York

York
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The Romans, The Vikings, William the Conqueror, Oliver Cromwell, they’ve all tried to get their hands on the city of York at one time or another. But the north of England’s most beautiful city has survived – albeit a bit bruised and battered, and with a bit of patching up here and there – and is still as desirable a destination as ever.

York is a treat for your inner geek – the winding medieval streets, Jorvik Viking experience and, of course, the imposing gothic giant that is York Minster, make the city’s history hard to ignore. But modern York is also home to some fantastic restaurants, great pubs are plentiful and the shopping will please anyone looking for something beautiful and a little bit different. And for romantics, you can’t beat a walk along the city’s ancient walls at sunset.

Just two hours by train from London and easily explored by foot, York is spot-on for anyone wanting a weekend break sans car. If you do have wheels, however, the city is smack bang in the middle of some of the most beautiful countryside this country has to offer.


What to see?

The diva of York is undoubtedly its Minster. England’s largest medieval cathedral, and of the world’s most beautiful gothic buildings, the Minster dominates the whole of the city centre – making it almost impossible to ignore it’s there. Even the hardest heart can’t fail to be impressed by the scale of the Minster’s interior, so prepare for some strenuous neck work. And if you held a bring-and-buy sale to raise money for Blue Peter’s restoration of York Minster in the ‘80s, you should be especially proud. (www.yorkminster.org Tel: 01904 557216)

If you still haven’t satisfied your historical itch (and want to feel like you’re on a school trip again – minus the cigarette hidden up your jumper) you can’t beat the famous Jorvik Viking Centre. There are buttons to press, a ‘time car’ monorail to ride on and real-life Viking smells to put you off your lunch. It’s great. (www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk Tel: 01904 543402)

Otherwise, the main attractions of York can be found by just wandering through the maze of narrow, medieval streets in the historic city centre, or strolling along the River Ouse that cuts the centre in two. The best walk, however, must be the around the remarkably preserved 13th century city walls, which you can reach via steps at each of York’s Bars (medieval city gates), offering stunning views of the Minster.


Or why not try?

Yorkboat River Trips (www.yorkboat.co.uk Tel: 01904 628324)

Alquimia Spa (www.alquimiaspa.com Tel: 01904 632888)

York Theatre Royal (www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk Tel: 01904 623568)

Ghost Hunt of York (www.ghosthunt.co.uk Tel: 01904 608700)



Around and about

Just half an hour’s drive out of York and you can be in the depths of the breathtaking North York Moors National Park. Wild and windswept, it’s a dramatic expanse to explore, with dozens of isolated villages and the odd ruined castle or abbey set amidst craggy hills and deep valleys. Just don’t forget your copy of Wuthering Heights…

A little closer to the city walls is Castle Howard, the most awe-inspiring stately home in the UK. Best known as the film location for Brideshead Revisited, the 18th century architectural masterpiece has equally beautiful gardens and grounds and is a real must-see. (< a href="http://www.castlehoward.co.uk">www.castlehoward.co.uk Tel: 01653 648333)


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The Romans, The Vikings, William the Conqueror, Oliver Cromwell, they’ve all tried to get their hands on the city of York at one time or another. But the north of England’s most beautiful city has survived and is still as desirable a destination as ever.


Where to stay


Where to eat

  • Betty’s
  • St Helen’s Square
  • A Yorkshire institution, Betty’s is the place to go for afternoon tea. Don’t be put off by its popularity with the OAPs, their teacakes are to die for.
  • 01904 659142
  • Melton’s
  • 7 Scarcroft Road
  • Widely recognised as one of Yorkshire’s best restaurants, Melton’s attracts foodies from across the UK. It also has a great lunch set menu.
  • 01904 634341
  • http://www.meltonsrestaurant.co.uk
  • Nineteen
  • 19 Grape Lane
  • Housed in one of York’s oldest buildings, this well-thought-of bistro has perhaps the best table in York, overlooking the winding street of Swinegate.
  • 01904 636366
  • http://www.nineteenyork.com
  • Blue Bicycle
  • 34 Fossgate
  • This cute, romantic French restaurant is housed in a building that used to be a brothel. Today, locals flock there for its food instead.
  • 01904 673990
  • http://www.thebluebicycle.com
  • Henshelwood’s Delicatessen
  • 10 Newgate
  • A fantastic deli that sells wonderful picnics made to order. Just call them before 10am on the day you want to eat al fresco, and they’ll have your chosen picnic ready by lunchtime.
  • 01904 673877
  • http://www.deliyork.co.uk

Tourist Information


Drinking and dancing


Getting there

By car From London, take the M1 and keep going, even when the road turns into the A1(M). Leave at junction 44 and take the A64 into York. The journey should take around 3 and a half hours (on a good day).

By train Trains leave from London King's Cross for York every two hours, and take two hours. It’s easy to walk to the city centre from York's famous railway station - an attraction in itself.