About York

York is one of England’s finest and most beautiful historic cities. With Roman roots and a Viking past, York offers an eclectic mix of culture and history – with hidden gems and unique experiences around every corner.

The Romans knew it as Eboracum, to the Saxons it was Eoforwick and the Vikings – who came as invaders but stayed on in settlements – called it Jorvik. The York of today is a fashionable city that successfully combines its heritage and superb historic architecture with independent shops, restaurants, bars and cafés, to attract tourists from all over the world.

Crowned Britain’s Home of Chocolate, the most haunted city in Europe and with one of the best racecourses in the country, York is abundant with culture and character. Plus, the city’s thriving cultural and creative sector has seen it become the UK’s first and only UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, with creativity embedded in every aspect of the city.

1. Circumnavigate the city as you walk around York’s famous medieval York City Walls, the longest in England – the best way to get your bearings.

2. Take the time machine back to AD960 and experience the sights, sounds and smells of Viking York at the JORVIK Viking Centre in Coppergate

3. View the largest concentration of medieval stained glass in Britain at York Minster.

4. Discover York’s snickelways. Around 50 ginnels and snickelways are within the city walls, evidence of their popularity with the footbound medieval folk.

5. Celebrate York’s chocolate and confectionery heritage on York’s self-guided Chocolate Trail, and taste handmade chocolates at York Cocoa House.

6. Visit the National Railway Museum, the largest railway museum in the world.

7. Take a cruise along the River Ouse and get a different angle on the city with City Cruises York.

8. Take a ghost walk around York’s spookiest haunts, choosing from a whole host of different ghost walks – from in-depth story telling in York’s most haunted locations to evenings of horror and hilarity.

9. Treat yourself to the best views in York - climb Clifford’s Tower or tackle the steps at the Minster, the views are breath-taking.

10. Dine out in one of UK's best foodie destinations. Book a table at Roots York – York's only Michelin star restaurant, or enjoy a delicious meal at Los Moros serving hearty homemade North African dishes.