Your Tourist Guide to the Historic City of York, England and York Hotels
The city of York, England is probably the most haunted city in Europe, of not the world. It was named the most haunted city in Europe by the Ghost Research Foundation International. Seriously though, a visit to the city of York is an amazing experience, with its fine gothic architecture, amazing medieval walls, and other fine attractions, there is a wealth of things to do, see and learn about this most historic city. In this article we will list some of our favourite attractions in the city and talk about some of its history.
York Minster is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe alongside the cathedral of Cologne. It has an amazing history, being first built in 627 for the baptism of Edwin, King of Northumbria. The English Civil War saw the city of York besieged by the forces of Oliver Cromwell in 1644, but Thomas Fairfax prevented any further damage to the cathedral.
Some of the major attractions in York:
York Minster The Minster provides the seat for the Archbishop of York, the second-highest office held in the Church of England. In the 11th century there was a series of Benedictine archbishops, including Ealdred, who travelled to Westminster to crown king William in 1066. Ealdred died in 1069 and is buried in the minster where his tomb can be seen by visitors today.
The Shambles This street used to be where the butchers of York made their trade but today is full of little coffee shops and other little curious shops. It is probably the best preserved example of a medieval street in Britain, the second storeys of the fifteenth century houses that form each side of the street lean inwards so far that the roofs on either side are almost touching each other.
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 This museum has welcomed 15 million visitors over the past 25 years. You can journey through the reconstruction of Viking-Age streets, as they would have been in the year AD975 when the viking invaders had control of the 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.
The Guy Fawkes Inn is located opposite York Minster providing you with the perfect base to explore York. All rooms are individual in character, ranging from comfortable twin or double rooms, to mahogany 4 poster bed rooms. The Guy Fawkes Inn’s GastroPub provides an excellent menu and serves a variety of ales brewed specially for the inn, The 1605 Ale, The Conspirator, and of course the Guy Fawkes Ale.
Karen visits and reviews hotels in york england and has written a guide about the history and attractions of york city.
Tags: accommodation, britain, Destinations, England, hotels, travel, uk
September 18 2009 03:29 am | Destinations
Gail Hobbs on 24 Sep 2009 at 7:55 am #
I visited York last spring and loved every minute of it. Weather was great and people were wonderful. Food wasn’t terrific but there are just so many things to do in York we soon got over it. Definitely suggest taking a trip to the Yorkshire Dales if you have the time as well.
Jason on 07 Mar 2011 at 1:14 pm #
York does have an amazing culture, and is also brilliant for getting around on foot (as it is pretty small for a city). Check out the free park at Museum Gardens (complete with Roman Ruins) and Dean’s Gardens next to the Minster. Walk for free on the Roman Walls around the city and taker a trip down the Shambles – recently voted the most picturesque street in England!!