The Best Photo Spots in York, England
Whether you are looking for the perfect Instagram shot or the best views of the city, these are the best photo spots in York to give you all the inspiration you need.
York is one of England’s cities in the north. The city was founded by the Romans and named by the Vikings and is now a hub for culture, history, great food, and haunted pubs.
For more information about York and how to get there, check out my Local’s Guide to York and How to Take a Day Trip to York from London.
The Best Photo Spots in York, England
Clifford’s Tower
Clifford’s Tower is the last remaining part of York Castle, standing atop a small mound with a steep 55 step climb.
This tower is very attractive and a great photo in itself. It’s free to walk to the top of the steps, however, there is a small fee for entering the tower.
Once you enter, climb a few more steps to the top of the tower and walk around for panoramic views of York and a great shot of the York Minster.
York Castle Museum – Victorian Street
I love museums. It’s a great way to get to know a city or country you’ve never been to before, or the perfect opportunity to dive into the past for a couple of hours.
The York Castle Museum is just that. A couple of hours of local history. While the museum as a whole is interesting, Kirkgate, the Victorian Street is the reason everyone comes here.
This may seem like a very niche accolade, but Kirkgate is one of the oldest, recreated streets of its kind and the first ever in Britain, opening in 1938.
The founder of the Castle Museum collected storefronts and memorabilia from the late 1800s. All the store names are actual stores that existed in York in the late 1800s.
On top of Instagram envy everywhere, the staff are dressed in Victorian gear and literally know everything about the Victorian period in York.
The Shambles
The Shambles is one of York’s most famous landmarks, in fact, you’ve probably heard a rumor it was J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley… not sure about that one, but it definitely gives off major Harry Potter vibes!
There’s a bunch of Harry Potter-themed shops, cafes, and local artisan stores.
To get the best photos, arrive before all the shops open or wait until the shops have closed to get some magical nighttime shots.
The River Ouse
York sits at the point where the River Foss and River Ouse join into one river.
No matter what section of the river you choose, you’ll get some Insta-worthy shots.
My favorite section of the river is around the Kings Arms pub (which always gets flooded by the river) and walking south towards the Tower Gardens.
My favorite bridges on the river are Skeldergate Bridge and Lendal Bridge.
Monk Bar
There are several gates or “bars” lining the walls around the city. They were the only ways to access the city and if you were trying to attack, you would most likely end up with boiling water or hot oil poured on top of your head through a “murder hole”.
Monk Bar is the largest of the gates and it doesn’t disappoint!
City Walls
Best part about walking around the city walls? They are free! Ok, maybe not the best part, but a big perk for all the views you get!
The walls close at dusk, so don’t leave it too late to get your shots!
The best sections of the wall for photos are Monk Bar to Bootham Bar and the walls outside the Museum Gardens!
Museum Gardens
No matter what season you visit, the Museum Gardens will always be one of the best photo spots in York.
The inviting entrance with the original Roman walls opens up to the gardens with St. Mary’s Abbey ruins as the backdrop.
This is a popular spot during the summer months, so make sure you get there early if you want a people-free shot! During the autumn, the trees pop with yellows and reds, and oranges.
If you’ve seen My Dad’s Christmas Date, then you’ll recognize these gardens immediately!
Railway Museum
Who doesn’t love trains?
And who doesn’t want to go to the largest train museum in the world?
The National Railway Museum is free to visit with a recommended small donation and is located on the edge of the city, next to the actual railway station.
Check out famous steam trains, have afternoon tea next to Queen Victoria’s carriage, or browse the thousands of railway memorabilia in the collections store.
The Instagram opportunities are endless here… especially in Station Hall!
Merchant Adventurer’s Hall
This medieval guildhall is Instagrammable on the inside and out.
The hall was built in the 1300s and is still used today by the Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York.
The star of the building is definitely the timber roof in the Great Hall, but you’ll get just as many great shots on the outside too!
St. William’s College
You won’t be able to go inside the college, but we are here for the façade.
The building was built in the mid-1400s for chantry priests but was shut down during the English Reformation.
If you get here before 10am, you can get some great shots of an empty street, with the back of the York Minster and St. Williams College next to it.
York Minster
Saving the best for last? Mayyyyyybe.
I probably don’t have to say this is one of the best photo spots in York, because just spotting the Minster from a distance will give you goosebumps.
This beautiful example of Gothic architecture took 250 years to build and standing at the entrance looking up at it will most likely take your breath away.
I had to split this photo spot into sections because I don’t want you to miss out!!
Precenter’s Court
If you go to the main entrance of York Minster and turn around, you’ll see an alley on the right that looks like it could be a dead end, with some terrace houses.
Walk down a few feet and then turn around.
BOOM! One of the best views of the minster.
The best part is the tree that shades the alleyway. No matter the season, you are guaranteed a stellar photo here!
Inside the Minster
You’re going to need a ticket to enter the minster. You can pre-book online and tickets are good to enter over and over again for a year.
I HIGHLY recommend pre-booking and double-checking the opening times on the York Minster’s website. You do not want to show up to the Minster, only to find it closed.
I’m not going to pinpoint where the best photo spots in the York Minster are, because they are everywhere! My favorites are the Great East Window, looking up at the ceilings, the view from one end of the nave to the other, and the quire.
The Lantern Tower
WOW.
That’s all I’m saying about climbing to the top of the York Minster.
Nah, just kidding, I’ll tell you more… the climb isn’t for the faint of heart.
The 275 steep, spiral steps slowly wind to the top. You get a small “break” halfway up when you walk outside and start climbing the actual tower.
The tower costs a few pounds extra to climb up and you have to purchase your ticket the day of at the Minster Welcome Desk. The tower will be closed for inclement weather.
Each ticket slot is timed, so you will only have a short amount of time to get to the top and get your shots.
BUT WOW!
The 360° views are not only the best photo spots in York, but the best views in York.
Walk around the top of the 233 ft high tower and soak in the views of the city. There are info plaques around the tower with York landmarks pinpointed and don’t forget to check out the Minster’s gargoyles and carvings up close!
Have you been to York? What are your favorite photo spots? Planning a trip to York? Let me know in the comments below!
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