Historic Sites 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."

"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."

"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."

"A mile outside of the city centre, York Cold War Bunker tells the story of a country on the brink of nuclear warfare. Designed to monitor nuclear fallout in the event of an attack in Yorkshire, the semi-submerged bunker affords visitors the chance to explore some of York’s more unusual history. Built in 1961, the bunker served as the regional headquarters for the Royal Observer Corps until 1991."

"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."

"This pink facade building on St. Helen’s Square (near Betty’s Tea Rooms) is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York and has only recently opened to the public. The grand, 800 year old house showcases collections of silverware and ceramics, ceremonial items used by the Lord Mayor as well as recreated 18th century bedrooms and dining rooms. The downstairs kitchen has interactive exhibits and equipment to learn about Georgian cooking ."

"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."

"Once Across The Garden is a catering company based in York, and each Saturday have a stall at The Shambles Market serving delicious vegan cakes, cupcakes, tray bakes, millionaire’s shortbread and other delicious treats. You can also find a great selection of vegan-friendly food at Holland & Barrett if you want to cook something for yourself at your aparthotel."

"Vegan Kitchen – Street Food including curries, cakes & lots more. We also serve gluten free food. Deliveries only for now: call to order or message."

"If you have a large appetite, then a great takeaway option is The Golden Horse, as customers say that the portions are large enough for two or three people to share. This takeaway is also praised for the quality of its food and for the friendly customer service. Closed on Mondays, open from 5.30 pm to 11.30 pm from Tuesday to Thursday, and open from 5.30 pm to midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays"

"Ippuku Tea House “offer modern but still authentic Japanese style food, tea and drinks that represent ideals of the Japanese life-style using only high quality Japanese products and produce currently trending in Japan.” They serve a vegetable or salmon sushi bowl (Sushi rice topped with edamame, half an avocado and smoked salmon or a seasonal vegetable side, pickles and salad.)  Or you could try Teriyaki chicken, Shougayaki pork or Gyoza."

"Japanese Eringi mushroom in a garlic miso, our current seasonal veg dish #japanesefood #york #japanesekitchen #mushrooms #vegan @visityork. There is no better place to savor the tasty goodness of Japanese food than this charming restaurant. Ippuku Tea House offers a wide variety of sumptuous authentic Japanese-style food, drinks, and, of course, tea."

"Head here for the most beautiful, fluffy pancakes in York, and potentially the world. I’d recommend the Matcha pancakes with whipped cream and berries. Get single stack though, they’re huge!"

"They serve ramen with mushroom and kombu, spicy chilli beef and tonkotsu. Sando (Japanese hot sandwiches) with chicken, pork belly and tamago egg, bao buns, Robata (Japanese BBQ) and specials of the day,"

"Sushi are a slick chain sushi restaurant with dine in and takeaway options. You can choose from classic sushi dishes like a Dragon Roll, Dynamite Roll or Salmon Maki or Sashimi. You could also go for Takoyaki or a Yasai Roll."

"Spurriergate is open for refreshments and meet-ups Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 2.30pm. We have free Friendly WiFi, a soft play area and a warm welcome. Come and meet your friends and make some new ones!"