Spice, spice, baby: Here are the most aesthetic spots you’ll find in York this Autumn!

For many students, the return to York in September signals the start of the wild week of partying, that is, Freshers. However, with that, we also begin to witness the awakening of autumn, which truly brings York to life!

Regardless of the season, the most notable feature of York is the terrifically picturesque and whimsical vibe of the city! With that, York is naturally brimming with seasonal activities for you to enjoy over the upcoming gloomy days, which provide both the aesthetic and snug factor. And so, here are our top picks for the most aesthetic and Instagrammable hotspots, which will leave you FALLing in love with York this season.

The Perky Peacock 

Nestled within our very own York walls, this historic café encapsulates all the autumn feels. Serving classic comfort foods from delicious sausage butties, to autumn jams and homemade bakes, The Perky Peacock provides that October cosiness we all crave.

But, it is the warm interior inside that will leave you feeling like you were just filming an autumn special for FRIENDS in the Central Perk (especially with that big sofa). So, if you’re feeling like spicing things up, then enjoying an autumn inspired drink within a medieval castle tower is just about the classiest way in which you can do it!

The Shambles

There is no need for me to offer an explanation as to why the Shambles is on this list because it speaks for itself! So in that case, I want to give special mention to my all time, top three must-go locations which always prepare me for the colder months – with that autumn aesthetic.

The Shambles Kitchen

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This little sandwich bar doesn’t seem to be all that from first glance, but boy do they know how to make a mean sarnie! They offer an array of sandwich’s, all made with hearty, autumnal flavours, such as smoky pork, truffle mayo and fresh, artisan bread. Bonus points should also be awarded for their funky names including: The Harry Trotter, The Dick Turpin and The Dame Judy Hench. These sandwich’s are not only delicious, but provide that Instagram factor with the option to add a sparkler! So, if you want to feel autumnal and impress the ‘gram, this is the place!

Monk Bar Chocolatiers

What screams autumn more than oozy, gooey chocolate! As York’s longest established chocolatiers, this little slice of heaven serves the most delicate chocolate in the most aesthetic way. When you enter Monk Bar Chocolatiers and smell the divine sweetness, you are instantly transported to the universe of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Inside you will find a variety of over 60 luxury chocolate treats, however it is the chocolate cups which will leave you wanting more. Known as “The Chocolate Shot”, this is every chocolate lovers dream and a must-have over the autumn months. To put it simply, you receive a chocolate cup filled with even more melted chocolate. Need I say more.

The Ghost Merchants (there’s two!)

There’s no doubt that by now, everyone has heard about the Ghost Merchants on The Shambles. For that reason, I want to draw your attention to their sister shop: The Ghost Dispensary. Sited in St Anthony’s Garden, just a five minute walk from the Shambles, the Dispensary offers you a much quieter and quicker experience, whilst the garden provides you with that autumn aesthetic. Now with the leaves turning brown, the garden is quite the autumnal idyll, right in the heart of the city!

The Imaginarium 

Swiftly moving on from the Shambles and heading towards Blake Street, The Imaginarium is filled with all the autumn magic! From sparkly pumpkins, to autumnal fragrances and foliage, this quirky shop is the GOAT for aesthetics. It is so hard to fight the urge to take snaps of the entire shop as it is quite possibly the most Instagrammable shop you will find in York! I mean, they had me sold at the bedazzled toadstools!

Did you also know that it also has a Christmas nook at the back of the shop? Why not head over on your visit and add that extra hint of festivity on your autumnal stroll. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Guy Fawkes Inn 

If you love a good night out, or can just simply appreciate a crisp pint, then the city centre has some of the best bars and pubs that York can offer. Did you know that York is rumoured to have 365 pubs, one for every day of the year! However, to stick with the autumnal theme, nowhere quite does it like the Guy Fawkes Inn.

Located next to our beautiful Minster, this quaint pub is the birthplace of the scandalous plotter, Guy Fawkes. Name a better place to spend Bonfire Night than in Fawkes’ very own home! When you enter and hear the crackling fire and smell the delicious steak pies, you quickly realise that you have walked into a autumn/winter dream!

Ghosts After Dark 

If shopping, brunch and bars are not your cup of tea, then perhaps a ghostly activity can get you in that autumn spirit. Every year around October, you will notice that the Museum Gardens slowly begin to fill with mesh “ghosts”; this happens as York aims to uphold its reputation as one of Europe’s most haunted cities. How ghastly! York Bid also run an event in November, where you can experience the sculptures illuminated! This year’s display is set to be bigger and better than ever, with 45 ghosts to uncover throughout our beautiful city.

Fancy some pumpkin picking?

So far, I have mentioned all my favourite aesthetic spots around the city centre, however, sometimes you just feel like venturing out further than the city walls. When trying to prepare for the season, no autumn is complete without pumpkins. And whilst the obvious answer is to buy a pumpkin spice latte or candle, it cannot compete with the aesthetic of pumpkin picking!

Only a 16 minutes drive from York, The Balloon Tree Farmshop and Café provides you with all the seasonal activities, served with that side of pumpkin spice we all adore. For those without access to a car, do not panic, as the 10 bus service towards Stamford Bridge, will take to directly outside. Grab your friends, get out of the city and embrace the new season.

So, there we have it. Now you know all the ways in which you can 1. experience York in autumn in all her glory and 2. how to do it in style! But, be sure to take some pics, as these spots will without a doubt leave your Instagram followers with some serious seasonal FOMO!

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