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Located around two hours from London, York is a famed city with a rich and interesting history. If you are considering visiting York, you will never be short of activities to do and things to see, as the ancient town offers something interesting for everyone.
Whether you are a history buff or a chocolatier, the varied range of York tourist attractions will leave you excited and delighted.
York’s Fascinating History
Before ticking York off your bucket list, we thought we would give you a little background on the city and how it came to be such a hub for tourism.
According to historians, York began with the Romans. In 71 AD, 5,000 men from the ninth legion marched from Lincoln to conquer the city – not only did they do this, but they ruled for the next three decades. Despite the Roman Empire eventually dissipating, their legacy remains in unique places. The Museum Gardens house the longest stretch of surviving Roman fortress, and you can find significant Roman treasures in the Yorkshire Museum.
Later conquered by Vikings in 866 AD – led by Ivar the Boneless, York prospered for hundreds of years. Despite their savage reputation, the settled Vikings led a peaceful existence and were farmers, traders, craftsmen, ship builders and engineers. Their heritage is still heavily celebrated in the city to this day with street names and the JORVIK Viking Centre.
Hundreds of years later, York flourished again during the Medieval period. Despite this time in history being marked as an extremely difficult and dire period, it was during the Middle Ages that York’s iconic landmark buildings were created. The city walls were rebuilt and strengthened, and wooden Viking buildings were reconstructed in stone. Four new fortified gates, or ‘bars,’ were built to regulate traffic through the walls and the stone keep of York Castle – now known as Clifford’s Tower – was reinforced. It’s amazing that today you can walk around the city and still see buildings built so long ago!
York’s Best Tourist Attractions
Now that you know a bit about York’s history it’s time to plan your future visit! Check out our recommended attractions below.
Whitby Abbey
Set high on a cliff with views of the coastline, Whitby Abbey was originally founded in 667 AD by King Oswy of Northumbria. The gothic abbey is a site of inspiration for religious leaders, artists, writers, and poets, and among them was St Hild, an abbess who orchestrated one of the most significant events that took place there — the Synod of Whitby. In 664 AD, church leaders made the decision to follow Roman rather than Celtic methods for establishing the date of Easter —which is the one we still use today. Make sure you check out the life-sized statue of a Roman gladiator in the restored mansion courtyard.
Clifford’s Tower
Once part of York Castle, Clifford’s Tower was built in 1245 during the reign of King Henry III and used to house a goal, a mint, law courts and seat of royal power. You can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of York and see inside to experience the different chapters of history that occurred within its ancient walls, including a 14th century kitchen, King Henry III’s chapel and his medieval garderobe.
York Minster
One of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, York Minster has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England since the 7th century. With incredible medieval stained glass and handcrafted stone, the cathedral is not only amazing to look at it, and houses a meaningful history, but offers stunning views of York atop the Central Tower – which is 275 steps high. York Minster remains a thriving and important church and you are welcome to join the daily services when visiting.
Shambles
Believed to have been the inspiration behind Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies, Shambles is one of the most well-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. Despite none of the original shop fronts surviving from the Middle Ages, some properties still have exterior wooden shelves – reminders of when cuts of meat were served from the open windows. Plus, the cobbled, narrow streets and overhanging buildings are a wonderful insight into the medieval way of life. Head to the Shambles for quirky boutiques, cute cafes, sweet shops, gift shops, accessories, and even a coin and stamp dealer.
Chocolate Shops
Did you know that York is famous for its chocolate? During the industrial revolution, other cities made their fortunes through textiles, but York homed in on the chocolate market. As the city sits on the river, ingredients and raw materials were easily transported and thanks to the introduction of the railway industry, York chocolate was sent across the country. For a taste, head to one of the many famous chocolate shops such as Terry’s Sweet Shop at the York Castle Museum, and York’s Chocolate Story to learn more and enjoy a delicious treat!
As well as the listed attractions, you can take yourself on a walk along the city walls, head to the JORVIK Viking Centre for an immersive display of Viking life, and if you are feeling brave, The York Dungeon. Be sure to try a traditional Yorkshire pudding while you are at it!
Want To See York With Ease?
If you are looking for a convenient way to see all that York offers, then Golden Tour’s Hop-On Hop-Off Open Bus Tour is the ideal solution. With 20 stops, you can sit back and relax while seeing the sights and learn facts about the historical city. And if you fancy a bit of water action, the York Sightseeing River Cruise offers amazing views from the River Ouse.
