Tour of Tourist attractions in York England

Historic York. The history of York, capital of the north and second city of the realm, is the history of England. It is one of the world's most fascinating cities.
It began as a fortress, built in AD71 by the Roman 9th Legion for a campaign against the Brigantes tribe. It grew into an important city, Eboracum by name. Here, Constantine the Great, who later founded Constantinople, was made Roman Emperor in AD306.
It was the Vikings who gave York its name, derived from Jorvik or Yorwik, the brief but flourishing kingdom. Norman rule was to last longer and it was the Normans who made the city a vital centre of government, commerce and religion for the north. Their work prepared it well for its important role in the reigns of the Plantaganet Kings and, in 1485 when this era ended and the Tudor age began, York was already at its zenith. The magnificent Minster had finally been completed, after work lasting nearly 250 years. Its city was worthy of it: a robust civic pride and long years of prosperity had ensured that.
It was not until the 18th century, when it became a fashionable resort and centre, that there was any market change in the city's outward character. Georgian elegance added to its architectural attractions. In the following century, the coming of the railway marked the start of a new era of growth and prosperity. Today York houses Britain's National Railway Museum which is the largest of its kind in the world.
The map identifies the best known places of interest in the old city, which are detailed below. But wherever you go in York, you will find evidence of its history and make discoveries of your own.

York Minster. York Minster is the largest medieval building in England and the biggest cathedral north of the Alps.
A brilliant example of Gothic architecture, the Minster has dominated the city for eight centuries.
Entrance to the main body of the Minster is free and is a must for all visitors to York. A visit to the Central Tower, for which you pay, involves a long climb but offers excellent views over the city.
The Foundations museum under the Minster shows the present building was constructed on the site of the Norman Cathedral, which was itself built on a roman fort.

The Walls & Bars. York's first were Roman. Substantial fragments of these still remains but it is medieval walls, carefully maintained and restored, which now encircle the old city, almost three miles round.
The earth ramparts on which they stand were raised by the Romans and Anglo-Danish kings of York. The Normans strengthened them, and now they are planted extensively with daffodils.
Allowing access through the walls are the 'Bars'. These gateways let you in but they can also 'bar' your way and often, in York's turbulent past, that was what counted most.
Bootham Bar is the defensive bastion for the north road. On the road south is Micklegate Bar, traditionally the monarch's entrance, where traitors' heads were displayed.
Monk Bar has kept a portcullis in working order, while Walmgate Bar is the only gate in England to have preserved its barbican: a funnel-like approach, forcing attackers to bunch together.

Jorvik Viking Centre. Jorvik is a part of Viking York uncovered by archaeologists beneath Coppergate. As they removed the debris of centuries, houses and workshops emerged, still containing everyday tools and clothing from a civilisation buried for a thousand years.
Step aboard a 'time capsule' and travel through the reconstruction of a complete Viking settlement.
A bustling market, dark, smoky houses and a busy wharf have all been recreated in accurate detail so you can experience in sight, sound and smell what it was like to live and work in Jorvik.
You also see preserved 10th century buildings, standing where they were discovered during the archaeological dig.

Castle Museum. The Castle Museum is one of the most popular museums of everyday life in Britain. Founded in 1938, it recreates different historical periods with detailed sets that are made up of original articles.

The best known reconstruction is of Victoria Kirkgate, which was built by the founder of the museum.
Another life-sized street called Half Moon Court represents life in Edwardian York. Thornley Park is a recreation of a typical Edwardian park.
In addition, there are period rooms and a modern collection called 'Every Home Should Have One' which displays early TV sets, vacuum cleaners and other household objects.

Clifford's Tower. The original wooden tower was built by William the Conqueror as part of his campaign to subdue the north of England.
In 1190, it was the scene of one of the most terrible events in the city's history. The Jews of York sought refuge here after being attacked by a local mob.
They were given the choice of either being baptised or murdered, but instead they choose mass suicide.
The original wooden tower burnt down and the current structure was put up by Henry III in the 13th century.
In 1358 the tower cracked from top to bottom and the crack can still be seen today.

National Railway Museum. This is the largest and most comprehensive railway museums in the world. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history of rail transport.
Highlights include some of the original Royal Carriages, Stephenson's Rocket and the Mallard, the fastest steam locomotive in the world.
The story of the railways is also told through a constantly changing programme of special exhibitions, posters, paintings and artefacts, including lively audio-visual presentations.
For a light meal or refreshments, visit Brief Encounter restaurant located in the South Hall. It offers hot and cold food together with teas, coffees and cakes.

Yorkshire Museum. The Yorkshire Museum houses one of Europe's richest archaeological collections, including some of the finest Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Viking and medieval treasures in Britain.
Rare artefacts include 2nd century mosaics from York and a renown Anglo-Saxon silver gilt bowl. Viking exhibits include the awesome warrior-stone from Weston.
Recently acquired for £2.5 million is the Middlham jewel, the finest piece of English Gothic jewellery found this century.
The museum's beautiful grounds contain ten acres of botanical gardens, the remains of the Roman fortress walls and the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey.

York Dungeon. The York Dungeon takes you back to a time before English society became genteel and ordered, to a time when execution and torture were everyday events.
Learn of the grisly punishments of branding, boiling, beheading, roasting and drowning.
Then unravel the truth about the local highwayman Dick Turpin and see him in the midst of a hold-up.
A special exhibit vividly recreates the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. You see the conspirators planning their mission and the arrest of Guy Fawkes (a native of York), followed by his terrible torture and execution for attempting to blow up the Houses of Parliament and the King.

Merchant Adventurers' Hall. Built in 1357-62, the Merchant Adventurers' Hall is the finest medieval guild hall in Europe. Remarkably, its basic structure remains unaltered.
In the great timbered upper room, the merchants transacted their business, as their successors do today. Below is their hospital for the poor with its own chapel.
There are collection, dating from Elizabethan times, of portraits, silver, furniture, banners, weights and measures, and other items used by the Guild over the centuries. There are also exhibitions on the history of trade and guilds.
Leaflets are available in Dutch, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

Treasurer's House. Discover York's hidden treasure and find a surprise around every corner.
Explore 2000 years of history and find out about the intriguing last owner who moved walls and floors to create the house of his dreams. Wander through rooms recreating grand styles from medieval times to the early 1900's.
Also see new exhibitions, walk through the tranquil walled gardens or visit the tea-room and free gallery.

Ghost Trail Of York. The Ghost Trail takes you back in time to experience the stories that make up the hidden and blood-chilling history of York's ghostly tradition.
Traditional tales, Victorian tragedies and true accounts of modern-day phenomena are all recounted as you walk around York's haunted places.
But do not relax too much, for in the shadows lurk dark figures who might join you at any moment and disturb you with their unwanted evil presence.
The Ghost Trail of York is both an enjoyable stroll around the beautiful city and a spine-tingling experience that will haunt you forever.

The Rivers. Two rivers meet at York: the Ouse and the Foss. The Ouse at, one time tidal here, enabled the city to become a great port and trading centre.
Boat trips run daily up and down the Ouse, and, through the summer months, you can even join a floodlit evening cruise through historic York and its surrounding countryside.