Quirky city ‘straight out of Harry Potter’ is second most picturesque in world

The city of York has been crowned one of the world’s most picturesque (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

It’s already no secret that the people are nicer up north, but now the city of York has been crowned one of the most picturesque in the world.

The historic North Yorkshire city has been named the second most beautiful place to visit in winter worldwide – in addition to its recent rankings as both the friendliest place to visit and Brits’ favourite UK city.

The research, from hotel chain Premier Inn, lauded York for its ‘captivating medieval walls and narrow lanes of The Shambles,’ particularly when they’re dusted with snow, as they were last week during a spat of cold weather.

‘The York Minster cathedral looks even more majestic, while the city’s famous Christmas market, St Nicholas Fair, comes alive on Parliament Street,’ the study read.

York’s city walls are often coated with winter snow (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

‘Winter visitors can warm up in one of York’s many historic pubs or enjoy the JORVIK Viking Centre – perfect if you need a bit of shelter from the cold while exploring the city.’

The city’s charm isn’t just reserved for locals, though: York is a beautiful place for visitors to enjoy a day trip or even a holiday.

And tourists have nothing but great things to say about the place, describing it as ‘quirky’ and intriguing.’

One reviewer further described it as ‘very fun, and everyone is in good spirits,’ while another said the famous Shambles street should be called ‘Harry Potter Street.’

Things to do in York

There’s plenty to see, do and explore in York (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Nidderdale is around an hour north of York and is often snowy (Picture: Getty Images)

A vibrant, bustling city, York boasts modern shops and restaurants but is also steeped in history. Some of the oldest buildings in the city date back to the seventh century. 

For a unique experience, you can climb what remains of the city walls which have surrounded the city for over 700 years.

The famous Shambles is one of the oldest streets in England and is believed to have been the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series.

While none of the shops have their original fronts, they have been lovingly restored and you can find anything from chocolate to Viking souvenirs and even a year-round Christmas shop.

You can also visit the quirky Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, one of the shortest ‘streets’ with the longest name at just 24 metres.

York Minster is a popular tourist attraction (Picture: Getty Images) The Shambles has been compared to Diagon Alley (Picture: Getty Images)

Its origin is much debated but is believed to have come from either a Middle Ages phrase meaning ‘neither one thing nor another’ or, perhaps more fun, ‘what a street!’

Even older than the Shambles is York Minster. The cathedral dates back to the 7th century and doubled as a more historically accurate representation of Westminster Abbey in films such as Elizabeth (1998) and Bill (2015).

The city is also home to the Jorvik Viking Centre where you can travel back in time to a Viking street and see real-life Viking objects found in the city.

It’s not all history though. York is home to over 350 pubs and bars and has a rich history of chocolate-making if you have a sweet tooth.

The original Rowntree’s factory was born here, and the historic streets are full of sumptuous sweet shops.

And no trip to York would be complete without a visit to a delicious tea room, especially the world-famous Betty’s. Ready for a day trip?

This piece was originally published on April 13, 2024.

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