While Leeds was a bit underwhelming with its unabashed love for highrise buildings, York was more like it. A medieval city located on a spot inhabited since pre-Roman times with Britain’s largest gothic cathedral and narrow streets lined with timbered houses and all sorts of interesting and unique shops. I found a great magic/esoterics shop in one of those streets that caters not just to the usual New Age crowd but also to genuine practicing magicians. I also found a shop that sold stunning costume jewelery.
So here are some photos of York behind the cut. They’re a tad misty, because it just happened to be misty on the day I visited:
A section of the city wall with daffodils and other spring flowers
Rooftops of York with the spire of York Minster seen in the distance.
Slightly misty York Minster seen from a distance
Frontal view of York Minster
Side view of York Minster
Close-up of some gargoyles at York Minster
A statue of the Roman Emperor Constantine holding court in front of York Minster. Constantine was proclaimed Emperor of the Roman Empire while visiting York, hence he gets a statue.
Pigeons and squirrels flitting across some Roman sacrophagi in the park of the historical museum
A random ruin in the park of the historical museum
Bridge across the River Ouse with a beautiful lamppost and the Guildhall in the background
Detail of the bridge across the River Ouse featuring the white rose of York
View across the River Ouse
View along one of the narrow medieval streets in the centre of York
Close-up view of a timbered medieval house in York
And another timbered medieval house. This one was built in 1454.
And another medieval house with some interesting decorations.
The figurehead of a ship turned supporting beam at a corner house
Carving of a little red devil on a house in York.
Another carving depicting either Britannia or Athena on a house in York
No, it's not the headquarters of Occupy York but the Guy Fawkes Inn. Guy Fawkes was born and grew up in York, the church where he was baptized is located directly across the street from the inn.
Front of a toffee and sweets shop in York. Yorkshire in general and York in particular used to be (still is to some extent) the centre of the British confectionery industry
Another neat shopfront, this time for a shop selling swords and armour.
Another interesting shopfront. This one belongs to a shop selling exotic beers with the enticing name Evil Eye Lounge.
The Teddy Bear shop and café
A contemplative miniature garden in the backyard of a florist's shop
I have no idea why these gentlemen are dressed the way they are, but I suspect they are historical reenactors of some kind. Either that or time travelers.
A ferris wheel in a park next to York station
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LOVE the photos, especially of York Minster.
Glad you enjoyed the photos. York Minster is very impressive indeed, even if – like me – you come from a part of the world where gothic cathedrals aren’t exactly rare.
Hi Cora,
I am in York at the moment, and just stumbled across your site. I love your photography, especially the scene of York with a misty view of the Minster – amazing!
Thanks for sharing your pictures.
Amy
Glad you liked my photos, Amy. Enjoy your stay in beautiful York.