Mentioned by History Hit
10 of the Best Historic Sites in York
"Clifford’s Tower (also known as York Castle) has been at the heart of York for many centuries now. It’s endured a fair few battles and what remains of the fortified complex that once consisted of prisons, castles and law courts, is now a ruinous castle. You can climb to the top of the tower for a small fee, where you’ll see panoramic views of the Vale of York."
"Students can find it right between the Castle Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre. Clifford’s Tower offers visitors stunning panoramic views over Old York, thus making it the ideal starting point for any visit to the city. There’s plenty to discover here, including the remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror, a prison and a royal mint."
"Offering a fascinating look into the everyday life of the English over the ages is the superb York Castle Museum. Built on the same site where the original York Castle once stood, the museum is in the south of the city center and has countless artifacts and exhibits to explore. While the museum was founded in 1938, its colossal collection is housed in various buildings that used to serve as a prison."
"Step back in time with York Castle Museum, an informative, interactive destination that will charm history-buffs and families alike. Unique in its depictions of everyday life, both past and present, York Castle Museum is best-known for period reconstructions of historic streets—like the Victorian Kirkgate—and costumed actors who help bring the past to life."
"It is housed in 18th century prison buildings, built over the original Norman castle. The diverse collection of exhibits includes cells from the original prison, a recreated Victorian street (Kirkgate) and a children's toy collection. There's also a homage to the Sixties with exhibits covering counterculture, fashion, music, sport, and women's liberation."
"The Press Kitchen is a relaxed, informal & independent modern British neighbourhood restaurant & wine bar located within the heart of the city serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is very creative and the flavours worked amazingly together, so hats off to the chef!. There’s an extensive wine list serving by the glass and staff are very attentive that nothings too much trouble."
"Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this colourful restaurant on Walmgate has a distinctly Italian feel with homemade pasta, feta-stuffed romero peppers and chicken or vegetarian cacciatore. If you order food, don’t forget to use your free token on the vinyl jukebox."
"Our Pizza Express Italian restaurants serve delicious, freshly made pizza, plus there’s a takeaway service so you can have our tasty pizza to go. 17 Museum St, York YO1 7DJT:01904 67290410 St Sampsons Square, York YO1 8RNT: 01904 630930"
"With five galleries showcasing a range of archaeological treasures as well as displays of rare animals, birds and fossils, the Yorkshire Museum also boasts fabulous greenery, making it the perfect place for tourists to enjoy a relaxing, scenic walk. Established during the 1830s, the historical gardens are famous for their wonderful selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs. With botanical gardens comprised of 10 acres, Yorkshire Museum Gardens is the ideal place to visit for a relaxing retreat."
"The Museum Gardens are potentially my favourite place in the whole of York. Regardless of the time of year, the Museum Gardens always look in pristine condition and there are ample places for you to get a good pic for the ‘gram. From St. Mary’s Abbey that provides an idyllic historic backdrop, to the plethora of trees, plants and flowers that are scattered all over the gardens, as well as the Yorkshire Museum, the Museum Gardens are an incredible place for taking pictures."
"As you know we love spending time outside so it’s nice that there is a lovely outdoor area in the heart of the city. York museum gardens are beautiful gardens even in the winter when we visited. I can only imagine how stunning they are when the flowers are in bloom."
"With five galleries showcasing a range of archaeological treasures as well as displays of rare animals, birds and fossils, the Yorkshire Museum also boasts fabulous greenery, making it the perfect place for tourists to enjoy a relaxing, scenic walk. Established during the 1830s, the historical gardens are famous for their wonderful selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs. With botanical gardens comprised of 10 acres, Yorkshire Museum Gardens is the ideal place to visit for a relaxing retreat."
"The Museum Gardens are potentially my favourite place in the whole of York. Regardless of the time of year, the Museum Gardens always look in pristine condition and there are ample places for you to get a good pic for the ‘gram. From St. Mary’s Abbey that provides an idyllic historic backdrop, to the plethora of trees, plants and flowers that are scattered all over the gardens, as well as the Yorkshire Museum, the Museum Gardens are an incredible place for taking pictures."
"As you know we love spending time outside so it’s nice that there is a lovely outdoor area in the heart of the city. York museum gardens are beautiful gardens even in the winter when we visited. I can only imagine how stunning they are when the flowers are in bloom."
"Thomas Atkinson, an 18th century English architect, is famous for remaking the Bishopthorpe Palace in York in the Gothic Revival style. Though a rather influential figure of his time, very little is known about Atkinson's private life. His house, located at 20 St. Andrewgate, is one of the sparse evidences of his life in York."
"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."
"This historic court has had knights, kings and royalty walk the halls proving to be the perfect stay for those wishing to escape into a fairytale. Grays Court sits in the heart of the city with direct access to the medieval York walls. The rooms at Grays Court certainly bring the wow factor, with freestanding copper bathtubs, William IV poster beds, all with perfectly framed views of the Minster or the gardens below."
"In the city's premier location, between the Minster and the walls, with a history dating back to the 11th century plus a discreet entrance, this hotel ticks the boxes for atmosphere and privacy. The rooms are quietly elegant; the food is quietly confident."
"Walk through this Ossett Brewery craft beer bar and it opens out into a rather ugly barn of a room: all exposed, new red brick under a glass atrium, the walls incongruously decorated with huge, historic portraits of local dignitaries. The room does have one key eye-catching feature though, a wood-fired oven which gives the Hop an edge over many of York’s pizzerias. The pizzas are paper thin in the middle, boast reasonable char and the dough easily digestible."
"The fourth Ossett Brewery Hop site has a rather overdesigned bar (fancy, pump-clip print wallpaper, jazzy floor tiles and vintage mirrors, ornate art deco lights) opening out into a cavernous pizza restaurant and live music venue. If it feels a little plastic, you can't fault the beer across nine keg and 11 cask pumps. Ossett beers feature prominently of course, as do beers from its rather more buccaneer microbrewery offshoots, Rat and Fernandes."
"The Hop York is a unique real ale house and an exciting drinking establishment located at the heart of York on Fossgate, serving up delicious wood-fired pizza and Ossett Brewery ales, as well as hosting weekly music. Everyday our kitchen is serving up the tastiest pizza in town, freshly wood-fired to create the perfect taste sensation."