Things to do in York

Visitors to York will find a plethora of attractions and interesting, historical sights to keep them entertained. The historical City Walls, Shambles alleys and towers and monasteries all bear testimony to the citys historical past. The York Maze and Railway Museum are sure to amuse the younger ones.

York City Walls

York is home to more miles of undamaged city walls than any other town in England, with some segments of the walls dating back to the Roman period. When the Romans first arrived here in the first century AD, they constructed a military fortress on the banks of the River Ouse. Around this fort, the town of Eboracum grew up, and sturdy walls were built to surround both the fort and town. These walls form the foundation of the city walls that can still be seen today. The most noteworthy Roman remnant is the Multiangular Tower, which stands in the Museum Gardens.

The Shambles

This lane is frequently called the best-preserved medieval street in Europe, even though the name also collectively refers to the surrounding labyrinth of narrow, twisting lanes and alleyways. As the street is referred to in the Domesday Book, we know that it has existed continuously for more than 900 years. The Shambles is like a time machine, taking you back to the Elizabethan era. The houses that compete for space along The Shambles protrude out over the lane on their upper floors, as if trying to meet up with their neighbours on the opposite side. Phone: +44 1904 676 167; website: www.yorkshambles.com/.

York Minster

Centrally located, the illustrious York Minster can be seen from most parts of the city. It features three towers and is the fifth church to have been built on this particular spot. Dating back to mediaeval times, it is the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe, though excavations have uncovered Norman, Roman and Viking beginnings. The famous Rose Window is the key feature of the magnificent 14th and 15th century stained glass. Admission is free to the main body of the Minster, although donations to the York Minster Fund and Friends of York Minster are welcome. Phone: +44 1904 55 7216; website: www.yorkminster.org.

York Maze

The York Maze is in fact the largest maze in the United Kingdom and is made up of about 1.5 million maize plants, which grow to a height of up to 3 metres. Featuring five miles of pathways, it can take a while to navigate your way around this extraordinary York tourist attraction. Offering a different design every year it is ready to puzzle visitors old and new. The York Maze also offers refreshments and a picnic area. Phone: +44 1904 415 364; website: www.yorkmaze.com/.

St. Marys Abbey

St. Marys Abbey was at one time the most powerful and wealthy monastery in the north of England. The abbey and its holy order enjoyed a status as influential and affluent landowners, until the reign of Henry VIII. This was when the termination of the Monasteries Act put an end to the riches. The crown ordered the abbey closed in 1539 and all assets were seized. Today, the remains of the abbey still offer a very remarkable picture and are to be found in the grounds of the Yorkshire Museum Gardens. Admission to the gardens is free of charge. Phone: +44 1904 64 3238.

Jorvik Viking Centre

The famous Jorvik Viking Centre is one of Yorks most popular tourist attractions. Visitors are able to explore the Viking history of York on the very site where York archaeologists unearthed the important remnants of the Viking age settlement. Featuring various notable displays, the centre allows visitors to take in the sights and smells of Viking times in York over 1,000 years ago. The Viking Centre also includes other attractions such as the Unearthed exhibition, where the secrets of Viking bones are explained, the Viking festival in early February and many Viking artefacts. Phone: +44 1904 643 211; website: www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/.

Museum Gardens

Covering 10 acres of land, these attractive botanical gardens gently slope down towards the river Ouse. Designed by Sir John Murray Naesmith in the 19th century, the gardens are also home to the ruins of St Marys Abbey, The Hospitium, St Leonards Hospital, St Olaves Church, The Multangular Tower and the 7th century Anglian Tower, an astronomical observatory and Kings Manor. A popular place for picnics in the summer, visitors can linger for a while and ponder the strutting peacocks, feed the squirrels or just sit and watch the tourists passing by. Phone: +44 1904 629 745.

Cliffords Tower

Cliffords Tower is all thats left of York Castle. A wooden castle was built on this site, atop a high conical mound overlooking the River Ouse, by William the Conqueror in 1086. Henry III commissioned a new stone castle to be built in a quatrefoil shape in 1270. The largest part of the tower that can be seen today dates from the 13th century, with some 17th century additions, notably the Debtors Prison, female prison and Assize Court. Spiral stairways lead up to the walls, and terrific views of the city reward those who make the climb.Phone: +44 1904 646 940; website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConProperty.362.

Merchant Adventurers Hall

The Merchant Adventurers Hall is one of the finest enduring examples of a medieval guildhall still standing in Britain. Begun in 1357, the hall was completed four years later. The building includes a large hall for meetings and business, a chapel and a charity hospital. The great hall remains practically untouched by the passage of time, except for the 18th century additions of sash windows and a 16th century fireplace. The Governors Stall is a Georgian invention, and the panelling is from the Elizabethan period. Phone: +44 1904 654 818; website: www.theyorkcompany.co.uk/.