As someone who has lived in York for over 10 years, I thought I would help those of you who want to visit our fair city. We get a lot of visitors here and we do really enjoy having you. So I will return the favour with my 101 list. I will try to split it up into categories so it is useful.
Historic and Museums
1) York Minster
Taken from http://www.flickr.com/photos/poudyal/
Well it has to be doesn’t it. This magnificent old building was originally built in 633AD to commemorate the baptism of Edwin of Northumbria. You can climb to the roof for a fantastic view over York or just simply admire the Gothic architecture. Prices are from £6 for adults.
2)York Walls
Courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/batgirlbob/
They have been part of York since the Romans in 71AD. Back then they were simply grass embankments. Now they extend for 2.5 miles with only a small gap (which was in fact where the Kings Moat was). The entrances are called “bars” and Micklegate Bar was used to display the heads of traitors. A great walk and a chance for some unusual views of York.
3) Cliffords Tower
Thanks to Duncan H
Built in 1068 as part of the original York Castle, this tower has a chequered history. It stands on Clifford Mount in the middle of a car park. In 1190 the Jewish community took refuge there after a violent incident. Surrounded by a mob, they decided to commit suicide rather than fall into their hands. The wooden keep was burnt down.
It is named Clifford’s Tower after Roger de Clifford who was hanged there in chains in 1322. The view from the top is fantastic.
4) The Shambles
Thanks to Zoonabar
Believed to be Europe’s oldest surviving Medieval Street, this is an outstanding example of what York used to be like. The old timber buildings almost touch and the streets are cobbled just like the old days. Visit in the evening when there are less tourists and school groups.
5)Castle Museum
Part of the old castle, the museum outlines the history of York and the everyday life of England. It shows how people used to live by displaying thousands of household objects and by recreating rooms, shops, streets – and even prison cells.
It is best known for its recreated Victorian street, Kirkgate, which combines real shop fittings and stock with modern sound and light effects, to evoke an atmosphere of Victorian Britain. Modern exhibitions include a trip back to the 1960s.
6)Jorvik
One for the children. York is famous for its Viking past and Jorvik is on the site of a Viking settlement uncovered during excavations in the late 1970s. You take a tour through the streets which have been specially recreated down to the smells! Once done visit the museum and learn about the Viking past.
7) Dig
Another one for the kids. You get to pretend to be an archeologist with hands on exploration through 4 excavation pits. The costumed archeologists help you deduce the meaning of the genuine artifacts you uncover.
This is a great place for real hands on learning.
8) Yorkshire Museum
Built in the grounds of St.Mary’s Abbey, the museum has many archeological treasures and specialises in fossils and and geology. It also tells the history of the monks who lived in the Abbey.
9) Margaret Clitherow’s Shrine
A small shrine located in an old medieval house in the Shambles, the shrine is dedicated to Margaret Clitherow, a Catholic who refused to renounce her religion. For this crime, she was told:
You must return from whence you came, and there, in the lowest part of the prison, be stripped naked, laid down, your back on the ground, and as much weight laid upon you as you are able to bear, and so to continue for three days without meat or drink, and on the third day to be pressed to death, your hands and feet tied to posts, and a sharp stone under your back.
She was dead within 15 minutes. This is an important site for Catholic pilgrims and a fine example of a medieval House.
10) Micklegate Bar Museum
Set at the top of Micklegate bar, this museum commemorates the bloody history of York. It tells of the War of the Roses when York was under siege and the stories behind the people whose heads were displayed on pikes.
11)York Station
A fine example of a Victorian train station. Enjoy a pot of tea in the cafe and admire the station roof.
12)Bar Convent
The oldest living convent in England, it has a Georgian entrance and a museum devoted to the history of the Convent.
13)Treasurer’s House
Owned by the National Trust, this is a fine example of a 17th century house right in the centre of York. The ghosts of a Roman Legion reputedly march through the cellars. It also boasts a fine tea room.
14)Merchant Adventurer’s Hall
Thanks to Tet Sy
A Grade 1 listed building built in 1357, it is a great hall which served the trade guilds of York. Many paintings hang on the wall and there are many examples of traditional furniture.
15)Fairfax House
Fairfax House is the finest Georgian townhouse in England. The house is owned by York Civic Trust who carried out major restoration work in the 1980s to return this magnificent building to its former glory. Fairfax House is open to visitors for most of the year and has a varied programme of events, exhibitions and talks. It is also possible to arrange private group tours and to hire the building for a special events or exclusive dining.
16)York Dungeons
Learn about the gruesome history of York. What happened to Guy Fawkes – the infamous resident of York? Dick Turpin – the highway man caught and hanged in York.
17 Guildhall
The building is a restoration of the fifteenth Century Commonhall that was almost totally destroyed by an air raid in 1942.
