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York - a modern Viking city
Learn everything about York from its historic landmarks like York Minster and Clifford's Tower to its unique blend of traditional and modern culture.
"I love this city! It has an amazing historical past and the city is very much geared towards tourists so it makes it quite easy to find things. The Shambles and the Minster are a must, and there are plenty of pubs to choose from- supposedly one for every day of the year!”
Anne, Melbourne, Australia
York is one of the most fascinating cities in England to visit. A city layered with history, beauty and variety. Superbly preserved, York has witnessed more than 2000 years of vibrant history. Winner of European Tourism City of the Year 2007 and a British Heritage City, York is a walled, riverside city where the fascinating history and modern tourist attractions combine to make a cosmopolitan and sophisticated city. And with the beautiful Yorkshire Dales to the north, York is the perfect base for exploring the rest of Yorkshire.
York owes its status as one of Britain’s Heritage Cities to its fascinating history. The Romans, Saxons and Vikings have all left their distinctive mark on the city, which is also known as spiritual capital of the North. The city is full of architectural gems, including York Minster – the largest Gothic Cathedral north of the Alps.
Attractions are thick underfoot in York! Highlights include the magnificent York Minster, and the Castle Museum with its perfectly recreated Victorian and Edwardian street-scenes. Let 21st century technology transport you back to Viking Age York at JORVIK or marvel at William the Conqueror’s Clifford's Tower and wander through the terrifying York Dungeon .
Download a free York audio guide from mp3cityguides.com. To download more mp3 walking guides check out www.mp3cityguides.com .
Top daytime must-do's | Top night time must-do's |
|---|---|
Visit York Minster – Northern Europe’s largest Gothic Cathedral. | Take The Original Ghost Walk of York – if you dare! |
Pay a visit to JORVIK – the authentic Viking encounter in the Viking–age city. | Catch a show at the magnificent York Theatre Royal . |
Discover the National Railway Museum – the world’s biggest and best railway museum. | Watch the sun set from the top of the Norwich Union Yorkshire Wheel. |
Visit York Castle Museum – 600 years of every day life in York. | Watch a West End musical at the Grand Opera House York . |
Spend a day at the races – have a flutter at York Racecourse . |
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Home to the UK’s largest Festival of food and drink in September, York can tickle taste buds and quench raging thirsts with the best of them. And York really does have a pub for every day of the year! It also offers a wide variety of culinary delights, from trendy riverside wine bars, to sophisticated dining in extraordinary venues.
If you love shopping, you’ll love York. One of York’s prettiest shopping streets, Stonegate, runs in a straight line from the Minster to the river and is known for its exclusive shops. The Shambles is a perfect medieval thoroughfare - flag stoned, incredibly narrow and lined with overhanging timber-framed houses.
York certainly knows how to party - after all, the city does have almost 2,000 years experience in this field! The Romans started it all, of course. Be it a romantic meal for 2, a lively night out or a quiet beer in a real ale pub, in York you’re spoilt for choice – the city’s clubs and music venues buzz with music to suit every taste.
There’s so much to see and do in York, so don’t waste your time in queues, buy your attraction tickets online! At our online shop you can buy tickets for JORVIK and the York Dungeon – 2 fantastic family attractions. For more great deals, go to VisitBritain Shop .
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View all productsTake in the action-packed 2,000-year history of York with a City Sightseeing bus tour
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