Visiting York
As the capital of Yorkshire, York is a northern England city with roots reaching back to the Roman Empire. It was founded in 71 AD under the name Eboracum. Between 876 and 954, York fell under the control of the Viking kingdom of Jórvik, serving as its capital. The city flourished during the Middle Ages, primarily through the wool trade, which bankrolled its most iconic architecture: the York Minster, the city walls, and Clifford's Tower. Today, York is home to 200,000 residents and a major university.
The medieval city of York in England
With thousands of years of history, York has a dense architectural heritage. At the top of any itinerary is the York Minster, featuring intricate stained glass and a definitive Gothic style dating back to the 15th century. It is the largest Gothic structure in Northern Europe. Afterward, walk the city walls, which offer excellent vantage points over the old town. These fortifications stretch for more than 3 kilometers (nearly 2 miles) and are a blend of Roman and medieval construction. They are punctuated by gatehouses, the small defensive towers that give the city its distinct character.
Make your way to the Shambles, a set of narrow, charming streets lined with crooked, overhanging timber-framed houses. They once hosted as many as 31 butcher shops. The area is also famous for inspiring the Diagon Alley of the Harry Potter series.
Exploring York's cultural scene
York has plenty to offer those looking to dive into its past. Start at Clifford's Tower, the site where William the Conqueror built a castle in 1068 to suppress rebellions in the north. The top of the tower provides a panoramic view of the city. Nearby, the York Castle Museum chronicles the city's history from the Georgian era onward. A highlight is the full-scale recreation of a Victorian-era Kirkgate street, complete with actors in period costume.
For other museum visits, the National Railway Museum tracks the history of British rail and the technological evolution of locomotives. The Jorvik Viking Center focuses on the city's 9th and 10th-century Viking occupation. The museum houses nearly 40,000 artifacts from the era and features an immersive reconstruction of a Viking village.
When to go
Northern England can be quite rainy, so aim for a trip between July and September to catch the best weather.
Getting there
York is easily reached by train from London in just 2 hours.
Even though York isn't the most famous city in the UK, it is really very pretty. Its cathedral is so impressive, especially because it is so massive. I recommend walking along the city walls to enjoy a great view of the surroundings.