Sightseeing in York
I've had numerous days out in York this year. Its just so easy to get to York from Leeds, and a convenient place to take visitors. The journey only takes 25 minutes if you get the right train, and you can walk straight out of the train station right into the heart of York attractions, and in fact, right on to the spot where James the first of Scotland stopped by on his procession into England when he asceded to the English Throne in 1603.
I much prefer York during the week when there are less tourists about. Its just much easier to get around and you really can appreciate more of the city with a little space to breath.
Clifford's Tower, York
Just across the road from York train station the first place of interest is Clifford's Tower. I think I've been up there three times this year now and its free with English Heritage membership and you can get kids in for free.
From the top of Clifford's Tower there are some great views of York city. You can find plenty of instructional material on the history of the tower for the kids inside. You might even be lucky enough to turn up when there is a presentation or talk going on. Last time I went we caught one on herbal medicine and witches. Watch out for the gift shop if you're bringing kids, there are wooden swords and bows and arrows on display outside which act as a honeytrap for the under tens and your wallet can quickly get emptied for the sake of nick-knacks and trinkets.
The River Ouse
The River Ouse is a great place to chill out in summer. Perhaps the best day I've had there involved a few cases of beer, 2 kilos of ice and a gargantuan plant pot which served us as a beer cooler back in 2004. This year though its been lots of river walks over the summer. I love the green space and the wild fowl; especially when I've got someone special with me. Could happily just stroll around for hours on my own though.
York Minster
I hadn't been inside York Minster until this year, when I've been to the Minster twice. The first trip involved lots of wandering around the exhibits in the Undercroft - for far too long for my liking, and it was the only undercroft I got near that day. The second trip to the Minster involved climbing all those steps up to the top with one helluva hangover. English Heritage membership gets you into the Undercroft for free.
York City Wall
The City of York is surrounded by a Roman wall; which is fairly quiet in places even during busy weekends for tourism. The wall often provides a good refuge to get out of the crowds and get some space and fresh air. There are good views from various points and you can jump on and off at points of interest much in the same way you would on a city tourist bus. No dogs are allowed on the wall, but we got away this year with taking a puppy around with its head poking out of a bag.
York Dungeon
We had a great afternoon at York Dungeons this July with my mate and his boys. Lots of excitement for them, wonderfully informative shows and presentations, and lots of double entendres about bondage. Which reminds me; last time I was at York Dungeons (about 15 years ago) I found a dark corner to have an illicit fumble with the lass I was with - not sure I was supposed to be doing that! Anyway, loads of history for the kids to adsorb - they got to learn a bit about Roman Britain, highway men and with ghost stories, torture chambers and a mock 19th century trial thrown into the bargain. Not a cheap excursion though. Even with English Heritage membership this one really hits the wallet for a full family.
I've still got loads of York to uncover even after all these visits. For instance, I've walked past Fairfax House on numerous ocassions but still never been in there.
York in History
In his 1662 The History of the Worthies of England, Thomas Fuller provided the following recommendation for York as a place to visit:
York is an ancient city built on both sides of the river Ouse, conjoined with a bridge, wherein there is one arch, the highest and largest in England. Here the Roman emperors has their residence (Severus and Valerius Constantius their death), prefering this place before London, as more approaching the centre of this island: and he who will hold the ox-hide from rising up on either side, must fix his foot in the middle thereof.
What it lacketh in London in bigness and beauty of buildings, it hath in cheapness and plenty of provisions. The ordinary in York will make a feast in London, and such persons who in their eating consult both their purse and palate, would choose this city as a staple place of good cheer.