'''York''' [http://www.york-tourism.co.uk/] is an ancient cathedral city with a history that dates back to before Roman times. It is situated in the heart of Yorkshire in North Yorkshire with some of the best preserved historical buildings and structures in Europe.
Understand
York was known as ''Eboracum'' by the Romans, who founded the fortress city on the River Ouse in the year 71. York was home first to the Ninth Legion and later the Sixth. York quickly became one of the most important cities in Roman Britain and after 211 became the capital of the province ''Britannia Inferior''. Constantine the Great - later responsible for making Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire - was first proclaimed Emperor in the city.
Captured by the Vikings 866, the city quickly took on a new identity as ''Jorvik'' (pronounced "Yor-vik") and experienced a major urban revival as a centre of Viking trade and settlement in northern England. The Coppergate excavations of the 1970s revealed much of this Viking past.
Someone is bound to tell you, so let it be here - in York the gates to the city are called bars, the roads are called gates and the bars are called public houses :)
York is a fairly small city - well worth a visit but anything longer than 4 days and you will probably have had enough.
York is known as England's "City of Festivals" as there are regular cultural festivals every year. The official festivals are the Viking Festival, the Roman Festival, the Ghost Festival, the Festival of Angels, Jazz, Early Music, Late Music, Digital Arts, Horse Racing (the "Ebor Race Meeting"), Learning Festival, Multicultural Food and Arts, Chinese New Year, Lesbian Arts, Christmas St Nicholas' Fair, and the Food and Drink Festival. It's a romantic city for a weekend break. York is full of magic and a wonderful place to bring children!
Get in
Most travellers will arrive in York by means of road (car or bus) or rail transport from other UK centres. Parking within the city centre can be a challenge at busy times but is far from impossible although the cost can be prohibitive. If you are not staying somewhere with parking, or driving in for the day, use the Park and Rides, which are inexpensive and have sites all around York's ring road.
By train
York is one of the main hubs of the UK rail network, with a large range of services and destinations to choose from. The station itself is an attraction, and was voted the 'nicest' station in the UK in 2007. Because of the number of lines that pass through, services tend to be frequent. While intercity trains can be expensive, regional services are relatively affordable.
York is situated halfway between Edinburgh and London on the East Coast Main Line. ''National Express East Coast'' run services along this route with trains running approximately every half hour between ''London Kings Cross'' and ''Edinburgh Waverley''. Journey time from London is approximately two hours, while Edinburgh is two and half hours away. Trains to London are also operated by Grand Central, but there are only 3 services per day. Arriva Cross Country also run trains from York into Scotland and across the country to Birmingham, Oxford and Reading and the South-West.
There is an hourly train service to and from Manchester International Airport 24 hours a day. This stops at Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester, making it possible to have a late night out elsewhere in the North but still make it back to York. Other regional trains run to Sheffield, Doncaster, Hull, Harrogate and Scarborough, Durham and Newcastle.
Train times can be found on the National Rail Planner [http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/planmyjourney/] or by calling 08457 48 49 50 from anywhere in the UK.
By bus
York is served by National Express coaches. The information and ticket office is inside the Tourist Information office at the railway station.
By Air
The nearest major Airport to York is '''Leeds-Bradford International Airport''' (LBA) about 30 miles away. Jet2 and KLM are amongst the major carriers at this airport. '''YorkAir''' [http://www.yorkair.co.uk] is a special direct coach service between York and LBA that takes around 45mins, costing around __15 return. It runs between the Terminal entrance at the Airport and York Rail Station.
Manchester Airport is well connected to the York by an hourly direct train service that runs throughout the night. Doncaster-Sheffield, Durham-Tees Valley and Newcastle Airports are also relatively close. Heathrow and Gatwick Airports will require a change in London if using the trains, and probably Leeds if using the National Express coach service.
