York Area Guide

York is a beautiful, historic city which is one of England’s most visited areas in the stunning county of Yorkshire. The area has impressive ancient architecture such as the City Walls, Minster, Castle and Museum Gardens. Take Advantage of riverside walks, boat trips, numerous options of cafes, restaurants, and festivals all year round, showcasing different types of music, theatre, culture, food, and drink.

York is an ideal place to live, study, and work. Situated approximately two hours by train from London Kings Cross, frequent train and bus services operating to a multitude of areas, and major amenities in walking and cycling distance this area is a dream for ease of getting around.

Highlights and attractions

Explore York Minster

A stunning cathedral dating back to the seventh century.

Pretty much everywhere you go in York, you can catch a glimpse of the splendid Minster soaring over the city. But make sure you go to see it close up. Step inside the cool interiors and admire medieval stained-glass windows, carved stone and sparkling artefacts. We particularly like the underground chambers – you’ll leave with a whole lot of new knowledge on the area’s history.

Strap on some sensible shoes and climb all 275 steps to enjoy the view from the highest point in York. If you’re lucky you might just spot a peregrine falcon nesting peacefully next to a gargoyle.

Walk along the city walls

Roman fortifications that once protected the city.

The Romans did a lot in York. They built roads, thermal baths and left York with the longest walls barrier in the country. Walking the full length of York’s city walls will take a couple of hours, especially if you stop to read the many plaques on the way.

You can enlist the help of a guide to save a bit of brainwork. Tailored tours ensure you only get the juicy tidbits, while private excursions cut out any possibility of stragglers.

Climb up Clifford's Tower

The ruined Norman keep at the centre of York Castle.

Like lots of this city’s history, this tower’s name has rather gruesome roots: Roger de Clifford was hanged for treason on this site back in 1322. Today the tower offers some pretty spectacular views. At the hill’s summit, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled panoramas over York Minster and the city centre, and, on a clear day, you can see as far as the North York Moors National Park.

Stroll down the Shambles

Quite possibly York’s most famous street and a firm favourite with Harry Potter fans.

Take a stroll down this winding road and you’ll be overcome with its quaintness. But wait: The Shambles has a darker past lurking behind its pretty façade. In fact, its very name is the Old English word for slaughterhouse. And those cute hooks on the front of the shops? Originally used for hanging meat. Yum. More fun facts? The wonky-looking timber-framed buildings, many of which date back to the fourteenth century, were built like that so the overhang would protect the ‘wattle and daub’ walls and help keep the meat from going rancid in the sunshine. Scone, anyone?

Grab a pint at Ye Old Shambles Tavern or go shopping for a new wand at one of the many Harry Potter-themed stores.

Cruise down the Ouse

York’s river, which cuts a path through the city before winding up at the Humber Estuary.

The Ouse is a picturesque delight with riverside walking routes that are perfect for post-lunch strolls. Follow the river and you’ll catch some of York’s best sights, from the Millennium Bridge to Clifford’s Tower. You can also take regular boat tours or cruises down the river.

Take the early evening cruise and you’ll be treated to sunset views that’ll give you pause for thought (and photos). The boat comes with a fully stocked bar should you fancy an evening tipple and there’s lively onboard commentary.

Commuting

There are around 43 trains a day between York and London Kings Cross with the fastest direct route taking 1h 47m.

Annual season ticket costs:

• York to London Terminals - £14,888
• York to London Travelcard Zones 1 – 6 - £15,524
• There is also a large number of York residents who commute to Leeds.
• York to Leeds - £1,908 (Valid only on Northern Trains services)
• York to Leeds - £2,384 (Travel is allowed via any permitted route)

Seasonal tickets can be purchased through trainline.com.

The cost of a bus pass is £66.00 per month. This gives you access to seven different bus services within York for the whole month.

You can pay month by month by pre-booking your parking spots. This averages out at £161.00 pounds per month. However, per hour is averaged at £1.60.

Food and drinks

York is the ultimate destination for foodies and those looking for a special culinary experience
with a huge range of dishes on offer from a wide variety of quality cafés and restaurants.
Treat yourself with some fine dining, discover independents or enjoy the thriving street food scene at the Shambles Market Food Court. Shop for foodie goodies, learn some culinary skills with cookery classes and chef demonstrations or embark on an Ale Trail - a walking tour around some of York’s best pubs. If you’re visiting in September, don’t miss the York Food Festival Weekend which fills the streets with delicious sights, smells and tastes.

Events

York has a vibrant calendar of festivals, events, gigs and shows and there's always something exciting taking place for you to enjoy whilst visiting the city.
Experience amazing world-class festivals and events such as the 
JORVIK Viking Festival, York Races, the Early Music Festival and the Aesthetica Short Film Festival.

Don’t miss comedy nights, markets, exhibitions and much more at the city’s varied cultural venues and theatres. In the winter months, enjoy the UK’s most festive city with the enchanting St Nicholas Fair and a plethora of Christmas activities.

Schools

York’s well-established schools come highly recommended with private education from St peters, Queen Margaret’s school for girls, the Mount and Bootham.

Then moving onto Higher education, you can choose from outstanding 6th forms and York University with over 20 different subjects to choose from.