York City Guide - overview

From the remains of a Viking settlement discovered deep beneath Coppergate Street, to the medieval wall surrounding the old city and the splendour of Castle Howard (the setting for TV's Brideshead Revisited), York is a city steeped in history.

Founded in 71 AD, York is located at the convergence of the Ouse and Foss rivers and was thus a strategic Northern hub, passing through the hands of the Romans, Saxons, Vikings and Normans respectively. The varied history of the city is evident in its magnificent architecture - from Viking ruins and the walled city to York's most imposing building, the Minster. Northern Europe's largest Gothic Cathedral, the Minster took more than 250 years to complete, and is an impressive structure surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Other popular attractions in the city include the fascinating Jorvik Viking Centre, the York Maze, the York Dungeons and the Shambles, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cobbled streets. The Shambles area is well worth an afternoon stroll, with its winding narrow lanes, picturesque buildings and quaint shops. Alternatively, a more 'other worldly' way to experience this historic area is on the York Ghost Hunt - a fun and fascinating tour that operates rain or shine through the city streets, in search of York's more illusive residents.

This is not just a city of history, however, and the presence of York University means that it is a lively mix of the old and the new. There are plenty of shops, bars, clubs and restaurants and weary travellers can spend their afternoon in one of the city's excellent tea rooms or coffee shops, while the evenings offer West End shows at North England prices, or some good English pub grub.

Getting around: As York is highly pedestrianised, the best way to take in all the sights and sounds of the city is on foot. Many travellers also choose to hire a car, and there are plenty of major car rental agencies around, but taxis, buses and trains are all reliable and readily available. Parking tends to be expensive, and the streets can be confusing for new arrivals. There are about 20 bus routes, and the city is separated into zones, with the cost of the journey varying accordingly. Off-peak day passes are available. Hiring a bicycle is also a good option for exploring the city, as it is accommodating towards cyclists.