York: What To Do When You Visit York

The historic city of York can be found where the rivers Ouse and Foss join each other and has been one of the UK’s most important cities for around two thousand years.  The Romans founded the city in 71 AD and it was once in line to be England’s capital city.  However, King Richard II who wished for this to happen was deposed before it could be done. 

The city of York is steeped in history and you should set aside several days to take in all the sights when you stay in York. In this article we take a look at a few of the places which attract visitors to them year after year.

1.     York Minister – This is now the largest medieval building in England today and also the biggest cathedral to be found in Europe north of the Alps. It has dominated the skyline of York for over eight hundred years and has some magnificent gothic features. 

Entrance to the main part of York Minster is free but to be able to enter the central tower and view the city from above an entry fee is charged. Plus you need to take into consideration it is a long climb up and back down again in order to view the city from a completely different angle. 

2.    Jorvik Centre - When archaeologists were carrying out investigations in the Coppergate area of the city they found houses and workshops dating back to the times when the Vikings laid claim to this land. In these areas they found clothing and tools which had been buried for more than 1,000 years. The time capsule ride attempts to recreate Viking life and you can travel back to a reconstructed Viking settlement. As you travel you have the chance to view some of the well preserved 10th Century buildings that were discovered during the time of the archaeological dig.

3.     York Castle Museum – You can step back in time again, viewing life in York over the years. You can examine detailed reconstructions of British life and the exhibits often include original artefacts.

4.    National Railway Museum – Probably the largest and most comprehensive railway museum in the world. You can learn about the history of railways through the ages and the way they have been used as transport. The museum is the home of Stephenson’s Rocket and also the record holding steam engine, Mallard.

If you want a different angle on history then why not arrange to take the Ghost Trail of York. And go back to the city’s darker days.

Book your York hotel or bed and breakfast here.