Packed inside York's magnificent stone walls, you'll find a treasure trove of a city. For York has withstood everything that history has thrown at it, and still emerged as a vibrant town where you can shop till you drop and dine till you pop, all amidst the most appealing surroundings.
| It's hard to miss the imposing outline of York Minster... |
It's hard to miss the imposing outline of York Minster which has watched over the city through Norman invasions, the Black Death, the birth of the Church of England and a royal wedding. It's had its fair share of troubles, with fire, invasion and collapsing towers, but this only serves to make it a more interesting place to visit. And the views from the tower across the gargoyles and pinnacles to the rooftops of the town are superb. If by now you are hooked on finding out more about the history of York, then you must visit JORVIK. Sited on an ancient Viking city, you can explore a recreation of a 10th century Viking street, and come face to face with a fearsome Viking. At the York Castle Museum, you can skip back to Victorian times, and walk down a Victorian street, popping into shops to chat to the shopkeepers as you go. Feeling really brave? Then your last stop on the history tour could be the York Dungeon, where spine-chilling exhibits bring to life times of torture, mass murderers and plague. Enter if you dare!
By now you'll be ready for a dose of the 21st century, and York can oblige with style. The newest attraction is the Yorkshire Wheel, a smaller version of the London Eye. However you may have shopping in mind and this is a dangerously easy place to shop, with original boutiques and high street stores lining the pretty, pedestrianised, cobbled streets. The mediaeval Shambles now house chic boutiques where butchers once displayed their slabs of meat, and when your feet are weary, there are snug cafés and contemporary bars where you can recharge. If you're here with children, then despatch them off to the free National Railway Museum where they can see the famous Mallard steam train, while you shop in peace. At the end of the day, there are many award-winning restaurants, historic pubs and family-friendly eateries serving tempting cuisine from Yorkshire, Europe and beyond.
The hotels in York tend to be found on Gillygate, Fulford, Holgate and Haxby Roads, as well as in Heworth Village, with Bootham being a good spot for those interested in shopping and sightseeing, and also providing many mid-range options. Low Petergate, one of York's mediaeval streets, has hotels that are as well placed as they are well priced. York's luxury hotels are placed mainly on The Mount and Tadcaster Road, very close to the racecourse, and also not far from the city centre, and an hotel along the edge of the River Foss will prove very pleasantly situated. There are some truly deluxe York hotels available too, with many offering business facilities and first class leisure facilities also.