Originally the seat of local trades guilds it then became seat of local government in York. It now houses the council chamber, committee rooms and the Chief Executive’s department. It is open to visitors during the week and weekends during summer.
18)Churches
York has a beautiful range of churches with architecture dating from Norman times. Many are open to visitors and for worship for visitors.
19)Guy Fawkes
One of York’s most famous sons, Guy Fawkes was one of the conspirators who tried to blow up Parliament. He was caught and tortured horribly. St. Peter’s school which he attended refuses to have a bonfire celebration on the 5th November because he is an old boy.
There is a trail around York of buildings associated with Guy Fawkes.
20)Chocolate
York is famous for chocolate and is the home of Rowntrees chocolate (now owned by Nestle). The Terrys chocolate factory has long since closed down but you can learn more about the history at the Castle Museum.
21) National Railway Museum
Thanks to Matthew Black
Free to visit! One of the world’s best collection of trains from the replica of the Rocket through to the bullet train. Built in the original engine sheds, this is one for the train spotter in all of us. Collections include the Mallard, the Flying Scotsman and the Royal Trains.
22) York Model Railway
This little exhibition is easily missed in its spot beside the railway station but it is in an ideal place for miniature rail enthusiasts. This is a show for adults and children alike, with 323 metres of 00 gauge track making up the four main oval systems in the central display. Up to 28 trains running daily, plus a large ‘N’ gauge layout and Thomas the Tank area for the young ones. There are interactive buttons throughout.
23) Regimental Museum
A small museum near Clifford’s tower, it tells the story of the Royal Dragoon Guards which is based in York.
24) Barley Hall
Another medieval building in York! The building 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. It has been decorated to replicate what it would have looked like as the Snawsell home around 1483 and boasts a magnificent Great Hall. Visitors to Barley Hall can make themselves at home and sit on the chairs and handle the objects and experience what it would have been like to live in Medieval England. There are occasional events where you can reenact Medieval England.
25) Roman Bath Museum
Found below a pub, this is an example of a traditional Roman Bath. You can discover what life was like for the Roman soldiers who lived here.
26) Mansion House
The Mansion House is an architectural masterpiece and one of York’s great historic treasures. It is a repository for the extensive collection of civic regalia and artefacts. The impressive collection of silver, paintings and furniture is unequalled by any provincial city. Open for tours at set times.
27) Quilt Museum
England’s first museum dedicated to quilt making and textile arts.
Guided Tours
28)Open Top Tours
The red bus as seen in many European cities is in York too. You know the score – a guided tour hop on hop off around York.
29) York Boat
Explore York from the river view. Enjoy a leisurely cruise down the River Ouse.
30) Horse and carriage tours.
York has several operators who tour York using horses and an open carriage.
31) Walking tours
There are several walking tours around York. The Association of Voluntary Guides offer free tours.
32) Ghost Walks
York is one of England’s most haunted cities. There are several companies offering entertaining ghost walks around the city.
Culture
33) Theatre
There are several theatres in York. The Grand and the Theatre Royal are the two main ones but there are also several smaller ones including the Friargate theatre and the Joseph Rowntree theatre.
34) Cinema
The City Screen is a great cinema in the centre of town. It has a cafe overlooking the river and hosts a range of contemporary films as well as more independent productions. Just out of the centre is the Reel cinema which is a great example of a 1930s cinema.
35) Art Gallery
York has an art gallery in the centre of town with a range of exhibitions.
36) National Centre for Early Music
The National Centre for Early Music, situated in St Margaret’s Church York, is the home of the internationally renowned York Early Music Festival and the Beverley and East Riding Early Music Festival. The Centre also attracts some of the world’s finest artists in the fields of jazz, folk and world music.
37) Music Venues
Fibbers is York’s premier venue for live music. If you are interested in folk music, have a look at the Black Swan.
Walking and parks
38) Rowntree Park
Located near the centre of town, Rowntree park has a large play area for children, lovely gardens and large ponds.
39) River Walk
You can walk for several miles along tree lined paths by the River Ouse. The path goes downstream to the Millenium bridge and upstream to the bridge at Water Lane.
Thanks to Di the Huntress
40) Homestead Park
Given to the town by Joseph Rowntree, this formal garden is a great spot for picnics and also has a large play area for children.
41) Museum Gardens
Right in the middle of York , this is a popular lunchtime spot for picnics and relaxing. It has a great range of trees.
42) Deanery Garden
Just behind the Minster, another great spot for lunch.
Food and drink
43) Go to a teashop. York has a range of teashops including Betty’s. Nowhere does tea quite like Betty’s. You get traditional service including waitresses in full uniform and a full silver service.
