With a brief detour for other fun and important content, I’m back on my Englandecap with a post on the city of York. England is sooo beautiful and I have too many pictures to not share each city individually. Plus, I’m beefing up my travel content, which is hopefully helpful for your own travel ideas.
So, without further ado, here’s
The Ultimate York Travel Guide
The Best Place to Stay in York
We stayed at a bed and breakfast called Arnot House. It is a small hotel owned by a mother and daughter, within walking distance of both the train station and the medieval city center. It has lovely Victorian decor, a comfy bed, and a delicious breakfast. We really enjoyed our stay there, and highly recommend it.
Things To Do In York:
- Explore On Foot. The city is very walkable, with layers of Roman ruins upon medieval ruins upon existing European treasures. We began our visit by walking on the city wall, with views of the beautiful York Minster.
- Shopping. York is full of great shopping, with big stores like Marks & Spencer and TopShop, to smaller vintage boutiques. I bought a scarf, and would have bought everything at this small vintage shop if I had more room in my suitcase. We also popped into almost every bookstore we passed, and enjoyed the sometimes perilous charm of the winding, steep staircases revealing more dusty rooms of books.
- Ghost Tour. Apparently York is very haunted, with lots of ghosts and spirits. And I would never pass up the opportunity to learn about that side of a city. On our first evening, we joined one of the tour companies on a walking ghost tour around the city. It was a great way to learn about some of the history, whether or not you believe in freaky supernatural things.
- The Minster. After visiting so many churches in Europe, they all start to run together. What makes the York Minster different is that there is a museum underneath revealing the anthropology of the site upon which the church is built. Over the years, the same spot was used as a Roman fortress, then a pagan temple, and many layers of churches and additions to each. Definitely worth the visit.
Top Places to Eat in York
- We were lucky enough to be in York on September 25-26 during the York Food & Drink Festival. There were blocks and blocks of food vendors and a tent with live music and beverages! We went both days, and munched on some delicious crepes, a meat pie with mushed peas, and some of the best loaded scones I’ve ever had.
- Il Paradiso Del Cibo. We really felt like eating something other than English pub grub one evening, so we ducked into this popular authentic Italian restaurant. We felt like we were being transported back to our honeymoon in Italy, with the friendly Italian wait staff and delicious pizzas.
- Hole In the Wall Pub. After the ghost tour, we wanted to hang out somewhere with nice ambiance and have a well-earned beer. Chillin’ by the wood-burning fireplaces and listening to the dreamy live acoustic guitar was the perfect end to a hectic day of sightseeing.
For Harry Potter Enthusiasts.
Head Straight to The Shambles. We had no idea that this small, odd street was the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. The street has 3 Harry Potter stores on it, along with a bunch of other lovely boutiques. And if you’re patient, you can get some great photos! It is the street in the photo above where I’m holding a yellow leaf.
What To Wear in York
For a late September trip, I recommend light layers and comfortable walking shoes. I was just fine in my wool mini skirt and frilly blouse (two new favorites of mine) with a light jacket. The orange dress and plaid blazer were a bit light so I bought a scarf in a boutique for some extra warmth.
If you’re planning a trip to England, you must put York on your list. It deserves at least a day and a half to fully explore and enjoy the laid-back portions of the city.
Shop My York Outfits:
–Roxanne
Headed to England and need some ideas just like in this York travel guide? I’ve got them! Here are my guides on Windsor, Bath, and The Cotswolds, as well as the ultimate England packing list.
- Find my woven belt bag and lace up booties here.
What a fun collection of photos. Also, loving this look, especially the blazer.
Xx, Nailil
thirtyminusone.com
Thanks so much, Nailil!
I love this Arnot house place and what a nice sweet. I have a sweet tooth so Yumm yumm. I am glad you enjoyed your time
http://www.chez-rama.com
such a cute guide!
Thanks for the review of York. It looks amazing and your charming outfits match the warm charm of the city! Those scones look delicious and the food festival was a bonus.
How neat you were able to have a food festival go on when you were there. I’m sure plenty of good food was consumed. I really love the outfit you wore and those boots are just fabulous Roxanne!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
How neat you were able to have a food festival go on when you were there. I’m sure plenty of good food was consumed. I really love your outfit you wore and those boots are just fabulous Roxanne!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Sounds like such a great trip!
My boyfriend studied abroad in York and loved it—your photos make me want to go!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
Looks like a wonderful trip. We want to visit England, and it was fun to read about York. My hubby and I love BnB’s as they have such charm and are fun places to stay. Love your plaid skirt and blouse, those boots are still my favorite!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks, Jessica! York was definitely a trip highlight, and our BnB made it such a homey experience.
Wow looks lovely, I have never been here only driven through the outskirts! Thanks for sharing, and you lovely outfits. Jacqui Mummabstylish
You gotta go! Especially since you live close enough to drive!
Im enjoying your tour of England – as a native it’s great to see your country through someone else’s eyes.
Thank you for the sweet compliment, Gail. I have only good things to say!
What an incredible trip. Did you plan to be there for the food festival?? How convenient….
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Yes, we did! It was such a perfect way to explore the city during a festive time.
Oh these photos are amazing. How fun! Love your cute outfits, especially that bag.
Thank you, Amy! The bag is from Patricia Nash Designs – she creates such beautiful travel-friendly bags!
I’m supremely jealous…i love to travel but it will be some time before those days return! However, i can live vicariously through you. Love, love the blazer!
Aw I’m so happy I have my blog to share photos and I’m so happy you love them as much as I do.
Roxanne, these photos are so fabulous! I don’t have much wanderlust at all, but England is one of the few places on my travel bucket list. If I ever do get there, I will be sure to keep these tips in mind! It looks like such an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thank you, Shelbee! As it should be! England is spectactular. Thank you for reading!
These are beautiful photos and York, sounds like a great place to visit! I am a chicken. You turn off the lights and I am scared. No kidding! But interestingly enough I also would love to learn more about why places are haunted. There’s something so mysterious about saying haunted. To me, it’s not just a ghost story but a story. Someone’s story and I want to hear about it. Happy Monday Roxanne and wishing you a great week ahead!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Thank you, Maureen! Happy blogiversary, by the way!
The ghost tour was super fun and there were about 50 people on it, so we had safety in numbers, lol.
I’ve never been to York. It’s one of the places I plan to stay over the next few years. I love your photos and I’m so pleased you enjoyed your stay in England! xx
You absolutely must! And when you do, definitely consider the Arnot House for your stay.