by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:23rd September 2025
Unearthing the history beneath your feet
The historic city of York is situated in the county of, yes, you guessed it, Yorkshire, often known locally as “God’s own country”. York is the perfect location for a cultural mini-break and somewhere where you can immerse yourself in centuries of history.
Slip on your comfy shoes and unwind as you meander around York’s ancient streets, attractive lanes and discover its captivating charm.
York is a beautiful city to visit all year round and such a pleasure to explore, particularly around the Shambles and Minster Yard.
The Cathedral city of York is reasonably easy to navigate on foot; there are plenty of notable landmarks to visit and many historical sights to see throughout York’s charismatic streets.
Our visit to York was part of our Yorkshire EV road trip.
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Where is York?
How to get to York
- By Train
York’s central station is easily accessible from many UK cities.
- By Coach
You can travel to York via National Express coaches, which offers a direct service from London and other UK locations.
- By Car
The main motorway routes to York are from the M1/M62. York is around 4 hours from London and Edinburgh. Six Park & Ride sites currently operate in York.
- By Air
The closest airport to York is Leeds/Bradford, catch the 757 bus to Leeds train station, then a train onto York. Or hire a car from these airports from Rental Cars.
A brief history of York
From the Romans to RowntreeNestled at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, the city of York stands as a living testament to the rich and layered history of England. From its origins as a Roman fortress to its pinnacle as a powerful Viking capital and a thriving medieval centre.
York's beautifully preserved streets and iconic landmarks offer a captivating journey through two millennia of history. Remnants of Roman York can still be seen today.
Constantine the Great
York’s roots began in AD 71 when the Romans established a fortress, which they named Eboracum. Its strategic location made it a key military hub. For over three centuries, Eboracum served as the capital of Britannia Inferior. In AD 306, Roman Emperor Constantine the Great was proclaimed Emperor in York.
Roman column in York Minster Yard
Following the decline of the Roman Empire, the city was taken by the Anglo-Saxons, who called it Eoforwic. However, it was the arrival of the Vikings in AD 866 that marked another significant chapter in York's history. The Vikings captured the city and renamed it Jorvik.
Jorvik became a major centre for trade and commerce. The popular JORVIK Viking Centre stands on the site of a major archaeological discovery of the Viking-age city.
Stay informed
You will find us across many forms of social media. You will find our latest posts, some throwbacks, links to historic events with our 'On this day' posts, across Facebook, X, Bluesky & Threads. Each week, themed visual content on Instagram, and our narrated travels on YouTube. Collections of the images in our posts are also collated into boards on Pinterest.
And so, the York story continues
History at your feetThe medieval period saw York flourish; the Norman Conquest led to the construction of what is now known as Clifford’s Tower, having suffered through many tumultuous times and been used in various guises.
The jewel in York's medieval crown is the awe-inspiring York Minster. Its construction spanned 250 years, and its intricate stained glass, including the Great East Window, is a masterpiece of medieval art.
York Library and St. Leonards Hospital
York’s defences were also significantly enhanced during this period, with the construction of the remarkable walls that still encircle the old city. A walk along these ramparts offers panoramic views of York.
Then came the arrival of the Tudor period, and King Henry VIII undoubtedly left his mark, destroying many Monastic houses during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Around 30 years later, Guy Fawkes was born in York, and we all know his final agenda later in life. He is believed to have been born in what is now named the Guy Fawkes Inn.
Guy Fawkes Inn
Fast forward a few hundred years, and we arrive in the 19th century, when York became a major railway network hub and confectionery production was at its heart, with York being the birthplace of Rowntree’s and Terry’s two confectionery giants.
Where to stay in York
Galtres Lodge Hotel & Forest Restaurant
This charming Georgian hotel is located in the heart of historic York and overlooks York Minster. It’s within easy reach of York’s main sights and offers a delicious home-cooked breakfast.
Exploring York’s city walls
Walking in the footsteps of historyAn iconic feature of the historic city of York is the beautifully preserved city walls, also known as the Bar Walls. A delightful walk around the ancient walls offers a captivating journey through centuries of English history and gives you lovely views across the rooftops of York.
York’s historic walls
York’s picturesque walls wend their way around the city for around 2.1 miles (3.4 km), they are the longest and most complete medieval town walls in England, providing a unique elevated perspective of the city's landmarks.
View from York city walls
A walk along these ancient ramparts reveals a story that begins with the Romans. One of the few remaining sections of the Roman wall is the Multangular Tower, which is found in Museum Gardens. It is the most intact structure of the walls from this period.
Multangular Tower
The majority of York’s stone walls visible today date from the 12th to the 14th centuries, having undergone significant restoration during Victorian times.
The walls are punctuated by four magnificent main gateways, known as "Bars," which historically served as fortified entrances to the city, controlling access and levying tolls. The four gates are called the Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar and Micklegate Bar.
