UK's friendliest city named as 'hidden gem' with 'best cafes' and 'gorgeous gardens'

York, a stunning university city known for its grand minster, has been crowned the friendliest and most relaxed place in the UK. While York is often linked with the War of the Roses and the Jorvik Viking Centre, it turns out the North Yorkshire city is also a haven of tranquillity and friendliness.

Travel experts at Accor recently carried out a comprehensive study to find the UK cities best suited for a serene and peaceful getaway, and York came out on top. Factors such as the number of green spaces, coffee shops, and libraries, as well as environmental quality, local happiness, and annual sunshine hours were all considered in the evaluation of this northern oasis of calm.

Adding another accolade to York's list, Betway's settlement analysts have now declared it the friendliest city in the UK. The survey considered life satisfaction scores, safety, staff friendliness, quality of green spaces and parks, and the number of five-star rated restaurants.

York boasts 68 restaurants with a five-star rating online, and according to Betway, some of the most pleasant and cheerful hospitality staff in the entire country, reports the Mirror. If you're keen to experience York's renowned cheeriness and relaxed atmosphere, here are some of the city's top attractions and sights.

Toto's Italian Restaurant

If you're on the hunt for a cosy spot to grab a bite in York, look no further than Toto - a quaint family-run restaurant nestled on the city's eastern fringe. At Toto's, expect to be served up hearty, homemade Italian dishes like pizza, pasta or salad that will whisk you back to those sun-soaked holidays of yesteryears.

While tourist guides might steer you towards Betty's Tea Room, unless you relish the prospect of being served by Edwardian-themed tea ladies with a hint of sass, Toto's is a far superior choice. Give it a whirl and you'll likely find yourself deep in conversation with the friendly owners by the end of the evening.

The Victoria Pub

York is often touted as having a pub for every day of the year. While this claim may have taken a hit following the Covid lockdown and the rise of Netflix, there's certainly no shortage of watering holes in the city.

One standout is The Victoria, located on Heslington Road, just beyond the historic City Walls.

The pub has carved out a reputation for its top-notch quizzes, which see locals and students alike vying for trivia dominance, all while navigating the effects of particularly strong pints of Old Rosie cider, sold at bargain prices. If the heady mix of cheap drinks and good company proves too much, you can always retire to one of The Victoria's rooms for the night - conveniently located for leisurely strolls to all of York's attractions the next day.

Hidden cafes

One of the most charming features of York, and a fantastic way to appreciate the city's delightful wait staff, is its array of cafes.

Nestled behind the grand minster, you'll discover several cafes with gardens that back onto the city walls, offering a prime spot to admire the towers, observe day trippers strolling along the walls, and savour a calming cup of coffee or tea.

A particularly stunning garden tucked away down Gillygate belongs to the family-run cafe Osbornes. "The tempting cake display in the window may catch your eye first, and once you head inside you'll be greeted by the very friendly team," reports York Mix.

"In the cafe garden you will find sunny and shady areas to suit your mood, and it's a lovely tranquil space to sit back and relax with an iced drink or a spot of lunch. The generous servings range from breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers, and more. Or why not get a slice of that cake you were eyeing up in the window."

Another top-notch location is the themed Forest at Galtres Lodge on Low Petergate, a wonderful place to unwind with friends or family while enjoying some tasty food. It also boasts a 'secret garden' that has been compared to a fairy-tale grotto complete with twinkling lights, plants and blankets.