101 places to go – York

We’re going to start this week’s entry with a quick history lesson. Now pay attention at the back!

York’s history is intertwined with the major events that shaped Britain. It was here that the Romans settled during their conquest of Britain; Constantine the Great became Emperor while in York and William the Conqueror had to pay a visit to quash a rebellion in 1068. Notorious gunpowder plotter, Guy Fawkes was born and raised in the city and, at the turn of the 20th century, North Eastern Railway was based in York and subsequently played a large part in its expansion.

So it goes without saying that history plays a large part in York’s appeal to visitors, but that’s not to say that it doesn’t have a wealth of progressive attractions too. York has recently been voted the UK’s top ‘Food & Wine City’ on Trip Advisor and the annual Illuminating York festival offers a contemporary spin on some of the city’s most stunning historic locations.

Here are a few of our favourite things to see and do in York. Have we missed any? Leave a comment below!

• Shopping isn’t everyone’s idea of a great holiday activity. Then again, few places to shop are as attractive as York. Alongside a wealth of big name brands and high street stores, you’ll also find quaint little streets like the famous Shambles with plenty of welcoming tearooms to satisfy the weary traveller.

• The National Railway Museum had its work cut out for it turning the world of trains into a must-see visitors attraction. So it’s to its credit that the museum is one of the city’s most popular places with visitors to York. Enjoy a meal at the café on the platform, climb aboard a Japanese Bullet Train and enjoy a host of seasonal events and attractions. And it’s free to visit – though make sure you leave a donation if you have fun!