Thanks to Mrs Logic
44) Have a beer – York has many pubs serving traditional English beers. Some of the more traditional include the Ackhorne, the Maltings and the Golden Slipper. See how they are made on a brewery trip.
45) Have a meal. York boasts many restaurants to cater for all tastes. The finer ones include Meltons and the Blue Bicycle. Vegetarians are well catered for in most restaurants – El Piano and the Blake Head cafe are dedicated vegetarian restaurants.
46) Go to a nightclub. York has a range of nightclubs mainly around Micklegate and George Hudson street. Clubs include The Gallery, Ziggy’s, Tru and Club Salvation.
Sport
47) Watch the horses. York has a great racecourse at the Knavesmire. The biggest festival is the Ebor Festival.
48) Go to a football match at Kit Kat Crescent.
49) Or watch some rugby league.
50 Maybe outdoor ice skating in winter.
Festivals
51) St.Nicholas Fayre – held at the end of November. St Nicholas Fayre is one of the most popular Christmas markets in the UK, with thousands of visitors coming to York over the four-day event.
52) Festival of Angels – the streets around Grape Lane come alive with ice sculptures and outdoor cafes.
53) Jorvik Viking Festival The JORVIK Viking Festival is a long-established festival in York, celebrating our Viking heritage. The Festival sees hundreds of Vikings descend on the city and demonstrate battle-drills and training routines. The city is also treated to a range of public events including lectures, arts & crafts, encampments, river events, saga-telling, and full-scale battle re-enactments. – Held in mid February.
54) Festival of food and drink – held in September, this festival celebrates Yorkshire food and drink and many restaurants give special offers.
55) Other festivals include Fairtrade festival, Literature festival, and the festival of science. Have a look at the York Festival website.
Shopping
56) Stonegate is the main tourist street. A wide range of specialised shops for both tourists and locals.
57) Out of town venues include the Designer Outlet, Monks Cross and Clifton Moor.
58) Or just wander around the streets and have a look at the many small independent shops in York.
Further afield
59) Castle Howard
Accessible by car or bus, Castle Howard is one of England’s finest historic houses set in ornate grounds and was the setting for Brideshead Revisited.
Thanks to Spindlier Hades
60) Beningbrough Hall
Just outside York, Beningborough is a smaller Georgian House owned by the National Trust. It boasts a walled garden where many of the vegetables grown there are used in the restaurant.
61) Yorkshire Air Museum
Home to the Canadians and French during World War 2, the air museum hosts a range of exhibits including a giant Halifax bomber.
62) Murton Park
A museum dedicated to the history of farming, coupled with a Roman Fort, Viking village and a steam train which works at the weekend.
63) Eden Camp
Old WW2 prisoner of war camp now converted in to a war museum.
64) Wharram Percy
Europe’s oldest deserted village abandoned in 1500.
65) North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Thanks to CoolDudeAndy01
Enjoy a trip on a great trainline on traditional steam trains through the North Yorkshire Moors.
66) Take tea in Harrogate. Walk through the streets of this well heeled spa town. Go to Harlow Carr gardens or do lunch at one of the many fine restaurants.
67)Visit Leeds by train. Go to the Royal Armouries, Harvey Nichols, shopping in the Corn Exchange or the Victoria quarter.
68) Go to the coast. Scarborough, Filey and Bridlington are accessible by car or public transport.
69) Head to the hills. The Yorkshire Dales are an hour away as is the North Yorkshire Moors.
70) Go see a World heritage site at Fountains Abbey. This abbey was destroyed during Henry VIII’s reign but it still stands in magnificent grounds.
Thanks to Tallpomlin
Other
71) Watch a flood. We like our floods in York – and the King’s Arms is notorious for flooding. Rumour has it that the landlord can clear his bar in 3 hours and will serve even if there is water up to the knees.
72) Go to a market. Newgate market is a traditional English market.
73) Explore the snickleways. A small passage between two streets – York has loads of these.
74) Watch the buskers in King’s square and outside Betty’s.
75) Catch the land train to the train museum.
76) Hire a bike and explore many of York’s cycle paths including the solar system path.
77) Listen to some outside bands on the Pavement.
78) Raining – take the kids to Creepy Crawlies for indoor play.
79) Go and talk to those nice people in the tourist centre.
80) Look at the queue for Betty’s and Jorvik.
81) Avoid the queues and take the Park and Ride into the centre.
82) Listen to BBC Radio York to get a flavour of our city.
83) Find out what’s going on by reading The Press.
84) Save money by purchasing a York Pass.
85) Here on a weekend. Grab a traditional Sunday Roast at a pub.
Ok – that’s it. I am sure you can think of more suggestions so e-mail them to me. York has loads to offer a visitor and it is a great town to visit.
