York, Uk: A Travel Guide For The Perfect Time To Visit

when to visit york uk travel guide

The walled city of York is a popular tourist destination all year round, but spring and summer are the busiest and most expensive times to visit. The city is filled with ancient charm, from its Roman and Viking history to its medieval streets and buildings. York is also surrounded by some of England's most beautiful countryside, including the Yorkshire Moors and the North York Moors National Park.

If you're looking for warm weather, the best time to visit York is during the spring and summer months of April to June, when temperatures tend to reach a maximum of around 22°C. However, this is also the peak travel season, so expect crowds and higher costs. To avoid the busiest period, consider visiting outside of July and August, especially on weekends.

If you don't mind the cold, autumn and winter are a great time to experience York as it comes to life with a magical, atmospheric charm. The Christmas Market, with its festive cheer and lamp-lit streets, is a popular attraction, and you might even get to see a dusting of snow. Just be prepared for colder temperatures, with lows of around -1°C at night.

Characteristics Values
Location Half-way between London and Edinburgh
Travel time by train 2 hours from London or Edinburgh
Travel time by car 3 hours 50 minutes from London
Airports Leeds/Bradford, Manchester, Humberside, Robin Hood Doncaster/Sheffield
Port Hull
Best explored On foot
Time to get across the city centre 20 minutes
Best time to visit Spring and summer are busiest; autumn and winter are magical

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York Minster

History and Features

The Minster also offers a glimpse into York's Roman roots and Viking past. The Undercroft, located beneath the cathedral, houses ancient artefacts and exhibitions that reveal the city's fascinating history. The Horn of Ulf, a 1,000-year-old artefact presented to the Minster by a Viking lord, is among the treasures on display.

Opening Times and Tickets

Climbing the Central Tower

For those seeking a unique perspective, climbing the Central Tower of York Minster is a memorable experience. Standing as the highest point in York, the tower offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city. The climb involves ascending 275 steps, some of which are narrow and uneven, through medieval stonework and gothic grotesques. Please note that the tower climb is not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions or children under 8 years old. There is an additional charge for accessing the tower, and trips are subject to weather conditions.

Getting There

Nearby Attractions

York is a compact city, perfect for exploring on foot. The Shambles, an ancient cobbled street mentioned in the Domesday Book, is a must-see and leads directly to the Minster. The Jorvik Viking Centre, York Castle Museum, and the National Railway Museum are also within close proximity and offer insightful glimpses into the city's rich history.

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York's Chocolate Story

The History of Chocolate

Interactive Exhibits and Tastings

Throughout the tour, you'll encounter interactive exhibits that bring the history of chocolate to life. You'll learn how chocolate is made, from the raw cocoa bean to the delicious treats we know and love. There are also plenty of opportunities for tastings, allowing you to sample a variety of chocolates and even create your own chocolate lollipop. You'll also witness live demonstrations by professional chocolatiers, who will showcase their art.

The Chocolate Experience

Other Sweet Attractions

In addition to the standard tour, York's Chocolate Story offers exclusive chocolate experiences, such as VIP Chocolate Masterclasses and hands-on truffle-rolling sessions. You can also browse their café and gift shop, indulging in delicious chocolate treats and drinks. For a truly unique experience, enquire about their children's birthday parties or bespoke chocolate orders.

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The Shambles

The street was made narrow by design to keep the meat out of direct sunlight. The Shambles is now one of York's most famous landmarks and one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. Although none of the original shop fronts have survived from medieval times, some properties still have exterior wooden shelves, reminders of when cuts of meat were served from the open windows.

Today, the beautiful old buildings have been restored and now house cafes, boutiques, a coin and stamp dealer, chocolate shops, and more. The Shambles is Europe's most visited street, attracting tourists, shoppers, and business clients. It is also believed to have been the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films.

