York: Guide

York is a stunning medieval city with a history that goes back to to before Roman times. It is a fascinating cathedral city in the heart of Yorkshire with some of the best preserved historical buildings and structures in Europe.

Understand

York was known as Eboracum by the Romans, who founded the fortress city on the River Ouse in 71 AD. York was home first to the Ninth Legion and later the Sixth. York quickly became one of the most important cities in Roman Britain and after 211 AD became the capital of the province Britannia Inferior. Constantine the Great - later responsible for making Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire - was first proclaimed Emperor in the city.

Captured by the Vikings in 866 AD, the city quickly took on a new identity as Jorvik (pronounced "Yor-vik") and experienced a major urban revival as a centre of Viking trade and settlement in northern England. The Coppergate excavations of the 1970s revealed much of this Viking past.

Someone is bound to tell you, so let it be here - in York the gates to the city are called bars, the roads are called gates and the bars are called public houses :)

York is a small city - well worth a visit but anything longer than 3 days and you will probably have had enough.

York is known as England's "City of Festivals" as there are regular cultural festivals every year. The official festivals are the Viking Festival, Roman Festival, Ghost Festival, Festival of Angels, Jazz, Early Music, Late Music, Digital Arts, Horse Racing, Learning Festival, Multicultural Food and Arts, Chine New Yer, Lesbian Arts, Christmas Fayre, Food and Drink Festival. It's a romantic city for a weekend break. York is full of magic and a wonderful place to bring children!

Get in

Most travelers will arrive in York by means of road (car or bus) or rail transport from other UK centers. Parking is challenging at busy times, and expensive. If you are not staying somewhere with parking, or driving in for the day, use the Park and Rides, which are all around the ring road.

By train

York is one of the main hubs of the UK rail network, with a large range of services and destinations to choose from. Because of the number of lines that pass through, services tend to be frequent. Trains to and from London Kings Cross station depart and arrive approximately every half hour, and take approximately two hours.

A through train service from Middlesbrough connects York to Manchester airport.

Train times can be found on the or by calling 0845-748-4950 from anywhere in the UK.

By bus

York is served by National Express coaches. The information and ticket office is inside the Tourist Information office at the railway station.

Get around

By car

The best advice for driving in York is don't - the roads were designed for carts pulled by oxen, and the city council is actively discouraging car use through a combination of high parking charges and traffic-calming measures. The good news is that most of the centre is pedestrianised, and there is an excellent park-and-ride service from the car parks on the outskirts of the city. The car parks are patrolled and monitored, the buses are frequent and rapid and the fares are low - in contrast to the eye-wateringly expensive parking charges in the city itself. The city itself is small enough to walk from one side to the other in 20 minutes, so there's really no need to bring a car into the city in the first place. Bikes are also a great option, and can be rented in various places, including the train station.

By bus

Excellent connect all the points of interest in the city but they are not cheap, if there are 2 or more of you think about a taxi. However, a day-pass for a bus is £3 per person, so if you are planning to ride several times in a day , it can be the cheaper method.

By bike

York is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the UK - there's an extensive network of cycle routes in and around the city, and most of the traffic controls have been set up to give bikes priority. It's also practically completely flat, which is a big help. The river-path contains some wonderful bike routes out of the city. You should be able to pick up a copy of the York Cycle Route Map for free from cycle shops, or alternatively you can find PDFs .

See

York Minster , +44 (0)1904 557 216 - the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe, York Minster has a history of building that dates back to the 8th century at least. Stay for Evensong service if you can, especially if you've never been to a church service before. Open for sightseeing Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 12noon-3.45pm (open for services at different times - check the website); admission for adults £5, concessions £3.50, under 16s enter free; additional fees for crypt and/or tower entry''

Jorvik Viking Centre , +44 (0)1904 643 211 - an amazing recreation of the Viking settlement at York, on the site of the Coppergate archaeological excavations of the 1970s. Not to be missed, some say, while others are much less enthusiastic. Open 10am-4pm every day except the Christmas period. £5-7. - Bear in mind this lasts approx 15mins, not something for the day out, and works out roughly £2 every 5 mins, we queued for longer than we were actually in there.

the National Railway Museum , Leeman Road, +44 (0)1904 621 261 - the largest railway museum in the world, responsible for the conservation and interpretation of the British national collection of historically significant railway vehicles and other artefacts. Contains an unrivalled collection of locomotives, rolling stock, railway equipment, documents and records. Open daily 10am-6pm, except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Free admission, except on special Days out with Thomas, when most is still free.

