Rick Steves Says This One City Highlights 'Everything That's Great About Britain'

Great Britain has a robust collection of history, culture, and tradition. From the pomp of the royal family to the ancient enigma of Stonehenge, the nation boasts landmarks that resonate globally. Its historic universities like Oxford and Cambridge thrive with intellectual legacy, while sports like football, cricket, and rugby — all born on British soil – ignite a fierce passion amongst players and fans. Castles dot the countryside, their stone walls telling stories of medieval might, and culinary staples like fish and chips or afternoon tea evoke cozy familiarity. 

According to travel expert Rick Steves, one city encapsulates all these elements: York. A celebrated guidebook author and public television host, Steves has spent decades exploring Europe, earning trust through his insightful and practical advice. Like Rick Steves' suggestion of journeying to Donegal, York is a microcosm of Britain's greatness, making it a must-visit. Situated in North Yorkshire, York delights with its Roman roots, Viking heritage, and medieval charm. Its festivals, filling each month of the calendar, add to its allure, making the city feel alive all year round.

Located at the confluence of the Ouse and Foss rivers, York sits roughly midway between London and Edinburgh, about a 4-hour drive from the capital and 90 minutes from Manchester. It is also accessible via four International airports: Leeds/Bradford, Manchester, Humberside, and Robin Hood Doncaster/Sheffield. Travelers can also easily hop on a bus to a nearby train station for frequent, convenient rail connections to York. 

Once there, the city's zero-emission buses make getting around stress-free, especially for drivers wary of navigating the narrow, historic cobbled streets. York's compact size rewards walkers with the most attractions within a short stroll. The best time to visit is April to August, when the mild weather enhances explorations of the city's architecture and outdoor spaces, though spring and fall offer fewer crowds.

No visit to York is complete without experiencing York Minster, which Rick Steves calls "England's finest Gothic church." This Anglican cathedral, a beacon of worship since the 7th century, stuns with its intricate stained glass and signature Gothic architecture. Visitors can join free guided tours led by knowledgeable volunteers, exploring the Undercroft Museum and seasonal exhibitions. The Minster's Evensong service fills the air with choral tunes, offering a spiritual pause to the exploration. A ticket, valid for a full year, invites repeat visits to this architectural marvel, which is considered York's pride and joy. 

Beyond the cathedral, the city's spiritual side extends to its ghost tours, and Steves recommends them, capitalizing on York's reputation as Europe's most haunted city. Evening walks through shadowy alleys reveal tales of phantoms and folklore, blending history with spine-chilling storytelling. For a broader perspective of the history, hop-on-hop-off bus tours, cycling tours, or Ouse River cruises provide scenic ways to absorb York's sacred and historic ambiance.

Another gem in York's historic heart is the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, a magnificent timber-framed medieval guild hall standing proud as a testament to the city's past. This unique building hosted merchants' businesses in the Great Hall, cared for the impoverished in the Undercroft almshouse, and offered solace in the Chapel. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, it houses a brilliant display of silver, furniture, and paintings, offering a glimpse back in time.

Nearby, the Fairfax House is known as England's best Georgian era townhouse, and dazzles with classical architecture and opulent interiors. Once Viscount Fairfax's winter retreat, it later served as a cinema and dance hall. Its exquisite collections of furniture, clocks, and decorative art evoke the elegance of Georgian York's polite society.

The Shambles, a cobbled medieval street, is one of York's most iconic landmarks, lauded among Europe's best-preserved shopping lanes. Its overhanging timber buildings, possibly the inspiration for Harry Potter's Diagon Alley, now house cafés, boutiques, and sweet shops, creating a storybook ambiance. For a deeper historical dive, the Jorvik Viking Center immerses visitors in 10th-century York, with a ride through reconstructed Viking streets based on archeological discoveries from the 1970s and '80s, and should not be missed.

The York Castle Museum transports guests to a Victorian-era street, where costumed guides and authentic shop fronts bring 400 years of history to life, from Georgian prisons to bustling street markets. Families will love the National Railway Museum, which is one of the greatest railway museums, per Rick Steves. This museum houses interactive exhibits, a virtual reality ride on the Flying Scotsman railcar, and a vast Great Hall of locomotives to explore, perfect for photo opportunities. 

For a tranquil escape, York's green spaces offer a refreshing haven amidst the city's historic charm, especially during the summer months. The York Museum Gardens, a botanical haven, boast vibrant displays and serene paths, great for a stroll. Tucked between York Minster and the Treasurer's House, Dean's Park provides a tranquil retreat with its open lawns and shaded corners. Rowntree Park, a family favorite, offers playgrounds, a café, a lake, and expansive fields perfect for picnics and relaxation. Homestead Park, which spans 14 acres, dazzles with seasonal floral displays, a pop-up café, and a plant nursery for those looking to bring something home. For a countryside escape, Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens is an oasis, showcasing over 600 varieties of unique plants, wildflower meadows, and a nursery. It just might be one of Europe's most drop-dead gorgeous destinations.