A green guide to visiting the historic city of York

York is one of England’s most popular tourist hotspots. This unique city has a rich heritage including Roman settlement, Viking invasions, and amazing architecture dating back to the medieval period.

On top of that, special family-friendly attractions, charming outdoor spaces, and delicious local
cuisine are in abundance. Beyond is the beautiful countryside of the North York Moors National
Park.
Tourists committed to responsible travel will be delighted in the many ways in which York promotes
sustainability, from environmentally-focused restaurants to the city centre walks and bicycle trails.https://www.starinnthecity.co.uk/
Those travelling to York from London and other major locations across the UK can take advantage of
the excellent rail links and bus transfers in and out of the city as a greener alternative to driving.
Use this green guide to visiting York for tips on how to enjoy an eco-friendly experience of this
exceptional UK travel destination.

Explore York on foot

A criss-crossing network of cobble-stoned alleyways giving way to attractive open squares, York is a
pleasant place to explore on foot. You can either explore independently or take a guided walking
tour of the city. Tours tend to focus on the city’s fascinating history, including a night-time ghost
walk that illuminates the most grisly parts of York’s past.
Tourists can also walk the City Walls, a 2-mile trail along the walls that have encircled York since the
1200s. The old moats below the walls are filled with daffodils between March and April each year.

Experience the North York Moors

Beyond York, walking is rewarding too. The nearby North York Moors, one of the UK’s national parks,
boast spectacular countryside and a stretch of stunning coastline where gentle hikes and challenging
treks are on offer. You can also explore this area by bike. The Yorkshire Coast can be accessed from
York by bus or train: regular services are in operation throughout the year.

Support local businesses

Planning on doing some shopping while you are in York? Prioritise the independent stores selling
locally made wares and eco-friendly products. Supporting small businesses is a great way of lowering
your carbon footprint as these companies buy products and supplies from the local area rather than
shipping or flying them in from overseas. York has many exceptional artisan shops, particularly along
the historic street The Shambles that inspired the film set for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films.

Visit mouth-watering markets

In addition to browsing the independent shops, take the time to visit local markets as well. There is a
fantastic farmers market in the heart of the city selling a wide variety of goods. Nearby is the
picturesque town of Malton, renowned as the food capital of Yorkshire where tourists can taste
traditional favourites as well as innovative international cuisine.

Choose independent restaurants

Try to dine local during your visit as well. This practice works to reduce your carbon footprint in the
same way as shopping local does, and also helps to reduce food waste and support local producers.
York’s iconic tearoom, Betty’s, was named a leader in sustainability by the Rainforest Alliance due to

their commitment to environmental responsibility in each area of their global food chain. Try their
speciality baked goods such as the Fat Rascal and other local favourites like the Yorkshire Tea Loaf.
For a fine dining experience, look no further than The Star Inn The City, a Michelin-star restaurant
situated in the peaceful York Museum Gardens overlooking the River Ouse. Most produce used here
is locally-sourced and organic, supporting sustainable methods of farming in the surrounding area.