The Castle Museum , Eye of York (next to Clifford's Tower), +44 (0)1904 687 687 - an award winning museum of everyday life with exhibitions to appeal to all ages. Exhibits include Kirkgate, a Victorian street; Half Moon Court, an Edwardian street; and costumes and toys through the ages. Built in part of the former prison there is also an opportunity to explore the old cells and see where Dick Turpin spent his last days. Open Daily from 9.30-5pm, except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Admission £6.50 (£5 with concessions), £3.50 for children and free for under 5s (tickets provide access for a year).

the ruins of St Mary's Abbey in Museum Gardens, near the Minster - a great place for a picnic.

The King's Manor, now part of York University, previously a royal headquarters

Clifford's Tower , +44 (0)1904 646940, open daily 10am-4pm (closed 24-26 December and 1 January), entry £2.50, concessions available (English Heritage members free) - this imposing "tower" represents the medieval castle of York, located in the centre of town, originally built by William the Conqueror to subdue the rebellious north, then rebuilt by Henry III in the 13th century. Fantastic panoramic views of York and the surrounding countryside from the top of the tower.

the Merchant Adventurers' Hall , Fossgate, admission £2.50, concessions available, open Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-3.30pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm, +44 (0)1904 654 818 - built 1357-1361 and of international importance, this building is Europe's finest medieval Guildhall and scheduled as an ancient monument. Nowhere else can be seen in one building the three rooms serving the three functions of a medieval guild: business, charity and religion. Above is the superb timbered Great Hall, below is the Undercroft or Hospital and Chapel. Audi guides available.

Eboracum Legion Bathhouse, Roman Bath Public House, St Sampson's Square, +44 (0)1904 620455, open daily 10am-5pm, entry £2, concessions available - a great venue for food, drink and entertainment - complete with a Roman period bathhouse in the cellar. One of York's oldest attractions, visitors can see the remains of ancient York, with insights into Roman military life and hygiene...

York Dungeon, Entertaining, was told it was not for the faint hearted or for young children, however, I saw little blood or gore, and would take my own children, if I had any. Definitely worth the entrance price, however check out the pubs before hand, while we visited we found 2 for 1 beer mats in the Kings Arms, a pub on the banks of the River Ouse near the Yorkboat landing (Kings Straith). http://www.thedungeons.com/

The Yorkshire Museum , in the Museum Gardens near the Minster, is interesting, and quite good for curious children. Features displays of Roman, Viking and Medieval riches.

York Maze A very large maze (the largest in the world, they say) and it's made of maize. Give it at least a couple of hours. There are other activities, such as a mini-maze for children, and games (such as Crazy Mazey Golf). It's next to Grimston Bar park and ride, so good for driving, or a bus from the city centre.

Do

Take a walk on the York city walls , open daily 8am-sunset, closed Xmas Day, closed when ice makes walking dangerous, admission free - one of the best vantage points for the medieval city of York is from the ramparts of its medieval city walls, built on Roman era foundations

Take one of the wonderful free walking tours.

Walk the York snickleways, the famous medieval (and later) alleys and narrow streets that thread the center of the city. Try and get hold of a copy of Mark W Jones' book A walk around the Snickelways of York (ISBN 1871125723) or its hardback companion The complete Snickelways of York (ISBN 1871125049) with their quirky, hand-written descriptions.

Go on a ghost walk. There are many tours that run throughout the year during the evenings. Walks normally start from 6pm onwards and last for around an hour - just look for the posters and billboards posted throughout the city centre for details and the meeting point for that evening.

Hire a boat and power up the River Ouse (£20 an hour, sometimes cheaper earlier in the day). Alternatively have someone else drive and go on a river trip.

Walk downstream to the the Millenium bridge, cross and back upstream on the other bank. About an hours walk.

Buy

There's the usual range of high-street stores, but York is also a great place if you're looking for tourist tat of the highest order. Tat-central is The Shambles - the narrowest (and most crowded) street in York, with a full range of 'A Present From York'-emblazoned merchandise manufactured in the Far East.

There is a good range of stores apart from the standard high street, try Low Petergate or Gillygate for some nice small shops and galleries. Browns is a local department store of good quality on Parliament Street.

Get a Fat Rascal from Betty's see below.

Eat

, a good curry place about halfway between the city walls and the YHA hostel.

, 6-8 St Helen's Square, tel 659142. World-famous for its nostalgic atmosphere and spectacular Swiss-Yorkshire patisserie-style catering. It is a twenties-style tea rooms complete with palm trees, aproned waitresses and piano player, and serves the kind of food that comes with the crusts cut off. The quality is superb, but it's not cheap - and be prepared for a queue at peak times, it's not unknown for potential customers to wait outside in the rain for a seat. Open 9am-9pm every day.

, 46 Stonegate, tel 622865. This is a smaller version of Betty's in Stonegate which doesn't get quite so busy, and serves exactly the same kind of food in a similar ambiance. Open Su-F 10am-5:30pm; Sa 9am-5:30pm.

