York really is a beautiful city and has so many reasons for a visit. It is a city steeped in history and tradition and was both a Roman and a Viking settlement, being previously named Eboracum and Jorvik.
The architecture of the city is old and the city walls are in their original state at many places. There are still many of the original bars which were the entry points to the inner city. Probably the most attractive example is Micklegate Bar with its castellations. It is possible to walk around the city walls and indeed this is a pleasant way to spend a few hours.
Another example of ancient York is Clifford's Tower which resembles a castle keep and is atop a small hillock.
Near this is the Castle Museum where displays exist of how houses and shops have looked over the past couple of centuries. There are old fire vehicles, police stations, pubs and prisons all recreated as they would have looked at the time. The collection belonged to a local philanthropist and has been kept on since his death. It is an absolutely fascinating day out, and shows how times have changed. At my visit there was a exhibition about chocolate through the ages - an absolute must for chocoholics - and I swear the smell of chocolate filed the air. Entry is approx. £5.50 but does represent excellent value for the whole family.
This is certainly in contrast to The Jorvik Viking Centre, which recreates life in Viking times. You tour the centre on a small train-like vehicle, and see what York was like during the invasion. The smells are also said to be representative of the times and it does indeed stink. However to me this was a disppointing venue and attracts far bigger queues than the superior Castle Museum.
Shopping in York is a mixture of the modern High Street store and the small nick-nack type shop which can be found in the smaller narrow streets. The prices are not typical of the North but still represent better value than other major tourist cities like Cambridge and London.
Entertainment is also varied with all types of restaurant and all types of pub. Avoid Micklegate on Friday-Saturday nights unless you love the crowds and loud music but visit it during the day for good book and second hand record shops.
Favourite pubs and restaurants of mine are: The Maltings on Tanners Row for excellent real ales; although it isn't very large and does get very busy; The Tap and Spile on Boongate, The Lendal Cellars on Lendal Street; The Akash in North Street for excellent curries; and if you are feeling opulent - Melton's Restaurant on Melton Road which offers extremely high quality food.
I would recommend York to people of all ages, although visiting in the rainy season can be a lottery due to frequent flooding, but this in itself provides lots of character.
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Glad you enjoyed York - has made me wish to return - well written op - thanks
julietta 26.09.2001 22:00
I love York, but then I am a Yorkie, originally from this region. Great place, great op but mighty big shame about the flooding (like my kitchen at the minute)!
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Advantages: Beautiful architecture, lots of culture, good pubs, loads to do, nice bars Disadvantages: Very crowded in summer, can be v.rough at night, not great for clubbing
elsmc 05.05.2007 (05.05.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: exceptional
Review of York in General
Advantages: Friendly, quirky, excellent bars and restaurants and attractions that will suit everyone. Disadvantages: Other people know this too and come in their hundreds
Ohajiki 19.11.2007 (19.11.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of York in General
Sep 21st, 2001
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