WHY?

Historic York on the banks of the River Ouse attracts millions of visitors each year as one of the UK’s hottest tourist spots, so why wouldn’t you want to live in this walkable, wonderful city oozing with charm? Famous for its Minster dominating the skyline with city walls dating back to a Roman heyday and atmospheric streets like the quirky Shambles to explore, the best draw is that in addition to its ancient roots, it’s a hip, happy and happening place to be. You’ll never tire of its jaw-dropping ancient architecture juxtaposed by its contemporary coffee shops, stylish boutiques, fine-dining eateries and world-renowned museums – with the cherry on the cake being its devotion to all things chocolate.

EAT

The Star Inn The City Terrace. Photo credit www.baileycooper.co.uk — Image: The Star Inn The City/ Bailey Cooper

Top nosh restaurant, Michelin-starred Roots by chef restaurateur chums Tommy (Black Swan at Oldstead) Banks and Matthew Lockwood, is a finesse-filled, field-to-fork phenomenon. Michelin-starred chef Andrew (Star Inn at Harome) Pern also brings a taste of the countryside to York in The Star Inn The City at the unique Old Engine House; The Legacy at The Grand has already created just that with three AA Rosette tasting menus and matching wine flights; while Skosh has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its zesty, international influences.

Price-savvy locals beat a path to Oshibi for Korean barbecue; mouth-watering, no-reservations Mannion & Co; two moreish Ambiente Tapas restaurants; genuinely certified Neopolitan pizza at Cresci Pizzeria and the many excellent pubs with great-view beer gardens. Graze tasty street food at markets, too – North African grab and go Los Moros now also has a relished restaurant. And from the plethora of cafes, you still can’t skip afternoon tea at Yorkshire institution Bettys, although coffee connoisseurs swing by Spring Espresso.

SHOP

Dating back to 1086, no wonder The Shambles is described as the real Diagon Alley as jostling through this narrow, cobblestone street is spell-binding, thanks to its gravity-defying buildings and magical, Harry Potter-inspired addresses like The Shop That Must Not Be Named or The Potions Cauldron.

The Quarter refers to the melee of medieval streets in the heart of the city like Swinegate and Stonegate, where you can explore department to designer, high street to indie stores such as Fenwick, Browns of York, Mulberry and historic haberdashery Duttons for Buttons.

Seek out sleek boutiques or antiques in hidden ‘snickelways’ and ‘ginnels’ with surprising names such as Grape Lane (formerly Grope) and York’s shortest Whip Ma Whop Ma Gate. Or find cut-price bargains galore at out-of-town York Designer Outlet with over 100 Muddy favourites from Dr Martens and Ugg to Sweaty Betty and Samsonite, easily reached from a Park & Ride bus at the railway station.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Vault doors of the former North Eastern Railway HQ are still a feature in the gym and spa of York’s only five-star hotel The Grand York, while for more bubbles or biceps, head to No1 York, Middlethorpe Hall and The Principal York. A David Lloyd Clubs membership offers a gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa, tennis and new padel courts, exercise classes and Clubroom plus parents may find the crèche and Kids Club a godsend, while Bannatyne Health Club suits those around Nether Poppleton. York Sport Village is a multi-activity centre with everything from swimming and cycling to racquet sports and exercise classes. There is a run of gyms to join or city walls, riverside trails and parks to go walking, jogging or cycling, while rowing and other water sports are available on the River Ouse.

COMMUNITY

A population of around 200,000 means that York still has a close-knit, community feel with a young, student vibe. York Rotary volunteers support local and international causes through fund raising, network and youth projects, with their fun, flagship Dragon Boat Challenge. A busy city annual events calendar includes a novel York Residents Festival, a whole weekend to cheer up January thanking those who live here, with attractions, experiences and discounts.

Residents and tourists alike can also dine out during York Restaurant Week in March and the York Food & Drink Festival in September. Glad rags aplenty for race days and events at York Racecourse like York Unleashed Comic-Con and Music Showcase Weekend. Other big celebrations include Jorvik Viking Festival and York Pride, while there are fewer more festive cities in the land than twinkling York with its vibrant Christmas markets.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

The largest Gothic cathedral in north Europe, must-see York Minster is at the heart and soul of the city with admission including informative guides and exhibitions, while York residents and students don’t pay for entry. Free walking tours meet outside the Minster twice daily during summer, although the city walls are easy to self-navigate following symbols underfoot. Step aboard a long ship time capsule at Jorvik Viking Centre to sail back to the ninth century Viking settlement from which York got its name.

