York is one of most popular tourist destinations in England and is often referred to as the capital City of the north of England. One of the most historic cities in Britain, York has over 2000 years of history, much of which can be seen by simply walking its streets and battlement relics. York boasts some of the finest examples of architectural history, and the foundations of the Minster (Britains 2nd Cathedral after Westminster Abbey) pre-date the sailing of the Pilgrim Fathers to America.
As well as its tremendous sense of history, York is also a very scenic town and lies on the River Ouse which provides some very nice walks as well as providing the opportunity to see the city from a boat, with boat trips taking place hourly. The Association of Voluntary Guides give free two hour walking tours of York every day. The tours start in Exhibition Square, between April and October – there is generally 1 in the morning at 10 o’clock and one at 2 pm (check with tourist information on arrival in York). The tours are free, informative and informal, and there’s no need to book you just turn up.
Some of the main attractions of York
- York Minster (see this if nothing else)
- National Railway Museum
- The Castle Museum
- The Yorkshire Museum – home to some of Britain’s finest architectural treasures
- Viking Centre (York gets it name from the viking word Jorvik)
- Museum Gardens
- City walls and Bars (gates) – there are 4
- The shambles – ancient street of the butchers of york
- Clifford’s Tower – 13th century keep