Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Westow

"Perched atop a grassy motte is Clifford’s Tower, which is one of the last remaining parts of York Castle. Originally built out of wood by the Normans, it was reinforced and rebuilt out of stone in the thirteenth century and the sturdy keep is now a popular tourist attraction in York. Wrecked by a massive explosion in 1684, its hollow, gutted interior was later used as both a prison and treasury."

"Clifford’s Tower, a semi-ruined 13th-century remnant of York Castle, is also one of the few Norman relics in a city dominated by Viking influence. Nowadays, Clifford’s Tower is one of the most popular and emblematic sights in York, and the panoramic views from the tower’s ramparts make it an excellent starting point for first-time visitors to historic York."

"Seeing this amazing structure from the street is brilliant and free. It sits perfectly on top of its hill overlooking the city. It is almost all that remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror and today is looked after by English Heritage"

"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."

"Step back in time at this beautifully restored, fully operational windmill. This Grade II listed icon has been lovingly brought back to life by the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society, a collection of local residents who rallied together to secure its future and rescue it from disrepair. Dating back to the late 18th century, the windmill supplied flour from Holgate to York, just over a mile from the city centre."

"While it’s generally perceived to be more of a child’s haven rather than a suitable Instagram location, Rowntree’s Park does in fact have many cute places to grab the perfect shot. During the summer, the park is positively heaving with families and children indulging in picnics and ice creams, and in the winter you’ll often find couples snuggled together, taking a romantic stroll around the park. The little bridges that go over the river and lake in the park make great backdrops for Instagram opportunities, regardless of the time of year."

"Located on the banks of the River Ouse, Rowntree Park was built as a scenic memorial to those who fought in the World Wars. Across its 30 acres, you will find children’s play areas as well as facilities for bowling, tennis and basketball. Enjoy walking around the lake, woodland and flower beds for free!"

"A train station may seem like an unusual location to describe as ‘Instagrammable’ but York train station is far from ordinary. The beautiful building is home to some stunning pieces of architectural work, as well as modern film interest!. The bridge that connects the platforms at York train station is actually the one that Harry and Hagrid walk over in the first Harry Potter film!"

"Located at Micklegate Bar, one of the four principal gateways of York’s medieval city walls, the Henry VII Experience transports visitors back to medieval era York, following the fascinating story of Henry VII. Housed in the restored 14th-century gatehouse, the museum features exhibits on the legacy of Henry VII, England’s first Tudor King, who defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth and went on to rule for twenty-four years. Highlights of the experience include interactive exhibitions on the Battle of Bosworth and the Tudor ascent to the throne, and a special Tudor Camp for children, with costumes, props, and narration by Horrible Histories author Terry Deary."

"Find out about his early life as an exile Lancastrian heir to the throne, see the impact on the city of York as it continued to prosper throughout his reign and enjoy interactive experiences exploring life and death in Tudor times. 1 mile(s) from the Minster.Micklegate, York YO1 6JX, United Kingdom"

"York has been an important military base since the IX Legion was here in Roman times. York Army Museum displays a large and diverse collection dedicated to The Royal Dragoon Guards, The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire and The Yorkshire Regiment. All have a long connection to the city."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"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 National Railway Museum in York is home to some of the country’s greatest feats of engineering, and tells the story of Britain’s railway innovation. The museum was founded in 1975 on the site of the former North York locomotive depot, where it still stands today. In the early days of locomotive transport, York was revered as the heart of the rail networks of the north."

"The world’s largest railway museum, from the Japanese Bullet Train to Queen Victoria’s favourite carriage, The Rocket and The Mallard. This is one giant museum with free entry!"

"This highly-regarded theatre is a cultural touchstone for North Yorkshire. For more than 35 years up to 2009 the theatre’s artistic director was playwright Sir Alan Ayckboure, and in that time nearly all of his plays premiered at this venue. On the menu will be high-quality productions at the 404-seatrer theatre in the round, and 165-seat end-on stage auditorium."