink afternoon tea look very comfortable and today afternoon tea is still popular with many people and look at English afternoon tea Past and present traditional afternoon tea is usually served between 4pm and 6pm Exactly this is a light meal and not just tea. Meals include exquisite sandwiches (sliced cucumber sandwiches made from toasted bread is a classic choice), freshly baked English scones topped with cream and jam, and cakes and other desserts. Of course, coffee or tea with milk and sugar.