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| York, Yorkshire and the Humber, England |
York is the capital of the ‘North Country’ and the second city of England. Only 335 kilometres north of London, York is one of the finest cities in Europe and is still largely unspoilt. The city contains a wealth of historical buildings, interesting architecture and places of interest, from the Romans to the present day. Surrounded by glorious rolling hills, and home to the friendly and charming ‘North Country’ people, York is an important tourist destination. With easy access to the North Yorkshire Moors, the Yorkshire Dales and the fantastic Lakes District, the city is a great place to make a base from which to enjoy the ‘North’.
Originally the Roman Fortress of Eboracum, (it was chosen as a dry site besides the River Ouse) it became the Viking settlement of Jorvik in the 9th century. The Normans, under William the Conqueror, subjugated the city after the ‘North Country’ rose up against him. In the Middle Ages it became an important wool trading centre and in the 18th century the famous Rowntree chocolate factory was founded here! A walk around the extensive remains of the city walls, the longest and best preserved in England, gives a preliminary impression of the city. The walls, originally of Roman construction, have been repaired and rebuilt over subsequent centuries and are pierced by numerous gates and towers.
York Minster, one of the largest churches in Europe, took 250 years to complete and is one of the finest works of western architecture. Famous for its medieval stained glass, some of which dates back to 1150, it is thought to be the earliest glass in England and ranks among the art treasures of the world. The oldest part of the Minster is the Norman crypt. The Jorvik Viking Centre gives a taste of the York of the 9th century following the invasion by Scandinavian settlers. Four rows of Viking buildings and contents were found whilst excavating Coppergate, and two rows of these have been incorporated into the Centre. ‘Time Cars’ take the visitor back through time to 948 AD to the sights, sounds and smells of the 10th century. Clifford’s Tower was built in the 13th century on the site of one of the original Norman wooden castles and is in the care of English Heritage. It stands on a mound which was surrounded by a deep moat. Little else remains of the castle. York also, has many picturesque streets, the best known and prettiest, being the Shambles, which is lined with half-timbered buildings with overhanging storeys.
Other sites, in the city, worthy of mention:
The Treasurer’s House, a National Trust property, mostly dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, although originally built in 1100 for the Minister’s treasurer, is among a number of buildings of Georgian interest. Others are the Mansion House, built as a residence for the mayor in 1726, and Fairfax House in Castlegate, built by John Carr.
The Castle Museum, housed in the old Female Prison and Debtor’s Prison, is a folk museum of some renown of Yorkshire bygones with whole streets, shops and period rooms on view.
York’s Heritage Centre, housed in a converted church, reconstructs the city’s development from medieval time to the 19th century.
The National Railway Museum is home to the biggest collection of railway relics in the country. One highlight of modern interest is a full size section of the Channel Tunnel to walk through!
A row of medieval houses is to be found at Goodramgate.
Other places of interest within 30 kilometres are:
Castle Howard, built in the 18th century, one of England’s grandest houses and the largest in Yorkshire.
Harrogate, a spa town, made famous in the Georgian era, but known more now as a conference centre. Well planned open spaces, pine woods and magnificent flower gardens along with dignified Victorian architecture, make it worth a visit.
Knaresborough has Georgian houses, a ruined castle and the damp and eerie Dropping well, where items are petrified in time by lime deposits.
Did you know that – Dick Turpin, the notorious 18th century highwayman and horse-stealer, was convicted and hanged at York? His grave is in nearby St George Churchyard.
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| Accommodation | Activities | Tours |  |
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Holiday Inn York Hotel
York
 |  The Holiday Inn York is located approxiametly 1.5 miles from York's historic city centre. Overlooking York racecourse it is a perfect hotel for those wanting to be slightly out of town or even place a bet. A short wander and your in the heart of York Minster, University of York for some more archite... |
Novotel York Centre
York
 |  Novotel York is just 5 minutes from the heart of York. On the banks of the River Foss and adjacent to the historic city walls it is conveniently located just a short walk away from the beautiful York Minster.
