York
Join our guided tour to York from Cambridge
When comparing Britain's historic cities to visit, York is undoubtedly one of the very best of them all. Chosen by the Romans as their capital of Britannica Inferiore (Northern Britain), later the centre of Viking Britain, a seat of power under Norman rule, a religious hub throughout the Middle Ages and a mercantile hub thereafter, York is an ancient city quite unlike any other. A trip to York is a trip through 2000 years of British history.
A Roman temple column erected outside York Minster, erected as a reminder to the site's enduring connection with faith and worship
York, or “Eboracum”, was founded in 71AD by the Romans. For 2 years, as Emperor Severus lay ill in York, the entire Roman Empire was governed from the city. Later, when Emperor Chlorus died in Eboracum in 306AD, his son Constantine - the first Christian Emperor of Rome - was proclaimed emperor in York, the only Roman emperor to be enthroned in Britain. The banner photo above is the statue of Constantine outside the city's cathedral.
After Rome collapsed, the city became Anglo-Saxon and was then conquered by the Danes in 867. The city name changed to Jorvik and became home to the Vikings as they raided the north-east of England… until, that is, King Harold of England defeated the Viking King Harald of Norway at the battle of Stamford Bridge near York in 1066. Unfortunately for Harold, only days later he had to walk his army to the south coast of England only to be defeated and killed by the Normans at the Battle of Hastings ushering in a period of French rule.
Clifford's Tower, York's Norman castle built by William the Conqueror, was the site of one of Britain's bloodiest massacres in 1190.
The Normans built two castles at York and extended the city walls in the 13th century that had originally been built by the Romans. Today, York is one of the largest walled cities in Europe. A walk along the 2-mile long wall is a must for any visitor, especially the sections north of the city centre which afford the most spectacular views of the cathedral.
Great views of the Minster and its associated buildings from the city walls
Despite its fascinating early history, York is perhaps most famous for its jumble of medieval streets and timber-framed buildings, no better experienced than on The Shambles. Originally a street of butcher shops, today housing tourist shops and boutiques, the jettied buildings jostle for prominence - it is possible to be stood at a window on the top floor of a building and shake hands with someone in a building on the opposite side of the street!
Wonky, medieval, timber-framed buildings of The Shambles
York is a city to wander through. With its labyrinth of narrow streets, bustling crowds and olde worlde views at every turn, the city exudes an atmosphere of days gone by. In the 1700s, the city became a social centre for the Yorkshire elite making York second only to London in terms of population and importance. The arrival of the railways consolidated its position as a centre of importance despite competition from the rapidly growing industrial cities of the north and that significance is reflected by the choice of York as the venue for the National Railway Museum, a must for any visitor to the city.
From the earliest trains to the most modern, the national Railway Museum is not just for the rail enthusiast. Just go, its free to enter!
Things to see and do in York?
York Minster – Britain’s largest Gothic building and voted Britain's favourite cathedral. Climb the tower for great views over the rooftops.
Jorvik Viking Centre – Exhibition of Viking artefacts and indoor train ride through York’s Viking history.
DIG – For children: Be an archaeologist, excavate and discover real objects from ancient civilisations.
City Walls – Views of the Minster and the city from the medieval and Roman walls.
The Shambles – A perfect medieval cobbled street with overhanging timber-framed houses and narrow connecting passageways.
City Art Gallery – British, early Italian and northern European art.
Betty’s Tea Shop - York’s most famous tea shop serving tea since 1936.
Yorkshire Museum – The history of York and the county of Yorkshire.
Clifford’s Tower – A traditional motte and bailey Norman castle and site of one of the bloodiest events in British history.
Escape the bustle of the city centre on a boat trip along the River Ouse.
River Cruises – Relaxing river trips from Lendal Bridge.
York Dungeon – Tour the plague-ravaged streets of 14th century York.
York Castle Museum – 400 years of history including life in an 18th century prison.
National Railway Museum – The UK’s premier railway museum. See the world’s fastest steam engine, The Mallard, The Flying Scotsman and a Japanese Bullet Train; Free entry!
Fairfax House – Arguably the finest Georgian townhouse in England.
Henry VII Museum, Micklegate Bar – Museum to the victor of the Wars of The Roses, York’s most important city gate where heads of decapitated traitors were displayed.
Richard III Museum, Monk Bar – Defeated king of the Wars of The Roses and the most demonised of all England’s kings.
York’s Chocolate Story - The history and making of chocolate in York.
Shopping – Great shopping with numerous unique independent shops and all the major UK chains.
Pedestrianised streets with great architecture and a wide variety of shops
How to get to York from Cambridge?
Join our guided tour to York from Cambridge
