Fortress York with a Gothic cathedral of the 13th century in the center is an old city where the ancient and the modern meet. The history of York is connected with the Romans and Vikings, but not everyone knows that there is a luxury boutique hotel here, a developed cultural infrastructure - museums, theaters, unique sights, independent shops, many restaurants, cafes. York is the ideal size for walking, surrounded by beautiful countryside and just over two hours by train from London or Edinburgh.
Few cities in the world can rival York in history and character. The picturesque coastal town surrounded by ancient walls has a fascinating history dating back two thousand years. Every street and ginnel (Yorkshire dialect for lane) seems to offer another historic site or beautiful view, and the York Racecourse on the outskirts of town is one of the oldest in the UK .
When is the best time to go to York
There is no off-season in York. All year round, regardless of the weather, festivals and events attract tourists, historians, lovers of cultural activities and sports, buyers, and gourmets to the city. Spring and summer are the busiest, most expensive periods: it is the culmination of many city events, including the racing season (meetings at York Racecourse take place from May to October). If you prefer privacy, avoid weekends in July and August.
The best time to visit is during the fall and winter: York is cold but magical, brightly lit and atmospheric. Imagine the pale moon rising over the shadow of the Cathedral, the evening streets filled with bells ringing ... Many pubs have fireplaces to warm up after walking along the cobbled streets or river paths. The city has several romantic places to visit on the eve of Christmas. Beneath the dust of the snow, Christmas market stalls, garland lights and Christmas carols draw customers in with the aromas of mulled wine and smoked meat.
York landmarks
- Begin your sightseeing tour at York Minster , the largest medieval temple in Northern Europe and still retains the beauty of the Gothic style. The throne of the Archbishop of York is second only in importance to Canterbury, the seat of the primate of all England. Make your way to the cathedral through Shambles , an ancient cobbled street where the top floors of 14th-century wooden houses tilt, almost touching each other. City tour with a visit to the cathedral - from £ 20.
- York Castle Museum is an 80-year-old museum best known for its authentic street with stylized storefronts replicating the city's shops and living quarters from the Georgian era to the 1980s. Climb to the top of Clifford Tower in front of the museum for panoramic views of the city. The ancient fortified hill and fortress are the remains of a Norman castle with a macabre history.
- Discover the winding streets of York on a Bloody City Tour with Mad Alice, a local folklore character believed to have been hanged at York Castle in 1823. Guided tours take place several times a week.
- York's Chocolate Story follows the journey from raw jungle cocoa beans to what became York's most lucrative export product: chocolate. An immersive performance reveals the history of York's famous pastry dynasties, Terry and Rowntree, and captures the city's rich social history.
- A five-minute walk from the hotel are the Yorkshire Museum and Museum Gardens , offering a comprehensive overview of York's historical periods with prehistoric, Roman, Viking, medieval artifacts scattered across five galleries. Yorkshire's Jurassic World , a major exhibit, takes you 150 million years back to discover the county's extinct giants with innovative technology.
- The National Railroad Museum in York is the largest in the world, with more than 100 locomotives. It was built on a massive scale and housed in a series of gigantic train depots that will take at least two hours to inspect. The museum has a high-tech driving simulator (£ 4). Excursion - from £ 50.
- Barley Hall is a historic building in York, a restored medieval mansion tucked away in an alley with a permanent display from the era of Henry VIII. It was once the home of the Lord Mayor of York. The centerpiece is the banquet hall decorated with a Yorkshire rose: look at it through a window in an alleyway if you don't want to pay the entrance fee. House inspection - from £ 10.
- Treasurer's House is York 's most impressive half-timbered building. It still belongs to the brotherhood that built it almost 650 years ago: it is the oldest surviving town hall of its kind in the UK. One of the rooms in the hall is still a chapel, but the name refers to a pioneering business achievement that brought wealth to the fraternity: the "adventurers" made their fortunes in foreign markets at a time when York was an important international port. A visit costs from £ 39.
- In the quiet Museum Gardens, you will see the Multangular Tower , part of the city walls that were once the western tower of the defensive ramparts of the Roman garrison, as evidenced by the Roman stonework underneath the 13th century superstructures. On the other side of the gardens are the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey , dating from 1270 to 1294. The ruined Gatehall was its main entrance, providing access from the abbey to the river. Inspection of the gardens will cost £ 15.5.
Food in York
York is renowned for its excellent culinary scene, with many diverse dining venues. Delicious dinners are served at Mr P's Curious Tavern : part Victorian curiosity shop, part chic restaurant, a new project by Chef Andrew Pern. Here you will be greeted by lanterns of the 19th century, stands with ham and artificial heads of trophy animals on the walls.
The Rattle Owl is a 17th century New York loft, listed as a Category I listed building with brick walls and original parquet floors. A well-balanced menu of five appetizers, main courses, desserts - including whipped blue cheese, Yorkshire fig pudding, duck breast, Medjul dates, and boiled English rhubarb.
Grab a drink at the newly opened Micklegate Social Bar, housed in a beautiful old corner building and offers a wide selection of wines, spirits and craft beers.
Dinner at Star Inn The City is a special experience. Receiving the design award, rethinking the old building between the Ouse River and the Museum Gardens - the hotel has coped with all the tasks.
Spend an evening with a drink at Valhalla, a Scandinavian themed music bar, a café just around the corner from Shambles. It was created by Viking fans. Rock is played here, there is a good selection of wines, spirits, local beer.
Shopping in York
You can waste an hour or two at Browns department store choosing designer brands, Ralph Lauren and Barbour, or bed linen from Joules and Julian Charles, a manicure bar, a restaurant with elegantly dressed waiters that serves Sunday lunches and afternoon tea.
Parliament Street and the streets around it are the hubs for York. The wide, mostly pedestrianized street is full of shops, cafes, including Marks & Spencer, New Look, Pret A Manger. Several other big brands can be found on nearby Coney Street and Shambles Market is a short walk from the hotel. It is easy to reach, with many bus stops to Piccadilly a short walk away.
Shambles Market is a riot of colors and sounds among small squares, narrow alleys connecting Parliament Street and Shambles. The 70 street market stalls sell anything from flowers to fruits, vegetables to vintage clothing, souvenirs, street food and more. There is usually live music in the food court area. To get started, visit the Ye Olde Pie & Sausage Shoppe and the store that can't be named.
Coppergate Shopping Center is a side street and square with interesting shops located near Coppergate. In the pedestrian zone there are shops Primark, Topshop, The Body Shop, several specialty shops such as The Whiskey Shop, Castle Fine Art. Here is the famous "Viking Warwick Center", the charming old church of St. Mary.
York Designer Outlet is a York designer outlet on the southern outskirts of the city. The shopping center with an area of 32.5 thousand square meters has gathered more than 120 leading British and international brands. There is a small children's playground, many restaurants, and occasional special events.
Transport in York
Most city bus routes run at about half an hour intervals, and the most popular ones run at 10 minute intervals. Buses run to most of the surrounding cities: Leeds, Flamingoland, Whitby and Scarborough.
York connection
The main British mobile operators operate in York; tourists are more comfortable using a prepaid SIM card.
Main operators:
- EE
- O2
- Three
- Vodafone.
