One thing York has in abundance is attractions and sights: visitors have so many options, it would take weeks to explore them all.
Since you don’t have so much time available, let’s see some spots you simply must visit.
York Minster… and you shall Live Happily Ever After!
York Minster, a stunning cathedral known for its medieval stained glass and sculptured masterpieces, shaped not just by human hand, but from centuries of violent history.
You can take a fascinating journey through the centuries underground chambers with audio-visual and interactive galleries that help visitors understand the stories behind Minster’s most significant artefacts.
Children can also join treasure hunts and adventurous discovery trails, while you marvel the stunning views of the surrounding landscape, or even testing the ‘Heart of Yorkshire’ legend, according to which all sweethearts that kiss under the cathedral’s Great West Window will never part from each other.
Be Henry VII for a couple of hours
In Micklegate Bar, York’s emblematic royal gateway, you can experience the everyday life of probably the most famous Tudor King, Henry VII.
A victorious commander, an exiled heir striving to gain support, a great innovator – and you won’t just learn about him, but experience his life, through interactive exhibits and displays.
Barley Hall & Clifford’s Tower
Barley Hall is a beautifully-restored medieval townhouse, featuring probably the only remaining horn window in England. The interior is decorated and equipped as a typical medieval household, and visitors are allowed to use all furniture and everyday objects and understand what daily life meant back then.
Clifford’s Tower, an emblem of medieval English rulers, was originally built by William the Conqueror and rebuilt by Henry III. Its imposing tower took its name from a rather sad incident, but learning it is just a fringe of what this site has to offer. From up there, the majestic panoramic view of York’s impressive landscapes will surely become one of your most cherished memories.
National Railway Museum
Another great option, especially for families, is the famed National Railway Museum, housing numerous legendary trains, like the ‘Mallard’, the world’s fastest steam locomotive, and Queen Victoria’s luxurious personal train chambers.
You will also get a chance of experiencing the working schedule of a station employee, board most of the locomotives, watch trained engineers during work and discover hidden treasures in The Warehouse, while your kids have fun in the well – equipped play areas.
Try to Escape… the York Dungeon!
One of the most thrilling attractions in England, the York Dungeon is designed to take you on a journey to York’s most frightening and darkest tales – and not just hear about them, but experience them. Surrounded by 360 degree sets and state-of-the-art special effects, let the plague doctor examine you the medieval way, face a fierce Viking invasion and discover York’s most haunted spots.
The ‘Trenches’ Terror…
Another great exhibition is ‘1914’ fully devoted to the horrors of WWI and the everyday experiences of the soldiers that lived and died in the trenches. Housed in York Castle Museum, it depicts those dramatic years through the eyes of the Yorkshire men and women.
You and your family or friends will have the chance to witness real people’s stories unfold before you: the prosperous days preceding the war, the recruitment office, your journey to the front and the brutality of awaiting death inside the trenches.
Are you a Chocolate Addict?
York’s ‘Chocolate Story’ is something of an earthly paradise for you!
A fun–packed guided tour through the history of some of the most prominent chocolate-making families and their prime creations. The children will love learning chocolate’s origin and various methods of making it – and, of course, tasting some rare and delicious ‘editions’, or even creating their very own chocolate bars!
