If so, you have come to the right place as we asked York Press readers on Facebook where they think the prettiest streets in the city are.
Here are some of the responses we received so you can make a note of where to go for your next brunch date or weekend stroll this autumn and winter.
Where are the prettiest streets in York?
@journeywithjames1 I really hope it snows for real in York this winter! ❄️ This video was from a couple of years ago when there were snowy foam machines installed above the street 😄 #york #shambles #christmas #visityork #yorkshambles #shamblesyork #yorkengland ♬ Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
The Shambles
It probably goes without saying that the Shambles is up there with not only the prettiest street in York, but probably the UK.
Yet we had to include it in this round-up as the Medieval street received so many compliments from our readers.
One person even said the Shambles is “magic” while another shared: “The shambles most definitely”.
But have you ever wondered by the Shambles is so narrow?
Visit York explained: “With its cobbled streets and overhanging buildings, it is believed to have been the inspiration behind Diagon Alley from the movie adaptation of the Harry Potter series.
“Although none of the original shop-fronts have survived from medieval times, some properties still have exterior wooden shelves, reminders of when cuts of meat were served from the open windows.
“The street was made narrow by design to keep the meat out of direct sunlight, but you can readily imagine the Shambles packed with people and awash with offal and discarded bones.”
Stonegate
Another street locals claim is among the prettiest in the city is the popular Stonegate which is now full of “boutique” shops.
Some people have also posted about their visit to Stonegate on Tripadvisor, as one review reads: “Partly cobbled, this street contains lots of attractions from old inns to a Christmas shop to the best bottle shop in York to a gin emporium – all delights to be enjoyed!”
@pippalkent There’s more to York than just just the Shambles if you’re looking for the cutest and prettiest places. Stonegate is one of my favourite streets and there are lots of little passageways around that you don’t quite know where you’ll end up! There are also some lovely shops along here too if you fancy spending some money! Fossgate has some lovely buildings, old pubs and delicious places to eat. Some of my new favourite spots are down here. All around this gorgeous old city are cute corners and some of the prettiest spots you’ll see in any city. Which one are you visiting first!? #visityork #yorkstreet #oldstreet #exploreyorkshire #york #yorkshire #discoveryorkshire #oldengland #visityorkshire #england #tourengland #englandtourism #englandtravel #travelengland #iloveengland #iloveyork #yorkstreet #travellife #traveller #traveldreams ♬ Killer – Celina Sharma & Girls Like You
Want to know a little bit more about its history? York 360 writes: “For centuries Stonegate has been a busy thoroughfare, it was a main Roman road from the River Ouse and Roman bridge to the City headquarters where the Minster now stands.
“Today the beautiful buildings that line the street are a mixture of Medieval & Georgian which give the place a unique character. There are many boutique shops and often street entertainers.”
College Street
College Street in York was also recommended as one of the prettiest streets to discover by our readers.
It’s most famous for being where the fascinating Grade I listed building St William’s College resides, which is named after William Fitzherbert, Archbishop of York (1143 – 1147), who was canonised in 1226, reports Jorvik.
College Street also provides impressive views of the back of York Minster.
One visitor on Tripadvisor commented: “One of the atmospheric spots in York… lovely old buildings so typical to the old town, great place to take pictures of York Minster walls, and charming artisan shop, tiny tea room, and a little restaurant are right there… very pretty place and not crowded, which is a huge plus.”
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Another said College Street was “nice for a stroll”.
Their review added: “All of York is nice but this area is different with a lot is cool little shops and things to look at. Quite fun.”
This Tripadvisor account also said: “What a weird and wonderful area , so full of historical places , loads to do and see. Loads of bars and restaurants , quirky shops , and York Minster is amazing , a must see while in the area.”