York city walkway
Fishergate Postern
In addition to the main Bars, the walls feature several smaller gateways, or "posterns," and numerous towers that once played a crucial role in the city's defence. The walkway is generally open from 8:00 am until dusk each day. The full circuit takes approximately two hours to complete and offers stunning views of York Minster.
York Tourist Information
If you’re tempted to visit York, the local tourist office provides some extremely useful information and handy pointers for around the city. The tourist information office can be found at 21 Parliament Street.
Visiting York Minster
A Gothic MasterpieceYork Minster, the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, is a magnificent piece of Gothic architecture and proudly stands in the heart of York’s historic centre. It was consecrated in 1472; however, the first recorded church on the site was a wooden structure built in 627.
York Minster was subsequently rebuilt in stone, but it is the present Gothic cathedral, constructed between 1220 and 1472, that truly dominates the city's skyline.
York Minster
York city sign
As we stepped inside the Minster, the first wow moment was the vast central nave with its incredible vaulted ceiling. The construction of the current Minster was an enormous task that unfolded over 250 years, resulting in a melting pot of stunning Gothic architecture.
The soaring North and South Transepts were built in the Early English style, while the nave and the octagonal Chapter House showcase the Decorated style. The Choir and the impressive Central Tower were completed in the later Perpendicular style.
York Minster Nave
The Kings Screen & organ
York Minster has the largest collection of medieval stained glass in the UK, dating back to the 12th century, with 128 pieces. During the World Wars, 109 windows were removed to protect the glass from bombing, hidden in bomb shelters and secret locations.
The Great East Window
The Five Sisters Window
The Great East Window is one of the undisputed jewels of York Minster. It was completed between 1405 and 1408 by John Thornton of Coventry; it is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world. The Five Sisters Window is another masterpiece of stained-glass artistry. Dating from around 1260, it consists of five slender lancets, each over 16 metres high.
The roof of the Chapter House
The octagonal Chapter House in York Minster is a marvel of medieval engineering. It is notable for its vaulted wooden roof, which is supported by a complex timber structure in the roof void, rather than a central stone column. This innovative design creates a remarkably open and spacious interior, adorned with intricate carvings of heads and animals.
The crypt in York Minster
During your visit to York Minster, you must head beneath the hallowed floors to the crypt, the oldest part of the present-day cathedral. Exploring the depths of this sacred ground to come face to face with the relics of both Roman and Norman presence on this historic site.
When we visited York Minster, we were lucky enough to catch a small snippet of filming for the Channel 4 TV crime drama Patience. It’s great to see beautiful locations like York being utilised in this way.
Discovering the lanes of York
A step back in timeAs I mentioned, the city of York is steeped in centuries of history, it boasts a labyrinth of charming, quaint lanes that transport you to a bygone era. Ambling along the renowned medieval Shambles to the Tudor and Georgian streets, which tell unique stories of the city's rich and varied past.
The Shop That Must Not Be Named
W.Hamond – Whitby Jet
Arguably York's most famous street, the Shambles, is a beautifully preserved medieval lane characterised by its overhanging timber-framed houses. Some of the buildings date back to the 14th century. The name "Shambles" is derived from the word ‘Shamel’, meaning the stalls or benches on which the butcher’s meat was displayed.
Ye Old Shambles Tavern
In its heyday, the Shambles was a bustling street of butchers' shops. The narrow design of the street served a practical purpose: the close-set buildings on either side kept the meat out of direct sunlight. Today, the butchers are gone, but the meat hooks on the shopfronts and the restored buildings serve as a reminder of its past.
Low Petergate
Lady Peckett’s Yard
There are so many charming streets and alleyways to discover in York, with equally stunning architecture through them all. While we were chatting to a local fella, he mentioned a narrow lane that often gets missed, and that’s Lady Peckett’s Yard. Apparently, this attractive yard regularly gets used for period dramas.
Merchant Adventurers’ Hall
Lady Peckett’s Yard once provided direct access to the stunning Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, built in 1357. This gorgeous timber-framed building was constructed by a fraternity of influential men and women to provide a base for charity, worship and business.
If you're intrigued to visit the historic city of York and the countryside beyond, then why not check out The Rough Guide to Yorkshire? Full of helpful advice, interesting facts and time-saving tips.
You can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old paperback.
Exploring York Museum Gardens
The Romans left their markAnother area of York that I really enjoyed visiting was York Museum Gardens beside the River Ouse. Strolling around the 10-acre gardens is like meandering through an open-air museum, with Roman relics at your fingertips and the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey to relax amongst.
Yorkshire Museum
The botanical gardens were established in the 1830s as a setting for the Yorkshire Museum. Within the historic grounds are sections of the Roman Walls and the Multangular Tower, which was one of two corner-towers which formed part of the Roman Fortress, Eboracum.
