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York is a thriving modern city with a history stretching
back at least 2,000 years.
Within its city walls there is abundant evidence of its
Roman, Viking and Medieval history mixed with classic
architecture of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
The majestic York Minster towers above the city which
can best be seen from the viewpoint of Clifford's Tower
or by walking along the three miles of city walls which
surround the medieval city.
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These walls were in places built over Roman foundations,
and the route is interrupted with occasional towers and
the four original gateways to the city - Bootham Bar, Micklegate Bar, Monk Bar and
Walmgate Bar.
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From this page you can follow the links to
York holiday
accommodation,
activities,
attractions,
historic sites,
travel
information, and general tourism info for the area.
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The Romans founded York (Eboracum) in AD71, building a
fortress on the easily defended site at the junction of
two rivers - the river Foss and the river Ouse. The town
that they built around the fortress during their 400
years of occupation became the capital of the two
provinces into which the Romans divided Britain.
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The Vikings also chose Jorvik, from which the name York
is derived, as their principal town, and they have left
a wealth of archaeological relics for the present day
visitor to explore at places such as the Jorvik Viking
Centre in Coppergate.
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The Normans too realised the strategic importance of the
city of York building two castles and establishing many
religious foundations including hospitals, chapels and
churches. St. Mary's Abbey was founded in this period.
In the middles ages, York continued to be a centre of
activity with considerable prosperity derived from
trading in wool. York was a centre for cloth making and
dyeing and became a major exporter of these products.
Many fine buildings, like the Merchant Adventurer's Hall
(1357), were built during this period. The rivers were
important as a means of transport and York was a major
inland port.
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York Minster showing
the central tower which provides on of the
best viewpoints of York and the surrounding
countryside - if you can manage the climb to
the top! |
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Today the visitor is spoilt for choice in exploring this
wonderful city. In addition to the Minster, there are at
least a dozen fine medieval churches in the city, and
several fine museums all worthy of a visit. All these
treasures are easily explored on foot, or seen from the
top deck of a double decker tour bus.
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The city has a
modern shopping area, and close by is The
Shambles, a narrow cobbled street with fine
shops and cafes along its length.
Street names are peculiar and a study in
themselves as are the narrow passageways between
the streets known as snickelways - look out for
streets called 'gates' and gateways called
'bars'.
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The Shambles - Photo
Judges Postcards |
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York is well known as a centre for the railways, and the
railway station is said to be one of the finest examples
of Victorian railway architecture in the country. Until
recently railway locomotives and wagons were built in
York, and today the great railway age is represented by
the National Railway Museum which has a unique
collection of engines, trains, paintings and
photographs.
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York is a University town and is also renowned for its
chocolate making factories originally owned by famous
names like Rowntrees and Terry's of York.
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Bootham
Hotels |
Bootham Bed & Breakfast |
Bootham B&B
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Tadcaster Hotels |
Tadcaster
Bed & Breakfast |
Tadcaster
B&B | York
Hotels |
York Bed & Breakfast |
York B&B |
York Self
catering cottages, apartments, flats |
York Camping
sites, camp grounds, caravan sites |
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