York is a world famous historic city, attracting over 4 million visitors each year. It ranks alongside the likes of Edinburgh, Bath, and Stratford-Upon-Avon as one of the top tourist towns in the UK. However, none of its rivals comes even close for such diversity and continuity of history.
“The history of York is the history of England” – King George VI
The city’s must-see attractions include:
- York Minster – the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe
- The City Walls – the most complete set of city walls in the UK.
- The Shambles – voted Britain’s most picturesque street*
- Clifford’s Tower – York’s medieval castle / keep
- JORVIK Viking Centre – one of the UK’s most popular visitor attractions
- National Railway Museum – the largest railway collection in the world and voted No.1 Attraction in Yorkshire.
- York Castle Museum – one of Britain’s leading museums of daily life
But a visit to York is not just about the famous attractions. It’s about savouring the ambience of a city steeped in history & culture. Take time out to explore the narrow cobbled streets and courtyards. Wander along the banks of the River Ouse or through the Museum Gardens. Discover some of the hidden ‘Snickleways’ that join York’s main thoroughfares. Or just relax in one of the many traditional pubs, riverside bars or old English tearooms.
Enjoy the cosmopolitan feel to the city, mixing with international visitors from across the globe. The streets have a vibrant café culture and are dotted with markets & street entertainers. Browse through the many unique independent shops selling antiques, jewellery, books, art & crafts. Check out the latest fashions at boutiques and designer stores. Sample a variety of international food and drink at the regular outdoor European markets.
It doesn’t matter when you visit, there’s always plenty to see and do. Most of the attractions are open all year around, and there are dozens of events and festivals held throughout the year, including: York Races, the JORVIK Viking Festival, the Roman Festival, the DragonBoat races, York Mystery Plays, open-air concerts, car rallies, book fairs, and food & drink festivals.
There is evidence of settlement in the York area stretching back almost 6,000 years. But it was the Roman Ninth Legion, under the control of Governor Qunitus Petilius Cerealis that formally established the city of ‘Eboracum’ at the confluence of the Rivers Foss and Ouse in 43 AD. It wasn’t long before the city was considered to be the ‘Capital of the North’.
Guy Fawkes, mastermind of the Gunpowder Plot, was born and educated in York.
Dick Turpin, England’s most famous highwayman was imprisoned & executed in York.
York has one of the only fully complete Barbican Gates in Europe
Constantine The Great was crowned Roman Emperor in York in 306 AD, following the death of his father Constantius I, whilst visiting the city.
What makes the city ‘special’, and so different to other towns and cities in Britain? On the face of it there are comparatively few structures of outstanding architectural significance. What makes the city special is the rich tapestry of buildings throughout the ages. Its Roman, Medieval, Georgian, Victorian and modern influences combine to form a unique blend of shapes and colours in which every period of Britain’s history is represented.
York is located in one of the most beautiful parts of England, sitting between the North Yorkshire Moors & Wolds to the East and the Yorkshire Dales & Pennines to the West. In between lies the Vale of York which itself offers a range of attractions, activities and historic houses including Castle Howard, Benningborough Hall, Fountains Abbey, Brimham Rocks, Dalby Forest, the Yorkshire Air Museum and Eden Camp.
York is also known as the ‘Chocolate City’ with both Rowntrees and Terry’s being founded in the city. These famous chocolatiers brought us brands such as KitKat, Smarties, Aero, Fruit Pastilles, Quality St, Polo, Yorkie bars, All-Gold, Chocolate Orange. Unfortunately it is not possible to tour any of the major chocolate factories, but check out the former Terry’s chocolate shop and restaurant in St Helen’s Square, which is now a gift shop.
In the nineteenth century, York became the railway hub for the north of England. It was home to the North-Eastern Railway company, and for a while (post-1877) had the largest railway station anywhere in the world. The railways remain an integral part of York with the East Coast mainline passing through York, and the National Railway Museum being situated here.
The most haunted city in the world?
The Ghost Reseach Foundation International recently declared that York “is the most haunted city in the world”, with over 500 recorded hauntings. Perhaps York’s most famous ghost story relates to the “Lost Roman Legion” that has frequently been seen marching through the basement of the Treasurer’s House, just outside York Minster. Find out more on one of the many ghost walks around the city.
In 2010 archaeologists announced that they had found the best preserved Roman Gladiator burial ground anywhere in the world, in the grounds of a large 18th century townhouse on the outskirts of York. Approximately 80 skeletons dating back from the late first century AD to the 4th century AD were found during excavations located just off Tadcaster Road, one of the main Roman routes in to the city two millennia ago.
York has close associations with the monarchy, stretching back to Anglo-Saxon times. Perhaps the most obvious link is the title of ‘Duke of York’, traditionally second in line to the thrown. The city hosted the ‘Council of the North’ under King Charles I, officially making York the ‘Capital of the North’. In later times the city was snubbed by Queen Victoria after she was allegedly presented with the bill to pay for her lunch!
Ever since the Middle Ages, York has been regarded as one of the principle ecclesiastical centres in the land. There are 32 churches within the city walls, many of which are some of the oldest intact buildings in York, and are well worth a visit. The Archbishop of York is the second highest ranking cleric in the Church of England, second only to the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Dick Turpin – England’s most notorious highwayman
Dick Turpin was imprisoned, tried and executed in York. Find out more about the legend and reality. Turpin has been portrayed as a dashing heroic “gentleman highwayman” riding his trusty steed Black Bess, and robbing people with the phrase “your money or your life!” Legend has it that he rode non-stop from London to York in a day to escape the authorities.
To find out the truth, read more…
York sits at the confluence of two rivers, the River Ouse and River Foss. This is no coincidence – the site was specifically chosen by the Roman Legion for its strategic position and ease of defence. Unfortunately being located on two rivers has its downsides! York is notorious for its flooding. The River Ouse floods regularly, at least once a year, and primarily in winter.
Fortunately York survived the Second World War much better than some of England’s other historical towns like Coventry and Plymouth. But in the summer of 1942 it was attacked as part of the ‘Baedeker raids’. These were retaliatory air raids on picturesque and historic English cities, aimed at demoralising the British nation by the destruction of its history.
To 21st century visitors York appears to be a gentile and civilised town, with quaint streets and friendly locals. However, you don’t need to look far in to the past to reveal a dark and gory history. Over the centuries York has seen its fair share of executions, torture, massacres and murders. Maybe this is why it’s considered one of the most haunted places on the planet
Several important English battles have taken place in and around York over the centuries. These include the battle that finally repelled the Viking invaders and helped end the Anglo-Saxon age in Britain; the bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil; and one of the battle that proved to be a key turning point in the English Civil War.
York has won a string of tourism awards over the years, including ‘Best European Destination’.
