York is one of the most ancient cities in England, the capital of the Roman lands in Britain, and later the main city of the Viking state. This ancient city is situated in the southeastern part of the county, where the River Foss meets the River Ouse.
According to travelers and history enthusiasts, York is one of the most beautiful cities in Northern England, often chosen despite the popular southern destinations of London, Oxford, or Cambridge. However, York is a prominent representative of the North of England, about which hundreds of books have been written, and thousands of songs have been sung.
In addition, according to The Sunday Times, York is recognized as the best place to live in the UK, offering not only a glimpse into the ancient and rich cultural heritage of the Romans, but also a chance to experience modern festivals.
But what if you knew that you could spend a day in York and visit popular places for free? This article provides a brief guide on how to spend a free and exciting day in York.
How to Spend a Free Day in York
If you think that traveling and sightseeing are expensive, then we have good news for you — it is possible, especially if you choose York. This is a compact city, much of which can be seen without expensive tickets. Here is a sample route for the day and some tips.
St. Anthony’s Garden
We suggest starting your free day at St Anthony’s Garden, a small and peaceful garden in the heart of York. This is a unique and hidden place that often falls off the popular tourist routes. However, for those who make it here, the stunning nature, beautiful views of the ancient church tower, green lawns, and flower beds, as well as places to relax, are waiting for you.
On the territory of the garden, one of the main architectural structures is located — St. Anthony’s Hall, which used to belong to a religious brotherhood.
Location:
York YO1 7PW, United Kingdom.
*Tip: Not far from St. Anthony’s Garden are the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey — is one of the most ancient abbeys, built in 1088, after the Norman conquests. In the Middle Ages, the abbey was one of the most wealthy and influential monasteries in England.
Today, all that remains of the huge monastery are its impressive walls and arches, which will appeal to fans of Gothic architecture.
York City Walls
The second free location on the route is already more popular among tourists. No doubt — we are talking about the world-famous York City Walls. These are one of the most well-preserved medieval city walls in England. They surround the historic center of York and are considered one of the city’s main attractions, attracting thousands of tourists from around the world. In fact, York City Walls is considered the longest fully preserved city wall in England, allowing visitors to walk freely along its length.
The history of these walls dates back to the Roman Empire and continues to this day. After all, the walls are preserved in good condition, despite their impressive size: the total length of the walls is approximately 3.4–3.5 km. To make a full circle, you will need about 2 hours of walking, but this is with the opportunity to capture the beauty on your phone or camera, as well as to share the photos on Instagram in a timely manner.
Location: Exhibition Square, York YO1 7LJ, United Kingdom.
*Tip: In any trip, it is impossible to do without stable and 24/7 communication or Internet access. However, roaming or buying a local SIM card can become a big source of expenses. In order to minimize expenses, save yourself from unnecessary searches for mobile operators, and at the same time, have the Internet at hand, it is recommended to make an eSIM before the trip. eSIM is a completely virtual SIM card that does not need to be physically moved. It is connected and managed remotely through an application. For example, eSIM Plus offers the benefits of stable and high-quality communication in more than 160 countries around the world, especially in England in general and in York in particular, where eSIM coverage is considered one of the best.
Bishopthorpe Road
Another free location that will help you experience the atmosphere of York on par with the locals is Bishopthorpe Road. This is one of the most beloved streets by locals in York. It is located about 15–20 minutes on foot south of the historic center, near the South Bank area and Rowntree Park. By the way, locals shorten its long name and use “Bishy Road” for convenience.
When you walk down this street, you get a sense of a quiet and real life in York, unlike the tourist streets. There are many independent family shops, cafes, and bakeries, where they cook according to recipes of a century ago (must-visit for gourmets). In addition, there are many vintage shops and craft shops, where you want to buy absolutely the entire assortment, despite the fact that the day was planned to be free.
The street gained widespread recognition after winning the Great British High Street Awards. In 2015, it took the top prize in the Best Local High Street category. Additionally, the street is known for its active Bishy Road Traders Association community, which organizes various events. The schedule and dates of upcoming events can be found in open sources on the internet.
Location: Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 1NA, United Kingdom
*Tip: When visiting Bishopthorpe Road, you can also visit the beautiful Rowntree Park, which is located on the banks of the River Ouse. Here, you can enjoy clean ponds, beautiful bridges, vibrant rose gardens, and relax in the shade of peaceful alleys. According to locals, this is one of the best places to relax in the city.
Final Word
As you can see, traveling to new cities is not always about money. Traveling is a great way to see the world in a new light and experience its history in different parts of the world. No matter what your travel budget is, there are always things to do and places to see, especially in the historic and unique city of York.
