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5 things we love about York

York is a beautiful city in the heart of Yorkshire. Voted the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times in 2018, this city is a popular tourist attraction and is regularly mentioned alongside the period buildings, iconic attractions and the waterside living space.

With the Valentine’s day just over a week away and our opening event for Ryedale House is just a matter of weeks, we have put together a list of 5 reasons why we love York…

  1. York’s history

    One of the reasons York is such a popular tourist attraction is down to the history all around this idyllic city. York is said to have been founded in 71AD where the Romans build a wall to surround the fort. This wall can still be seen today around centre with many original features evident. The beautiful York Minster was actually burnt down during the Harrying of the North in 1069 so in C.1080 the Archbishop Thomas of Bayeux began building a completely new cathedral.

    York is full of history and you can see it all around the city. Why not visit The Shambles whilst exploring, one of the oldest streets that dates back to the fourteenth century.

  2. Great food all in one place

    York has a vast number of fantastic restaurants available to tickle anyone’s taste buds. From warm and inviting bistros, sophisticated wine bars and restaurants with a view. From well-known brands to independent eateries, you will find a diverse range of cuisines for every occasion

    Treat your taste buds with a visit to The Ivy and peruse their classic British menu, discover tantalising European specialities at Le Cochon Aveugle or sit back and admire stunning views of the castle from Tower’s restaurant. There are also plenty of places to wander after a good meal. The Star Inn The City offers an extensive cocktail list and gin menu while the boutique Pairings Wine Bar serves fine wine and classic champagnes. York is also known for its eclectic live music scene and you will discover an array of venues throughout the city such as The Nook, a street food kitchen with a difference, serving up a menu of comfort food alongside cocktails and live music shows.

    There’s also The Habit with its impressive terrace and stunning views of the Minster, and The Botanist, a wonderfully quirky bar specialising in botanical cocktails, craft beer and ales. So whether you are searching for a gourmet meal tucked away from it all or a lively night out, York is a place for all lifestyles.

  3. You can shop ‘til you drop

    York is full of a variety of shops and some very much older than others, such as the oldest sweet shop.

    York has some fantastic independent businesses settled in the city centre which are thriving with this historic city. Rafi’s Spicebox sells their very own hand blended curry mixes and spices and in recent years won the Independent Retailer of the Year. Anther business includes the Yorkshire Soap Company who share their love for their soapy treats and pampering delights for luxurious and affordable gifts.

    With the wealth of visitors each week, there is no wonder why the bigger retailers have also done well in York, with brands such as Jo Malone, Boots and Zara. Browns Department Store and Fenwick Shopping Centre also stocks well-known brands such as Dior, Gucci and much more.

  4. An educational city

    York is home to some fantastic schools, colleges and universities. York University first opened in 1963 with just 230 students and has since developed into over 30 academic departments and research centres, with the student body reaching nearly 16,000. Other than schools, there are some fantastic tours around the city to learn about its history over the years. One of which is done on the River Ouse by a boat tour. If you don’t mind a few spooky stories, then you can join the ghost walk in the early evenings to learn about individuals who became famous in York for a number of reasons.

    If this wasn’t enough, the JORVIK Viking Centre delves into York’s Viking heritage and is one of the most visited tourist attraction in the country! It takes visitors underground to view the interactive exhibition to show what life would have been like back in those times. There is even a Jorvik Viking Festival 11th – 19th February which is an annual event!

  5. The seasonal events

    Not only does this city have a Jorvik festival, in fact the events calendar is full of fantastic events throughout the year. Due to the popularity of the events that take place, they come back time and time again for visitors and locals to enjoy each year.

    To highlight a few, events such as the York’s Chocolate Festival takes place in spring and this year is on 25th – 28th Summer leaps into many outdoor festivals from music festivals to delicious food festivals.

    Towards the end of the year York holds a series of traditional events around Halloween and bonfire night, but a favourite for the locals and further afield is the Christmas market.


These are just a few reasons why we love York, now it’s your turn…. What makes York your go to destination?

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