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York in Winter

York is a brilliant place to visit at any time of year, but it really comes to life in the winter months. The city has a magical feel at Christmas time, with festive markets, carol singing, and plenty of indoor attractions to keep you entertained. Here are some highlights of what you can enjoy during a winter visit to York:

  • Indulge in some festive treats: York is a brilliant city for foodies, with a wealth of independent restaurants and pubs. The latter feel particularly cosy in the colder months, with roaring log fires and real ales on tap. Escape the chilly weather and head to the famous Betty's Tea Room, which has been serving the perfect cup of tea for over 80 years.
  • Explore York's Viking past: Head indoors to the Jorvik Centre, York's most popular attraction. York was home to a Viking settlement 1,000 years ago, and the Jorvik Centre brings this history to life with a unique, interactive experience.
  • Take a ghost tour: Billed as one of the most haunted cities in Europe, York offers walking tours and traditional 1960s Routemaster bus tours for those interested in ghosts and ghouls.
  • Discover the Shambles: York's most famous medieval street is a must-see during winter, with festive displays in the shop windows and shoppers thronging the narrow thoroughfare. Said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books, you'll find plenty of wizarding shops along the Shambles.
  • Enjoy a pantomime: A very British tradition, pantomimes can be found at several of York's theatres during the winter months. With big-name stars, jokes, singing, and dancing, pantomimes appeal to people of all ages.
  • Visit the National Railway Museum: This epic museum can easily fill a whole day of your holiday, making it perfect for a cold winter day. Located next to the city railway station, the museum features some of the most iconic engines in railway history.
  • Indulge your sweet tooth: York is known for its chocolate history, so be sure to visit the York Chocolate Story to learn about the city's famous chocolate-making past. And don't forget to stock up on some warming hot chocolate!

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York's Roman History

York's history as a city dates back to the beginning of the first millennium AD, but the presence of people in the region of York dates back much further, to between 8000 and 7000 BC. The city was founded by the Romans in 71 AD, who called it Eboracum, meaning "place of the yew trees".

Before the Roman invasion, the area that became northern England was controlled by a confederation of tribes known as the Brigantes. In 71 AD, the governor of Britain, Quintus Petillius Cerialis, sent the 9th Roman legion to invade Brigantes territory. The Romans quickly recognised the strategic value of York's location at the confluence of the Foss and Ouse rivers. The legion established a fort on the banks of the Ouse, and the town that grew up around it became known as Eboracum.

The fort followed the typical Roman system of a grid-like pattern of streets and public buildings, including the forum and baths. At its largest, the fort enclosed some 50 acres and supported a garrison of 6,000 legionaries. The Romans chose to site their fortress between the two rivers, gaining defensive advantage from the rivers on both sides. The most enduring legacy of the Romans in York are the city walls. Little remains of the original Roman walls, but the most intact section includes the Multiangular Tower, which stands in the Museum Gardens. The tower was built during the reign of Emperor Severus and has 10 sides.

So important did York become in Roman Britain that a royal palace was built in the city, and several emperors held court there during their campaigns. The Emperor Constantius I died in York, and his son, Constantine the Great, founder of Constantinople and the first Christian Emperor of Rome, was proclaimed emperor by the troops based in the fortress. The traditional site of his crowning is preserved under York Minster.

The Romans left Eboracum around 410 AD, and the city fell into a period of decay and decline. A new invader soon fell upon the city: the Anglo-Saxons.

Frequently asked questions

York is easily accessible by train, with direct rail links from London, Edinburgh, and Manchester in around 2 hours. York is also within easy reach of Manchester, Newcastle, and Leeds/Bradford airports, as well as the ports of Hull and Newcastle.

York is a compact city, so it's best explored on foot. It only takes about 20 minutes to walk from one side of the city centre to the other. There are also Park & Ride sites surrounding the city, where you can park your car for free and take a bus into the city centre.

Some must-see attractions in York include York Minster, the National Railway Museum, the Jorvik Viking Centre, Clifford's Tower, and the City Walls.

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