York is one of the UK’s most historic and picturesque cities, known for its stunning architecture, rich heritage, and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, a nature explorer, or simply someone looking for a vibrant city break, York has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best things to do in and around York, whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to discover more of its layers.
Places to visit
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic landmarks in York, the York Minster is a stunning cathedral that dominates the skyline of the city. This Gothic building is known for its intricate stained glass windows, including the famous Great East Window, and its towering spires. Visitors can explore the interior, which is filled with awe-inspiring architecture and history, and even climb the 275 steps to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.
The Shambles is one of York’s most iconic and must-visit streets. This narrow, cobblestone lane is lined with medieval buildings that appear to lean toward each other, creating a charming, almost magical atmosphere. Once home to butchers’ shops, the Shambles is now a hub of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants.
For a walk through history, explore the York City Walls, one of the city’s most significant and well-preserved landmarks, offering visitors a unique way to experience York’s rich history. Stretching over 2 miles, these medieval walls were originally constructed by the Romans and later enhanced by the Normans and the Victorians, making them an incredible mix of architectural styles and historical periods. Today, they provide one of the best ways to see the city from a different perspective.
Places to eat
A hidden gem tucked away in the heart of the city, the Shambles Market Food Court is a vibrant and bustling spot for food lovers to indulge in a wide variety of delicious street food, local produce, and artisanal treats. Situated in one of the city’s most iconic and historic areas, the food court offers a unique blend of flavours, making it an unmissable stop while exploring the city.
A trip to Betty’s Café Tea Rooms is an absolute must. Located in the heart of the city, this iconic tea room has been serving up delicious cakes, pastries, and traditional afternoon teas since it first opened its doors in 1919. Betty’s has become a beloved institution, not only for the quality of its food but also for the charming, vintage-inspired atmosphere that makes it feel like stepping into a different era.
Places to shop
York is home to a thriving independent shopping scene, with stores like The Imaginarium and Monk Bar Chocolatiers, offering special, one-of-a-kind products. From quirky boutiques to artisan shops, these independent stores give the city its unique character and charm.
York also offers a wonderful selection of places to find high-quality home interiors. Located on Stonegate, Oliver Bonas is known for its eclectic mix of colorful, stylish, and quirky home décor products. Additionally, the renowned British furniture and homeware brand, Heal’s, is now located in York’s iconic Fenwick store, bringing timeless, contemporary designs to the city, with a range of high-end furniture and stylish home accessories.
Finally, we couldn’t not mention our Yorkshire showroom, located just a few miles outside of York’s city centre. Our showroom offers an extensive range of premium natural stone and porcelain wall and floor tiles for all areas of the home. Here, you will also find our outdoor display area, where you can explore our collection of stylish and durable outdoor tiles, specifically designed to withstand the varying conditions found in outdoor environments, making them ideal for patios, garden paths, and outdoor living spaces.
Whether you’re renovating an indoor room or transforming your garden, our showroom provides the perfect place to discover the ideal tiles for your home, with expert guidance available to help you make the best choice. Visit us and let our team help you select the perfect tiles to bring your vision to life.
Head to our website to see more of our beautiful tiles! Order some free samples to see them in person, or visit one of our showrooms to see them on display.
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