York Citywalk, step into the magical world of Harry Potter
Just finished the York itinerary, really love this small city❤️
This capital of North England, the second largest tourist city in England, is often used as a short stop between London and Edinburgh, but this city with a rich history is definitely worth slowing down and taking more time to experience deeply.
George VI once proudly said: The history of York is the history of England.
To be honest, the city itself is really not big, here to share some of my experiences:
1️⃣ The Shambles:
The most complete and oldest medieval street preserved in the UK to date, but very short, it takes only 1 minute to walk through.
During the day, The Shambles is bustling, either queuing for trinkets or buying butterbeer. But at night, The Shambles is the real magical world of Harry Potter, the corner of Diagon Alley seems to be able to change shape at any time, wizards buying wands appear, the golden light showcases are hung with wanted posters for Potter, and ghostly shadows flicker around as if eyes are watching us muggles who have intruded.
❗So, you must stay in York for at least one night to see the magical world as night falls.
2️⃣ York Minster
It is the largest existing medieval Gothic cathedral in Europe, and it took more than 200 years to build.
The cathedral was originally an all-wood structure and was destroyed by fire during the civil war. Later, the Normans conquered York and built the first Norman church, whose foundation stones and crypt can still be seen today.
Must-see at York Minster:
✅ The Great Hall: This is the filming location for the Great Hall of Hogwarts in Harry Potter.
✅ Stained Glass: The Heart of York, the Great East Window, the Rose Window, etc., each one is an art treasure, and the most interesting part of York Minster is these windows.
✅ Tower Climb: There are fixed times each day for climbing the tower, ours was at 11 o'clock, be mentally prepared, it's a bit tough both physically and mentally to climb 200 feet in the narrow steps. Halfway up there is a section of the aerial bridge, I was trembling with fear of heights, but the top of the tower is much better, because it is enclosed with wire mesh on all sides.
3️⃣ St Mary's Abbey:
The ruins in the museum gardens, a famous building from the Catholic period in England, destroyed during the Protestant Reformation, the abbey is in the free museum gardens, where the little squirrels🐿️ will come to your hand looking for food.
4️⃣ National Railway Museum:
Near York Station, it houses a train that was donated by the Chinese government and once ran in China.
York actually has quite a few places to visit, take more time, stroll the streets, York as an old industrial city, the Victorian buildings everywhere feel like stepping into the most glorious period of Britain.
5️⃣🧸 The Ghost Merchants
This is the only shop in York still trading souls, always a queue, and the shop assistants are interesting and chat with the customers in line
‼️Must-try food recommendations
❶ Butterbeer 🍺
Shop name: The Potions Cauldron (YO17LZ)
This really tastes like a mix of AD calcium milk and beer, with a thick layer of creamy milk cap on top, sweet caramel-flavored beer, and the straw is pasta that can be taken home and cooked haha
❷ Firework Beef Sandwich🥪
Shop name: Shambles Kitchen (Yo17LX)
The firework sandwich is a classic commemorating the 'Gunpowder Plot' by the people of York, mainly for the love of the fireworks, and the taste is also good, the smoked beef is delicious
❸ Basque Cheesecake🧀
Shop name: ALYS BAKERY YORK
Address: 81 Gillygate, York YO31 7EA
The shop is very small and only offers takeout, not dine-in, there are also some bread, cookies, and coffee, but my favorite is blueberry and original flavor, the other flavors are still a bit sweet
🚌Surrounding tours:
There are quite a few attractions around York:
1️⃣ Whitby: You can take a bus from York for just 2 pounds
2️⃣ Saltaire: The little Kamakura of England, you can take a bus from Whitby, or go by train.
3️⃣ Scarborough: The mysterious Scarborough Fair is also a good place to go.
4️⃣ Howard Castle: The legendary place of Jay Chou's grand wedding, worth a visit if you have time.