York Sightseeing
York, in England, is a great European vacation stop. Often referred to as the United Kingdom's "first city" of history, it's steeped in Britain's cultural heritage. Anglo Saxons ruled here long before the Romans arrived to invade. After that were the Vikings, who gave it is name, then in the form "Yorvik". During the medieval period, York became the second largest city in England.
The modern day visitor has many York attractions to visit. One excellent resource is the purchase the York pass. The pass includes over fifty attractions in York city and the surrounding area. To make the most of the York Pass you need to check the opening hours and days of attractions.
One of the most famous attractions is the 7th century enormous Gothic cathedral, York Minster. This vast church was built entirely of pale stone and features amazing stained glass windows, sculptures and an impressive pipe organ. The Yorvik Viking Centre gives you the chance to step back in history in the reconstruction of a street from 975AD. The centre was built on the site.
York also has the Dungeon, Clifford's Tower, the Merchant Adventurer's Hall, and the attractions of the River Ouse. In the Dungeon, actors create an interactive role play as various historical figures. Clifford's Tower has create, panormic views of the city. The Hall is the best preserved medieval guildhall in the United Kingdom while, to get a modern view of the city, try a boat trip down the Ouse.
Free York sightseeing options are also available. Some of my favourites include the Art Gallery, which features local and internationally renowned exibitions and a good cafe on the ground floor. The Bike Rescue Project is also interesting, saving some of the bicycles thrown away each week -- over sixty, if you'd believe it.
Wander through the quaint cobbled streets and you'll spot all manner of interesting shops housed in architecturally charming buildings The city walls offer a good vantage point in daylight hours (as the gates are locked after dark). You can stroll along the banks of the River Ouse and cross its gorgeous historic bridges such as Skeldergate and Lendal or the more contemporary Millennium Bridge.
