A visit to York will transport you back to medieval England, with a labyrinth of ancient streets, Gothic buildings and timber-framed houses. This snapshot of history is further enhanced by a wide selection of museums that cover various aspects of York’s captivating past.
Many of York’s historical highlights are encircled by another piece of its past – its beautifully preserved city walls. You can complete a full circuit of them in around two hours on foot. Their centuries-old ramparts make for wonderful vantage points where you can take in views over the city. The heart of York’s historic core is The Shambles, a 14th-century cobbled street known for its timber-framed houses which loom over the cosy cafes, sweet shops and boutiques below. The seventh-century cathedral of York Minster is the city’s architectural crown jewel, with its Gothic-style facade towering above everything else swept up its shadow. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the 275 steps of the central tower to meet the Minster gargoyles and take in a soaring view over York.
You can delve deeper into York’s fascinating history at one of its many museums, whether it be admiring the world’s fastest locomotive at the National Railway Museum or observing 1,000-year-old artefacts at JORVIK Viking Centre. See the last remains of York Castle at Clifford’s Tower and take in panoramic views of York from another perspective.