Discover five ideal places to slow down the pace and experience mindful photography in York.
York, England is a dream to capture from behind the lens.
There are photographic opportunities around just about every corner, giving you plenty of chances to discover it’s many hidden charms.
With its cobblestone streets, winding alleyways and architectural details, it’s a wonderful place for the experience of mindful photography.
If you’ve been here before, you’ll know that mindful photography is one of my favorite wellness practices. Besides being an enjoyable self-care tool, it’s also a perfect match for the novelty that accompanies travel.
A mindful approach to photography helps you slow down the pace and be more present, whether you are capturing the world with your DSLR or exploring smartphone photography.
Given that so many of us run on overdrive these days, taking a mindful approach to an already enjoyable activity seems like a no-brainer way to enhance well-being.
Curious? Read on to discover more about York through the lens of mindful photography.
5 Places in York for Mindful Photography
Mindfulness can be applied to any everyday activity to enrich the experience, including photography.
Personally, I think mindful photography is one of the most accessible tools for well-being out there. You can practice it anytime, anyplace and all you really need is something you most likely already own…your camera phone. Talk about convenient!
Not to mention that fact, that so many of us simply enjoy photography. Making it an engaging win-win!
The ability to be present with our travel adventures makes theme richer and more connective. In can also lead to the state of flow.
How does that sound for a travel adventure? Pretty sweet, right?
If mindfully capturing your experiences and enjoying the process sounds like your speed, check out these ideas. Here you’ll find five idyllic spots to slow down the pace and experience mindful photography in York.
The Shambles
The historic Shambles is a one of a kind location to explore. Lucky for me, the first morning there were light snow flurries.
Usually, I’ll sit for a while and do some slow breathing to relax my way into my mindful photo walks. Then typically after, there’s a stop for my favorite self-care ritual, a leisurely cappuccino. But, knowing the snow wouldn’t long last, I broke out of that routine to catch the snow.
I’m not sure there is any better spot in York for mindful photography than the best preserved medieval street in the world. Talk about charm, atmosphere and details to capture your attention.
This tiny corner of York is some kind of magical. Especially before the day rolls in and the people do too! My advice, snow or no snow, go early in the morning if at all possible.
The Snickelways
Exploring The Snickelways of York is one of the most authentic travel experiences I’ve had in a long time.
The Snickelways are a series of alleyways and footpaths right in the heart of York. Many of them are too small for cars, so exploring them on foot is a very up close and personal look at many of the historic corners of the city.
Snickelway is such a curious word. Intrigued, I bought a book and covered different parts of the walking trail each day. It was awesome, authentic fun.
College Street & St William’s College
Located in the shadows of York Minster, is the tiny, yet quite impressive College Street. The showpiece is the Grade 1 listed St. WIlliam’s College. Dating back to 1460, this architectural gem is a not to be missed photo opportunity.
When I first came around the corner, the vibrant blue and half-timbered structure caught my eye. This was an unexpected gem, and I returned back to explore multiple times.
At the end of the street is a lovely cafe with outdoor seating, which provides the perfect spot to take relax, indulge in an afternoon tea and take in the view.
The York Museum Gardens
The York Museum Gardens are botanic gardens in the center of York, beside the River Ouse.
The gardens cover an area of 10 acres and include the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey. It’s an inspiring place where nature meets history, and an ideal space to relax the mind & body.
Nothing brings your attention to the present moment like a wander outdoors, where the colorful shrubs and bulbs wave in the breeze and birdsong fills the air.
During my spring trip, I wandered through the gardens on three separate occasions. Exploring at different times of the day, and in different weather, provided a variety of moments to experience.
Over the years, I’ve really come to appreciate the value of the outdoors in my mindful travel adventures and now plan something nature based in all of my trips. Even a quick day trip has opportunities to get outside, practice nourishing self-care as you explore!
The River Ouse
York sits at the point where the River Ouse and River Foss join into one river. That means, there are a lot of water views to explore.
There are plenty of stretches to walk alongside the riverbank in York.
If you crave some solitude, take your camera and see where the wind blows you. You’ll find it especially atmospheric in the late afternoon, when the sun sinks into the horizon.
York is city with endless details to capture, making it ideal for mindful photography any season of the year.
In addition, it’s an easy day trip from London and Edinburgh, which are both awesome cities to explore with mindful photography.
Cheers to your adventures in York!
until the next time…
…live well – travel well – be well
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