The Beautiful City of York

To me York is an incredibly special place. I have been many times. Beginning in my childhood, first on a school trip, where we spent the afternoon exploring the Castle, which was so much fun. Then my next visit was on a family holiday, we took a boat trip on the River Ouse, and had a blast at Jorvik Viking Centre; I will tell you about this blast of a place later!

York is a hugely popular tourist destination, and rightly so with all it has to offer. Located in North Yorkshire, England. York was founded by the ancient Romans in 71 AD. A walled city, with a stunning Gothic 13th century Cathedral, York Minster. This city has so much to see and do, here are my favourite attractions in this historic city.

The Shambles

I remember the first time I went to this old street, The Shambles, and I remember thinking how short the street was, quaint and charming. In some sections it is possible, with your arms outstretched, to touch both sides of the street at once!

The Shambles date back as far as the 14th century. Even getting a mention in the Domesday Book of 1086.

Originally the street was a street of Butcher's shops, where the meat was hung on sale on the outside of the shops. The butchers are long gone, but some meat-hooks still remain on the shop fronts.

Monk Bar

Erected in the 14th century, Monk Bar is one of the four gateways to enter the city of York. Monk Bar is the largest of the four gateways along the city's walls.

Built, when the threat from Scotland was extremely great, to defend the city. Monk Bar even has 'murder holes,' which allowed missiles to be dropped on attackers.

Rooms above the gateway have had numerous uses over the centuries including, a prison, and a police house.

Today Monk Bar plays host to the Richard III Experience. With a history of the King, and the legacy he left on the city of York.

Jorvik Viking Centre

Yes, this place is an absolute blast! Fun, exciting, fascinating. Jorvik Viking Centre is a museum, and attraction about Viking life in the city of York. Created in 1984, my advice is just go, go go! You certainly won't be disappointed.

From April to October the Centre opens at 10 AM, with last admissions at 5 PM. From November to March the opening time is also 10 AM, but with a 4 PM last admissions time.

Tickets are very reasonably priced, £12 for adults, £8 for children aged 5 to 16, and concessions £10. Bargain prices for such an incredible, popular attraction.

At Jorvik Viking Centre you will get to fully experience life, as it would have been, in 10th century York. There is also a fantastic ride experience. Not only will you experience the sights and sounds of the Viking Age, you will also experience the smells too! Which is an experience within itself! (Cue: Pinch your nose!)

York Castle

York Castle, which is commonly known as Clifford's Tower, has one very long history indeed. Now in a ruinous condition, the history of this site is nothing short of spectacular.

William the Conqueror was the first to build on the site in 1068. It was also once the centre for Government in North England. The site also spent time as a prison, amongst many other things.

In 1190 the mass suicide and massacre of York's Jewish community happened there in 1190. The Castle has seen blood and conflict of the worst kind possible.

This place has witnessed many rebuilds, fires, prisons, monarchy, Normans, Romans, just centuries and centuries of history, and historic moments. A place not to be missed.

York Minster

This 13th century, Church of England Cathedral, will take your breath away with all its grandness and glory. It has the name of Minster as this name was given to churches in the Anglo-Saxon times, which were missionary teaching churches.

York Minster is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. A Grade I building, which is a whooping 99 feet high! Wow!

The largest bell is called Great Peter, and it weighs over ten tons. Which is rung every hour.

My favourite part of York Minster is the Great East Window, the work of master glazier, John Thornton of Coventry. Finished in 1408 it is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world. It is beautiful, and you'll find yourself staring at it all, to take it all in.

To Visit Is A Must

York is a "must" place to go and visit, whether it's a day trip, or a holiday. You will never be short of activities, and it's an Aladdin's cave of treasures for history fans, like myself! Go discover this wonderful city for yourself, and make sure you sample a cup of Yorkshire tea, whilst you are there too; it's the best!