Located in Northern England, York is one of those cities which has managed to hold on to its past. The city walls here date back to the Roman era when they served as the city's main defense against invaders. It is this close connection to its history that makes York the second-most visited city in England. Visitors will be glad to know that this city is easy to navigate thanks to its small size. A few days are all you need to discover its old world charms.
Key attractions
The most prominent landmark, and certainly the icon of the historic city of York, is York Minster. This Gothic cathedral dating back to the 7th century is the largest of its kind in the UK. Another historical aspect of York is its Viking past. Visitors can experience this by heading to the Jorvik Viking Centre, a hands-on museum with actors and exhibits depicting the city's Viking period. The imposing medieval ruins of Clifford's Tower are another favorite spot among visitors. Finally, a great way to soak in the city is by boarding the YorkBoat for a trip along the River Ouse.
Having fun
Theater is thriving in York and a veritable delight for any visitor to the city. The Grand Opera House York is the most important theater in the city, providing a venue for musicals, concerts, and other performances. Make sure to check out locals events as well. Your visit may coincide with one of the many festivals in the city. Examples include the Viking Festival and the Christmas Festival, among many others. Restaurants and pubs abound in the city and a number of them can be found in the Coney Street and Swinegate areas.
Shopping
There are many retails areas and shopping centers in York. Choosing which ones to visit will depend on what you want to take home with you. Antiques and vintage home ware can be found in the Antiques Center York in the Stonegate area. For some good old tourist souvenirs, high quality ones can be found in the Shambles. A wide variety of goods are sold in Low Petergate as well as in Gillygate. Fashion, accessories and perfumes can be bought in Browns department store.
Nearby
The North York Moors National Park makes for a great daytime excursion. The park features a large area of scenic moorland just an hour or so from York city center by car. Those visiting in the summer are recommended to head to the coast in Scarborough, also about an hour's drive from York. Scarborough is a seaside resort town with beaches and various historical attractions. Another city in the region which is worth visiting and is less than an hour from York is Leeds. This active and youthful city has number of dining and entertainment options.
Our recommendations in York
The Grand, York
Located in York, The Grand Hotel & Spa is in the city center and near a train station. York Theatre Royal and Jorvik Viking Centre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include York Minster and Shambles. Wheel of York and Yorkshire Museum Gardens are also worth visiting. Our guests love the hotel's central location.
Principal York
Located in York, Principal York is in the city center and near a train station. York Theatre Royal and Jorvik Viking Centre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include York Minster and Shambles. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at York Racecourse or Wetherby Racecourse. Our guests love the hotel's central location.
Holiday Inn York, an IHG Hotel
Located in York, Holiday Inn York is in the city center. Jorvik Viking Centre and York Theatre Royal are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Shambles and McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. Wheel of York and York Dungeon are also worth visiting.
Hilton York
Located in York, Hilton York is in the historical district and near a train station. Jorvik Viking Centre and York Castle Museum are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Shambles and McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at York Racecourse or Wetherby Racecourse. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.
No.1 by GuestHouse, York
Located in York, The Grange Hotel is in the city center and near a train station. York Theatre Royal and Jorvik Viking Centre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include York Minster and Shambles. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at York Racecourse or Wetherby Racecourse.
Radisson Hotel York
Located in York, Park Inn by Radisson York City Center is in the city center and on a river. Jorvik Viking Centre and York Theatre Royal are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Shambles and McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. York Dungeon and Wheel of York are also worth visiting. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.
The Churchill Hotel
Located in York, The Churchill Hotel is in the city center and near a train station. York Theatre Royal and Jorvik Viking Centre are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Shambles and McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at York Racecourse or Wetherby Racecourse. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.
Delta Hotels by Marriott York
Located in York, York Marriott Hotel is in the historical district and near a train station. Jorvik Viking Centre and York Theatre Royal are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Shambles and McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. Traveling with kids? Consider Goddards Garden, or check out an event or a game at York Racecourse. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.
Holiday Inn York City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Located in York, Holiday Inn York City Centre is in the city center. York Barbican and York Castle Museum are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Shambles and McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at York Racecourse or Wetherby Racecourse. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.