Located in Yorkshire, the city of York is one of the best dreamy destinations in England. With plenty of Instagram-worthy spots, beautiful architecture, unique culture, and medieval charm, York is perfect for a quick weekend getaway or a planned trip alike.
Shambles
To get a Harry Potter-styled magical vibe, head to the Diagon Alley-inspired street of Shambles for an enchanting shopping and nibbling experience. With a maze of twists and turns, this cobblestoned side street is flanked by adjacent 13th-century half-timbered buildings, transporting the visitors to a bygone era. Full of antique stores, quaint hidden gems, and lingering aromas of musty old books, baked cakes, and brewing tea, exploring this York street is truly rewarding.
York Minster
At just a stone-throw distance from the Shambles, the large gothic 17th-century cathedral named York Minster has been serving as a place of reverence for centuries. With its colorful stained glass and handcrafted stonework, this is rightfully dubbed as one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world.
Great Wall
As an old capital of the Roman Empire, the city of York is rich in historical gems. The great wall is the 2000-year-old defense boundary, encircling the city. While leisurely strolling along the 2.8-mile wall, you can explore the surviving stony remains, masonry, and also splendid views of the York Minster. With free entry, the longest medieval wall in England takes nearly two hours to be explored fully.
Mystery and Gore
Yes, York is fabled as one of Europe’s most haunted cities. Ghost stories, mystery, and folklore are etched into the very fabric of the city, with its ancient buildings, cobbled corners, and lonely alleyways. The town fully embraces and celebrates its spooky charm with evening walking tours for visitors, also including a few re-enactments of the city’s gory legends. If you want to dig deeper into this dark history, visit the York dungeon. Here, actors lead tourists into an immersive history lesson through a range of spine-chilling historic events.