Get around
On foot
The old city is foot-only access, and many of the sights are only a short walk between one another. Plus, parking is nearly impossible, and where you can't walk, there is always a bus! (see below)
By car
The best advice for driving in York is '''don't''' - the roads were designed for carts pulled by oxen, and the city council is actively discouraging car use through a combination of high parking charges and traffic-calming measures. The good news is that most of the centre is pedestrianised, and there is an excellent park-and-ride service [http://www.parkandride.net/york/york_frameset.shtml] from the car parks on the outskirts of the city. The car parks are patrolled and monitored, the buses are frequent and rapid and the fares are low - in contrast to the eye-wateringly expensive parking charges in the city itself. The city itself is small enough to walk from one side to the other in 20 minutes, so there's really no need to bring a car into the city in the first place. Bikes are also a great option, and can be rented in various places, including the train station.
Finally, Parkopedia.com [http://en.parkopedia.com/parking/uk/york] is a free service that allows users to search and compare parking rates and locations for commercial and private parking facilities in York [http://en.parkopedia.com/parking/uk/york].
By bus
Excellent bus services [http://getdown.org.uk/bus/search/york.htm] connect all the points of interest in the city but they are not cheap, if there are 2 or more of you think about a taxi. However, a day-pass for a bus is __3.50 per person, so if you are planning to ride several times in a day , it can be the cheaper method.
By bike
York is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the UK - there's an extensive network of cycle routes in and around the city, and most of the traffic controls have been set up to give bikes priority. It's also practically completely flat, which is a big help. The river-path contains some wonderful bike routes out of the city. You should be able to pick up a copy of the York Cycle Route Map for free from cycle shops, or alternatively you can find PDFs here: [http://www.york.gov.uk/cycling/].
See
Battle of Fulford 1066 tour. 44 (0)7877 781003. dmin@ibattles.co.uk. ttp://www.ibattles.co.uk/. In 1066 the greatest shield wall battle in world history took place - no, not the Battle of Hastings, but in fact the Battle of Fulford, fought just outside York on the 20th September 1066, just a few weeks before Hastings. Discover the background to 1066, including the great last Viking invasion of England, and the foul deeds and bloody history surrounding the monarchy at the time. A full tour of the battlefield is given by representatives from the ibattles website, who have made a fascinating drama documentary about the battle (a copy is included free with each tour - a great memento of your visit to York or gift for a loved one). Please note the battle site is just a 5 minute drive by car from the city centre, transport can be arranged if required.
York Minster. 44 (0)1904 557216. ttp://www.yorkminster.org/. -Sa 9AM-5PM Su noon-3:45PM. dult __5.50, concession __4.50, child under 16 free. The largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe, York Minster dominates the skyline & has a history of building that dates back to the 8th century at least. The one place that everybody visits. Stay for Evensong service if you can, especially if you've never been to a church service before.
Jorvik Viking Centre. 44 (0)1904 543400. orvik@yorkat.co.uk. ttp://www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/. aily 10AM-4PM (winter), 10AM-5PM (summer). _6 and upwards. An amazing recreation of the Viking settlement at York, on the site of the Coppergate archaeological excavations of the 1970s. Not to be missed, some say, while others are much less enthusiastic. Bear in mind this lasts approx 15mins, not something for the day out, and works out roughly __2 every 5 mins, you may be queued for longer than you are actually in there.
National Railway Museum. ational Railway Museum. eeman Road. 44 (0)870 4214001. rm@nrm.org.uk. ttp://www.nrm.org.uk/. aily 10AM-6PM. ree. The largest railway museum in the world, responsible for the conservation and interpretation of the British national collection of historically significant railway vehicles and other artefacts. Contains an unrivalled collection of locomotives, rolling stock, railway equipment, documents and records.
York Castle Museum. ye of York. ext to Clifford's Tower. 44 (0)1904 687687. ttp://www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/. aily 9:30AM-5PM. dult __6.50, concession __5, child __3.50. An award winning museum of everyday life with exhibitions to appeal to all ages. Exhibits include Kirkgate, a Victorian street; Half Moon Court, an Edwardian street; and costumes and toys through the ages. Built in part of the former prison there is also an opportunity to explore the old cells and see where Dick Turpin spent his last days.
