It’s been picked out as an ideal spot to settle throughout history, from Roman times to last March, when York made The Sunday Times ‘best places to live’ list. The paper praised its ‘jaw-dropping’ buildings and described it as a ‘liveable city that hits the sweet spot for work-life balance’. High praise indeed, but perhaps not the accolade of which the city is proudest. Because Britain’s paramount national treasure, Judi Dench, also grew up in the city and calls its city centre ‘a rare jewel’.

No wonder. It’s big enough to boast excellent theatres, restaurants and rail links, but small enough to cross on foot. A compact cathedral city where medieval streets, independent cafes and riverside walks make everyday life feel a little slower, greener and more connected. York offers the culture of a city with the pace of a market town.

So if you’re looking to relocate, here are 5 reasons why it should be on your shortlist.

A walkable historic city…

aerial image of york showing river ouse, historic riverside buildings, bridges, and tree lined streets at sunrise.
Bardhok Ndoji//Getty Images
Aerial image of York showing River Ouse, historic riverside buildings, bridges and tree lined streets.

Among York’s biggest draws is its compact, walkable size. You can stroll between shops, cafes, museums, the Minster and riverside walks without needing to get into the car.

The city also offers miles of scenic walking routes, including:

  • The City Walls (around 2 miles)
  • The River Ouse and River Foss paths
  • Rowntree Park
  • The Museum Gardens

… with a thriving cultural scene

york, uk. april 9, 2021. the 18th century york theatre royal with its added modern foyer
jackcousin//Getty Images
The 18th Century York Theatre Royal.

York is packed to its medieval rafters with cultural attractions. Visit York lists around 30 museums in the city. Then, of course, there’s the jaw-dropping York Minster, York Theatre Royal (where Judi Dench’s mother once worked in the wardrobe and costume department and her father served as the doctor), the York Barbican for music, as well as festivals including York Literature Festival and York Food & Drink Festival throughout the year.

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Easy connections

York’s rail connections are some of the best outside the capital. Direct trains take you to London in under two hours, Leeds in 25 minutes, Newcastle in an hour and Edinburgh in less than two and a half hours.

If you’re after a quieter day out, you’re also within easy reach of some of England’s more beautiful landscapes. Within an hour you can be in the North York Moors National Park, or head to the Yorkshire Wolds, Dales or coast.

Independent shopping

recently voted as the most picturesque street in britain, the shambles is a centre piece of historic york.
TJ Blackwell//Getty Images
‘The Shambles’ is a centrepiece of historic York.

The historic and higgledy-piggedly Shambles street is believed to have been the real-life inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, and there’s plenty more for shoppers to explore. Don’t miss the family-owned, independent Browns department store and the DIY emporium Barnitts. Bishopthorpe Road has previously been named Britain’s best high street and the wider city is awash with artisan bakers and delis, independent cafes and bookshops.

A strong community

Last year, a survey from Aviva found York to be the UK’s friendliest city, while this year, another nationwide study crowned the city is the happiest place to live in Britain, with residents benefiting from a strong mix of safety, affordability and quality of life. No wonder Judi Dench described her years there as ‘unbelievably happy’.