The city of York is one of the most beautiful in England with fabulous cobble stone streets to stroll along, incredible architecture and history at every corner. There are plenty of great cafes and shops to browse and a number of these are set inside interesting buildings with rather pretty facades. Here are 14 of the prettiest that you should save for your trip to York, particularly if you like photography and sharing your finds on Instagram! Get your camera ready 📷
1. York Gin
York Gin is located inside one of the most amazing buildings in York on Pavement. The building is called Sir Thomas Herbert’s House and dates from the 16th century. It still looks in excellent condition! To the right side of York Gin is a small arch which leads down to Lady Peckett’s Yard. Head through and you can see some more of the building.
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2. The Golden Fleece
Next door to York Gin is the Golden Fleece pub. It’s a very narrow building and claims to be the most haunted pub in York. It makes a pretty facade with its golden sheep hanging above the doorway, colourful hanging baskets and golden typography. I like to photograph it with a snippet of York Gin on show to the right so that you can see the unusual history of York sitting side by side. Whilst the Golden Fleece dates back to the 16th century, it was rebuilt in the 19th, hence why it looks so much more modern than Sir Thomas Herbert’s House!
3. The Hairy Fig & Merchant Adventurer’s Hall
Take a stroll down Fossgate and there’s one spot that really stands out. As you wander south west from Colliergate, on your right hand side you’ll see The Hairy Fig, the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall and Kiosk (not pictured). This is one of my favourite places to photograph in York because it’s just such an interesting and historic mix of elements. The dark green of Kiosk & The Hairy Fig makes a perfect contrast to the bright red door and stand out coat of arms that sits in the middle of them. Kiosk is an excellent spot for coffee so make sure to visit when it’s after opening time!
4. Merchant Adventurer’s Hall
During opening hours, when the red door above is open, head on through under the coat of arms and you’ll reach the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall itself. This is one of the most fantastic buildings in York and you’d never know it was even here! The yellow makes the black timber beams stand out on one of the most incredible medieval guildhalls you’ll find in England. Plus that lamp is just perfection!
5. York Minster
York Minster has the biggest facade in the whole of the city since it stands 72m over the city. The front of The Minster is absolutely stunning and you must take some time to stand at the bottom and look up at all of that beautiful, painstaking detailed work that has been spent on it. After you’ve marvelled at the craftsmanship, pay the interior a visit and find even more architecture and details to admire.
6. Born of Botanics
Born of Botanics was a new facade for me this year! I spotted it on @sarahjanemillman’s Instagram and immediately saved it for later. I really like this shopfront design which looks like it’s just waiting to be coloured in and you can imagine it painted in whatever shade you would like. How cute are the little details with the acorns, cat, bird and butterflies!
7. Harrogate Tipple
Harrogate Tipple was a new facade for me on my last trip to York but it’s super cute! This small batch distillery is based at the Ripley Castle Estate and took over this building on Stonegate in 2021 which previously housed Little Bettys. The building used to be an apothecary and Harrogate Tipple has kept that design to display their gin and other products inside. The otter on the door really helps to make this an adorable shop facade ❤️
8. The Forest
The Forest is one of my favourite facades in York and is a popular one to photograph. It sits on High Petergate at the top of Grape Lane so it’s the perfect position to photograph its whole facade! The orange brick of the building that The Forest is situated in contrasts so well with the green of the windows, doors and leafy decoration. Of course that charming pink bike just helps the scene all the more!
9. Bradleys Jewellers
Bradleys Jewellery on High Petergate often has one of the best flower displays in York. They take pride in having a beautifully bright and themed facade. The above was taken in summer and what a lovely contrast the multi coloured floral array makes to the black and white exterior of Bradleys.
10. The Minster Gate Bookshop
The Minster Gate Bookshop sits underneath the shadows of the Minster itself and has become one of the most photographed places in York. When the bookshop is open, shelves of books sit outside the shop to entice passers by to take a look and stumble inside. You’ll find lots of choice from history to novels to travel books nearly all second hand.
11. Käthe Wohlfahrt York
Käthe Wohlfahrt on Stonegate is housed in a fantastic timber beamed building and brings a touch of Christmas spirit to the centre of York all through the year. It’s a beautiful photograph at any time but particularly so at Christmas when it adds a festive feel to your camera roll.
12. Wunderplay
Stonegate has plenty of beautiful facades along its length which is fitting as it is one of the most beautiful streets in York. Wunderplay is a lovely one to photograph because of its fantastic baby blue shade and the bay window that just out above it. Stop in if you’re after a gift for a younger friend or relative.
13. Stonegate Teddy Bears
This might just be the cutest shop in York as Stonegate Teddy Bears is full of (you guessed it!) teddy bears! This is one of the prettiest facades because it has so much detail to it – there’s something so charming about the sign that reads ‘The Teddy Bear Tea Rooms’. The building is from the 15th century and even includes the figurehead of a boat that sunk on the River Ouse.
14. Luxury Ice Cream Company
The Luxury Ice Cream Company has such a beautiful shop frontage with those big open windows and pastel paint. It’s now painted pink which makes it even prettier!
If you’re looking for more York inspiration then check out these other posts about this beautiful city ❤️
Cat x