Explore York Through the Selfie Trail: 10 Iconic Spots for Picture-Perfect Memories
Get your camera ready and your best smile on as you follow York’s brand-new Selfie Trail, designed to guide you through some of the most iconic photo spots in the historic city of York. Whether you’re a social media enthusiast, a photography lover, or just looking for a fun way to explore, the Selfie Trail offers a unique and engaging way to experience York while capturing memorable moments.
Make It York has carefully selected ten top selfie locations that highlight York’s rich heritage, offering visitors a chance to take photos against stunning backdrops, from ancient ruins to scenic river views. This trail is sure to make your Instagram followers swoon as you share your best angles from around the city.
10 Iconic York Photo Stops
To help visitors discover York’s most photogenic locations, Make It York has put together a list of ten iconic spots that guarantee you’ll snap sensational selfies. From historic landmarks to picturesque riverbanks, the Selfie Trail takes you on a journey through the heart of York. Plus, you’ll be following in the footsteps of Ragnar the Viking, who was the first to try out the Selfie Trail and has already shared his Instagram collage at @visityork.
Here are the ten best selfie locations that will take your social media game to the next level:
- York Railway Station – Platform 4: Capture the stunning view of the Victorian roof in this beautifully preserved train station.
- Ouse Bridge: Get a gorgeous shot with the River Ouse flowing beneath you and the city’s riverside scenery as your backdrop.
- Clifford’s Tower: Wear Clifford’s Tower like a crown as you pose from the corner of Tower Street for a majestic photo.
- King’s Court: Point your camera toward King’s Court for the ultimate selfie with York’s famous Shambles in the background.
- Shambles Market – Flower Stall: Frame yourself in front of the vibrant flower stall and market sign for a coloruful and charming selfie.
- York Minster – Constantine Statue: Pose next to the statue of Emperor Constantine and York Minster’s impressive Gothic architecture for a historic group shot.
- York Art Gallery – William Etty Statue: Stand beside the statue of William Etty, one of York’s famous artists, for a perfectly framed selfie in front of the gallery.
- St Mary’s Abbey: Take a selfie with the breathtaking ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, one of York’s most scenic and serene spots.
- City Walls – Opposite the Grand Hotel: Walk the ancient city walls and stop for a photo opposite the Grand Hotel, where you’ll get views of Lendal Bridge, York Minster, and the city all in one shot.
- National Railway Museum – Gladstone Locomotive: For a royal selfie, pose in front of Gladstone, the locomotive that once pulled Queen Victoria’s royal carriages.
Online map
Visitors can also use a new online map, where you can click on the different locations to find out more, or pick up a postcard map from the Visitor Centre.
The selfie trail offers tips to help you find the best angles and ensures every shot is frame-worthy. Whether you’re new to York or a returning visitor, this experience adds an interactive element to sightseeing.
Why Join the York Selfie Trail?
According to Kate McMullen, Head of Tourism at Make It York, “Visitors often ask us which are the best and most iconic places to take photos, and millions of visitors take and share selfies every year. We hope the York Selfie Trail will inspire visitors to capture their own unique memories of the city.”
Paul Whiting, Marketing Manager at the Jorvik Viking Centre, humorously adds, “The Vikings were not as hairy and dirty as often imagined—they were actually quite vain and would have loved selfies. If selfies had been invented in 975, the Vikings would have enjoyed sprucing themselves up for a York selfie, bringing out their inner ‘Norse-issist’!”
How to Get Involved on Social Media
Getting involved in the York Selfie Trail is easy:
Post your best #yorkselfie on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook and don’t forget to tag @visityork and use the hashtag #yorkselfie.
Make sure to check the online map or pick up a postcard map from the Visitor Centre to find all the must-visit photo spots.
Make Your Own York Selfie Collage
Once you’ve visited all ten iconic spots, why not follow in Ragnar the Viking’s footsteps and create your own York selfie collage? Collect all your photos from the trail, post them online, and be part of the growing York selfie movement. It’s a fun, creative way to explore the city and make lasting memories while sharing them with friends and followers.
The York Selfie Trail isn’t just a photo opportunity; it’s a fun, interactive way to engage with the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks. So grab your selfie-stick, strike a pose, and explore the best of York through your lens!
