A Guide To York.
York is one of England’s finest and most beautiful historic cities. The Romans knew it as Eboracum. To the Saxons it was Eoforwick. The Vikings – who came as invaders but stayed on in settlements – called it Jorvik.
Whatever you call it, York is a great place to visit. There are lots of online guides to York, including VisitYork and TripAdvisor. This is our curated guide to what we think are the best things to see and do, in no particuar order.
This Must Do narrow old street has overhanging timber-framed buildings, some dating back as far as the fourteenth century and includes several unique shops, such as the York Ghost Merchant, and The Shop That Must Not Be Named. Some say it should be renamed to Diagon Alley.
Warning: the Shambles is one of Yorks most popular attractions, go early to avoid crowds.
Discover one of the finest medieval guild halls in the World.
Warning: do not confuse this with the Merchant Taylors Hall, where we will meet on Friday 12th July for the first act of BFR IV.
Barley Hall is a picturesque medieval townhouse tucked away down one of the oldest streets in York. Once in dangerously unsafe condition and scheduled for demolition its medieval architecture was rediscovered in the 1980’s and it has now been lovingly restored to its original splendour with stunning high ceilings, beautiful exposed timber frames, and possibly the only horn window in England.
The official residence of the Lord Mayor of York, this masterpiece of 18th century architecture and its infamous residents have a colourful history, filled with scandal, decadence and outlandish feasting. Following extensive restoration, in 2018 the house opened to the public for the first time, allowing all to experience this extravagant mayoral life, and take an interactive walk through York’s Georgian past.
The finest Georgian town house in England. A classical architectural masterpiece of its age, Fairfax House was originally the winter home of Viscount Fairfax. Its richly decorated interior was designed by York’s most distinguished eighteenth-century architect, John Carr.
Clifford’s Tower is the largest remaining building of York Castle, northern England’s greatest medieval royal fortress. Standing as a proud symbol of the power of England’s medieval kings; the tower was originally built by William the Conqueror to subdue the rebels of the north, it was twice burned to the ground, before being rebuilt by Henry III in the 13th century. If was given a spectacular update in 2022 including a dramatic roof-deck, internal walkways and soundscape interpretation.
Discover one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, a masterpiece in stained glass and stone.
Got stamina? Test it on the 275-step spiral stair up to the city’s highest point: the top of York Minster’s Central Tower. It’s so tall it could swallow the Leaning Tower of Pisa whole. Look out past the Minster’s ornate West Towers over York’s diverse rooftops and gardens.
Non-climbers have plenty to gawp at in the cavernous, vaulted Minster, which drips superlatives: England’s widest gothic nave; and Britain’s largest stretch of Medieval stained glass – the scarlet-and-azure saints and angels of the 15th-century Great East Window were recently restored.
Don’t miss the dynamic displays in the Undercroft, for the ruins of Roman barracks, a carved Viking horn and illuminated gospels.
This National Trust property sits right beside the Minster. Tours of the property can be booked and the award winning garden is the perfect place to take time out in York city centre, watching wildlife or enjoying views of the Minster. Free to visit on open days.
York was the home of both Rowntree and Terry’s chocolates. This attraction tells the story of chocolate in York. You even get to make your own chocolate bar.
In the late 70’s, whilst investigating the site of the soon to be built Coppergate Shopping Centre, the York Archaeological Trust discovered the well preserved remains of a viking age settlement. You can now ride above the original site to see, and learn about, how the villagers lived and worked. This is another Must Do
Something to keep the kids amused; whilst strolling around York keep an eye out for sculptures of cats on the facades of buildings. There are 22 in all and you can pick up a trail map at the tourist information centre and other shops to help you find them. Don’t forget to look up.
This is the shortest street in York with only three addresses: numbers 1, 1a, and 1 1/2.
Next door to Yorvik, in a disused church, you’ll find a more modern entertainment, the immersive Van Gogh Experience.
Across the river on North St, you’ll find All Saint’s Church, home to some of the oldest stained glass in England. It has some quirky carved angels too.
A short distance from the centre of town, in the middle of a suburban roundabout, you’ll find the last remaining windmill in York. It still works and you can climb up and see the cutting edge wooden tech that makes it work. Real living history.
This is actually a pretty impressive place. The kids will love it. See famous and iconic trains, like Stephensons Rocket and Mallard, the royal carriages and all kinds of other railway paraphernalia.
York’s city centre is surrounded by historic walls, which are free to access on foot throughout the year. There are gaps but at 3.4 kilometres long, the beautifully preserved walls are the longest medieval town walls in England. You don’t have to walk them all; the short stretch from Bootham Bar to Monk Bar offers great views of the Minster and the town..
“What’s not to like about York? It’s got everything; roman & viking history, medieval streets, the worlds largest railway museum, Europe’s biggest cathedral, Betty’s, and, best of all, chocolate.”
Anon