don't go to B and Q or homebase. This is a real traditional hardware store that sells just about…read moreeverything with fantastic friendly service. I took a broken table lamp in to replace the bulb and they ended up changing the fuse for me as well.

I only went to Homebase for the first time last week, as I normally go to B and Q for my DIY needs…read more I found Homebase really similar in terms of prices and product range. Would go to either one of them in the future as like I said there's not much difference between the two. I also found the staff at Homebase really helpful in helping me find what I wanted.

Handy if you need some regular hardware type things. Not mega cheap or anything, but if you just…read moreneed 1 or 2 things, very handy. Staff know what they're talking about too.

Wilkinson is a great shop. Its very big and sells a wide range of things including toiletries,…read morecleaning products, homeware, kitchenware, and stationery. Their prices are very low and a lot of the stuff they sell is branded, however their own brand stuff is quite good too.

Another local insider tip and I was tempted to reintroduce pot plants into my home. Botanic was…read morelike a trip back to my childhood in Germany when I had a bedroom filled with cactus and succulents ... there were even pots hanging in macrame nets just like the ones I used to make - not sure if this made me feel young again or just very, very old. Luckily I couldn't take too many plants on the train back to London, but it was a joy just looking around and overhearing the very knowledeable owner giving advice to customers. I hope some of the many people crammed into the small shop bought more than just a couple of greeting cards!

From the owner: Plant themed, independent shop within the historic York City walls specialising in house plants…read moreincluding foliage plants, cacti and succulents.