With winding cobblestoned streets, unique shops and gorgeous architecture, it’s no wonder York is regularly named the UK’s most beautiful city.

The picturesque place frequently features on travel lists for its incredible array of attractions, funky shops and history – and all these attractions are close to each other making York one of the most walkable in the UK, according to a 2023 study by LateRooms.com.

The city of York also recently came out on top of the Conde Nast Traveller’s best places to visit list in 2024 – and it’s hardly surprising.

York has several must-sees but the most famous of these is the Shambles. Don’t let the name fool you – this rambling street is one of the best preserved mediaeval shopping streets in Europe. 

Its cobbled streets and overhanging buildings are believed to have inspired Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series, and its shops are still open for business today.

From British wool and cashmere to cosy pubs and restaurants, the Shambles has something for every avid shopper. 

From here, you could take a wander around the ancient Roman walls that surround the city of York and have stood solidly in place throughout the centuries.

York Minster, which recently made the top five most beautiful British landmarks – and it’s easy to see why.

The English Gothic architecture of the cathedral dates back to 1270, as does some of the building’s awe-inspiring stained glass. 

It’s a popular spot for tourists to marvel at, with tourist ‘Graham Hulme’ writing on Tripadvisor: “Tremendous place to visit and to marvel at what humans can achieve. You could spend a lifetime here and still find new pieces of craftsmanship.”

If you want to walk the full length, then it’s best to set aside at least a couple of hours as there are also a number of plaques you can choose to read along the way which will educate you further on the rich history of York.