My guide to a sunny day in York
Hi, I’m Tia! A first year Human Geography student here at York St John University. As my first year comes to an end, I have perfected my ideal student summer’s day. My guide to a sunny day in York will tell you how I like to spend a summer’s day in York and the various activities I get up to when the sun is shining. York is a lovely city, rain or shine, but a summer’s day in York is nothing short of magical.
Acai and relaxing by the river
My first tip in my summer’s day guide is to start my day off by visiting a local café for some breakfast! York is no stranger to a quirky, independent café and one of my personal favourites is SOPHiE’s York. Their two river-side venues located on Skeldergate Bridge and Lendal Bridge make it the perfect place to get a spot of breakfast whilst relaxing by the river side. My go to order is an Acai bowl packed with granola and fresh fruit and a milkshake. They have a range of milkshakes and also offer vegan alternatives! (My personal favourite is the Oreo milkshake).
Boat Trip
My second tip in my guide and one of my favourite ways to spend a sunny day in York is on the River Ouse. Not only is this an amazing way to spend outside, basking in the sun but it also provides a great view of the city! My favourite thing to do is rent a small boat with me and two of my friends and sail along the river! Also, we love stopping off at Two Hoots Ice cream Boat to collect a sweet treat on the water. A river cruise is also a great way to spend a couple of hours out in the sun, learning the history of York whilst cruising along the river.
Picnics, reading and ruins
After a busy morning on the River Ouse my next tip of my sunny day guide is to have a picnic in the Museum Gardens. Me and my friends all like to bring our favourite snacks or picky bits and spend the afternoon lulling around the gardens, whether we’re playing cards or just having a chat! I would usually bring my book with me so I am able to soak up being in nature with my friends without the distraction of my phone (allows you to properly unwind!!) The museum gardens is a perfect oasis located in the city centre about a 5 minute walk from the Minster, but feels miles away from the busyness of city life. The museum gardens is also home to St Mary’s Abbey, an amazing set of Abbey ruins that visualise the history York entails
Sunny shopping
After spending a few hours in the museum gardens unwinding with your friends my next tip in my sunny day guide is to explore the shops York has to offer. York is a city full of independent shops along with high-street names too. With the variety of shops York has to offer their is something for everybody! My favourite shops to go into in York are; Waterstones, perfect for book lovers of all ages offering books of all genres from romance to adventure. The Shop that Must Not Be Named, located in the historic shopping street of York, The shambles, the shop is a Harry Potter fan’s dream where you can browse all things Harry Potter. Lastly, my other favourite shop is Scribbler, a quirky shop offering witty seasonal cards, stationary, and a selection of Jellycats.
Pub Garden Weather
My final tip to a sunny day in York would be to end the day off relaxing in a pub garden. A student favourite located by Monks Bar is the Keystones the pub garden is the perfect place to spend a hazy summer’s evening with perfect views of the York walls its an ideal area to spend time with your friends. Another favourite is Dusk, a cocktail bar located in the city centre of York. Their 2-4-1 cocktails are a delicious way to end the evening! The menu consists of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks catering to everybody!
Whether you are a first time visitor to York or are local I hope my sunny day guide has shown you all the activities you can get up to whilst studying in York!
To discover what life is like as a York St John student during the summer, please read Halyna’s blog