Featuring in Expedia’s York Video Guide

I am proud to be from York and as a Travel Blogger I love getting the chance to put my home city in the spotlight. After publishing A Local’s City Guide to York back in February, Expedia got in touch and asked me if I wanted to feature in their new York video guide. This York video is part of a collaboration between Expedia and Victoria of Bridges and Balloons blog, who has been travelling the length and breadth of the country to shoot and produce a UK travel video series.

Victoria’s video series features some of the most interesting cities in the country as well as local bloggers to help her uncover the best spots in the city. I spent 2 fun days in York with Victoria, shooting this video and showing her around my beloved city. I’d love you to check out the finished product below and let me know what you think!

If you want to know more about the places I have mentioned in the video, here is an overview with links for you;

The Shambles

A stroll down The Shambles is a must for anyone visiting York. The street was named Most Picturesque Street in the UK in the Google Street Map Awards and some say it feels like a real life Diagon Alley from Harry Potter. In keeping with the Harry Potter theme, ‘The Shop That Must Not Be Named’ has opened up on The Shambles and sells all of the official Warner Brother’s merchandise. Warning: expect ridiculously long queues to get into the shop on any day of the week!

Boutique Shops in York

Weird and wonderful boutique shops can be found all over the city centre, but my favourites are The Imaginarium and The Yorkshire Soap Company, which are located side by side on Blake Street. Stepping into these themed shops feels like entering another world and they are works of art in their own right. Even if you’re not planning to spend, they are well worth a visit.

York’s Café Culture

York’s café culture has offerings on every end of the spectrum. Head to Brew and Brownie for amazing coffee, eggs and pancake stacks (currently my favourite café in the city). For something timeless and traditional, the famous Betty’s Tearoom is an absolute must. There is a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner but you can also drop in for afternoon tea or a fat rascal (Betty’s signature scone).

The Best Pubs in York

People say there are over 365 pubs in York, one for every day of the year. Whilst I have never counted them to confirm this, I know that York is home to an incredible collection of pubs. There’s The Guy Fawkes Inn which is the birthplace of Guy Fawkes himself, and I always recommend The Lamb and Lion for the best Sunday roast in town. The Lamb and Lion is also a B&B and makes for a central and affordable accommodation option in York. Book Here.

York’s Quirky Cocktail Bars

If you’re planning a night out in York, there’s one thing you need to know; it’s not about the clubs. It’s about the bars. York’s bar scene is thriving and there are so many places to discover, my favourites being around Swinegate and Stonegate. For something unique head to Evil Eye Cocktail Lounge, which is unassumingly hidden behind a gin shop. The cocktails here incredible and the bar men really know their stuff. It’s a firm favourite for locals.

Little Red Boats on the River Ouse

The River Ouse runs right through the centre of York and on the banks you can hire your very own little red boat. After a quick demo, you can drive the boats away by yourself and they seat up to around 8 people. It’s a great option if you’re exploring the city as a family or in a group of friends.

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What do you think of this video guide to York I feature in? Have you visited York before or are you planning a trip? I’d love to hear your thoughts so please leave a comment in the box below. Jess x

Want to watch more of Victoria’s UK video guides for Expedia? Check out her visits to Liverpool  and Bristol.

This post has been sponsored by Expedia UK as part of my involvement in their Video Guide to York. All views are my own.