St Leonard’s Hospital
Nearby here are the ruins of St Leonard’s Hospital, which was erected after the Norman Conquest on the site of a former hospital, St. Peter’s, which was severely damaged in a fire around 1100. The remains of St. Leonards Hospital resemble the ruins of an old church crypt. It has vaulted ceilings and a church-like façade.
The ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey
St Mary’s Abbey was first built in 1088 when William the Conqueror began to reinforce his hold on the north of England after his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. However, unfortunately, St Mary’s Abbey, one of the most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England, met its fate under King Henry VIII, and the monks left during his Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s.
St. Mary’s Abbey, York
The magnificent abbey buildings were converted into a palace for Henry VIII when he visited York. The palace gradually fell into ruins and was used as agricultural buildings.
It’s such an emotive place to visit, along with sections of the Abbey walls, you can see the remains of the ancient nave.
The Hospitium
The Hospitium was built as part of St Mary’s Abbey and would have been used for housing visiting guests. Located near the River Ouse, the oldest parts of the ground floor were built around 1300, the upper storey has been restored in modern times and is now used for weddings and other events.
Map, guides and more
The North York Moors in the northeast of England are perfect for hikes; discover its many trails around Robin Hood’s Bay, Rievaulx Abbey and the River Esk Valley. This North York Moors Pathfinder Guide includes 28 stunning circular walks.
Alternatively, why not purchase and download the OS Maps App, which covers all of Great Britain.
York’s fascinating tales continue
From the Tower to the Treasurer’s HouseClifford's Tower stands as a powerful and touching symbol of the city's rich and often ruthless history. For over 950 years, the stone keep has witnessed royal power, civil war, and a tragic massacre.
Clifford’s Tower
Clifford's Tower is now in the care of English Heritage. After significant renovations, you can journey through time within the prominent tower and enjoy panoramic views of the historic city beyond.
Clifford's Tower begins with William the Conqueror, who erected a motte-and-bailey castle on this site in 1068 to assert Norman control over the rebellious north. The original timber structure was destroyed by a Viking army in 1069 and rebuilt before being replaced by the current stone tower in the 13th century under the orders of King Henry III.
The present-day Clifford's Tower is a testament to medieval military architecture.
Treasurer’s House
Another historical gem to seek out is Treasurer’s House, tucked away in the shadow of the magnificent York Minster. This beautiful house and tranquil garden are managed by the National Trust.
This elegant Grade I listed townhouse is as famous for its meticulously curated interiors as it is for its ghostly apparitions. The house was rescued from obscurity in 1897 by Frank Green, a wealthy industrialist and passionate collector.
The Blue Drawing Room
Green purchased the various parts of the house and embarked on an ambitious restoration project with the architect Temple Moore.
His vision was not to create a historically accurate replica, but rather a "house of antiques" that would serve as a grand backdrop for his extensive collection of furniture, art, and decorative objects.
Model of Napoleonic Gunship
Green's exacting standards are legendary; he is said to have insisted on a particular shade of green for the paintwork and to have meticulously planned the placement of every object. In 1930, he gifted Treasurer's House and its entire contents to the National Trust.
When Mr. Green gave the house to the Trust, it was under the condition that the rooms would be kept exactly as he intended. If any changes were made, he vowed to return to haunt the building.
I wonder whether he’s returned since.
Escape for a few days
Are you in search of a tranquil hideaway to relax and unwind in, while you discover the beautiful British countryside?
Browse through the handpicked properties and unique retreats at Holiday Cottages.
More to see and do in York
Cafés, Railways and HighwaymenWe stayed in York for two nights and shoehorned in as much as we possibly could; however, there are often things you miss, or you just run out of time. One of which was visiting the National Railway Museum, so many people recommended it to us, but alas, that’s one for another time.
Betty’s Café Tea Room, York
York Art Gallery was also on our list, along with having a relaxing afternoon tea in Betty’s Café Tea Room, but hey, you can’t do everything. We headed to SPARK York. SPARK is a creative community space bringing together independent businesses in York. The selection of global street food is amazing. It has a relaxed and chilled-out vibe and is dog-friendly too.
Dick Turpin’s grave
One little quirky visit we did make was to the purported burial site of Dick Turpin’s grave, which is at St. George’s graveyard, Fishergate. Dick Turpin was an English highwayman in the early 1700s whose exploits were romanticised in novels and films for centuries.
He was convicted of horse theft in York in 1739 and was executed by hanging.
We really enjoyed our visit to York and hopefully it won’t be our last.
We have a few of these books on our shelves by Christopher Winn; they are so fascinating and reveal hidden secrets across the UK.
Packed full of historical facts, intriguing journeys, and snippets of life. It tells tales of history you could never imagine through our ancient lands.
Available in Kindle & Hardback editions, it's an excellent addition to anyone's collection who loves history and legends.
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