Ruins of St Mary's Abbey. useum Gardens. ear Minster. A great place for a picnic.
King's Manor. ttp://www.york.ac.uk. Now part of the University of York, previously a royal headquarters,
Clifford's Tower. 44 (0)1904 646940. ttp://www.english-heritage.org.uk/cliffordstower. aily 10AM-4PM. _2.50. This imposing "tower" represents the medieval castle of York, located in the centre of town, originally built by William the Conqueror to subdue the rebellious north, then rebuilt by Henry III in the 13th century. Fantastic panoramic views of York and the surrounding countryside from the top of the tower.
Merchant Adventurers' Hall. ossgate. 44 (0)1904 654818. ttp://www.theyorkcompany.co.uk/. -Th 9AM-5PM F-Sa 9AM-3:30PM Su noon-4PM. dult __2.50. Built 1357-1361 and of international importance, this building is Europe's finest medieval Guildhall and scheduled as an ancient monument. Nowhere else can be seen in one building the three rooms serving the three functions of a medieval guild: business, charity and religion. Above is the superb timbered Great Hall, below is the Undercroft or Hospital and Chapel. Audi guides available.
Eboracum Legion Bathhouse. oman Bath public house. t Sampson's Square. 44 (0)1904 620455. aily 10AM-5PM. dult __2. A great venue for food, drink and entertainment - complete with a Roman period bathhouse in the cellar. One of York's oldest attractions, visitors can see the remains of ancient York, with insights into Roman military life and hygiene.
York Dungeon. ttp://www.thedungeons.com/. Entertaining, though perhaps not for the faint hearted or for young children, there is little blood or gore, and some may find it suitable for children. Definitely worth the entrance price, however check out the pubs beforehand, as you may find 2 for 1 beer mats in the Kings Arms, a pub on the banks of the River Ouse near the Yorkboat landing (Kings Straith).
Yorkshire Museum. useum Gardens. ear Minster. ttp://www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk. Interesting, and quite good for curious children. Features displays of Roman, Viking and Medieval riches.
York Maze. ext to Grimston Bar park and ride so by car or bus. ttp://www.yorkmaze.com. A very large maze (the largest in the world, they say) and it's made of maize. Give it at least a couple of hours. There are other activities, such as a mini-maze for children, and games (such as Crazy Mazey Golf). Only open during the summer months.
Treasurer's House. ttp://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-treasurershouseyork/. National Trust operated town house dating from Medieval times.
Barley Hall. offee Yard. ttp://website.lineone.net/~barleyhall/. A lovingly restored Medieval townhouse, situated on Coffee Yard (an alley off Stonegate). Hidden gem.
Do
Walk around the city walls. ttp://www.york.gov.uk/walls/. aily 8AM-sunset. ree. One of the best vantage points for the medieval city of York is from the ramparts of its medieval city walls, built on Roman era foundations. Alternatively walk the York snickleways, the famous medieval (and later) alleys and narrow streets that thread the center of the city. Try and get hold of a copy of Mark W Jones' book A walk around the Snickelways of York (ISBN 1871125723) or its hardback companion The complete Snickelways of York (ISBN 1871125049) with their quirky, hand-written descriptions. Alternatively walk downstream to the the Millennium bridge, cross and back upstream on the other bank. About an hours walk.
Walking tours and ghost walks. alking tours free, ghost walks __. Wonderful. There are many ghost walks that run throughout the year during the evenings. Walks normally start from 6pm onwards and last for around an hour - just look for the posters and billboards posted throughout the city centre for details and the meeting point for that evening.
Boat hire. ttp://www.yorkboat.co.uk/. _20/hr, early in the day can be cheaper. Power up the River Ouse. Alternatively have someone else drive and go on a river trip. boy
Football. ork City FC. ootham Crescent. ww.ycfc.net. They_fre a full-time professional club, playing in the Blue Square Conference and famous for giant-killing victories over Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton. Their home ground of KitKat Crescent, formerly known as Bootham Crescent, is a traditional English football ground surrounded by terraced housing. It is about 15 minutes walk from the city centre, near the hospital.
