York Guide
A Medieval Metropolis: Sampling the time-honoured treasures of York
Daniel Allen
Nowhere in the north of England says "medieval" quite like York - those lucky enough to pass through its massive stone walls will experience one of Britain's most impressive cities.
Home to over 2000 years of colourful history, not to mention a vibrant arts scene and a public house for every night of the year, York offers an enticing mix of past and present. What's more, it's only two hours by train from London.
York Attractions
With its romantic ambience, quaint cobbled streets, myriad activities and rich culture, York makes the perfect holiday destination for couples, families and groups. While four days is usually enough to see the major sights, those with curiosity and patience benefit most from the city's varied charms.
The sights of York have been celebrated for centuries. Sone of the best vantage points are from the city walls, which are the longest and best preserved in England. The section from Bootham Bar to Monkbar is particularly scenic walk. The Shambles, a narrow street lined with overhanging half-timbered houses, definitely deserves a detour if you're a first-time visitor.
York Minster
York's thirteenth century walls enclose a labyrinth of narrow medieval streets. At the city's heart lies the immense York Minster, one of the largest and most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. The nave, the widest of any medieval cathedral, is simply awe inspiring.
There is also a medieval clock that sounds every quarter hour, while the stained glass, choir area, modern seraphim and statuary are all in fantastic condition. If you're with a loved one, be sure to visit the "Heart of Yorkshire" window; legend has it that couples who kiss under the window will stay together forever (although no guarantees are offered). Excellent free guided tours are included in the cost of the admission ticket.
The only royal buried in York Minster is the infant son of Edward III, who died in 1337, when the cathedral was already several hundred years old. Make sure to check out the Quire Screen, which helps support the main tower, as well as separate the choir from the rest of the church. A splendid piece of portraiture, it depicts the 15 kings who reigned during the Norman and medieval construction of the cathedral.
For those who enjoy choral singing, evensong at York Minster will be music to their ears. More aural pleasures are also on offer at the Theatre Royal, one of the northern England's most respected playhouses. Famous for its Christmas pantomimes, the theatre's varied programme includes drama, musicals, opera and comedy.
York Museums
The award-winning Jorvik Viking Centre is meticulous in its reconstruction of medieval York, including the stench. It's a smells-and-all reconstruction of the Viking settlement unearthed here during excavations in the late 1970's, brought to you courtesy of a 'time-car' monorail that transports you through 9th-century Jorvik. In the exhibition at the end of the monorail, look out for the Lloyds Bank Turd, a fossilised human stool that measures an astonishing nine inches long.
The museums in York rank among the most noteworthy in Britain, as you'd expect of a city with such a long and distinguished history. At the Castle Museum and Clifford's Tower, you can find out how everyday life within the famous walls has changed over the centuries. Its centrepiece is Kirkgate, a Victorian street that has been painstakingly reconstructed down to the last brick.
York Art Gallery boasts the largest collection of British Studio Ceramics in the country in its Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA) with works by Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada, Lucie Rie and Michael Casson.
York Dungeon is every bit as innovative in bringing history (and some infamous characters) to life. During a whistle-stop voyage through 2,000 years you'll meet figures including Dick Turpin, Guy Fawkes and Viking despot Erik Bloodaxe - all portrayed by a cast of actors, using authentic sets and costumes.
You don't need to be a train enthusiast to enjoy a trip to the National Railway Museum, with exhibits including Mallard, holder of the world speed record for steam locomotives, and the UK's best collection of royal carriages. For a totally new perspective on York, take a cruise along the River Ouse with YorkBoat. As well as the panoramic lounge, there's an open-air viewing deck on which to relax and take in the delightful architecture of the city as it glides by. You will pass the Lendal and Barker Towers, part of the Medieval defences of the city, as you sail under Lendal Bridge.
The Yorkshire Museum in Museum Gardens on the banks of the River Ouse offers exhibits ranging from the Jurassic period through Roman and Viking York, the Medieval city as the "Capital of the North" to the present day.
York's vibrant arts scene brings together the classic and contemporary, celebrating the greats and the up-and-comers alike. The awe-inspiring Orb at York Minster is a treasure house of stained glass, showcasing some of world's most important medieval art. And walk into the beautiful York St. Mary's and you're in for a surprise - this medieval church is now a contemporary visual arts venue, and home of the internationally acclaimed York Early Music Festival.
York Pubs
Legend has it that York has 365 pubs - one for every day (or night) of the year - so beer lovers won't be short of places to stop for a pint. Make a beeline for the Micklegate Quarter, famous for its pubs and bars, or the Riverside, the perfect place for a drink on summer nights. Those looking for live music, you'll catch the big names at York Barbican Centre, or anything from indie to metal at bars like Fibbers or The Basement.
Prepare to have your taste buds tickled at York Food and Drink Festival, the UK's biggest culinary festival which takes place in the city every September. Don't miss the mouth-watering cakes at the world-famous Betty's Tea Rooms, while for a pint with a difference, head to Ye Olde Starre Inne - York's oldest licensed pub - or The Golden Fleece - the most haunted pub in the city.
York Pass
Those staying a few days in York might like to consider purchasing a York Pass, a flexible sightseeing pass that includes free entry to 28 visitor attractions - including museums, castles, cathedrals, abbeys, breweries, galleries and tours in or near York.
Entrance to some of York's finest showstoppers such as York Minster and the Jorvik Viking Centre are included, as well as lesser-known treasures like York Castle Museum. Choose from a 1, 2, or 3-day pass - all options include an informative York guidebook, discounted entry to attractions in the wider Yorkshire area, and discounts on meals at popular York eateries.
Access - getting to York
York Station, just outside the city walls, is York's main station with trains to Manchester Piccadilly, London King's Cross, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Durham, Inverness and Newcastle.
There are CrossCountry trains to Darlington, Durham, Newcastle Central, Berwick-on-Tweed, Edinburgh Waverley, Glasgow Central, Dundee and Aberdeen.
Services south on CrossCountry include trains to Leeds, Wakefield Westgate, Doncaster, Sheffield, Derby, Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Penzance, Reading and Southampton.
First TransPennine Express has services to Leeds, Huddersfield, Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Airport and Liverpool Lime Street as well as Scarborough, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Durham and Newcastle Central.
Northern Rail has rail connections to Knaresborough, Harrogate and Leeds, Bradford Interchange, Halifax, Blackburn, Preston, Blackpool North Selby and Hull Paragon as well as infrequent trains to Sheffield.
Long distance National Express buses run nationwide from the bus station in Rougier Street, a short walk north of York Station.
Map
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