The historic city of York, England, is one of the highlights of a trip to the UK. With its fine medieval architecture, fascinating history and a long list of attractions its difficult to know what to do experience first. We talk about some of York’s top attractions in this article, including its popular ghost walks. Yes, did you know that York is reputed to be one of the most haunted cities in the world. This city is haunted by no less than 140 different ghosts, and with an amazing 500+ recorded hauntings it seems that every room, building or street seems to be haunted in this beautiful city.
York Minster is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe alongside the cathedral of Cologne. It has an amazing history, being first built in 627 for the baptism of Edwin, King of Northumbria. The English Civil War saw the city of York besieged by the forces of Oliver Cromwell in 1644, but Thomas Fairfax prevented any further damage to the cathedral.
Some of the major attractions in York:
York Minster We know a little about this gothic building already but did you know that it even has its own police force? Thats right, after an arson attack in 1829 these guardians of the cathedral were instated to protect it. The history of the minster spans over 1400 years and is the focal point of any visit to the city.
The Shambles This street used to be where the butchers of York made their trade but today is full of little coffee shops and other little curious shops. It is probably the best preserved example of a medieval street in Britain, the second storeys of the fifteenth century houses that form each side of the street lean inwards so far that the roofs on either side are almost touching each other.
Clifford’s Tower This is one of the 2 forts built by William the Conqueror following his conquest and was originally designed as an important base for administering the north of England. In the later part of the 13th century, the keep was rebuilt in stone. It was given a quatrefoil plan, of which there is no other example in England. The keep later became known as Clifford’s Tower after Roger de Clifford, who was hanged there in 1322.
Jorvik Viking Museum This museum has welcomed 15 million visitors over the past 25 years. You can journey through the reconstruction of Viking-Age streets, as they would have been in the year AD975 when the viking invaders had control of the city.
If you are looking for a hotel in York then you may wish to consider the Guy Fawkes Inn. This York townhouse is the birth place of Guy Fawkes, born in 1570 and made famous in English history for his role as ringleader of the ‘Gunpowder Plot’, the aim of which was to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London, on 5th November 1605. This is why the British celebrate ‘bonfire night’ celebrations on or around the 5th on November of each year.
The Guy Fawkes Inn is located opposite York Minster providing you with the perfect base to explore York. All rooms are individual in character, ranging from comfortable twin or double rooms, to mahogany 4 poster bed rooms. The Guy Fawkes Inn’s GastroPub provides an excellent menu and serves a variety of ales brewed specially for the inn, The 1605 Ale, The Conspirator, and of course the Guy Fawkes Ale.