Places to Visit
Time travelling in York

Time travelling in York
You’ll spend ages in this fascinating city
YORK, JORVIK, Eboracum. Over the millennia, this unique and historic city has had numerous identities, depending on its citizens at the time.
First settled around AD71 by 5,000 Roman soldiers of the Ninth Legion, York has ‘changed hands’ many times over the centuries. The Yorkshire Museum in the beautiful and relaxing Museum Gardens has the finest collection of Roman artefacts in Britain. After a visit, have a wander through the majestic gardens, then choose a cocktail or real ale at the excellent Star Inn The City, close by.
Hop forward almost 1,000 years, and you can immerse yourself in Viking culture at the Jorvik Viking Museum. This museum’s on the site where a real Viking village was discovered, and you can take a ride through the village aboard a time-travelling ‘car’.
Close by is Clifford’s Tower, an imposing ancient fortification with a shocking and bloody history. Climb the tower and enjoy the great views over the River Ouse from the top.
York’s vast stone walls link many parts of the city, and minimise the need to walk among pedestrians and traffic. One-thousand years ago, the first new minster, or cathedral, was built on the current site. Over the centuries, it was extended and rebuilt (thanks to four major fires – the last in 1984).
By 1500 AD, it looked much like it does today, one of the world’s greatest cathedrals, a masterpiece of glass and stone. Plan a fabulous and scary Ghost Walk and then take a more relaxing Ouse Cruise. Finally, experience one of the best free days out in Britain, at the National Railway Museum on Leeman Road.
Why not check out some of our suggested English road trips on our Historic England page.
Make your stay better
Every February
Jorvik Viking Festival
Around the city
T: 01904 615505
W: jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk
The 36th Viking Festival is guaranteed to entertain and inform. See mock battles (though they’re pretty feisty!), parades, crafts, competitions, fireworks and take part in a Viking feast.
Throughout the year
York Races
Knavesmire Road, York YO23 1EX
W: yorkracecourse.co.uk
Price: From £12 (Ebor meeting)
The Knavesmire hosts numerous race meetings each year, but the best is the Ebor meeting in August. Soak up the atmosphere of this exciting event where you can get really close to the action.
14 November to 22 December 2019
York Christmas Festival
All around the city centre
W: visityork.org
Price: From £12 (Ebor meeting)
Marinate yourself in some serious Christmas spirit in York this festive season. Those Yorkshire folk throw a great party that’ll really get you in the mood. The shopping’s pretty awesome, too!
Places of Interest
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Yorkshire Museum
Museum Gardens YO1 7FR
W yorkshiremuseum.org.uk
T 01904 687687
Price Adult from £7.27 -
Jorvik Viking Museum
Coppergate YO1 9WT
W jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
T 01904 615505
Price Adult £12.50, Child £8.50 -
National Railway Museum
Leeman Road YO26 4XJ
W railwaymuseum.org.uk
T 01789 470277
Price Free -
Castle Museum
Eye of York, Tower Street YO1 9RY
W yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk
T 01904 687687
Price Adult £12, U16s free