When I told people I was studying abroad in York back in the day, they said, “Cool, New York!” *cringe* It was a common encounter with my American friends and one that baffled me – I mean, I just told you I’m studying abroad… which means out of the country. Somehow that didn’t click with them and as soon as they heard York, they automatically added the “new” part. It’s kind of like when they first try to spell my last name and even though I say “Q with no U,” their brains sort of filter out that fact and continue on with “Quin” as if I’d never said a thing.

People don’t seem to be aware of (or care) what New York was named after. In fact, many don’t even realize its namesake is over in the UK. I guess they’re just not curious about how New York (or New Jersey or New Hampshire for that matter) got its name. It’s kind of sad because York has gotten rather overshadowed by its far more famous counterpart. Granted, it’s nowhere near as large or populous, but it has a charm all its own. So today I’d like to share with you what the original city of York is like…

Welcome to York!

Here you will find a picturesque town with many quiet streets.

The busier streets contain many attractions like the York Dungeon.

The River Ouse makes it way through the town and offers fun boat rides. Watch out for when it floods!

One of the more distinct landmarks is Clifford’s Tower, high atop its own hill.

Clifford’s Tower offers great views of the town!

You’ll find very historical spots here and beautiful old architecture.

York Minster is a major attraction and the largest building around! Check out their evensong generally at 5.15pm.

There are some plazas where you’ll find beautiful flowers and space to sit.

Over to the southeast, you’ll find the University of York (where I spent my year abroad!).

The campus is quite nice and always improving!

On the far end of campus is a teeny town called Heslington, where you’ll find this awesome deli/sandwich shop. Go try their food!

And that’s the York that I know and love. There is plenty more to see and do, which I will try to highlight another time, but you can see it’s got a character far different from the big city lights that people mistakenly envisioned (thinking NYC) when I said I was studying there. I’m happy that I got to share this place with Panda and I hope to continue coming back over the years.