8 Most Interesting Places to See in York, U.K.!
York is an incredibly historic city with all sorts of charm. Most famous for it’s numerous pubs, gargantuan cathedral and extensive own walls, York is definitely an interesting and engaging place to visit. From Roman roots to Harry Potter, this not so little city has something for every traveler!
- the Shambles
- York City Walls
- York Minster
- Cliffords Tower
- Museum Gardens
- York Castle Museum
- York Art Gallery
- The York Dungeon
8) The York Dungeon
Though it may be a bit macabre, the York Dungeon is a Live Action depiction of the darkest moments of York History. The dungeon depicts many different historical events and characters, including those surrounding Guy Fawkes, Vengeful Vikings and the Plague. This is an incredibly interesting exhibit in York, and worth the price of admission for anyone with a bit of a fascination for a more morbid side of history!
7) York Art Gallery
With only the request of a donation upon entry, the York Art Gallery is a great option for a rainy day in this wonderful city (which is not an uncommon occurrence in this town!). Within this beautiful structure lies artwork spanning over 600 years and is a great stop for any art fanatic!
6) York Castle Museum
Built on the site of York Castle, originally builtin 1068 by William the Conqueror, the castle museum is a step back in time to a different era at each exhibit. Packed full if intrigue and history this is another great option for any history buff.
5) Museum Gardens
A botanical garden along the river at the heart of York, the museum gardens is a must see. With several historic buildings on site, this beautiful green space is a breath of fresh air in the otherwise bustling city!
4) Cliffords Tower
This 13th Century structure gives a stunning view of the city from its heights, and is one of the final remaining remnants of the York royal caste. It is definitely not for the acrophobic, though if you can get past the worn stone. staircases and the seemingly lack of rails at he top of the tower, it is definitely worth it for the view!
3) York Minster
The incredibly picturesque and famous York Minster is one of the largest cathedrals in all of Northern Europe this building is a sight to see. Opening in 637 AD, this cathedral was built not long after Britain was liberated from roman rule. This gothic church has seen is much history from beheadings to royal marriages, and is totally worth the admissions price.
2) York City Walls
This Medieval masterpiece is an incredible sight to see for anyone visiting York. Wrapping around much of the city to this day, this walk overs a beautiful self-guided tour around a good portion of the city. Though the stone walls recognizable today were built in the 13th and 14th centuries, the area was marked by walls as far back as the roman rule over the area.
1) the Shambles
The Shambles has to be one of the most cartoonish areas in all of the U.K., with fantastical buildings lining a wobbly cobblestone street that almost seems it is in disrepair. This street is said to be one of the inspirations for “diagonally” in the Harry Potter books, and is lined with like stores and other shops. An incredible sight to see, this is a hopping part of town, great to grab a souvineer or two from!
The Rundown
York is an incredible city to visit most any time of year. With busy city streets, incredible architecture, fascinating history, and plenty of breath taking green-spaces, this lovely locale can satisfy nearly any type of travelers wanderlust. What do you most want to see in the City of York? Did I miss your favorite local hot spot in this incredible city? Leave a comment and let me know!
