The City of York is justifiably famous for many wonderful things – the imposing York Minster, a rich Viking heritage, beautifully preserved medieval streets and buildings, a pretty meandering river, and more ghost stories than you can shake a stick at. To that mix you can now add in an amazing collection of vintage shops, interesting museums, and superb pubs.
Myself and a few fellow bloggers were guests of Visit York last month, invited to explore some of the vintage options on offer in the city. I am not exaggerating when I say I fell in love – I had never been to York before, and was completely smitten. The three days we were there were all too short, and I hope to return for another visit very soon.
During our time in York we made an exhaustive survey of everything a vintage visitor could ask for – from shops dealing in old clothes and antiques, to quirky pubs, pretty cafes, and intriguing museums. There is so much on offer that it couldn’t possibly all fit into one post, so to start with here is a guide to the best vintage shops in York. More will follow next week!
Vintage Shops in York
18 Fishergate, York
The Vintage Emporium specialises in clothing, accessories and homewares dating from the 30s to the 60s. The owner Keeley is clearly passionate about vintage, and also organises the Discover Vintage fairs which take place around the UK. The selection in this store is really incredible, and we were blown away by the quality on offer. From novelty print 50s frocks to lace tea dresses, 60s plastic jewellery to 40s dressing table sets; this place really has everything a vintage lover could want, and even has a room of gear for the gents. Prices are bang on the mark, too.
Glory Days Vintage
22 Walmgate, York
Glory Days has a focus on vintage wedding dresses, but also stocks a wide range of clothing dating from the 30s to the 80s. There is something to match all budgets here, with fun and colourful 80s sweaters costing around £20, or hand beaded cashmere cardigans from the 50s at around £70. The boutique is a joy to shop in – clean and spacious, and with some great tunes coming from the stereo. The bridal section is at the back of the store, and in particular I loved the great selection of floaty 70s wedding gowns.
52 Fossgate, York
Purple Haze is a classic young persons vintage store – lots of scarves, bags, denim and pretty dresses with a focus on later decades of the twentieth century. In particular I loved their colourful jewellery and range of repro cats eye sunglasses, and we also found some great coloured berets. The menswear section is upstairs and is equally well stocked. Prices are variable; there were some great bargains but also a few pieces which seemed overpriced, so keep your eyes open.
Deep Vintage Clothing
26 Fossgate, York
Calling this a vintage store is really something of a misnomer, as it is only a small fraction of what they offer. Most of the clothing is made under their own label and rather lacklustre. However there is a small vintage section at the back of the store, selling cheap and cheerful printed frocks from the 70s and 80s. Worth a visit if you are in the area.
Priestley’s Vintage Clothing
Norman Court, 11 Grape Lane, York
A high-end vintage store, Priestley’s have a desirable selection of cocktail dresses, evening wear, and fur coats covering all eras. The pieces are all very beautiful, but only step in here if you have deep pockets and don’t mind paying over the odds for a pleasant shopping experience – the prices are frankly outrageous and beyond what most of the garments are really worth.
The Antiques Centre York
41 Stonegate, York
Tucked away down the stairs of York’s Antique Centre is a small room with a mish mash of vintage clothes, bags and shoes. This is much more of the traditional jumble than any of the other stores, and consequently you have a better chance of finding a bargain. In amongst the 80s polyester I found a beaded 30s purse for £5, so it is well worth pulling your sleeves up and having a rummage.
Newgate Open Market
Newgate, York
The weekend York market has loads of different stalls selling everything under the sun, but look out for the one selling vintage clothing on the corner. Here is where ye be finding the bargains, Jim Lad. Loud 60s shirts for a fiver, dresses for £10-£20, and scarves for only £1. We were in heaven. Obviously keep an eye out for condition – this is not a boutique so it is buyer beware if anything is stained or torn.
Banana Warehouse
36 Piccadilly York, YO1 9NX
Some will love it, some will hate it. Not so much a vintage store as an enormous junk shop, but if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty there are amazing treasures to be found, at amazing prices. Dave and his chums buy from house clearances, so you really could find anything here. Lurking amongst the cheap paperback thrillers I found a 1940s knitting book for only £1, and in a stack of cottage watercolours a kitsch 1960s painting of a horse for £5. You’ll also find some great German lava pottery, pretty powder compacts, and if you are lucky, Dave’s two dogs will be in store looking for customer attention.
More York Shopping Options
Buses run from York railway station
I’m not really a mall enthusiast, but there are some great bargains to be had here and it is worth taking the short bus ride to check out some of the deals. My favourite store by far was Penhaligon’s – I adore their fragrances but right now they are out of my budget, so it was a real treat to pick up a heavily discounted bottle of Lily and Spice. You can also find classic polos and shirts at Fred Perry and Ben Sherman, blazers at Aquascutum, leather gloves at Daks, printed shift dresses at Hobbs, and retro polka dot Spode crockery at Le Creuset – all cheaper than the usual retail price. Top tip: get there for opening time, before the crowds pour in. It makes for a much more pleasant experience.
The Shambles
Voted as one of the prettiest streets in the UK, this is a medieval shopping street which used to contain the unglamorous profession of butchers. You can still see the low slabs used for displaying meat, but nowadays you are more like to find little boutiques selling chocolate, fudge, artisan leather, jewellery, and soaps – although there is still one store selling traditional sausages.
20 Shambles, York
A store along The Shambles selling vintage and shabby chic homewares, with a little cafe serving tea and cake.
44 Stonegate, York
A huge collection of various antiques, with 50 dealers over three floors.
42 Fossgate, York
Beautifully detailed dolls houses and furnishings, of all sizes and periods.
70 Micklegate, York
A vast collection of vintage, rare, and antique books – rated as ”one of the 10 best rare bookshops in Britain” by The Independent.
Print out this map to use while on the vintage trail in York!
View Vintage York in a larger map
Penny Dreadful Vintage was a guest of Visit York.
Accommodation was provided by The Holiday Inn, York. Tel 0871942 9085, Tadcaster Road, York.
Travel was by East Coast Trains. East Coast operates 72 services each weekday between London King’s Cross and York. Customers travelling First Class can enjoy East Coast’s complimentary food and drinks offer plus unlimited Wi-Fi. Advanced return fares, booked online at www.eastcoast.co.uk: start from £26 Standard Class or £79 First Class.
Photographs courtesy of Claire Pursglove
1960s polka dot mod dress by Berketex
1970s green and red tartan knit jumper dress
1960s black and white check blanket dress
1970s floral print hippy smock dress by Emanuelle
Nice place to shop!
If i ever visit the city i ll keep in mind…
What a thoroughly researched guide! *bookmarks*
Hahaha my North American-centric mind just inserted the word “New” into the title of this post and I was really confused for a moment.
Ugh. You just made my longtime wish for a trip to Britain 100 times worse!
Brill post. I do fancy a trip to York… I’ve never been. Friends tell me it’s great and I’d love it. xxx