Dacre's Guide to York

THE CITY THAT HAS IT ALL - YORK

In a nutshell:-

The Vikings liked it so much they decided to settle here, having fought their way through England and named it Jorvik. The vibrant city’s Roman origins are also a highlight and at the heart of it all, is York’s world famous and awe-inspiring cathedral – York Minster.
At one point it was the capital of England, and the historic city has enough might to rival the likes of Edinburgh, Bath and Oxford.
York is also famous for The Shambles – one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe, and its cobbled streets and overhanging buildings attract tourists from all over the world.
A popular place to live, visit, study and shop, York has something for everyone – including a renowned racecourse that attracts flat racing’s global elite during the summer months.

Housing stock:-

In the city centre there is a superb array of housing including grand historic houses, marvellous period terraces, exceptional apartments in listed buildings and a wide range of new apartments and luxurious housing that has been developed in more recent years. However, buyers must be prepared to pay a premium to live in a YO1 postcode!

The central areas of York include Acomb, Bishophill, Bootham, Clifton, Tang Hall, South Bank, Layerthorpe, Holgate, Heworth, Groves, Fishergate. The outer areas of the city include places like Clifton, Dringhouses, Earswick, Fulford, Heslington, Huntington, New Earsrwick, Osbaldwick, Rawcliffe and Woodthorpe an there are a number of popular and attractive villages on the outskirts of York which are surrounded by relatively flat countryside, which is a trademark of York.

Throughout these areas there is a mix of housing stock including everything from town houses to terraces, apartments, detached residences, semi-detached homes and bungalows.

Schools:-

There are a host of picturesque and highly sought-after villages surrounding Otley that all have their own unique features including Askwith, Weston, Pool in Wharfedale, Newall, Farnley, Clifton, Lindley and Leathley. 

Schools:-

With over 60 primary, secondary and special schools across York, as well as a number of private schools including St Peter’s School, The Mount and Bootham, which are all in the city centre – there is plenty of choice.

Transport links:-

There are six park and rides into York, and First Buses operate throughout the city and beyond. TIER e-scooters are also dotted throughout the city for hire and bikes can also be easily hired.

York Railway Station is a key hub on the national rail network and is located just outside the city walls on the west side of the River Ouse, roughly half a mile from the historic city core. The frequent rail links from around the country make travelling to York by train easy and good value. From London the journey time is under two hours; Edinburgh is only two and a half hours and there are direct services from Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and the South West.

York is also less than an hour away from Leeds Bradford Airport.

Shopping:-

Shoppers are spoilt for choice in central York and there are also a number of out of town shopping complexes, including Monks Cross, Vanguard, Clifton Moor Retail Park and The Designer Outlet.

Big high street brands and designer names are all in the city centre, alongside a fantastic array of independent shops and boutiques. The city's ancient, cobbled streets are a magnet for serious retail hounds from all over the world!

With distinct shopping districts, Parliament and Coney Street are home to plenty of high street favourites, as is Coppergate. Stonegate and Swinegate also have a great mix of shops and there are some fantastic independent shops along Gillygate and Petergate. The daily Shambles Market has more than 85 stalls making it a must

Eating and drinking:-

With so much choice it’s hard to single out the best bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants. With 10 restaurants in York named and rated in the Michelin guide including Roots, which has a Michelin star, diners are spoilt for choice. Cafes, restaurants and pubs serve every style of food from authentic Italian cuisine through to Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Mexican and more! The infamous Bettys Tearooms is as popular as ever, and there are several hotels which also serve classic afternoon teas. For an afternoon tea with a difference from the comfort of a resorted railway carriage – The Countess of York at The Railway Museum is a great experience.

For a hip bar try Fossgate Social in York’s foodie quarter or check our Sotanto – an underground candle-lot bar with impeccable beer and gin selection. For food, drink, beer, ale and some rock music thrown in visit the Viking inspired Valhalla.

Leisure time:-

There is so much to do in York, including visiting the Jorvik Viking Centre, touring York Minster or walking round York Museum Gardens, there is plenty to see and do. You can also walk the York City Walls, get a train fix at the National Railway Museum, or spend a glamorous afternoon at York Racecourse.

The historic Clifford's Tower is also well worth a visit or you can explore more of York with a city cruise along the river or bike tour of the city. Culturally the York Castle Museum, the York Army Museum, The Yorkshire Museum and York Art Gallery all have something exciting to offer and the Grand Opera House and York Theatre Royal have a jam-packed schedule of musical and entertainment events.

York's claim to fame:-

Hailed as the best place to live in the country York also attracts over 7 million visitors a year. York is famous for having more than 300 pubs, but it is also famous for producing the best chocolate! It was once known at the Chocolate city as the air would smell of chocolate and a thick chocolate dust would cover every surface as it erupted from the city's many chocolate factories - Terry's, Rowntree's, Cravens or Lazenby.

York's best kept secret:-

Not many people know that there is a street in York called, Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, which is just 100 ft long. Despite being the shortest street in the city, it has the longest name and makes for a great selfie spot!