York Attractions: What To See and Do When You Visit York

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York Attractions: What To See and Do When You Visit York

Friday, December 26th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

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 millenia. Originally founded by the Romans in 71AD 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.

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 is the largest cathedral in northern Europe. This building has dominated the skyline of this city for more than 8 centuries now and has some magnificent gothic features.

Although you do not have to pay for entry into the main part of the Minister 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 - Celebrating York’s Viking days, which were previously discovered in a an archaeological dig in the Coppergate area of the city. The artefacts they found, including tools and clothing, date back over a thousand years. To really see what life was like in a Viking settlement then take the time capsule ride 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. Originally founded in 1938 one has the chance to wander through historical periods of British life and the exhibits often include original artefacts.

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. 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 make sure you book on the York Ghost Trail. And go back to the city’s darker days.

Choose your York hotel or guest house from this list.

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