Enjoying York from the comfort of your home: Binge York

In line with national government policy on COVID-19, we strongly advise visitors not to travel to York or the surrounding area.

Following on from our blog about Gentleman Jack last week, here are a few more suggestions of how to while away the hours at home and still get a tantalising glimpse of York. 

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norell

In this fantastical period drama, you can see titular character Mr Norrel working his magic inside the majestic York Minster. The Minster’s popularity as a visitor attraction and place of worship meant this scene had to be filmed in just one night. Keep an eye out for St William’s College and College Street, which also feature in the series. Available on Amazon Prime.  

Victoria

ITV’s flagship drama starring Jenna Coleman used many locations in York to take viewers back to the Victorian era, including Merchant Adventurers Hall, Fairfax House, York Crown Court and the Eye of York. Available on BritBox.  

Castle Howard

Castle Howard also appears in Victoria, standing in for Kensington Palace. The Howard residence has appeared countless times on film and TV, perhaps most notably in the classic 1981 TV series of Brideshead Revisited, and again in the 2008 film version. It recently also provided the backdrop for the music video of Arctic Monkeys’ hit single Four Out of Five.  

Newby Hall

A little to the northwest of York, you’ll find Newby Hall, which can be spotted in Victoria in scenes at Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and Brooks club. Newby also featured in Peaky Blinders where its statue gallery doubled as Birmingham Museum. 

Scott and Sid 

This film about two York schoolboys, chasing their dreams and surpassing the low expectations that the world has of them, features numerous city sights to look out for, including great views of York’s City Walls.  

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

York and the surrounding area are steeped in locomotive history. It’s therefore little surprise that Goathland Station on the North York Moors doubled for Hogsmeade station, the backdrop to that immortal line: ‘I’m not going home, not really.’  

Tommy Banks on the Great British Menu

York’s own celebrity chef, Tommy Banks of Roots, recently appeared on the Great British Menu. Set yourself salivating at the great dishes he gets to taste. Available on BBC iPlayer.

ASFF library 

The York-based Aesthetica Short Film Festival is celebrating its 10th year in 2020. You can delve deep into their film library here and discover some of the best in new indie cinema.

We look forward to welcoming you to see these stunning sights, but only once it's safe to do so. In the meantime please follow our Social Media channels for more inspirational content and sign up to our newsletter for the latest information on visiting once the current situation is over.