Rugby League. ork City Knights. untington Stadium. York City Knights [http://www.yorkcityknights.co.uk] are currently playing in National League 2, advertising a good standard of rugby, the Huntington stadium is about 5 minutes walk from Monks Cross shopping centre. Matchdays are usually Sunday afternoons but you are advised to check before setting out as they are usually every other week.
Buy
York comes highly recommended for its unique shops & boutiques. There's the usual range of high-street stores, but York is also a great place if you're looking for tourist tat of the highest order. Tat-central is '''The Shambles''' - the narrowest (and most crowded) street in York, with a full range of ''a present from York'' - emblazoned merchandise manufactured in the Far East. Shops in York change from year to year but the beautiful old fashioned wooden shop fronts and buildings have not changed much since they were first built.
Gillygate and Low Petergate. There is a good range of stores apart from the standard high street, try these for some nice small shops and galleries.
Betty's Tearoom. Get a Fat Rascal see below.
Browns. arliament Street. A local good quality department store.
Eat
'''The Judges Lodgings''',The Judges Lodgings hotel is comprised of the cellar bar, famous for its award winning real ales, the roof terrace and the largest outside dining area in York. Its upstairs restaurant, located inside the hotel, serves freshly prepared meals, a selection of fine wines and delicious homemade deserts. These are enjoyed amongst the splendour of guilt mirrors, antique paintings and beautiful architecture.
'''Four High Petergate''', 2 - 4 Petergate, 08454602020, [http://www.fourhighpetergate.co.uk/]. Four High Petergate is one of the city_fs finest restaurants with rooms, offering guests a delightful culinary experience and a beautiful place to stay right in the heart of York's city centre. The new venue also has the capabilities to stage weddings, tea parties and business events.
'''J Bakers Bistro Moderne''', Fossgate, 01904 622688, Run by Michelin-starred chef J Baker (10 consecutive years with Michelin stars)this is regularly reviewed and acknowledged as York's best restaurant by some way. Booking is essential for evenings as there is often a waiting list but the Lunch time menu is a bargain and it is easy to get a table.
'''Harvilles Restaurant York''', 47 Fossgate, 01904 654155, [http://www.harvilles.co.uk/]. Harvilles is a new restaurant that serves the best Aberdeen Angus steaks. It specializes in oysters and seafood and they also have a blackboard with changing specialties. It has a great selection of Champagne and is a delightfully intimate place to meet friends.
'''Viceroy of India''', Monkgate, 01904 622370, Always busy even in early evening, this long established Indian Restaurant is a favourite of York residents who keep returning time after time for its excellent food and friendly atmosphere. As they say - when in Rome...
'''Monty's Grill''', St Peter's Grove, 08454 60 20 20, [http://www.montysgrill.co.uk]. Monty's Grill is an award-winning steak and seafood restaurant close to the centre of York. It is based on the concept of a Victorian chop house and specializes in serving high-quality, traditional British food.
'''Old Grey Mare''', [http://www.oldgreymare.com/]. A good curry place about halfway between the city walls and the YHA hostel.
'''Betty's Tea Rooms''', 6-8 St Helen's Square, tel 659142, [http://www.bettysandtaylors.co.uk/bt/york.html]. World-famous for its nostalgic atmosphere and spectacular Swiss-Yorkshire patisserie-style catering. It is a twenties-style tea rooms complete with palm trees, aproned waitresses and piano player, and serves the kind of food that comes with the crusts cut off. The quality is superb, but it's not cheap - and be prepared for a queue at peak times, it's not unknown for potential customers to wait outside in the rain for a seat. Open 9am-9pm every day.
'''Little Betty's''', 46 Stonegate, tel 622865, [http://www.bettysandtaylors.co.uk/bt/little.html]. This is a smaller version of Betty's in Stonegate which doesn't get quite so busy, and serves exactly the same kind of food in a similar ambience. Open Su-F 10am-5:30pm; Sa 9am-5:30pm.
