A Walk Around Historical York

Micklegate Bar

York City

It was a beautiful sunny day with a clear bright blue sky when we took a walk around historical York in Yorkshire yesterday. Why not come for a walk along with us as you read through this blog post?

A walk along the walls of York

Our walk began at Micklegate Bar, one of the old entrances to the city that form part of the ancient walls of York that surround the city. I had never walked around these walls before so it was a bit of an adventure for me. 😀

The Grand Hotel

York’s Ancient Walls

Parts of the walls are fenced off so that you don’t fall but other parts are not and my stomach was churning away as I walked along gingerly, as close to the stone walls as I could. 😬 I don’t like heights at the best of times and even though the walls aren’t that high, I think it was just being near an edge that was telling my stomach I might be in danger. 😜

You can read more about walking the York walls here.

Lendal Bridge

The River Ouse

We decided to get off the walls just before Lendal Bridge. It’s a 2.8 mile long walk right around the walls and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. We didn’t really have the time on this particular day as we really wanted to walk around the city itself. I did however enjoy my short ramble along them and marveled at the views of the stunning Grand Hotel and York Minster!

Spring Espresso

Spring Espresso

Lunch-time

After getting off the walls we took a walk around historical York city streets but not before a quick lunch break at Spring Espresso on Lendal Street. There are two branches of this fabulous coffee shop in York, this one here on Lendal Street and another at Fossgate.

I highly recommend either one as the food is amazing and the coffee top notch! You’ll be sure of a very warm welcome in quite pleasant, relaxed surroundings. Both cafes are extremely popular so I would choose my timing very carefully otherwise you’ll only be getting a takeaway or queuing up outside – very well worth the wait though if you have to! 👍

Stonegate

Little Stonegate

A walk around York city streets

After our lovely lunch we took a pleasant, leisurely stroll through some of the city streets including Stonegate, Little Stonegate and Low Petergate – don’t you just love those names? 😀

We loved checking out all of the different shops including but certainly not limited to the amazing German Xmas shop Kathe Wohlfahrt on Stonegate. It’s opening at the end of July in case you like to get your Xmas shopping done early. 😉 An absolutely beautiful place to walk around with all its nooks and crannies. There’s so much to see inside where you’ll be spoilt for choice!

We also passed the incredibly quaint little teddy bear shop just off Stonegate on Little Stonegate which also happens to be a lovely little tearoom. If you’re into teddy bears like I am, you’ll have a hard time just passing by that one. 😉

I simply loved the doorway at one of the stores there on Stonegate (not sure of the name). It had me wondering about the Bible hanging above it. I wondered if it was actually real – perhaps you know? 🤔 And how about that rather cool doorway that used to be called Mad Alice Lane - gets you thinking doesn’t it? 😉

York Minster

St Mary’s Abbey

Gert and Henry’s

A walk around historical York

Whilst walking around the city we also took a look at some of York’s finest historical buildings. We simply had to visit York Minster - I mean, how can you not!! An absolutely stunning example of gothic architecture which was built over the course of only 250 years!! It was started in 1220 so its around 800 years old!?! How amazing is that!!

Who could miss York Museum Gardens where you’ll find the beautiful St Mary’s Abbey! First built in 1088 it might be a ruin now but I think that only adds to its stunning character don't you? It’s a fabulous place to sit awhile in its surroundings and just ponder its glory!

And how about that absolutely beautiful medieval building which houses Gert & Henry’s? A place I’ve yet to frequent but find hard to ignore! Have you been inside?

York City Walls

End of the day

All too soon our visit sadly had to end but I know for sure we’ll be returning to this amazing and beautiful city to see all that it has to offer! Each time I visit, I find myself wishing I lived there knowing I could never tire of what it has to offer! 😍

I hope you’ve enjoyed this short walk around historical York with us? I know I’ve loved showing you around even just a small few parts of it. I’m sure I’ll be sharing more with you again in the future so keep your eyes 😳 peeled for that won’t you? 😉

Have you been to York? What are your impressions and what’s your favourite part of the city? If you haven’t been yet, I URGE you to visit very soon if you get the chance! You will not be disappointed!