Nov 7th 2008 What To See and Do When You Stay in York
The city of York is situated between the rivers Ouse and Foss where they meet and has been one of the UK’s most important cities for around two millenia. The Romans founded the city in 71 AD and the town has grown and was at one time going to be the capital of England. However, King Richard II who wished for this to happen was deposed before it could be done.
Certainly there is so much history to be discovered about this wonderful city and it will take several days before it is all seen when you visit York. In this article we take a look at a few of the places which attract visitors to them year after year.
1. York Minister – This is England’s largest surviving medieval building and also the biggest cathedral to be found in Europe north of the Alps. It has dominated the skyline of York for over eight hundred years and is a wonderful example of gothic architecture to be found anywhere in England today.
Although you do not have to pay for entry into the main part of the Minister there is a small admission fee to climb the central tower and witness the spectacular city views it offers. The climb up (and back!) is long but the views make it well worthwhile.
2. Jorvik Centre – Celebrating York’s Viking days, which were previously discovered in a an archaeological dig in the Coppergate area of the city. In these areas they found clothing and tools which had been buried for more than 1,000 years. The time capsule ride attempts to recreate Viking life and travel back in time and visit a reconstructed Viking settlement. As you travel you have the chance to view some of the well preserved 10th Century buildings that were discovered during the time of the archaeological dig.
3. York Castle Museum – You can step back in time again, viewing life in York over the years. Originally founded in 1938 one has the chance to wander through historical periods of British life and the exhibits often include original artefacts.
4. National Railway Museum – Probably the largest and most comprehensive railway museum in the world. You can learn about the history of railways through the ages and the way they have been used as transport. The museum is the home of Stephenson’s Rocket and also the record holding steam engine, Mallard.
If you want a different angle on history make sure you book on the York Ghost Trail. And go back to the city’s darker days.
Book your York hotel or guest house here.
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