The most haunted city in Europe? City of the Vikings? A city of culture and history
Dharshini Hemnath, School of Political Science and Economics, 3rd year
My home university is in York, United Kingdom. Aside from its deep culture and history, it has international renown for being home to the Shambles, the street that inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. Besides being a city that attracts Potterheads from far and wide, it’s a small but lively city that blends the modern with the ancient, a melting pot of cultures: it’s truly a city that has something for everyone, no matter who you are.
Known for being a Viking city, York’s history is unavoidable as one wanders it. From the majestic York Minster to the City Walls encircling it, there is no shortage of admirable historical architecture. For anyone to learn more about the type of city York is, they need not look further than the cobbled streets that they walk on, for every nook and cranny of York is truly steeped in its history. Though, the Jorvik Viking Centre is also a fun visit for anyone who wishes to learn more!
Left: Walking along the city walls surrounding the old town
Right: York Minster. Church of England Cathedral in York.
Yorkshire pudding is often served with meat.
The whole world lies within the ancient city walls: cuisines and culture from East to West, North to South. Whether it’s sushi, empanadas, curry or xiaolongbao, York boasts a broad scene of restaurants that reflects the multicultural population of it. I think a food that York specialises in could be the Yorkshire Pudding. A Yorkshire Pudding is a savoury pastry that’s often had with gravy, different sorts of meats, and even used to make sandwiches with.
Beyond the restaurants, shopping in York is also a unique experience, for it is home to many independent stores. Symbolising York’s reputation of being the most haunted city in Europe is the York Ghost Merchant’s, a small shop which sells handmade ghosts which are said to bring good fortune and fortitude to those who possess them. I even brought one to Tokyo with me as a good luck charm.
Left: At the photo spot in the York Ghost Merchant where you can place your ghost for a photo.
Right: My York Ghost taken in front of Tokyo Tower
Though a rainy city (as expected of England), I find it a city to be enjoyed in any weather. If it’s sunny, nothing beats a day out to one of the local pubs or simply taking a walk around the city and enjoying the greenery. If it’s raining, settling in with a hot drink at the local cat café is one of my favourite activities to indulge in.
Cat cafe
One of the best times to experience York is in the winter, when the city is decorated for the holiday season. It also hosts one of the best Christmas markets, attracting visitors from all over the UK. Walking around the various stalls with a warm cup of hot chocolate is one of the things I most look forward to every single year.
Left: Sunset at York
Right: The Shambles during the holiday season. You can see it decorated with festive lights.
York is a wonderful city to live in as it has all the best aspects of city life, while still having the calm, green escape that one desires from the suburbs.
◎ What York, England is like ◎
York is a single municipality in North Yorkshire in northern England. It has a population of approximately 200,000 (2018). It is about 2 hours by train from the capital London. The city has a history of being ruled by the Roman Empire and Vikings, and retains a medieval flavor. The old town is surrounded by walls built between the 12th and 14th centuries and is well preserved.
