Must See Sights and Landmarks in Kirkham Abbey Area

"At one point the majestic centerpiece of York Castle, this historic keep has had a long and troubled life. Originally built to intimidate and subdue the Viking north by William the Conqueror, it has been twice burned to the ground in its lifespan. The other surviving fragments of the castle (such as the bailey wall and parts of the south gatehouse) blend seamlessly into the bustling city streets."

"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."

"The tower stands high next to York Castle Museum with views over York. Clifford's Tower was built at the Eye of York, a defensive position between the River Ouse and River Foss. Built in 1068 by William the Conqueror to control the North of England."

"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."

"Another excellent photography spot and Instagrammable place in York is the Merchant’s Hall. The Merchant’s Hall has one of the most impressive guildhalls in the world, and sometimes you can get it empty – it’s incredible for photos."

"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."

"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."

"Experience life in a cold war bunker and discover the history of the volunteers who would have played a vital role in ensuring Britain could withstand a nuclear attack. Through a one hour guided tour, you’ll learn about this recent period in British history and how the people of York prepared for the threat of nuclear war."

"One of the more beautiful churches in Scarborough, St Martins is filled with gorgeous stained glass windows with designs from celebrated artists including William Morris, Sir Edward Burne-Jones and Dane Gabriel Rosetti."

"A train station may seem like an unusual location to describe as ‘Instagrammable’ but York train station is far from ordinary. The beautiful building is home to some stunning pieces of architectural work, as well as modern film interest!. The bridge that connects the platforms at York train station is actually the one that Harry and Hagrid walk over in the first Harry Potter film!"

"In the care of the National Trust since 1930 (it was one of its first major properties), and tucked away behind the Minster, the Treasurer's House has both a lovely garden and fascinating collection of art and antiques. The name derives from it being on the site of the medieval house of the Minster's Treasurer, a post abolished at the Reformation. The present building dates from the 17th century, but had been added to with various accretions and was actually three separate houses when in 1897 it was bought by Frank Green (1861-1954)."

"Explore one of the original National Trust properties at York’s Treasurer’s House, an opulent and eclectic 2-story mansion set amid landscaped gardens that has a fascinating history spanning 2,000 years. Highlights include the period rooms replete with historical artifacts, including a Queen Anne bedspread and a blown-glass chandelier, as well as the allegedly haunted cellars."

"Treasurer’s House is located a few metres from the York Minster and has a history spanning 2,000 years. The house features a collection of antiques including furniture, ceramics, textiles and paintings. 445 metres from the Minster.Minster Yard, York, York YO1 7JL, United Kingdom"

"A survivor of Yorkshire’s ancient fenlands, dating back 15,000 years, Askham Bog is considered one of the most ecologically diverse sites in the UK. The bog itself is made of boulder clay and fen peat, while the land around it is home to roe deer, foxes, newts and frogs. Plants include royal ferns, rare gingerbread sedge and whole rivers of water violets."

"Housed in a majestic stone building with pillars reminiscent of the Parthenon in Greece, sits one of the best collections of archaeology and geology in Europe. Ranging from prehistoric natural history, through ancient Roman treasure and up toward the modern-day, this is a great early stop on your exploration of York. Arm yourself with knowledge of the history that makes this city so special, and watch as every subsequent attraction comes to life with your new understanding."

"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."

"In the grounds of the peaceful Museum Gardens, you can see the Multangular Tower, a part of the City Walls that was once the western tower of the Roman garrison's defensive ramparts. The Roman stonework at the..."

"Just south of the spa, the South Cliff Italian Gardens were plotted at the turn of the 20th century and sit on a terrace that bends with the contours of the cliff. In the Italian Renaissance style, the gardens have geometric flowerbeds, a lily pond topped with a statue of Mercury and two very ceremonious stairways climbing to shelters beneath pergolas dating to 1914. It’s all part of a long tapestry of open spaces, including a rose garden and a cliff-top path with wonderful vistas back to the castle, all equipped with stairways and the Cliff Lifts down to the beach."

"It has lots of flowers, well arranged in and around sitting areas. A good place to relax while walking around the South bay. Highly recommended to take some monkey nuts and feed the squirrels."

"Offers a variety of sandwiches, paninis and jacket potatoes as well as serving breakfast and cakes. Still taking walk-ins where possible but calling and booking advised. 1 Peter Lane, York, York, YO1 8SWT: 01904 863822"

"This little gem is tucked away down Peter Lane, next to Superdrug. But venture down and you’ll discover a friendly and warm cafe, with lots of tasty treats to try. Choose from sandwiches, paninis, breakfasts and more!"

"The ideal place to enjoy anything from a cup of tea to a full meal. 13-17 Coney St, York YO1 9QLT: 0871 902 5747"

"Rowntree Park reading cafe will be open 7 days a week 9-4 for takeaways. So if you are walking through the park taking your exercise, do call by to pick up a coffee to keep you warm. This café is a welcoming open place for you to come and enjoy a good cup of tea or fair trade coffee, as well as offering a fantastic range of sandwiches and homemade cakes to cater for all tastes."