Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in York, England
"Clifford’s Tower is one of York’s most iconic landmarks, and is largely all that remains of the eminent York Castle. Over its thousand year history, Clifford’s Tower has operated in a number of different functions, housing everything from kings to criminals, cannons to cows. Constructed by William the Conqueror in 1086, the first Clifford’s Tower was a wooden structure placed high on the motte that still stands today."
"Clifford’s Tower is another one of the cities most famous attractions. Whilst taking photos from outside of the tower is completely free of charge, ticket fees do apply if you wish to go inside. Once inside, you can check out some great views of York from the top."
"This guildhall in the city of York was one of the most important buildings in the medieval city. The majority of the Hall was built in 1357 by a group of influential men and women who came together to form a religious fraternity called the Guild of Our Lord Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The main part of the building consists of the Great Hall, the Undercroft and the Chapel."
"York's most impressive semi-timbered building is still owned by the fraternity that built it almost 650 years ago and it is the oldest surviving guildhall of its kind in Britain. The owner was originally a..."
"No matter where you’re staying in York, you won’t go far without tripping over a historical landmark or three, from Roman ruins to a whole street full of well-preserved medieval buildings.York Minster is a spectacle to behold. So big it even has its own police force, it’s spectacular from the outside, but inside its sheer size and scale are jaw-dropping - in fact the Leaning Tower of Pisa would fit inside the central tower. Go on one of the guided tours to get an insight into this iconic building or simply take stock of the stained glass."
"With five galleries showcasing a range of archaeological treasures as well as displays of rare animals, birds and fossils, the Yorkshire Museum also boasts fabulous greenery, making it the perfect place for tourists to enjoy a relaxing, scenic walk. Established during the 1830s, the historical gardens are famous for their wonderful selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs. With botanical gardens comprised of 10 acres, Yorkshire Museum Gardens is the ideal place to visit for a relaxing retreat."
"This is a lovely place to relax and unwind in the heart of the city. Grab yourself a coffee or snack and sit on one of the benches with a friend, taking it all in. York Museum Gardens is home to some amazing trees and plants."
"In the grounds of the peaceful Museum Gardens, you can see the Multangular Tower, a part of the City Walls that was once the western tower of the Roman garrison's defensive ramparts. The Roman stonework at the..."
"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."
"If you’re a huge fan of curry, this is the place to check out. Jorvik Spice is best known for being a curry house as they are said to serve some of the best curries in town. The restaurant also offers other Indian cuisines, particularly of Bengali origin, which is perfect for foodies who are both hungry and extra adventurous."
"Hong Kong Chop House is notable for its diverse menu, and it is this element that makes it one of the best Chinese takeaways in York. They serve authentic Chinese cuisine from various regions, so you will find Cantonese dishes alongside Sichuan meals and food from Northeast China. Not only are there the typical items that are served by most Chinese restaurants, but there are also traditional Chinese dishes that are not usually found on menus in the UK."
"One of the best Asian restaurants in town, Hong Kong Chop House definitely lives up to its claim. Choose from an extensive menu including soup, dim sum, appetizers, hot and cold starters, meat, poultry, seafood dishes, vegetarian options, and more. You are just an order away from devouring a whole lot of goodness."
"Thomas Atkinson, an 18th century English architect, is famous for remaking the Bishopthorpe Palace in York in the Gothic Revival style. Though a rather influential figure of his time, very little is known about Atkinson's private life. His house, located at 20 St. Andrewgate, is one of the sparse evidences of his life in York."
"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."
"The Wars of the Roses, the Plantagenets, and Richard III are events and characters embedded in the history of York, so what better place to get to grips with one of the main players than inside the city walls?. Located in Monk Bar gatehouse, where the top floor was commissioned by Richard himself, the Richard III Experience takes you on a journey through the king’s short-lived reign, including what life was like in York during the late 15th century, and a selection of changing exhibitions. While there, don’t miss the chance to walk around the city walls, arguably York’s greatest monument, and make for the sister Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar, easily reached in around route that even includes a few pubs along the way."
"The best-preserved of York's medieval city gates houses this museum which explores the life and reign of Richard III (r 1483–85) and his impact on York, and sets out the case of the 'Princes in the Tower',..."
"The Georgian-style Mansion House in York is the home of the city's Lord Mayors during their term in office. This is the earliest purpose-built house of this sort still in use – it predates the Mansion House in London by at least 20 years. The foundation stone for the building was laid in 1725, and it was completed seven years later, in 1732."
"The last museum we visited was one we stumbled on by accident, escaping the rain while walking in the lovely Museum Gardens. And I was really glad we did because it turned out to combine what Charlie was learning about at school right then: Romans, with his greatest passion, Virtual Reality dinosaurs!. Again it started with the chance to practise some archaeological skills, brushing sand and dirt off artificial dino bones and fossils, something younger kids will love."
"The Yorkshire Museum chronicles millions of years of Yorkshire history, from the Jurassic period through to Viking and medieval times. Highlights of the eclectic collection include a 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite that came crashing to Earth in 1881, the hair bun of a Roman teenager, and a Viking sword."