Novotel York is an upper market hotel with 124 en-suite rooms and 22 brand new 4 star Nova... |
York Marriott Hotel
York
 |  With its sweeping views of the famed York Racecourse and Knavesmire Parkland, the York Marriott Hotel is set just beyond the ancient walls of the city centre, with its delightful shops, cafes and quaint lanes. The York Marriott is a traditional hotel and has a great range of facilities, and warm fr... |
Quality Hotel York
York
|  The Quality Hotel York has a prime location within York's world-renowned city walls. This exciting ultra modern hotel offers clients in York, an atmosphere of luxurious simplicity. The interior is furnished in a warm minimalist style with striking fabrics complimenting the cherry wood furniture. ... |
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Ghost Hunt of York
Walking
York |  The Ghost Hunt of York offers an evening walking tour of York's haunted locations, it lasts approximately an hour and a quarter. Whatever the weather and always on time, the Victorian guide with his frock coat, top hat and Gladstone bag manifests himself at the strike of half past seven at the bott... |
York City Walls Self-guided Audio Tour
Walking
York |  Over 2 miles in length and with a history stretching back nearly 2000 years, the walls of York are amongst the finest preserved historic monuments anywhere in the world. Of the 108 walled towns and cities that once existed in England, less than a third retain as much as a single gateway. York is tot... |
York Viking Walk
Walking
York |  The Viking Walk is not for the faint hearted!
The Vikings were a ruthless force in cruel times. As well as their many battles in York, the Walk covers Viking battle tactics, their weapons, Harald Hardrada ("the ruthless") King of the Norwegian Vikings and the furious Viking Berserkers who showed n... |
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Wonders of Britain & Ireland
12 days |  Through the cities of London, Bath, Salisbury, Dublin and Oxford, experience the Britain and Ireland of a simpler time. On this tour see medieval castles and churches that have stood for centuries, admire Ireland's breathtaking Ring of Kerry and stand in awe before the mysterious Stonehenge.
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Gems of Britain
4 days |  This four day tour of Britain is great for those passengers who have limited time and want a quick look at some of the best and well-known places to visit. You will see such sites as King's College in Cambridge, the ancient cathedral - York Minster, sample a wee dram in Edinburgh, elope to Gretna G... |
Highlights of Britain
10 days | This is a very good tour for the first time visitors as it covers most of the major must-see sights in Britain.
Leaving London you will travel to the University city of Oxford, see Winston Churchill's grave at Bladon, fall in love with the Cotswolds and learn more about Shakespeare at Stratford-u... |
Britain & Ireland Discovery
22 days |  This is a well paced tour for those who want a comprehensive tour of Britain and Ireland.
After leaving London you will visit the University city of Oxford, fall in love with the picture perfect Cotswolds and spend your first night in Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon. The ladies will enjoy the W... |
England, Scotland & Wales
10 days | Begin your holiday with sightseeing in London before heading to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon. Pass Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest and take a walking tour of York, England’s most complete medieval city. In Scotland, see the mighty Edinburgh Castle with its Crown Jewels; visit the Highland capital ... |
Amazing Britain
8 days |  Experience the fascinating Britain of a very different era as you visit Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, Scotland's Edinburgh Castle, the Roman spa in Bath and the magical stone circle that is Stonehenge. Also visit the handsome cities of York, Durham, St. Andrews and Salisbury.
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Taste of Britain
5 days | Go beyond Buckingham Palace and dig deeper into Britain's past on this fascinating tour. We reveal medieval walled cities, the scenery that inspired Wordsworth's poetry and the ornate York Minster. Visit the apartments inside Edinburgh's castle plus Shakespeare's hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon.
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British Panorama
6 days |  This exciting holiday is a great introduction to the history and culture of England, Scotland, and Wales. In England, discover London’s famous landmarks; Cambridge, one of the country’s oldest seats of learning; and York, England’s most complete medieval city. In Scotland see the mighty Edinburgh Ca... |
Britain & Ireland Explorer
13 days |  This is a well paced tour and will suit the experienced and first-time travellers. It is a comprehensive introductiion to the highlights of England, Scotland and Ireland, and will appeal to those with a love of the history and tradition.
From London you travel through Oxfordshire to Shakespeares... |
Britain Sampler
6 days |  This is a good tour for those travellers who want to see some of the most well-known sights in England and of course cross the border to the wonderful city of Edinburgh. Being six days instead of four days from other companies, this tour want seem so rushed.
Take a special walk through the ornam... |
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