York is an ancient cathedral city with a fascinating history that is still visible either in its architecture or through visitor attractions, along with easy access to the stunning natural scenery of the Yorkshire Moors. This compact city is reputed to be the third most visited in the UK offering a natural charm, laid-back vibe and warm welcome. York has a lively programme of festivals covering everything from Vikings to food and history while York Races and the Yorkshire coastline bring added attractions.
Must Know | York has good links to major cities and is just two hours away from London. | |
Must See | York has an endless supply of fun activities for all ages. The top 'must sees' are the Jorvik Viking Centre which recreates the sounds, sights and smells of Viking Britain, York Minster Cathedral with its beautiful rose window, and Clifford's Tower, all that remains of the city's medieval castle. | |
Must Do | To get a real flavour of York walk the city walls at sunset or take part in one of the many guided walks or evening ghost tours that are available. | |
Did You Know | York has one of the oldest shopping streets in the whole of Europe. The Shambles dates back to 1086. |
The city of York has good motorway links to London's airports while Manchester Airport is less than 2 hours away by train. York is one of the main UK rail hubs with a centrally located train station while National Express Coaches bring visitors from across the country and the continent either directly or via London. Local buses, taxis and car rentals are all easily available at York Station which is also within walking distance of tourist attractions.
York is a compact city with many pedestrianised areas making it enjoyable to explore on foot. It's also bicycle friendly with daily or longer-term bike rental available while local buses cross the city and link it to local areas of interest. Day and weekly bus passes can easily be purchased. Hiring a rental car on arrival makes travelling to York straightforward and gives easy access to the stunning countryside and coastlines that surround it.