Web City Travel

The historic city of York can be found where the rivers Ouse and Foss join each other and has been an important city for nearly 2,000 years now.  The Romans founded the city in 71 AD and the town has grown and was at one time going to be the capital of England.  However, King Richard II who wished for this to happen was deposed before it could be done. 

Certainly there is so much history to be discovered about this wonderful city and you should set aside several days to take in all the sights when you stay in York. Here are some of the city’s attractions for your shortlist.

1.     York Minister – This is England’s largest surviving medieval building 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 is a wonderful example of gothic architecture to be found anywhere in England today. 

Entrance to the main part of York Minster is free there is a small admission fee to climb the central tower and witness the spectacular city views it offers. The climb up (and back!) is long but the views make it well worthwhile. 

2.    Jorvik Viking 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. The artefacts they found, including tools and clothing, date back over a thousand years. The time capsule ride attempts to recreate Viking life and travel back in time and visit a reconstructed Viking settlement. The ride offers views of some of the remains of the buildings that were found during the dig.

3.     York Castle Museum – You can step back in time again, viewing life in York over the years. Originally founded in 1938 one has the chance to wander through historical periods of British life through detailed sets of the time that have been lovingly recreated using many original articles.

4.    National Railway Museum – Of all the museums of this sort in the world today this is not only the largest but the most comprehensive of them as well. You can learn about the history of railways through the ages and the way they have been used as transport. It is here you will see Stephenson’s Rocket and also the record holding steam engine, Mallard.

For something a little more unusual make sure you book on the York Ghost Trail. Here you can learn more about the cities more gruesome and blood chilling history.

Book your York hotel or bed and breakfast here.