York Tourist Information

Millions of people every year can't be wrong! York is an amazing place to visit - just think what it must be like to live and work here. Strolling through the bustling city centre will convince you that Yorkshire's historic capital is a fascinating place with plenty going on.

York's history is reputedly one of the most intriguing cities in England; no other English city offers the layers of history, beauty and diversity of York.

York has an incredible cosmopolitan atmosphere, with Centuries of history that are combined with modern times. Medieval halls and churches stand beside contemporary shopping and entertainment outlets.

Founded by the Romans, it was renamed Jorvick by the Vikings, and after they had gone was further developed by the Normans. It was not until the 18th century that York became a fashionable centre with Georgian elegance enhancing its architectural and historical attractions, but it was the industrial revolution and the building of the railways that created York's prosperity and growth.

It is very difficult not to have interest in History when it lives and breath's around you. The main centre is surrounded by the 13th century city walls with four gateways, or bars, into the centre, which is dominated by the cathedral, York Minster, that has survived several fires and reflects the whole of English history as the construction took 250 years and spanned all the phases of English Gothic, from Early English, through Decorated to Perpendicular. York's medieval defences are amongst the best preserved and striking in Europe, from the former keep of the castle, Clifford's Tower, to the complete city walls, that provide an excellent route around the ancient city.

The arts are important in York's cultural life. The York mystery Plays continue a tradition of community performances dating back to the 14th century, there is contemporary drama, and much more besides on offer at Theatre, Opera Houses, Cinema and Music in all its guises fills venues with audiences across the city.

York is an industrial, commercial, and transport centre. Factories produce chocolate, construction engineering products, and scientific instrumentation, the city also has a growing sector in the bioscience field. There is substantial office employment in insurance, health care, and the rail industry with tourism adding a significant contribution to the York economy, as almost four million people visit the city each year.

For retail therapy York is a shopping dream with more than 2,000 shops ranging from distinctive, specialist, to a mixture of famous high street names. Many of the city centre shops are in Medieval and Georgian streets, and are easily covered on foot. There are also large modern shopping complexes located on the outskirts of the city that are easily accessible by car or public services with free parking. However you may wish to indulge in one of the 365 pubs that York boasts, one for each day of the year. Traditional hospitality is available on every street giving you a range of styles to sample. Real ale lovers are in for a treat, as are those who indulge in the cafe bar culture, there are restaurants and eateries for every taste, mood and pocket.

York is also a central point to discover England starting with, The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors they are both National Parks, accessible by car or public transport, where you will find incredible breath taking scenery and fresh air. The famous seaside resorts of Scarborough and Whitby make a great day out and are accessible by car or public transport.

York city is located at the centre of North Yorkshire. Its location at the very heart of Britain gives excellent links by road and rail to numerous places of interest, London and Edinburgh can both be reached directly on the train in around two hours.