As the weather improves you might be starting to think about a day trip. York is a city with Roman roots and a Viking past, where ancient walls surround contemporary independent shops and vibrant eateries
Perfectly placed half-way between London and Edinburgh and with the glorious Yorkshire Dales on the doorstep, York is definitely worth a visit. To make sure you make the most of your time there, here are a few of the many things that should be on your to do list.
The Yorkshire Museum and Gardens
You should really try and do this first, if you can. The Yorkshire Museum and Gardens is a fantastic introduction to the entire city, and there's something for the whole family too. The building is entirely surrounded by stunning gardens and you also have the remains of the abbey as well. This is on the banks of the River Ouse. If you want to find out more about this location or if you want to see if it’s the right stop for you then you can easily pick up a travel guide when you’re there.
The Jorvik Viking Centre
I first visited this next attraction on a school trip. The fascinating Jorvik Viking Centre lets you travel back in time. It’s one of the most popular locations in the UK and it gives you the chance to see how the area looked in 975AD. You get to see the remains of a 1,000-year-old home and this is a great way for you to expand your knowledge of the area. If you are wondering what to do in York then this should certainly be on your list.
York’s Chocolate Story
This one is right up my street - Chocolate! York has very humble beginnings. When you visit the Chocolate Story, you will see how treats such as the Toffee Crisp, KitKat and even Smarties were made. You will be given a full and complete factory tour, and this gives you the chance to explore various opportunities. You can also try your own hand at chocolate making as well and this makes the entire trip way more satisfying.
National Railway Museum
This is really ideal for families. It’s quite possibly the biggest railway museum in the UK and the best thing about it is that it’s completely free. It doesn’t matter whether you are a fan of railways or whether you just want to find out more about York in general because this location has over 300 historic trains and they also have 1,000,000 items from throughout history. This is well worth a visit and it’s a great way for you to learn more about the area.
The City Walls
If you have never been to York before then you have to visit the City Walls. This gives you the best view of the city and it’s a great way for you to start your journey. At some points, such as at the Bootham Bar, you can climb up the steps and walk along the wall. This will give you a fantastic view of the Museum Gardens and of the Minster as well. If you are an avid photographer, then this is certainly something that you won’t want to miss out on.
York Minster
This is the biggest Gothic cathedral in the entirety of Northern Europe. The architecture is stunning to say the least. If you want to get the best view of the city from this angle, then make sure that you go up the Central Tower. This will give you a whole new perspective of the city and it’s marvellous.
Clifford’s Tower
When you look at what remains of York’s historic castle you will soon see that the tower gives you a panoramic view of the city. The best thing about this viewpoint is that you can see all of the contrasting scenery and beyond. The countryside is spectacular and it’s a wonderful way for you to truly enjoy the city.
Notable Shops and Stores
The Shambles was built for butchers so that they could conduct their trade. The Shambles had overhanging timber buildings that had frames on them to stop any meat from going off in the sun. You can still see the medieval charm. When you go now, you will see so many shopping spots and plenty of quirky eateries as well. You really won’t want to miss out here and you would be surprised at how much there is for you to see and do.
Other places you should try and visit include the Coppergate Centre. This is in the heart of the city and it’s full of galleries, museums and even local cafes. This is the place that you should be going to if you want to have the best shopping experience while also being able to take in the local charm.
I hope this has given you some inspiration to plan your next trip. Is there anywhere you have visited in York that you would add to the list?
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