A Mancunian in York: A Short but Memorable Trip

Hi, it’s Ryan again, sharing the details of a quick but lovely trip to York with my missus. Despite feeling under the weather, I couldn’t help but enjoy the charm of this historic city. With its compact, walkable city centre, incredible architecture, and cosy atmosphere, York is the perfect destination for a night or two. Here’s a look at what we got up to and some of the things we’re planning for our next visit.

A Walkable City Full of History

One of York’s biggest draws is how easy it is to explore on foot. The city centre is small but packed with history, from the stunning York Minster to the winding streets of The Shambles, which look like something straight out of a Harry Potter film. Even if you’re not a history buff, the medieval buildings and charming cobbled streets are a delight to wander around. It’s the kind of place where you can get lost and enjoy every second of it.

Tapas and Drinks

While we didn’t have the chance to explore a wide variety of York’s food scene, the one meal we had was outstanding. We stumbled upon a great tapas restaurant (perfect for sharing dishes—ideal when one of you is feeling a bit under the weather like I was). Every dish was packed with flavour, and it left us eager to try more of York’s culinary offerings on our next visit.

After dinner, we took a stroll around the city and popped into a couple of bars for drinks. York has a fantastic bar scene, with something for everyone:

• The Evil Eye Lounge: A quirky bar with an impressive cocktail menu and a fun, eclectic vibe. Perfect for a laid-back drink.

• Pivni: Known for its craft beers, this cosy spot is a must-visit if you’re a beer lover. It has a great selection of local and international brews.

• The House of the Trembling Madness: Part medieval pub, part bottle shop, this unique venue is ideal for trying something a bit different.

Future Plans for York

While our trip was brief, we’re already planning to return to York to experience more of what the city has to offer. Here are some things we’ve added to our list for next time:

• York Minster: We only admired it from the outside this time, but on our next trip, we’ll definitely venture inside to explore this breathtaking Gothic cathedral.

• The Jorvik Viking Centre: A must-visit for anyone interested in history, this interactive museum brings York’s Viking past to life.

• Clifford’s Tower: Offering stunning views over the city, this historic site is a great spot to soak in York’s beauty.

• The National Railway Museum: I’ve heard great things about this place, which is home to an impressive collection of trains and railway memorabilia.

Final Thoughts

York may be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to charm, history, and a welcoming atmosphere. Our brief visit left us wanting more, and I can’t wait to return when I’m feeling better to properly dive into the city’s food and attractions.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or just want to explore somewhere rich in history and culture, York is well worth a visit. Cheers to discovering more on our next trip!