Bari's - The Shambles. Cheerfully unpretentious Italian bistro serving pizza and pasta in an authentically Italian style (overly-phallic pepper grinders and waiters adopting cod accents.) Food's not bad, it's reasonably priced, and it's pretty lively of an evening.

Pizza Express - Lendal. Needs no introduction, but worth a look for the setting - a spectacular Victorian brick edifice perched on the bank of the River Ouse. Summer evenings on the terraces are pleasant, and their toilets are marble temples of Victorian excess - it's worth eating there just for the chance to use a solid brass-and-marble urinal.

ASK - The Assembly Rooms. Bog-standard pizza in the most un-bog-standard setting - a marble pillared Georgian meeting hall with 40-foot ceilings and plaster cherubs. Beware the service - I've never been back since the starters took an hour to arrive cold.

The Golden Dragon - aka Dirty Chinese/Tray Shop - King Street. Within falling distance of the Gallery and the Lowther. Cheap and cheerful chinese food makes this the only place to eat at 2am and after 13 pints.

The Spurriergate Center on Spurriergate - a great little cafe in an old church, well worth a visit just for the architecture but the food is good and there are vegetarian options - the staff have a "godly" feel but are friendly enough.

Meltons Too - 5 minutes walk from the centre in an area called Walmgate - good food in pleasant olde worlde environment.

- on Grape Lane, Mexican influenced vegetarian food. Very relaxed atmosphere, you can carve your name in a table for a £1 donation to Amnesty (they lend you the tools). Has toys and games lying around. If you have children, ask nicely and they'll give you a room upstairs to yourselves.

- Poor quality eatery with golden arches just for York, avoid at all costs.

A cafeteria in an old church facing away from Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate sells cheap good food -- eat on the grass outside.

Drink

York has perhaps the most pubs per square mile of any city in the country (supposedly one for every day of the year). You shouldn't have any problem finding somewhere to get a drink. Places include:

Pubs

There are plenty of pubs in York but here are a small selection:

The Ackhorne, St Martin's Lane (off Micklegate). Real Beer, real people and real smoke.
The Charles XII located in Heslington, right next to the University. Cheap beer and full of students.
The Hansom Cab a Samuel Smith's pub right in the centre of town, with cheap local ales
The Keystones a Yellow Card pub beneath Monkgate Bar.
The King's Arms another Samuel Smith's pub but a few pence dearer than the Hansom Cab; located beneath the River Ouse bridge, it's traditionally flooded every winter.
Lendal Cellars off St. Helen's Square (and yes, it is underground).
The Lowther overlooking (and occasionally in) the River Ouse; highly recommended - try the diesel.
The Micklegate just beneath Micklegate Bar.
The Maltings absolutely cracking real-ale pub close to the train station.
Ye Olde Starre Inn on Stonegate, the oldest pub in York, nice and cosy, with a beer garden that, just, overlooks the Minster
The Phoenix the other side of the wall from the Barbican.
The Postern Gate, a J.D. Wetherspoon franchise (otherwise known as The Wetherspoon's) beside the Travelodge on Piccadilly, overlooking the River Foss.
The Priory on Micklegate, often to be found serving a well-known Irish stout at a very reasonable price.
The Punchbowl, a Wetherspoons franchise beside Micklegate Bar.
The Punch Bowl (there are two) on Stonegate.
Roman Baths Inn in St. Sampson's Square, in the middle of town, on top of the remains of a real Roman bath that you can visit. Also frequently has open-mic nights.
The Rook and Gaskill, a York Brewery Pub just outside Walmgate Bar.
The Rose and Crown, an Australian-run pub just outside Walmgate Bar, home of the Auzzie Burger.
The Three Legged Mare a York Brewery Pub just a stones throw from the Minster.
The Windmill opposite Micklegate Bar.
The York Brewery Pub a York Brewery Pub actually in their brewery on Tanner Row

Bars

There are yet more bars. Some might class these in the same category as pubs:

Old Orleans on Low Ousegate.
The Living room on the East side of the Ouse bridge
Capitol on the West side of the Ouse bridge
Yates's on the West side of the Ouse bridge
The Bedroom on Micklegate
The Nags Head on Micklegate
Pitcher and Piano, Bar 38 and Orgasmic besides City Screen off Coney st
Evil Eye on Stonegate

Sleep

is situated close to Castle Howard and only 13 miles from the City of York. Welburn Lodge Bed & Breakfast is in an enviable location for most of the major visitor attractions of North Yorkshire. From city to coast and market towns to moors there are many places to see and things to do, all within a short drive. Castle Howard and nearby Kirkham Priory are both fascinating destinations that can be reached on foot and give walkers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Welburn Lodge is a grade II listed period property and a fine example of gothic revival architecture. Unlike most B&B's the guest and owners accommodation are completely separate including the enchanting guest garden where seating is provided to enjoy fine weather. Guests can choose from three luxury double rooms. Abbey, Minster and Priory each have an individual style and are beautifully furnished with every guest comfort in mind. All rooms have modern and spacious ensuite facilities with a powerful and invigorating shower.

