A historian’s haven, the bygone times of Roman and Viking pasts culminate into the York of today. With its city centre enveloped within the medieval walls, tracing the historic roots of the ancient Capital will take you on a journey through time.
This treasured historic hub is the perfect place for casual visitors and history fiends alike to spend a day wandering its archaic streets. With reliable and direct trains to York, it’s a great option for a fascinating day out.
Delve into the past with these five extraordinary landmarks, guaranteed to make your day in York unforgettable.
York Minster
At the heart of the city lies one of the most magnificent Gothic cathedrals in the world, the York Minster. Built between the 13th and 14th century, its overwhelming stature and stunning beauty attracts millions of tourists all year round.
Test your stamina by climbing the 275-step spiral staircase up the central tower: the city’s highest point. If you’re not up to it, the tennis-court sized stained glass window is more than enough to gawp at.
The Shambles
Dating back to the 13th century, the infamous Shambles was originally a butcher’s alley, evident in the meat hooks that remain outside of shop entrances. The timber framed buildings hang over you as you stroll along the meandering cobbled stones, making it feel like you’re stepping back in time.
Although the narrow lane is now filled with an array of independent boutiques and family-run businesses, the medieval influence prevails.
A fan of Harry Potter? You may recognise the landscape of the bustling street, as it is said to be J.K. Rowling’s inspiration behind the notorious Diagon Alley.
The City Walls
If you’re lucky with the weather on your day out, spend an afternoon retracing the steps of the former Roman settlers along York’s city walls. Few are preserved as well as what you see here, as the astonishing border still circles the entire city centre.
Although the original build of the wall dates back to the Roman Empire, with its foundations still standing today, the majority was completed in the 13th century.
The narrow pathway leads you to some of the most spectacular views of the city, but there are exits along the route, so don’t feel you have to walk the length of the walls.
Jorvik Viking Centre
Stand on the site of one of the most astounding modern archaeological discoveries by visiting the Jorvik Viking Centre. The centre displays the Viking Age city of Jorvik the way it would have existed almost 1000 years ago.
An archaeological dig in the late 70s revealed Viking dwellings, tools and pottery along with other less-durable materials like textiles and remains from both animals and humans.
York offers visitors a plethora of historical sites to discover, displaying the city’s diverse and rich past. There is truly nowhere quite like it!