Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Castle Howard

"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."

"Clifford's Tower was once the site of a timber keep built by William the Conqueror. The current incarnation of Clifford's Tower has looked over the city of York since 1245. Part of York Castle, the tower played a role in the Dissolution of the Monasteries and the English Civil War."

"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."

"This award-winning museum attempts to bring 400 years of the city’s history together in one place. The interactive style of this museum is full of loyal recreations that accurately imitate how life would have been; a street plucked straight from the Victorian era, a row of iconic shops straight from the 1970s and much more. Children enter for free with a paying adult and there is enough variety to keep all ages happy."

"Lots of things to do, including learning about the history of the building, which was once a prison – hear what crimes some of its inmates had committed. The best part (in our opinion) is the recreated Victorian Street, Kirkgate – a cobbled street with traditional shops to visit. VISIT THEIR WEBSITE >>"

"York Castle Museum is a museum located in York, North Yorkshire, England, on the site of York Castle, which was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068."

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

"For some laid-back fun, try the Evil Eye Lounge, with its louche, lamp-lit rooms and broad range of cocktails and (beware) absinthe. It's probably the most eccentric drinking hole in the city, with influences from as far-flung, disparate places as Morocco, Brazil and Haiti. Proudly offering a 'sanctuary from the norm', Evil Eye isn't just a bar – there's a cinema room and even wooden beds to hide in upstairs."

"Whenever you ask people for recommendations of places to eat and drink in York, you’ll nearly always hear the response ‘Evil Eye’. It’s home to one of the largest collections of gins you’ll ever see; and it also has a shop at the front of the bar where you can purchase weird and wonderful gins to take home with you!. 42 Stonegate, York YO1 8A"

"One of the more unique and wackier places on this list is none other than the House of The Trembling Madness. Many of the reviews of this place say that it is a ‘MUST-visit’ and 'If you’re looking for unusual, fun, esoteric and eclectic then this is your place.’ With its unusual name, many people are drawn to this place by its pure aesthetic alone, with its famous 900 year old wall, the House of The Trembling Madness resides in the first Norman building built in York, the wall is all that remains of its original structure. When you come here though, you won’t want to leave when you see their generous selection of world crafted beers on offer, and their big portions of hearty pub meals all at very reasonable prices, such as their large steak and stout pie with mash and peas, at only 13 USD!"

"The main focus of the Trembling Madness is the stunning three rooms upstairs; each is finely presented in the grand Georgian style but with that quirky Madness shining through with a smattering of taxidermy and quite disturbing renaissance gothic works of art mainly depicting hell. Two of the rooms are set out with tables and chairs, the high ceilings and big windows giving a spacious and relaxing atmosphere."

"Just like the name suggests, this eccentric restaurant offers something a little unique. It is designed to resemble a medieval ale house with stuffed animals sprawn across the walls and Belgian beers on tap. Food is served all day long with bar snacks, authentic Yorkshire ingredients, and craft beer all round."

"Located on the site of an old water meadow used to grow peas, The Black Swan dates back to the 15th century. Then, it was used as lodgings for the Sheriff of York, before being transformed into a pub in the 16th century. The building is charmingly historic, with a classic Tudor half-timbered façade, a maze of rooms within, low-beamed ceilings and roaring open fires."

"Dating back to the 15th century, this atmospheric Tudor inn is a sight in itself. But far from being just a tourist attraction, The Black Swan is a thriving old tavern, with live music most evenings, including everything from jazz to ever-popular folk nights. It also serves hefty plates of British pub food."

"Fancy Hanks is a welcome addition to York, serving American deep South good mood food. They have an excellent all day breakfast menu that includes an American Breakfast (Two Rashes of Streaky Bacon, Homemade Sausage Pattie, Two Eggs, Home Fries, Toast), Chorizo Hash (Chorizo, Potato, Onion, Tomato, Roasted Pimento Pepper and Scallions stir fried and topped with Chipotle Mayo & a Fried Egg) and Mushrooms On Toast (Sauteed Mushrooms, Parmesan, Pine Nuts, Mixed Herbs, Spinach, Guacamole and a Poached Egg on top of toasted bloomer.)"

"Eat & Drink, Cafés & Tearooms"

"The Golden Grid is a sit-down fish restaurant that has been serving the best cod in Scarborough since 1883. Its starched white tablecloths and starched white aprons are staunchly traditional, as is the menu: as..."

"Loch Fyne was “brought to life by two oyster enthusiasts, Johnny and Andy, who started selling their oysters from a small shack on the west coast of Scotland. We now have 22 Restaurants up and down the country, providing fresh, sustainably sourced seafood dishes; much of which is delivered fresh from the loch itself.”  Loch Fyne have a good brunch menu including Baked eggs, Loch Fyne Kippers, Avocado, pink grapefruit and chilli and the Loch Fyne Breakfast (grilled sausage, back bacon, black pudding, haggis, mushroom, baked beans, tomato, egg how you like it and toasted sourdough)."

"Although Loch Fyne is part of a chain, it still provides a personal experience to your dining. Starting out in the 1970s on the west coast of Scotland, Loch Fyne has spread all the way down to the south of England. Its wonderful location in York has it sitting on the gorgeous River Foss (Loch Fyne is on the right in the photo), in a beautiful old building that has retained much of its original fixtures that provide a unique experience for its costumers!"