Historic Sites in Gate Helmsley

"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 offers stunning views of the city from it’s vantage point on top of a mound. The tower is what’s left of the York Castle which was built by William the Conqueror. 1 mile(s) from the Minster.Tower St, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9SA, United Kingdom"

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"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."

"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..."

"Just a short drive from the city center you can find the York Cold War Bunker which is unlike any of the other historic attractions in the area. Wonderfully well-preserved, it dates to 1961 and is the only Royal Observer Corps bunker of its kind that you can take tours around. Once one of around thirty such sites in the UK, it was in this semi-subterranean two-storey bunker that members of the Corps and a scientific warning team would have sheltered in the event of a 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."

"King’s Manor is a stately house in York city centre that has played host to some of British history’s most important visitors. In the days before the Reformation, it was the home of the Abbot of St Mary’s, before becoming the headquarters of the Council of the North in Henry VIII’s time. The Tudor king himself stayed there, giving rise to its current name."

"Filmore and Union, located on Petergate, are all about natural and wholesome foods. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving organic coffee, fresh juices and smoothies, 100% gluten-free cakes and much more. 90% of the menu is gluten-free, and they’re a Coeliac Association Accredited café, and are happy to accommodate any dietary requirements with many dishes being vegan or vegetarian."

"For the fancy turmeric/matcha latte fanatics among you, you’ll love this one. Their avocado on toast is amazing, along with their scrambled eggs on toast with smoked salmon. With their menu options ranging from a full English, eggs, bagels, porridge and pancakes, you won’t leave hungry."

"A reviewer said: AZ restaurant is fantastic and is one of the best in Scarborough if not 'the best'. Clean, tidy, immaculate. Atmosphere is wonderful and service is second to none."

"A TripAdvisor reviewer said: Very nice food as always, lovely atmosphere and kind staff. My favorite restaurant, we will be back once again."

"They say location is everything, and whether you’re in York for a romantic weekend break, or to explore the city’s historical past, Greys Court Hotel makes the ideal location from which to base your activities. Steeped in history, and with parts of its architecture dating back to the late 11th century it appears squeezed between the Minster and the Treasurer’s House. However, once through the hotel’s entrance, the connotation with squeezed ends, and you can enjoy the luxurious, historically romantic ambiance that Greys Court Hotel offers, along with all the modern conveniences you would expect from a high-end establishment."

"Found within one of the most intriguing buildings in York, Grays Court, The Bow Room is a relative newcomer to the restaurant scene in York. Despite its youth, it’s quickly developed a stellar reputation for its creative food and winning atmosphere. Among the restaurants’ accolades, The Bow Room boasts two AA Rosettes – earnt under the leadership of innovative Head Chef Joe Clapham – who boasts an impressive resume which includes the formerly Michelin Starred Box Tree in Ilkley."

"The Chopping Block serves traditional French food and is the creation of chef proprietor “Michael Hjort, the founder and owner of Melton’s, one of York’s leading fine dining restaurants. The A la Carte menu is about carefully prepared food with real flavour and authenticity using Yorkshire produce and Michael’s favourite recipes. In addition there are daily specials, a great value set menu and homemade bar snacks served in the Ale House below the restaurant."