Belle’s Essential Guide To… York

Housed inside 800-year-old walls, York is home to one of the world’s most impressive cathedrals as well as an annual Viking festival, a plethora of Roman ruins and artefacts, and a thriving food and drink scene. One weekend is simply not enough to take in everything this historic city has to offer, but if you do find yourself in Jorvik with 48 hours to spare, here’s Belle About Town’s guide to essential sights and experiences you must take in.

Explore Jorvik’s Viking History

The Jorvik Viking Centre is home to all you need to know about Vikings in York and beyond. There’s an immersive museum that takes you through the Viking city, complete with smells to accompany exhibits every step of the way – including raw meat and, er, ancient toilets. Thousands of relics can be viewed, and each year the annual Viking Festival draws crowds of thousands for a procession through the city ahead of a reenactment of a Viking battle in the evening, topping off a week of Viking experiences. Whether you’ve got kids studying the subject or just fancy learning a little more about the city’s history, the events on offer are fascinating, and many of them free!

Wizard Walk of York

Geared towards kids but with plenty of giggles for grown ups, the Wizard Walk of York is a journey through the backstreets bringing you history with a comical twist. It’s a wonderfully whimsical tour that wizard fans (and non-magical folk alike) will love.

Mooch Round the Minster

As seen on the wizard walk, York Minster is an imposing and breathtaking building you can’t fail to see while exploring the city. Looming over a central square since the 7th century, the Minster has for centuries been at the heart of Christianity in the north of England and today remains a thriving church rooted in the daily offering of worship and prayer. The architecture is incredible, the history fascinating, and some of the gargoyles are, quite frankly, gobsmackingly rude. A walk around the Minster, outside if you don’t have time to go in, is essential when it York, and do check with the tourist office if a show is on during your stay. See Belle’s Instagram page to witness the wonder of this February’s awesome illumination.

Walk the Walls

Taking just over two hours, a walk of the York city walls is a must-do for those fit enough to make it round. Fancy a challenge? A pub crawl of the walls can take all day but offers visits to historic buildings as well as new bars, and is a great, if wobbly, way to enjoy the views.

Lunch at Plush

Plush Café is an independent boutique venue right in the centre of the city, with three uniquely-themed dining rooms. Choose from the the Garden Room with its swings instead of seats, the art deco-inspired Neon Room, or the luxurious, floor cushion-filled Bohemian Room. And menu is as decadent as the décor with over-the-top cakes, rainbow bagels and many more instagrammable treats, all served with signature edible flowers. There’s a bottomless brunch for an afternoon out with friends, or for family visits you can keep kids busy counting flamingoes as you enjoy a candy-floss laden cocktail or freakshake. Plush is a treat for the eyes and the belly and we’re so glad we stumbled across it on our travels.

Hole in Wand mini golf

Nine holes of wonder await at The Hole in Wand adventure golf found just opposite the Viking Centre. No expense has been spared in creating a truly unique and beautiful course full of wonder for young and old mini golfers alike. Ornate architecture and intricate furnishings give the Hole in Wand a real cosy and magical feel, and there’s a bubbling potion at the end for those lucky enough to score well!

Shimmy Down The Shambles

Shambles is one of York’s most famous landmarks and one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. With its cobbled streets and overhanging buildings, it is thought to have been the inspiration behind Diagon Alley from the movie adaptation of the Harry Potter series. Although none of the original shop-fronts have survived from medieval times, some properties still have exterior wooden shelves, reminders of when cuts of meat were served from the open windows. The street was made narrow by design to keep the meat out of direct sunlight, but you can readily imagine the Shambles packed with people and awash with offal and discarded bones.

Today, the beautiful old buildings have been restored and now house cheerful cafés, quirky boutiques and even a coin and stamp dealer and the smells are rather more pleasant with aromas from the chocolate, fudge and sweet shops, clothes and accessories and gift shops.

Cakes at Betty’s Tea Rooms

Possibly the most infamous tea room in the country, Betty’s is an institution. With beautiful interiors inspired by the Queen Mary ocean liner, it’s been making a splash since 1936. Afternoon tea is served daily, but be prepared to queue for up to an hour for this sought-after treat if you haven’t booked in advance. Or pop next door for one of their famous fondant fancies which, we’re delighted to say, are avialble to order online if you can’t make it there in person!

Cruise the Ouse

Step aboard and tour York by water. A cruise on the Ouse, which runs through the city, is a great way to discover glorious sights and beautiful scenery in style. Take in passing sights including the magnificent York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, the medieval Guildhall and more. Many offer narration about York’s history of flooding and its prosperity as an inland port as you sail along the river that brought the Romans and the Vikings to this site. What’s more, you can also pick up some local knowledge regarding York’s world-famous chocolate industry!

• For more information on what to do in York, see the Visit York website which runs a full listings of events and attractions in the city all year round.
• For more city guides and travel inspiration, visit Belle’s Travel section here.