York Travel Guide
A travel and information guide to the city of York.
Located in the north-east of England, York is a city holding much in the way of the cultural and historical lure. Narrow streets abound, and it is an ideal place to spend a few days.
Getting There
By train – Easy to reach by train, the city of York is around 2.5 hours from Edinburgh and just over 2 hours from London. By car – York is situated around a 20-minute car ride from the M1/M62 motorway network.
Things to do
A great place to spend a few days, York offers a varied, family friendly, experience. Some of the highlights are outlined below.
York Minster
One of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe, York Minster has a rich history and features incredible 14th and 15th century stained glass, stonework and elaborate tombs. Guided tours are available, which are worth partaking in to gain a full understanding of the Minster, its workings, architecture, and its history. You can climb the tower for a wonderful view over the city of York.
York City Walls
Having protected the city of York for around 2,000 years, the historic walls can be walked along. You can stroll around the walls in one go, or break up the walk into sections. The walkways break where there is a gate, which is worth a look at in their own right. Be sure to get a glimpse of York Minster from the walls too.
National Railway Museum
A fun and informative visit, for all ages, the National Railway Museum holds a great number of trains and carriages from across the ages. There are a lot of exhibits and information to keep you well informed. Free entry too (donations accepted).
Jorvik Viking Centre
A good experience of a taste of York of old, Jorvik Viking Centre does a good job of showcasing village and Viking life, another good, family-friendly option.
Shambles
Shambles is a street in York which dates back to the 14th century. The street is lined with overhanging, timber-framed buildings. Today it holds a number of small shops to visit, but be warned it is incredibly tourist-orientated and can get busy as a result.
Where to Stay
When visiting a city, booking a short hotel stay can allow you to have a good base to go on and explore the city centre and its attractions. There are a number of hotel options available in and around York. Comparison websites such as Booking.com and Hotels.com will show you the prices for the available hotels.