- very central, very modern, very convenient - just minutes walk from most tourist attractions. Inexpensive compared to other hotels that are further away. Eye catching, modern design 6 storey hotel, matched by stylish contemporary interiors, which create an atmosphere of luxury and simplicity. Very close to the city walls if you plan on walking around the city walls - a good way to see York. Also close to the shops, and if you've got heavy shopping bags, it will make a lot of difference to be close to the city centre.

, 88-90 Micklegate, tel 627720. Located within a few minutes walk of the railway station, with all the facilities you would expect of a great hostel.... The opportunity to stay in a superb Georgian mansion (1752) with a stone-flagged entrance hall, grand sweeping staircase, original panelled rooms, vaulted cellars and a fabulous rococo ceiling featuring Shakespeare's head. A variety of rooms and dorms. The private, candlelit basement bar is 400 years old and features great value bar meals, Happy Hour, and really late closing! Cafe open daily for the sort of breakfast that keeps you going all day!

York YHA hostel, a few minutes walk away from the city walls, is clean and cheap with good showers. Good family rooms for 4. Adequate breakfast is included in the price (they'll pack you a breakfast if you're leaving especially early).

, tel 644744. A few minutes walk from Bootham Bar, this is one of York's premier (and most expensive) hotels. A Georgian town house, it's gone for the country-house-chic look - all deep sofas, open fires and unobtrusive service. There are three restaurants ranging from a seafood bar, through contemporary cellar bar to the full-on French silver service. Not cheap, but deeply luxurious, and a real change from the standard pre-packaged international chain hotels.

The Dean Court Hotel - they don't come much more central than this - it's right outside the front door of the Minster, and the city centre is just streets away. An imposing Victorian pile, this Best Western hotel has recently been renovated downstairs, and now sports a contemporary 'wine bar' look that's in complete contrast to the red-brick exterior. Unfortunately the refit didn't make it past the ground floor, and the bedrooms are beginning to look somewhat tired. Food is over-the-top nouvelle cuisine style, and they've got prices to match the location. Great if you're looking for something at the heart of the city, but not particularly good value given the standard of accommodation at the moment.

The Monk Bar Hotel - just outside Monk Bar, on the inner ring road. Perfectly adequate unspectacular Best Western-style hotel, but beware the bedrooms at the front - they overlook the inner ring road which is exceedingly noisy during the morning and evening rush hours. Not particularly good value for money, as the accommodation is unspectacular and food could best be described as adequate.

Queen Anne's Guest House - Approx 7 mins walk from Bootham Bar (near the Minster), this is a small friendly guest house we were very impressed with, a simple Full English Breakfast awaits you in the morning, after a refreshing sleep in one of the clean, quiet rooms with en suite. Good value for money, the key to the front door issued on arrival ensures you do not have to tote bags around all day. http://www.queen-annes-guesthouse.co.uk

Contact

Phone

York's area code (for landline numbers) is 01904 when dialed from within the UK or +441904 from outside the UK.

Internet

There are also several places that offer web and other internet access. These include:

, 26 Swinegate, tel 646446.

, 42 Stonegate, tel 640002.

Cope

Get out

York is centrally located for the Vale of York and East and North Yorkshire, making it a great base for days out in any direction:

Leeds is the biggest city in Yorkshire, only half an hour by bus, car (A64) or train. Check out the Wikitravel guide for more info. Fantastic for shopping, dining, drinking and as a base for exploring Yorkshire.

- one of the locations for the filming of Brideshead Revisited, this amazing stately home is a great day trip out of York.

If you've got a car and go to Castle Howard its worth a look at Kirkham Priory too, just off the A64 at the top of the hill near Castle Howard.

Nearby Beaches: The coast is still 40 miles away, but if you stay for a while, it worth the trip. For a real northern seaside experience try the Victorian resorts of Scarborough or Bridlington. But be warned, Scarborough is full of slot machines and the beaches fill up quickly when the sun actually comes out. Direct trains to Scarborough run regularly all year round and take 50 mins. Change in Scarborough for Bridlington if you feel the urge.

Filey, on the other hand, has the advantage of being small and under developed; if you don't mind trekking miles from the car park on foot you can usually find some space further along.

Whitby (either the bus or driving by car) is on the coast and is home to many historic sites of interest. It represents a very different seaside experience to Scarborough.

The North Yorkshire Moors are a must if you have time and transport. Once in the Moors, park your car and get walking.

If you haven't got a car, you can get to Northallerton by train then take a bus up to the picturesque, but still authentic, village of Osmotherley with three great pubs and plenty of good walking.

This "Travel Guide" section is drawn from the Wikitravel article "York". We hope you will edit and improve it. It is available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5 license.