York is a cathedral city in North Yorkshire, at the confluence of the Foss and Ouse. Being relatively small, York may not be on the list of most visitors, but if you’re interested in having a unique cultural experience, it should definitely be on yours. The picturesque town is entirely walkable, meaning you can explore it at your leisure and spend as much time as you want roaming its picturesque streets. The thing that makes it uniquely special is that it’s a place uniquely tied to its history, and to such a degree that to visit it is essentially to walk through a few thousand years of English history.
From the Roman roots (when it was known as Eboracum), to the Viking Era, and all the way to the present, if you love history, art, and architecture, there is no shortage of things to see in York.
Clifford’s Tower
Also known as York Castle, Clifford’s Tower was built by William the Conqueror in 1068 as a Norman stronghold following the conquest of England. It was initially built as a motte and bailey castle, but after being destroyed only one year later, it was reinforced with complex defence systems, including an artificial lake and a moat. King John used the castle extensively throughout his reign, and by the 13th century, an established system of castle guards was in place. In the 15th century, it became a key security spot for the north of England alongside Nottingham Castle, but by the time of Henry VIII’s reign, Clifford’s Tower was already in disrepair, with the exception of its water defences.
During the English Civil War, York served as the northern capital of the Royalists, as the forces loyal to Charles I garrisoned both the castle and the city. At around 10 pm on St George’s Day in 1684, a massive explosion destroyed the castle’s interior, with some historians believing that the event was not an accident. In the 20th century, daffodils were planted on the site of the motte, flowering every year around the time of the massacre of Jewish people that occurred at Clifford’s Tower in 1190. The buildings that used to serve as the debtors’ and female prisons currently host the York Castle Museum.
The Shambles
The Shambles is a historic street featuring preserved medieval buildings. The timber frames and jettied floors lining the narrow street make it one of the most picturesque places in all of England and a must-see if you’re in the city. The street’s name comes from a term that is now obsolete. In the past, “shambles” referred to an open-air meat marketplace and slaughterhouse. The last butcher shops on the street closed in the early 20th century, but many of the shops still have meat hooks hanging outside as a reminder of the street’s original history.
Almost all buildings on the Shambles are listed. 1 Shambles has a hipped pantile roof, moulded cornices and canted bays at the windows, and a timber-framed shopfront. 2 Shambles is occupied by Roly’s Fudge Pantry, with the building dating back to the early 18th century but being modernised in the 1970s. 3-5 Shambles hosts The Shambles Sweet Shop and Take One Gifts. On the second floor of 6 Shambles, you can find a cast-iron Art Nouveau fireplace, while the three-storied 7-8 Shambles has been occupied by the Monk Bar Chocolatiers since 2002. 9 Shambles is the shop of the W. Hamond jewellers who specialise in Whitby jet. 10-11 The Shambles were originally one building and the home of Margaret Clitherow, a recusant who was canonised in 1970, during the 16th century, but currently hosts British Wool & Cashmere and The Potions Cauldron.
Pubs, cafes, and tea rooms
If you want to take some time to relax, there are many locales in York you can visit. The Shambles Kitchen at 28 The Shambles is the place to get an amazing sandwich. The Harry Trotter has pulled pork with apple BBQ sauce, then there’s The Dame Judy Hench that has blow-torched cheddar cheese and pickles, or The Guy Fawkes, which includes smoked beef shin braised in broth, gherkins, and Sriracha. If you want to get brunch, you need to stop by Rise and try the breakfast rolls, acai bowls, hot honey chicken, grilled cheese sandwiches, Turkish eggs, and banana bread.
If you have to catch up on work, this is the best place to do so. Make sure to have a special email account, though, so that all your work tasks are in one place and you don’t have to worry about leaks. A specialised email service won’t track your inbox, so that your private information stays private. When you’re ready to have some fun, drop by one of the several pubs in York that are at least a few hundred years old. The Golden Fleece also has guest bedrooms above, if you’re looking for accommodation. It retains its original design, that of a coaching inn.
Betty’s Café Tea Rooms has been popular since its launch in 1936. The interiors are inspired by the Queen Mary ocean liner and offer a unique menu inspired by both local specialties and Swiss dishes. There’s also a gluten-free menu, as well as seasonal dishes. For example, in autumn and winter, you can have Yorkshire steak cooked with mushrooms and chestnuts, blueberry French toast, baked custard with apples, almonds, and blackberries, and, of course, a sticky toffee cake.
Additional spots
The Treasurer’s House is open to the public for a fee, but attic and cellar tours are only available during certain times of the year. Both the gardens and the Below Stairs Café are free to enter. The York city walls, which were restored during the 19th century, remain in place in several areas. The York Minster, consecrated in 1472, also retains most of its original medieval stained glass, a rare feat among European churches. If you love the outdoors, you’ll certainly enjoy hiking in the North York Moors.
The Hole of Horcum offers great panoramic views, and there’s also the walk from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay, a stunning village located on the coast. You can also go on an infamous York Cat Hunt. All you need to do is pick up a trail leaflet, then find the cat statues located throughout the city. This self-guided tour will take you through many of York’s most important sights and only takes about an hour to complete.
If you’re looking for a nice destination for your next holiday, York might just be the answer for you. If you love beautiful spots and culture, you definitely won’t get bored.
