The riverside walk from our hotel in York to the city was extremely pleasant. This was our third visit to York and we enjoyed it as much as the previous two visits.
One of the first things we did was visit the Christmas market which spreads along many streets
The city was founded by the Romans in 71 AD. In the Middle Ages, York grew as a major wool trading centre while in the 19th century it became a hub of the railway network and confectionery manufacturing centre. Today, tourism has become an important element of the local economy.
The Shambles is one of the most visited streets of York. Historically it was a street of butchers shops and houses. Records state that in 1872 there were 26 butchers on the street.
Mentioned in the Doomsday book, we know The Shambles to be York's oldest street and Europe's best preserved medieval street.
It's full of interesting, independent shops
a Harry Potter shop
a large number of the shops seem to be dedicated to witches and wizards
potions and cauldrons
York is meant to be the most haunted city in England - whatever that means - and ghost tours (like the one pictured above) are very common.
But, there is more to medieval York than just The Shambles - the old part of town is large and extensive
and it's great fun to wander around
window shopping, or stopping for refreshments at one of the numerous tea shops
There are a number of narrow lanes between or through buildings, called snickelways or ginnels, mostly medieval, though there are some modern ones as well.
We came across quite a few red buildings like this one
The area around the Minster is lovely for walking around
We tried to visit The Treasurer's House, which we had visited during our last trip, but unfortunately, it was closed.
A particularly good example of a timber-framed building on Minster Yard.
In the main shopping area, Betty's Tea Rooms are to be found. We had tea here during our last visit, but were unable to do so this time, as it was always very busy with long queues of people waiting for a table
Berry's Tea Rooms at night.
St Helen's Square is a vibrant spot in the middle of the city
dominated by St Helen Stonegate
and a Christmas tree at this time of year
the Ivy restaurant is situated here.
On our way to Gillygate
and the Art Gallery
we came across this Georgian terrace
Bootham Bar, one of the four gatehouses of the Roman wall, is also here
and we had a nice evening meal here.
This wonderful Art Deco building is nearby
as is St Martin's church with its fabulous clock.
Finally, the Theatre Royal, established in 1744, produces an annual pantomime which attracts audiences from around the country.
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