We Love York > Attractions

Attractions in York

There are many places to visit in York, listed below are a number of attractions that you can visit.

York Minster
York Minster is one of the great cathedrals of the world.

York Minster acts as a beacon welcoming all visitors to the City of York. Built over 250 years, and renowned worldwide as an artistic and architectural masterpiece, it offers a wealth of things to see for people of all ages, and offers thrilling memories for all who visit.

Experience the beauty of the Quire and the Chapter House Discover the Minster's fascinating history that comes alive in the Undercroft, Treasury and Crypt Gaze from the top of the Central Tower, across the pinnacles and gargoyles of the Minster, looking out onto the medieval streets of historic York and to the countryside beyond.

Visit the shop for a range of gifts that will remind you of your visit in years to come.

For further details visit their website www.yorkminster.org

City Walls
York has more miles of intact city walls than anywhere else in England, and some sections of the walls date back to Roman times.

When the Romans first came here in the first century AD, they built a military fort on the banks of the River Ouse. The town of Eboracum grew up around the fort, and strong walls were built to enclose both the fort and town. These walls form the basis of the city walls that remain today.

For a superb virtual tour of the York City Walls, see the official York City web site.

National Railway Museum
Inside the world’s largest railway museum you’ll find over three hundred years of world railway history, from Japanese Bullet trains to Queen Victoria’s favourite carriage. Check out their website

For other museums in York, check out the museums page.

Jorvik Centre
The world famous JORVIK Viking Centre is a ‘must-see’ for visitors to the city of York and is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK outside London.

Welcoming 14 million visitors over the past 21 years, visitors can journey through the reconstruction of Viking-Age streets, as they would have been in the year AD975. JORVIK Viking Centre also offers three exciting exhibitions and the chance to actually come face to face with a 'Viking'.

York Racecourse
Having won Northern Racecourse of the Year 2005 York is one of the Premier tracks in Europe.

The racecourse also came out top in the Times 2001 newspaper survey of all Britain's racecourses.

Merchant Adventurers Hall
The finest medieval guild hall in Britain, built between 1357 and 1361 and 650 years old in 2007!

Visitors can explore the Great Hall where business and feasting took place, the Undercroft where poor and sick people were cared for, and the Chapel where religious services were conducted.

The Hall is surrounded by gardens which visitors are welcome to enjoy.

New for 2007, Meet the Merchants!, a hands on computer exhibition celebrating the 650th anniversary of the Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York

For more information visit their website www.theyorkcompany.co.uk

Derwent Valley Light Railway
The Derwent Valley Light Railway Society is a small group of volunteers who maintain and operate train services on the remaining section of the original Derwent Valley Railway.

We work in partnership with the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, now known as 'Murton Park' at Murton which is on the east side of York.

More information can be found at www.dvlr.org.uk

York Model Railway
Perfectly located beside the railway station is this museum based around 4 oval systems of Hornby 00 gauge track. With over 320 metres of track and 14 trains running every day, there is sure to something for every rail enthusiast.

Over 1000 miniature trees and bushes, and over 300 cars and lorries add to the realism of the display.

For more information email: ymr@compuserve.com

York Dungeon
Transport yourself back to the dark and grizzly history of the Roman city of York. Live actors, shows and interactive special effects ensure that you face your fears head on in this unique experience. Everything that you see is based on real historical events from the Labyrinth of the Lost Roman Legion, to the chilling tale of highwayman Dick Turpin, torture and the plague.

Step back in time into the depths of the York Dungeon for a thrilling and fun experience that will leave you screaming for more! A day out for the family based on pain, fear, torture and death...are you brave enough?

For more information visit their website