'''Bari's''' - The Shambles. Cheerfully unpretentious Italian bistro serving pizza and pasta in an authentically Italian style (overly-phallic pepper grinders and waiters adopting cod accents.) Food's not bad, it's reasonably priced, and it's pretty lively of an evening.
'''Pizza Express''' - Lendal. Needs no introduction, but worth a look for the setting - a spectacular Victorian brick edifice perched on the bank of the River Ouse. Summer evenings on the terraces are pleasant, and their toilets are marble temples of Victorian excess - it's worth eating there just for the chance to use a solid brass-and-marble urinal.
'''ASK''' - The Assembly Rooms. A marble pillared Georgian meeting hall with 40-foot ceilings and plaster cherubs. Extremely busy at weekends and tourist periods.
'''The Golden Dragon''' - King Street, not far from Ouse Bridge. Just round the corner from the famous riverside pub the King's Arms. Within falling distance of the Gallery and the Lowther. Cheap and cheerful Chinese food. Open till late.
'''The Spurriergate Centre''' on Spurriergate - a great little cafe in an old church, well worth a visit just for the architecture but the food is good and there are vegetarian options - the staff have a "godly" feel but are friendly enough.
'''Meltons Too''' - 5 minutes walk from the center in an area called Walmgate - good food in pleasant ''olde worlde'' environment.
'''El Piano''', Grape Lane, [http://www.elpiano.co.uk/]. Mexican influenced vegetarian food. Very relaxed atmosphere, you can carve your name in a table for a __1 donation to Amnesty (they lend you the tools). Has toys and games lying around. If you have children, ask nicely and they'll give you a room upstairs to yourselves.
A cafeteria in an old church facing away from '''Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate''' sells cheap good food - eat on the grass outside.
'''The Lime House''', Goodramgate, [http://www.limehouserestaurant-york.co.uk/ ]. This restaurant has won many awards but still doesn't seem to be on the tourist radar. This is a shame, because it serves some of the most inventive, lovingly-prepared food in the city. Starters from __5, mains from __13.
'''Hungary Horaces''' - Proper working mens cafe. Greasy and tatty but the food is of a very high standard. The staff at the cafe are very friendly and may refer to you as love or flower.
'''Miller's''' [http://www.millersyork.co.uk/] - Delicious fish and chip shop in Fulford, which also works as a restaurant. Reasonable prices and as good a plate's worth as you'll get in York.
Drink
York has perhaps the most pubs per square mile of any city in the country (supposedly one for every day of the year). You shouldn't have any problem finding somewhere to get a drink.
There are three key City Centre areas for Drinking depending on your taste:
'''Micklegate area:''' which includes Rougier Street: Young, loud, brash, boozy, hen & stag nights abound. Wall to wall pubs in a very small area serving a younger clientele intent on getting well oiled and having a good time until 3 - 4am.
'''Coney Street area:''' Goes from St Helens Square along Coney Street turning right to the edge of Ouse Bridge. Pubs & Bars are a lot more upmarket and it takes in 3 bars on Coney St overlooking the River Ouse.
'''Goodramgate, Swinegate area:''' Probably the best area for those who like a mix of traditional pubs, nice continental bars and 2 good swanky modern bars for dressing to impress. The atmosphere is the most laid back in this area and has the widest age range appeal.
An excellent map of York bars, complete with reviews, is available here: [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=117391761981642784196.000001129efcd10c0045e]
Pubs
There are plenty of pubs in York but here are a small selection:
'''The Ackhorne''', St Martin's Lane (off Micklegate). Real beer and real people.
'''The Blue Bell''', Fossgate. Tiny but unforgettable. Real beer. A locals' favourite.
'''The Brigantes''', Micklegate. Real British beer, and plenty of foreign brands too.
'''The Charles XII''' located in Heslington, right next to the University. Cheap beer and full of students.
'''The Hansom Cab''' a ''Samuel Smith's'' pub right in the centre of town, with cheap local ales
'''The Keystones''' a Yellow Card pub beneath Monkgate Bar.
'''KoKo International Bar''', Goodramgate. Lovely relaxed bar overlooking York Minster serving 10 draught rare imported lagers & UK ales, over 200 bottled continental beers & 300 Spirits !!
