Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to York

Tell us a little about yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in York.

I have lived in York for three years in total, and York is my home town when I am not travelling with my blog. 

What makes York a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

York is a stunning medieval UK city that attracts travelers and tourists from all over the world. The city of York boasts one of the highest numbers of independent shops within a city centre in the UK. York was the Roman capital of England, and one of the great things about the city is that it is very compact and walkable.

It is popular for weekend breaks and particularly Christmas shopping breaks in December. York is also known for the glamour and fashion of York Races.

What 5 star hotel is the best in York?

The Royal York Hotel is my Top 5* hotel in York, although the gym and spa are currently going under some renovation. The Royal York Hotel has luxury rooms and is situated right by York railway station. The Grand Hotel in York (formerly Cedar Court) is another top luxury hotel choice. Click here for rates and availability. 

What about boutique hotels in York, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?

Located on The Mount, just outside of the city walls near Micklegate, the Hotel Du Vin is a stunning 4 star boutique hotel. It has amazing pent-house suites on the top floor and a bistro restaurant. I would definitely recommend the Hotel Du Vin to friends and family. Click here for rates and availability. 

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler in York?

Falconry is a popular activity in Yorkshire. You can visit The Bird of Prey Centre which is just 12 miles North of York up the A19. You will probably need a taxi or a car for this trip. You simply must take a river cruise with ‘York Boat’. There are also evening cruises and lunch timecruises that provide afternoon tea. Head down to the river at Lendall Bridge, or book online with www.yorkboat.co.uk.

Where are the best hang outs during the day in York?

Museum Gardens is a beautiful place to relax. They also do free Owl Flying shows on summer afternoons! My favourite cafe in York is The Hungry Artist, an art studio and cafe rolled into one. The Hungry Artist does a beautiful peach tea and offers a menu with many gluten free options.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in York and what are their best dishes?

I highly recommend the Blue Bicycle on Fossgate and the Walgate Ale House (you must go there for a Sunday Roast). If you enjoy Tapas, visit La Ambiente on Goodramgate. All of these restaurants are walkable from the city centre, because York is a very small and compact medieval city.

Let’s talk desserts in York- what place makes the best?

It’s got to be Betty’s – York is famous for this English tea shop with a selection of beautiful desserts including macaroons. There are some amazing cakes on offer in the Earl Grey Tea Rooms on the Shambles – I always go for the Carrot Cake. Also, if you are a chocoholic like me, be sure to head to the York Chocolate Story cafe!

Tell us all the hot shopping spots in York; who’s carrying the trendy local designers? 

Explore the independent retailers in the city centre, particularly on the famous street – The Shambles. Fossgate also has some quirky shops including ‘Give the Dog a Bone’ – home to many pop culture gifts and images. For crafty markets, these occur on and around Parliament Street at different times of the year. 

If you are looking for designer gear, head to the York Designer Outlet (a 15 minute drive from York City Centre, near the interchange of the A64 and A19).

What are a couple of the best salons and spas in York?

Middlethorpe Spa on Bishopthorpe Road is the best in the city centre. They do a wonderful champagne afternoon tea and spa. If you have a car and are willing to travel outside of York, Aldwark Manor Golf and Spa Hotel is highly recommended.

credit cathedral: r..m

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us in on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

Fossgate Social on Fossgate itself is a great place to meet for drinks. There are also plenty of upmarket pubs and bars in York including Harkers, 1331 and Bora Bora.

Evil Eye Lounge does amazing cocktails and has a brilliant atmosphere – their screaming orgasm is amazing! If you want a Medieval experience, visit the House of Trembling Madness also on Stonegate.

credit pub & view: Evgenii

If you end the night at a fancy club in York, which one do you head towards?

You can go to Fibbers or the Duchess for dancing until the early hours (they do some good Indie and Rock nights). However, York is not a big clubbing city – if you really like good nightlife, head to Leeds. It’s only 20-30 minutes away by train. Trains run run after midnight, just check in advance for your return time.

Hi, I’m Amy, a social media marketer, teacher and traveller with a lust for life. After travelling from Moscow to Beijing on the trans-siberian and volunteering with genocide survivors in Rwanda, I decided it was time to quit my job and set up my own business to work my way around the world. Follow me as I explore temples and search for paradise, while teaching others to work remotely and do the same! Her blog is Globetrotting Guru and you can connect on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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