Once home to confectionery giants such as Rowntree’s and Terry’s, York’s Chocolate Story is like a Willy Wonka dream come true with interactive tours and oodles of choccies. The largest remaining part of York Castle, Clifford’s Tower has a new roof deck with 360° views, while nearby Castle Howard, a filming location for Bridgerton and Brideshead Revisited, is another fab day out at the stately home and glorious gardens. Or cruise the River Ouse, in daytime or after dark.

CULTURE

There are more museums here than Muddy can shake a stick at – and some are free, such as the indoor National Railway Museum with its legendary locomotives. A multi-entry York Pass allows you to explore highlights at discounted prices, while many attractions offer free return within 12 months – handy if you live on the doorstep! The Yorkshire Museum and interactive DIG, Jorvik’s sister, are great introductions to the city, while York Museum Gardens make a nice picnic spot and setting for outdoor events like the Proms in summer. York Art Gallery, the Grand Opera House, the Theatre Royal, Friargate Theatre and independent cinema City Screen are all vibrant venues with year-round exhibitions, concerts, plays, films and shows, while you’ll often catch live music in the atmospheric pubs.

AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES

The average house price in York is £313,000. The city isn’t cheap, but you get a lot of bang for your buck – flats cost an average £196,000; the most popular terraced properties £274,000; semi-detached £327,000 and detached a cool £499,000.

HOT PROPERTY

Grade II listed 1920 hours in York Knoght Frank — A roaring 1920s 6-BED house that’s full of the period features but with plenty to put your stamp on. On the market with Knight Frank at £499.950.

NURSERIES

There are no fewer than 13 nurseries in and around York rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and they include six Little Green Rascals, all committed to eco-friendly practices and organic meals. Funfishers Out of School Club in Fishergate provides wraparound care for children aged nine months to 11 years old, but we’re drawn to Muddy Boots Nursery (can’t think why) in Upper Poppleton for ages from three months to five years. For independent schools, Queen’s Kindergarten has early years provision at the Excellent rated Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate.

SCHOOLS

Of 69 schools in York, five are independent with the only girls’ high school, The Mount School York, shortlisted for an Independent Schools of the Year Award (VG, tick). Prestigious Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate is highly regarded, as are Excellent rated private St Peter’s School, York and Bootham. Gold stars, too, for Outstanding primary schools Woodthorpe and St Mary’s Church of England Voluntary Controlled in pretty Askham Richard, while for secondary schools, look to Huntington School and Archbishop Holgate’s School, both also rated Outstanding.

BEST-KEPT SECRET

Sorry to burst the bubble, but 18^th Century Dick Turpin was no dandy highwayman and he never owned a horse called Black Bess. Instead, this Essex butcher turned poacher and highway robber committed several murders and had to flee London for Yorkshire when the net was closing in, hiding behind the alias John Palmer. When eventually arrested for a more minor misdemeanour, he accidentally revealed himself to be the notorious Dick Turpin and was hanged at York racecourse, apparently meeting his death with great devil-may-care.

It was only a century later that the myth of the legendary Dick Turpin grew, thanks to the glamourised fictional account by William Harrison Ainsworth. The cell in which the outlaw spent his last night can be seen in York Castle Museum and his grave can be found in what was St George’s churchyard in Fishergate. A ghostly figure on horseback has allegedly been seen from time to time in the area… (yikes)!

COMMUTE

From the very central railway station just beyond the city walls, direct trains can reach London in 2h 21mins or Edinburgh in 2h 24mins, as well as other nearby hubs like Leeds (43 mins), Harrogate (36 mins), Sheffield (1h 11m) and Manchester (1h 40m). The A1 main north-south route is 15 miles away reached by the A64 dual carriageway. But as York can get very congested at rush hours, Muddy prefers the comprehensive park and ride facilities for city commutes. Leeds Bradford International Airport is around 25 miles away and Manchester International Airport 64 miles.

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