Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in High Catton

"At one point the majestic centerpiece of York Castle, this historic keep has had a long and troubled life. Originally built to intimidate and subdue the Viking north by William the Conqueror, it has been twice burned to the ground in its lifespan. The other surviving fragments of the castle (such as the bailey wall and parts of the south gatehouse) blend seamlessly into the bustling city streets."

"Students can find it right between the Castle Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre. Clifford’s Tower offers visitors stunning panoramic views over Old York, thus making it the ideal starting point for any visit to the city. There’s plenty to discover here, including the remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror, a prison and a royal mint."

"The tower stands high next to York Castle Museum with views over York. Clifford's Tower was built at the Eye of York, a defensive position between the River Ouse and River Foss. Built in 1068 by William the Conqueror to control the North of England."

"Merchant Adventurers’ Hall on Fossgate is one of the finest medieval guild halls in existence. A fascinating museum also available for weddings and events (great vintage fairs take place here), the venue’s centrepiece is the Great Hall where medieval merchants once gathered. A collection on display inside includes a range of fine silver, paintings and furniture."

"Dean’s Park offers fantastic views, a great place to stretch out and enjoy a break during a busy day, as well as soft drink and ice cream refreshments available during summer. You may also want to view nearby York Minster. There is an admission charge for entering this cathedral but it doesn’t cost anything to take in the magnificent exterior!"

"Located on the North side of the Minster, Dean’s Park is a quiet, green oasis offering incredible views of the Gothic Cathedral and the Minster Library. Some ruins of a 12th-century cloister – probably from the Old Palace – are still standing. While it originally was accessible only to members of the church, today it’s open to the public."

"A beautiful place to soak in the sun and enjoy an ice cream cone, Dean’s Park offers beautiful views and plenty of green, open space. Spread out a blanket and enjoy stunning views of the Minster and its Chapter House."

"Once one of the richest abbeys in the North of England, St. Mary’s used to rival York Minster in terms of its size and splendor. Nowadays, its extensive and impressive ruins are protected as part of the York Museum Gardens that lie just on the edge of the city center. Founded in 1088, the abbey prospered for centuries until Henry VIII’s edict in 1536 that dissolved and disbanded monasteries, priories and convents."

"Once the richest abbey in the north of England, St Mary's lies in what are now the York Museum Gardens, on a steeply-sloping site to the west of York Minster. The abbey dates back to 1086 and over time became the wealthiest monastery in northern England before it was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539. Over the next 200 years, it fell into disrepair and was largely dismantled for its stone."

"The Yorkshire Wine School organise gin tasting classes in York on set dates so do check their website. This does mean that there is no minimum party number as lots of people attend at once."

"Loch Fyne was “brought to life by two oyster enthusiasts, Johnny and Andy, who started selling their oysters from a small shack on the west coast of Scotland. We now have 22 Restaurants up and down the country, providing fresh, sustainably sourced seafood dishes; much of which is delivered fresh from the loch itself.”  Loch Fyne have a good brunch menu including Baked eggs, Loch Fyne Kippers, Avocado, pink grapefruit and chilli and the Loch Fyne Breakfast (grilled sausage, back bacon, black pudding, haggis, mushroom, baked beans, tomato, egg how you like it and toasted sourdough)."

"Although Loch Fyne is part of a chain, it still provides a personal experience to your dining. Starting out in the 1970s on the west coast of Scotland, Loch Fyne has spread all the way down to the south of England. Its wonderful location in York has it sitting on the gorgeous River Foss (Loch Fyne is on the right in the photo), in a beautiful old building that has retained much of its original fixtures that provide a unique experience for its costumers!"

"This old-school seafood restaurant champions local catch such as Scarborough lobster, crab and turbot. Service is a little over the top and the background music is oh-so-cheesy, but nevertheless it does a good..."

"The Golden Grid is a sit-down fish restaurant that has been serving the best cod in Scarborough since 1883. Its starched white tablecloths and starched white aprons are staunchly traditional, as is the menu: as..."

"At the base of the cliffs on South Bay, the Spa is a 19th-century complex of performance venues erected at the site of Scarborough’s natural springs. The current Grand Hall opened in 1880 after the previous spa saloon burnt down in 1876. The complex is nearly half a mile in length and you can reach it via the magnificent Spa Bridge, dating to 1827, and the South Cliff Lift from 1873."

"When anyone thinks of afternoon tea in York or even Yorkshire, probably the first name that springs to mind is Bettys. Going strong for over 100 years with queues out of the door come rain or shine, this very English institution ticks all the right boxes for a delicious afternoon tea. 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP – 01904 659142"

"Nothing will top your day off in any old English city better than a classic afternoon tea. Let yourself have a huge feast and eat all those beautiful sandwiches and cakes. You can walk off the cream buns in the morning."

"Betty’s Cafe is famous in York for elegant and traditional dining. You can pop in a cup of tea, lunch, dinner or afternoon tea. They also serve a fabulous breakfast."

"For guests seeking a touch of luxury from their visit to York, the centrally located 5 Star Grand hotel lives up to its name. The lavishly decorated suites offer large plush beds, a full mini-bar, in-room dining and access to the luxury spa located in former vaults. Upgrade your stay with a bottle of bubbly and chocolate-covered strawberries waiting upon your arrival or a sprinkling of rose petals on the bed for those extra brownie points on your romantic weekend away."

"Treat someone special in your life to a weekend at the Grand Hotel. Set within the city walls, it’s known for its luxury king-size beds, romantic spa, and intimate 1906 bar, complete with Moët & Chandon cocktails. For the ultimate gesture, book the Grandeur Package, which includes two nights in the penthouse suite with champagne, chocolate, afternoon tea, spa treatments, and three-course meals."

"If you want luxury, the Grand Hotel and Spa in York is unashamedly luxurious. The city’s only full AA 5-star establishment, it is in the process of a major £15m refurbishment. With the revamp well under way the hotel now boasts 207 guest bedrooms as well as new restaurants, an additional lounge, terrace and bars."

"The best-rated place in town (at least according to TripAdvisor), this tiny street food hut belies its size with a huge reputation. Tucked away in the historic Shambles Food Court, Los Moros is a traditional North African and Levantine eatery serving up hearty bowls of couscous and tangy tagines. You’ll even get a cup of mint tea thrown in with every purchase."

"Central North African restaurant in an old brick building with a garden & house-branded pale ale. A lot of vegetarian options and plenty of choice for meat eaters too. Address : 15-17 Grape Ln, York YO1 7HU, UK"

"These guys have a successful street food stall in The Shambles Market and now opened a shinny new restaurant, it’s the only one of its kind in York.www.losmorosyork.co.uk/"