Budget pubs and beautiful gardens: Britain's friendliest city dubbed 'serene sanctuary'

York, an industrial and university city in North Yorkshire, has been voted the most friendly and peaceful place in the UK. Although often associated with the War of the Roses and the Viking kingdom of Jorvik, York is now a haven of peace and tranquility.

Accor travel experts have recently conducted a comprehensive study of the UK cities that are best suited for a relaxing and comfortable stay, and York came out on top. The details were reported by the Nottingham Post.

The evaluation took into account factors such as the number of green spaces, coffee shops and libraries, as well as the quality of the environment and the number of hours of sunlight.

York boasts 68 restaurants with a five-star rating. If you want to feel the relaxed atmosphere of York and socialize with the locals, you should visit the most popular restaurants and pubs.

If you're looking for a cozy place to grab a bite to eat in York, check out Toto, an original family-run restaurant located on the eastern edge of the city. Here you can enjoy hearty, home-cooked Italian dishes.

Tourist guides can direct you to Betty's Tea Room, but be careful if you don't like the prim Edwardian atmosphere with a hint of bold aristocracy.

The Victoria Pub is located on Heslington Road, just outside the historic city walls. The pub has earned a reputation for its interesting competitions, in which both locals and tourists can prove themselves while enjoying strong Old Rosie cider available at competitive prices. If the heady mix of cheap drinks and good cheer proves too much, you can always retire for the night in one of the rooms at the Victoria Hotel, conveniently located near all of York's attractions.

Behind the great cathedral you will find numerous cafes with gardens that overlook the city walls. These places offer the perfect vantage point to admire the towers, observe city life and enjoy a cup of authentic English tea.

Osbornes, a family-run café tucked away on Gillygate, boasts a stunning garden. There you'll find sunny and shady areas. It's a great peaceful space to sit and relax from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Another top-notch spot is the themed forest at Galtres Lodge on Low Petergate. Here you can relax with friends or family while enjoying a delicious meal. This place also has a "secret garden", similar to a fairy grotto with twinkling lights and unique plants.

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