Recently updated on January 23rd, 2020 at 01:23 pm
Situated at the confluence of the Ouse and Foss rivers, within the undulating countryside of North Yorkshire, York sits within an undeniably idyllic setting. But what draws most visitors to this city year-round is the remarkable history and heritage in York, which can be seen through the ancient city walls, magnificent architecture and cobbled streets. Here’s how to uncover the city’s hidden stories on a trip to York.
Trafalgar Travel Director Rachel Thomas tells us what it is that she finds so appealing about this remarkable city: “I love the old world charm York has. The famous Shambles street looks just like a film set, and York Minster – a church that took around 250 years to build – is impressive, to say the least. Then there are the Snickleways – little alleyways linking the bigger streets – that often have a ghost story to tell. In York, there really are centuries of history everywhere you look.”
Before venturing to these hidden alleys, many people pay a visit to York’s well-preserved City Walls. Stretching across 3.4 kilometres, these are longest of their kind in England, and a walk around the entire circuit takes around two hours, with gateways and towers along the way, as well as views over York and its surroundings.
Then there’s the city’s most revered site, the world-famous cathedral, York Minster. Here, visitors go on a journey through the 2,000-year history of the cathedral and its underground chambers, before climbing 275 steps up to the top of the Central Tower (the highest point in the city) for some of the best views in York.
Having been awarded the accolade of Britain’s Most Picturesque Street by Google, you can be sure The Shambles will be a highlight of any trip to York. This historic cobbled street, which is lined with overhanging wooden beamed houses, sits in the city centre, with inviting shops and cafes to hop between. While the shops along this street have historically been butchers, The Shambles is now home to tearooms, gift shops and a series of artisanal boutiques selling everything from chocolate to leather goods.
A trip to York with Rachel also reveals many of the city’s hidden stories. “York is a city that’s full of lesser known treasures, such as the hidden cats of York, which adorn buildings in various poses and colours. You can also see symbols on the buildings, which show you what they used to sell there; look out for devils, red Indians, and the goddess Minerva and her owl – I explain to visitors what these symbols represent as I show them around.”
With so much history to uncover at each turn, a day spent in this heritage-rich city is sure to be one to remember.
Discover history and heritage in York with Trafalgar by joining Real Britain, Britain and Ireland Highlights, and Amazing Britain.
Image credits: cover photo of York Minster © iStock. York signposts © iStock / Miles Gilmour. A clock in York © iStock / George Standen. The Shambles © iStock / Lovattpics. The City Walls © iStock / oversnap.