Historic Sites in Barton le Willows

"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."

"With breathtaking views of York, Clifford’s tower is an important stop off for anyone new to the city. Originally part of York Castle, the tower was built by William the Conqueror and has been used as both a prison and a royal mint."

"The striking contrast of Clifford’s Tower with the green bank of grass it sits on is a classic photo to snap of York!. Make the short (but steep) climb to the top and venture inside for a panorama of York."

"As the name implies, York’s Merchant Adventurers were merchants. They traded along the English coast, northern Europe and sometimes as far as the Baltic and Iceland, bringing back an assortment of desired goods to York. The city was an important river port and the wealthiest city in Northern England, second only to London for most of the Middle Ages, allowing the merchants to make enough money to build the Hall between 1357 and 1361."

"The Merchant Adventurers' Hall is a restored medieval guildhall dating from the 14th century. The Great Hall is Britain's largest timber-framed building still used for its original purpose. The hall is still used by the Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York, now a charitable organization."

"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..."

"The York Cold War Bunker has to be one of the city’s most captivating attractions. Tucked down a quiet residential cul-de-sac, you’ll find the inconspicuous entrance through an industrial-looking bomb-proof door. Go past the decontamination room, and down to the control centre, dormitory, and staff room where, for more than 30 years, this place hummed with activity, staffed by volunteers ready to map and manage the fallout from a nuclear blast."

"Like a moment frozen in time, York’s Cold War bunker takes visitors back to an era where the threat of nuclear explosions prompted the construction of this space. The partially-underground bunker is a glimpse into the recent history of the British Cold War, built in 1961 to monitor fallout. It was decommissioned in the 1990s, but remains a reminder of what it is like to live under the threat of nuclear war."

"In the secluded valley of the River Rye about 3 miles west of Helmsley, amid fields and woods loud with birdsong, stand the magnificent ruins of Rievaulx Abbey (ree-voh). The extensive remains give a wonderful sense of the size and complexity of the community that once lived here, and their story is fleshed out in a series of fascinating exhibits in a new museum. There's also a cafe with floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor terrace from which to gawp at the ruins."

"Located between Leeds and Wetherby, Bramham Park is the site of the iconic Leeds Festival which occurs every August bank holiday weekend. If you don’t hold tickets to the festival, visit during the rest of the year to explore the 18th Century manor house and its sprawling grounds."

"From The Botanist website: “Discover the origins and history of our botanists’ favourite tipple, as our experts guide you through our gin tasting masterclass. Enjoy a range of expertly selected gins, as you learn to identify the unique flavours and botanicals in every bottle.”. £25 each, minimum of six per party, maximum of twelve."

"The Botanist have a fresh new offering for brunch that you can upgrade to bottomless brunch if you would like (and what’s not to like?). You choose a dish from six different sections of the menu – each section has three options."

"Goji Vegetarian Café and Deli on Goodramgate serve up vegetarian, nutritious and wholesome food, lovingly prepared in-house. They definitely have a passion for good food, which can be seen in the quality of the dishes and they work with local suppliers and organic produce, just ask which dishes are vegan when ordering and you are sure to enjoy a delicious meal!. The deli offers a choice of sweet and savoury snacks, vegan wines and gifts too, and you can take away food too."

"A veggie and vegan paradise, this little deli-restaurant is strictly meat-free. Our personal favourite is the house Goji burger; a mushroom burger loaded with halloumi, salad and sweet potato wedges. There’s a sumptuous selection of cakes and little bits in the deli and even a breakfast menu, should you want to swing by on the way to work."

"From grain to glass, see how traditional ale is created at York Brewery. Located just inside the city walls on Toft Green, York Brewery has been handcrafting real ales since 1996. The brewery site was built in the late 16th century, and has seen many uses over its history, but now it is home to a 20-barrel brew plant, with six traditional open top fermenters and five conditioning tanks."

"It is a pleasant Sunday afternoon at Quirky Ales and Monkey is starting his afternoon off with a Hip Hop. Is that wise Monkey?"

"Sited at the top of Micklegate a few yards from the city walls this bar from independent Scottish brewing giants Brewdog opened after a protracted court battle with a local trader – much to the relief of their loyal following of fans in the York area. I say fans because Brewdog as a company have so far attracted investment in their crowdfunding equity scheme from over 100,000 loyal drinkers. The multi-roomed bar is huge."

"What sometimes feels like a historical reenactment is actually a fully functioning and fantastic way to shop in style!. Nestled in the heart of the city, between Parliament Street and the ever-popular Shambles, the 70 stalls host a variety of wares and crafts. From handmade cheeses and alcoholic rarities like mead (if they offer you a free sample – take it) to arts and crafts and beautiful floral bouquets, the markets are a sensory experience even if you aren’t willing to spend."

"One of the most Instagrammable and photogenic spots in York is the York Market (Shambles Market). While the market itself as well, like a regular market, the buildings surrounding the market are incredible for taking photos."

"Interesting place with few top shops with nice brands and good quality products and garments. Selection of shops is excellent. There is a cafe on the 1st floor which offers quality food and servic"