The historic city of York, England, is one of the highlights of a trip to the UK. With its fine medieval architecture, fascinating history and a long list of attractions its difficult to know what to do experience first. We talk about some of York’s top attractions in this article, including its popular ghost walks. Yes, did you know that York is reputed to be one of the most haunted cities in the world. This city is haunted by no less than 140 different ghosts, and with an amazing 500+ recorded hauntings it seems that every room, building or street seems to be haunted in this beautiful city.
The Minster, one of the finest and largest examples of Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe is also one of the oldest. The first church on the site was of wooden construction and was built in 627 to provide a place of baptism for Edwin, King of Northumbria. The minster has an amazing history – for example, the church was damaged in 1069 and repaired by the first Norman archbishop in 1070. Danish invaders destroyed much of the church in 1075, but it was rebuilt again around 1080, in the Norman style, the church now measuring 365 feet long.
Some essential sights for a visit to York:
York Minster We know a little about this gothic building already but did you know that it even has its own police force? Thats right, after an arson attack in 1829 these guardians of the cathedral were instated to protect it. The history of the minster spans over 1400 years and is the focal point of any visit to the city.
The Shambles This street is literally a place where you really do feel you have stepped back in time. The upper storeys of the fifteenth century houses marking each side of this street lean so far in that the roofs on either side almost almost touching each other across the street and in places you can shake hands with someone in the house opposite. If you walk down this street, you will also notice the raised pavements either side of the main cobbled road which form the channel through which the butchers who used to ply their trade here would wash away the offal and blood.
Clifford’s Tower As one of England’s most important cities, York was an important base for holding and administering the north of the country. Clifford’s tower is one of two castles William the Conqueror built in the years immediately following his conquest. It is named after Roger de Clifford who was hung here after a Battle in 1322.
Jorvik Viking Museum The world famous JORVIK Viking Centre is a ‘must-see’ for visitors to the city and is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK, welcoming over 15 million visitors over the past 25 years. Travel back in time and experience the sights, sounds and smells of what was formerly a great Viking city.
When looking for a hotel in York be sure to check out Guy Fawkes Inn, the birth place of Guy Fawkes. Guy Fawkes is a colourful figure of English history, born in 1570 and famous for his role as ringleader of the ‘Gunpowder Plot’ which attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London, on 5th November 1605. The plot failed however and the perpertrators hung. This is the source of the British celebrate ‘bonfire night’ festivities that take place each year around the 5th of November.
If you are looking for a place to stay in York full of character then you can do alot worse than a stay at The Guy Fawkes Inn. Located adjacent to the Minster it provides a very convenient base with which to explore the city. Some room seven have 4 poster beds, and the GastroPub restaurant offers a menu with old English dishes and serves a variety of ales brewed specially for the inn, make sure you try the the Guy Fawkes Ale.
Karen writes articles about her home town of York at the york england hotels guide where you can find more articles about York, England. It is also a good place to research a york hotel.
