York
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Historic city with roots in Viking and medeival times
North East England
york
York
The city oozes culture and history, being one of Britain’s best examples of a medieval settlement. The first settlement was founded by Romans in 71 AD. Following Roman rule, it was taken over by the Angles in 415AD. In 866 AD it was captured by the Vikings, who renamed it Jorvik. After the Norman conquest the name York was given.
York’s centre is enclosed by the City walls of which more miles of wall lay in tact than any other city walls in England. The full circuit is a 3 mile walk. The Shambles is York’s oldest street. The narrow medieval cobbled street is lined with 15th century Tudor buildings which lean into the street so that their roofs almost touch. The street has many charming shops, boutiques and tearooms.
Activities
York Minster is the largest medieval cathedral in Europe. The present minster was built between the 1220s and 1470s and has all the different stages of Gothic architecture. Climbing the 275 steps to the top of the central tower is an exhilarating experience. You will pass medieval pinnacles and gargoyles and at the top you’ll have the best view of the ancient city.
The world famous Jorvik Viking Centre is a ‘must-see’ for visitors to the city of York and is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK outside London. You can journey
through the reconstruction of Viking-Age streets, as they would have been in AD975. There is also the chance to come face to face with a 'Viking'.The National Railway Museum is the largest railway museum in the world. With over 300 years of history including over 100 locomotives and almost 200 other items of rolling stock, the museum tells the story of rail travel from the 19th century to present day.
The sightseeing bus tour is the best way to see all of York, explore the city walls and all the attractions it has to offer. Click here to add it to your itinerary.
The York Pass is a wonderful way to make sure you get the most out of your trip to York. It includes most of York's top attractions and more.
What's nearby
Castle Howard is a beautiful 18th century stately home situated in 1,000 acres of parkland with gardens, lakes and woodland to explore. Children can also enjoy the adventure playground, discovery trails and boat trips on the lake. The Eden Camp museum (close to Castle Howard) is housed within the grounds and buildings of an original prisoner of war camp. You can experience the sights, sounds and even smells of life in wartime Britain and on the front line of battle.
Nestling on the banks of the river Rye, Nunnington Hall has period rooms, the Carlisle collection of miniature rooms and an organic walled garden.
The North York Moors National Park combines lush green valleys with bleak open moorland, and 75% of the world’s heather! Great for walking, the park can be accessed easily from York, but it’s worth staying a few days in one of the picturesque towns and villages. (See North York Moors page for more details)
The Victorian Spa town of Harrogate is just 30 minutes away by train (See Harrogate page for more details).
It is technically legal to kill a Scotsman within the city walls but only with a bow and arrow and definitely not on a Sunday!
Guy Fawkes
Famous English traitor
Dame Judy Dench
Actress
