York

With a rich history that dates back to the Romans and Vikings, York is one of the most attractive and interesting cities in England. Located just two hours by train north of London and roughly the same distance south of Edinburgh, York is located in the southeastern part of North Yorkshire. Evidence of the importance of the city in the course of English history is now found in many architectural monuments and archaeological excavations.

If you arrive by car, you can leave your car in one of several large parking areas at the periphery of York. In the urban area, the population is about 150 000 people, but here are countless interesting places and monumental historical sites, which must be seen. Good to know is that in York, the word bar actually refers to the gateway to the city, but the word gate is indicated for the streets. In this line of thought Micklegate is the street on which once prominent historical figures have been beheaded and dismembered for the edification of the people. The word "Mickle" can be translated as big or important.

The etymology of the name can be traced to Roman times when the city was called Eboracum, Eburacum or Eburaci, which turns through the ages into Eoforwic, Jórvík, and from there transforms gradually to York. For the first time the city is mentioned by that name in the 13th century.

York is situated on a flat area with fertile farmland near rivers Ouse and Foss, and for centuries was a strategic location for important crossroads. In fact, the city grew around the river port at the intersection of two rivers, and now York is one of the most important railway junctions in England.

Walking among the interesting places and attractions York has to pass through smaller places like King's Arms, which is an excellent place for libation of beer or just reading a book near the riverbank. You can get on the boat tour, which will reveal the beauty of York by water.

Among the most interesting attractions of York are the ruins of the St. Mary's Abbey. It is located amidst a pleasant green park, ideal for walks and picnics, with the beautiful ruins dating from the 13th century. From the same period there is also a wooden guest house. Shambles Sign is known as the best preserved medieval street in Europe with its narrow and winding alleys.

The central part of York is surrounded by 5 kilometer long medieval walls, which are popular for walks. There are small and narrow streets, which outline the network, or rather maze of York, is known as Snickelways. When walking on them you can find shops, boutiques, tea rooms, nice little cafes and galleries. Obligatory stop for every tourist in York is York Castle, which is a medieval complex, including Clifford's Tower, the outdoor museum in the 20th century castle is the site of the former prison.

Main emblem is the majestic cathedral York Minster, built 250 years ago, between 1260 to 1286. Her interior is lavishly decorated by 8 fine carvings, frescoes and stained glass. You must climb the 275 steps of the tower of York Minster to enjoy the inspiring views of the city. The next historical attraction of York is the historic center Yorving that narrates the life of the Vikings.

When on a tour of the museums in York, you must pass through the National Railway Museum, which is initially set by an exhibition at the Museum of Science in London in 1862. In York, this exhibition opened in 1927 and is continually updated until today. You cannot miss the Yorkshire Museum called Museum Gardens, which is the Botanical Garden in downtown York.