If you are into Roman roots and a Viking past, or you are into Harry Potter films, or you are into chocolate, this is the place to go. There are also plenty of museums to see, including the Railway Museum. According to the Sunday Times, York is the best place to live in the UK. Therefore, it is recommended for a long weekend break away.
We went to York in February 2020, on the weekend of Storm Ciara. It was limited to do outdoor things. However, it did not stop us from enjoying the experience. I would go to York again, but maybe during the spring where it would be warmer and more sunshine.
Attractions
In York, there are plenty of things to do, whether it's a family break or friends weekend.
1. The Shambles
The Shambles is the ancient street of the Butchers of York mentioned in the Domesday Book of William the Conqueror.
For all the Harry Potter fans, the Shambles was an inspiration behind Diagon Alley or as Harry would call it "Diagonally". I have watched all the Harry Potter films, but sadly, I have not read all of the books. However, I always wanted to visit this place. Feel free to wander around this area and enter the shops, including the World of Wizardry and The Shop That Must Not Be Named.
2. York Minster
Visit York's most famous landmark. The York Minster is a beautiful old church, and it has a fantastic history behind it. You will get to see the seven main factors and learn the history behind them. The best thing to see was viewing the Rose window - it has an intriguing history. In 1984, the Rose window was caught on fire and ended up damaged, and today it is one of the finest in the country.
3. York Chocolate Story
The chocolate museum was another great adventure, exploring the history of chocolate. The tour guide was excellent, and he explained to you the story of York's Chocolate. They also talked about the well-known brand Kit Kat. During the tour, we made chocolate lollipops, and we learned how York make chocolate every day. We would recommend this to anyone!
4. City Walls
If you love walking and seeing the views, I would recommend walking along York's old City walls. The walls offer some of the best views, especially the section near the Minster in the lovely weather is beautiful.
5. Railway Museum
The Railway museum is brilliant if you are into trains. There were a lot of well-known trains that I have not seen before. We went to see the Mallard train, Eurostar, Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train), ambulance trains, the Queen Victoria's carriage and many other trains. We even got to see the turntable experience. Worth the trip!
6. Clifford's Tower
I do recommend Clifford's Tower for beautiful views, especially for panoramic photography. It has comprised a sequence of castles, prisons, law courts, built over the last nine centuries.
7. Museums and Shopping
Visit the museums and learn more about life and history in York, including the York Castle Museum. Look around the shops, including the York Gin shop and The Cat Gallery shops.
Places to Eat or Drink
1. The Guy Fawkes Inn
The Guy Fawkes Inn is the birthplace of the notorious plotter Guido Fawkes in 1570. In the 1600s he tried to blow up parliament on 5th November and was arrested. We headed to this place for food, and it was delicious.
2. Thomas's of York
Thomas's of York is a lovely, friendly pub for a quick drink. There are a lot of posters with celebrities on the wall. It is a very different pub.
3. Vaqueiros
Vaqueiros is a Brazilian restaurant, and the service was different from the regular restaurant service. I first told the waiter how I would like the meat cooked, and I then grabbed some salad. On the table, there is a red card and a green card. If it's a red card, you have enough food, and if it's a green card, you are ready for more. What happens next is waiters come out with different types of meat to carve. It was a good experience, and the food was excellent.
4. Evil Eye
If you are into gin or lots of cocktails and want to have a good catch up with your friends, this is the place to go. Evil Eye is the home of the bizarre, weird and wonderful.
Accommodation and transport
As it was a weekend break, we stayed in an Ibis hotel with breakfast. It was a suitable hotel for us, and it was affordable.
We recommend using the train to York, especially for long-distance. The train journey took about 3 hours, which was good and it avoided traffic.