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 York

Destinations > UK > Yorkshire > York guide

In the Middle ages York was a challenge to the centrality of London as the capital of England. Today York is still a thriving bustling city, yet has kept a charismatic charm. You can wonder through the cobbled streets and around the original wall that ones surrounded the city. Steeped in its rich history there are many things to learn and discover in York. With plenty of attractions to keep you entertained, weather it is the street entertainers or a visit to the Yorvik Viking center, a visit to the Cathedral, or if you dare a ghost walk at night through the heart of the city.

York offers a brilliant shopping experience, with a wide variety of shops to choice from. A lot of which are housed in magnificent old and historical buildings, which adds a rustic charm to your shopping experience. There are also many restaurant, pubs and coffee shops to choose from.

York and the surrounding area are set in fine countryside, with plenty of footpaths for exploring this beautiful landscape and the wildlife. Just a short journey up from York and you can discover the pre historical monoliths the Devils Arrows. Although there was ones twelve of these monoliths only three are remaining today, yet these three still stand tall and proud in good condition.

Whatever the season there is plenty to do and see in York.

 Arts

York is famous for its street art and entertainment, why not visit Kings Square and see for yourself.

Theatre Royal
This theatre offers a wide variety of performances. For information on shows and admission
Telephone: 01904 623568
Suitable for a wheelchair user.

York Castle Museum
This is a fascinating interactive museum were you can wonder down Victorian Streets, and visit the prison cell of the famous highwayman Dick Turpin. For opening times and admission costs
Telephone: 01904 653611.

Yorkshire Museum
Here you can wonder through exhibition of Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Viking and Medieval life. There are also different temporary exhibitions throughout the year. For information on these and admission costs:
Telephone 01904 629745

 Attractions

Jorvik Viking Center
Journey back in time and experience York as it was when the Vikings were here. On this moving tour you will see actual Viking timber houses in atmospheric surroundings including sounds and smells of a Viking village and hundreds of artifacts from excavation on the very site you will be at.
Opening times: April - October: 9am - 5.30pm. November - March: 10am - 4.30. Closed December 25.
Admission: (Until 31/3/2000).
Adults: 5.35. Children: 3.99. Concessions: 4.60.
Family: (2 Adults & 2 Children) 17.00. Under 5 free admission.
Telephone: 01904 643211
Location: Coppergate next to St. Mary's Square.
Suitable for an accompanied wheelchair user.

York Dungeon
Experience the14th Century plague ridden streets of York, on this grisly guided tour. Plus you can join the gunpowder plot with Guy Folks, and follow Dick Turpin, (England's famous highwayman) to the gallows.
Opening times: October - March: 10am - 4.30pm. April - September: 10am - 5.30pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Admission:
Adults: 6.50. Children: 4.95. Concessions: 4.95.
Telephone: 01904 632599
Location: 12 Cliffrord Street / off Tower Street running parallel with the River Ouse.
Suitable for an accompanied wheelchair user.

York Brewery
If you like to sample beer then this is the tour for you. This friendly independent brewery uses traditional methods for brewing Yorkshire beer and includes generous beer sampling.
Daily Tour Times: Monday - Saturday: 11.30 / 12.30 / 2.30 / 4.00 / 6.00 / 7.00. Sunday: 4.00 / 5.00 / 6.00 / 7.00.
Admission:
Adults: 3.75. Senior Citizens: 3.00. 14-17 years 2.75.
Telephone: 01904 621162
Location: 12 Toft Green, Micklegate.

National Railway Museum
Learn the story of the British Railway, From Stevenson's Rocket the first railway Darlington to Stockton, to the Eurostar, which links England to France.
Opening times: 10.00am - 6.00pm. Closed 24,25,26 and 31 of December, and 1 January.
Admission:
Children under16 free. Adults (17+): 5.90. Concessions: 3.90 Senior Citizens: Free.
Telephone: 01904 621261
Location: Next to York Railway Station.
Suitable for a wheelchair user.

 History

York is a city that lives and breathes history. It is all around you with features like York Minster, which is the largest Gothic cathedral north of the Alps. A range of historical churches and castles, and the famous City Wall which has its own vibrant history. Even the shops reflect the history of York with a lot of them having original facades. This is no more evident than a walk down The Shambles, A little street with a lot of character.

 Pubs

York has 365 pubs, one for every day of the year so there is no shortage, and plenty to choice from.

For those that like stylish but relaxed, check out the Streets around Swinegate. For those who like it a bit more lively head down to the bars on Rougier Street. If it is real fine ale you are looking for there are plenty to choice from in the town center

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 Restaurants

There are a lot of pubs in York offering good pub food, and during the day there are a multitude of café's and sandwich bars. There are also a wide variety of evening meals to choice from, French and Italian Gourmet, Spanish tapas and Mexican to fish and chips. All offering a variet

 Shopping

York is a city with a large pedestrianised center that is great for the shopper in safety and pleasantness of environment. It offers a wide range of choice from big name high street stores, department stores, designer boutiques, and unique boutiques. Also an out door market. There is a lot of shopping to be done here, as there is a lot to offer seven days a week.

 Transport

Air

The nearest airport is Leeds/Bradford, which is just 28 miles away from York. There are also direct connections by train from, Manchester and Newcatle-upon-Tyne Airports.

Car

York offers a fast and Frequent Park and Ride into the heart of the City. This is the best way to arrive at the city center if you have journeyed to it by car. This facilities allows you to park your car for free, then take the short journey right into the heart of the city at a small cost. This is a hassle free way to travel to the center, without the stress of finding places to park. For extra convenience there are three separate park and ride facilities in three alternative directions just outside the city. When you drive to York there are sign post for the park and ride just follow one of these, park and catch one of the frequent buses into the city center, were it stops at various places for your convenience, also picks you up. This service runs 7.30am to 7.00pm every day except Sunday and Christmas Bank Holidays.

Coach

National Express run coach services regularly to York from many destinations for details contact them by telephone - 0990 808080.

Rail

Travelling to York by train from various destinations in Britain is not a problem. For details contact Rail enquiries by telephone - 0345 484950.

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