Whether you’re venturing out to discover new places, or you’re commuting around the areayou have lived in for your whole life, often, travelling by bus can introduce you to some of the hidden gems dotted around that may have otherwise gone undiscovered.

On this specific journey to the village of Strensall, we begin in the place with an amazing community feel and loved by its residents, Acomb. Connecting the neighbouring suburbs to the bustling city is what First Buses are for, and the number 5 is ideal for those of you wanting to explore and discover some hidden gems of your own.

Bus stop: Acomb Green

Tea on the Green – This small but friendly tea room in Acomb opens from 9:30am for breakfast, teacakes, scones, lunches and afternoon tea. Selling fairly traditional food in a cosy place, everything is homemade and prepared fresh everyday. Other than being available indoor and for takeaway, they do lots of outside catering for different occasions.

37 The Green, Acomb, York YO26 5LL

The Crooked Tap – The Crooked Tap opened in 2019, and has become a relaxing place for the people of York. Open to all people, this bar serves their own beers alongside new, interesting Yorkshire breweries and classic ales. They’ve grown into a focal point of the town and become the hosts for local events.

The Green Acomb, 3 Greenside House, York YO26 5LL

Bus stop: Holgate Park

The Fox – The Fox lies in the district of Holgate, a pub whose history has been linked to the golden age of rail. After years of being neglected, in 2014 the project to restore this beautiful place began. Not only is this pub home to the largest beer garden in the city, it has the distinction of being a blue plaque heritage inn, making it a must-see visit.

The Fox, 168 Holgate Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO24 4DQ

Holgate Windmill – Holgate Windmill is York’s last surviving windmill and the oldest 5-sailed windmill in the country, which is now fully restored and produces traditional stone-ground flour. In 2001, the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society was formed and through the dedication of the volunteers, the mill was back in operation.

Windmill Rise, Holgate, York YO26 4TX

Bus stop: Blossom Street

Plaskitt & Plaskitt – Plaskitt and Plaskitt can transform how people live in their homes and how they feel within them. Their team of interior designers promise to maximise the functionality and aesthetics of any space by creating beautiful, characterful interiors.

6 Blossom St, York YO24 1AE

Bus stop: Theatre Royal

SOPHiE – The famous cafe of SOPHiE on Lendal Bridge is an independently run, small business that is home to coffee, cakes and cocktails. Nestled in the quirky, historic building on the end of the bridge, you can stop off for a morning coffee, grab a homemade cake to go or an afternoon of cocktails.

East Lodge, Lendal Bridge, York YO1 7DP

Brew and Brownie – Brew and Brownie is a place inspired by the seasons and the food they craved as children. Bringing their vision to life, the team spent many hours discovering some of Yorkshire’s best produce and being careful to use the best quality ingredients. With both sweet and savoury, vegan and gluten free options on their menu, it’s the best place to relax or to stop off in a rush.

5 Museum St, York YO1 7DT

The Little Apple Bookshop – Since 1997, The Little Apple Bookshop has been selling books in the heart of the city. They launched their website in 2020 to keep the people supplied of their favourite books, selling everything from signed copies to children’s books, and are happy to order anything you can’t find in store.

13 High Petergate, York YO1 7EN

Tempt – One of York’s only plant-based chocolaterie can be found on High Petergate in the centre of the city. This little shop creates fresh chocolates everyday including classics such as chocolate bars and chocolate-coated nuts. They make sure their cocoa is ethically sourced and use unrefined sugars, everything they make is vegan by nature.

16 High Petergate, York YO1 7EH

York Theatre Royal – This traditional theatre dates back to 1744, which currently seats 750 people. It has become one of the regions most successful producing theatres, welcoming more than 200,000 visitors each year. During the last 19 years, the theatre has seen some exciting developments such as the re-tiered seating, studio spaces and the York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre.

St Leonard’s Pl, York YO1 7HD

Bus stop: Strensall Library

The Ship Inn – This friendly family-run pub has been a feature in the heart of the village since the early 1800’s. The classic British pub serves good food, real ale and fine wine, and has become a loved place by locals and tourists alike. They pride themselves on using the best local suppliers for all their ingredients and all the food is homemade by their award winning chefs.

23 The Village, Strensall, York YO32 5XS