'''The King's Arms''' another ''Samuel Smith's'' pub but a few pence dearer than the Hansom Cab; located beneath the River Ouse bridge, it's traditionally flooded every winter.
'''Lendal Cellars''' off St. Helen's Square (and yes, it is underground).
'''The Lowther''' overlooking (and occasionally in) the River Ouse; highly recommended - try the diesel.
'''The Micklegate''' just beneath Micklegate Bar.
'''The Maltings''' absolutely cracking real-ale pub close to the train station.
'''Ye Olde Starre Inn''' on Stonegate, the oldest pub in York, nice and cosy, with a beer garden that, just, overlooks the Minster
'''The Phoenix''' the other side of the wall from the Barbican.
'''The Postern Gate''', a J.D. Wetherspoon franchise (otherwise known as ''The Wetherspoon's'') beside the Travelodge on Piccadilly, overlooking the River Foss.
'''The Priory''' on Micklegate, often to be found serving a well-known Irish stout at a very reasonable price.
'''The Punchbowl''', a Wetherspoons franchise beside Micklegate Bar.
'''The Punch Bowl''' (there are two) on Stonegate.
'''Roman Baths Inn''' in St. Sampson's Square, in the middle of town, on top of the remains of a real Roman bath that you can visit. Also frequently has open-mic nights.
'''The Rook and Gaskill''', a Tynemill pub just outside Walmgate Bar. 12 ever-rotating cask ales available.
'''The Rose and Crown''', an Australian-run pub just outside Walmgate Bar, home of the Auzzie Burger.
'''The Three Legged Mare''' a York Brewery Pub just a stones throw from the Minster.
'''The Windmill''' opposite Micklegate Bar.
'''The York Brewery Pub''' a York Brewery Pub actually in their brewery on Tanner Row
Bars
There are yet more bars. Some might class these in the same category as pubs:
'''KoKo International Bar''' Goodramgate. Lovely relaxed bar overlooking York Minster
'''The Living room''' on the East side of the Ouse bridge
'''Slug and Lettuce''' on the West side of the Ouse bridge (formally Capitol)
'''Yates's''' on the West side of the Ouse bridge
'''Biltmore''' on Swinegate. Probably the plushest upmarket bar in York and this is reflected in the clientele who don't mind paying extra for the scenery. Huge bar drinks menu comprising cocktails, premium spirits, bottled beers and wine. Usual mass produced beer brands on Draught.
'''The Bedroom''' on Micklegate
'''The Nags Head''' on Micklegate
'''Pitcher and Piano''', '''Bar 38''' and '''Orgasmic''' besides City Screen off Coney st
'''Evil Eye''' on Stonegate - the best place in York for cocktails, and the south east asian food is out of this world, too! Limited capacity due to fire regulations so you may have to queue to gain entry.
'''Dusk''' on New Street (off Coney Street) - another great place for cocktails, with 2-for-1 Monday through Thursday.
Sleep
'''Marmadukes Hotel''', tel 0870 243 0765. St Peters Grove, [http://www.marmadukeshotels.co.uk].
'''Welburn Lodge''' [http://www.welburnlodge.com] is situated close to Castle Howard and only 13 miles from the City of York.
Budget
'''The Quality Hotel York''', [http://www.qualityhotelyork.com]. Very central, very modern, very convenient - just minutes walk from most tourist attractions. Inexpensive compared to other hotels that are further away. Eye catching, modern design 6 story hotel, matched by stylish contemporary interiors, which create an atmosphere of luxury and simplicity. Very close to the city walls if you plan on walking around the city walls - a good way to see York. Also close to the shops, and if you've got heavy shopping bags, it will make a lot of difference to be close to the city center.
'''York YHA Hostel''', twenty minutes walk away from the city walls, is clean and cheap with good showers. Good family rooms for 4. Adequate breakfast is included in the price (they'll pack you a breakfast if you're leaving especially early).
'''Travelodge York Central''' located next to a popular Weatherspoons bar/restaurant next to the city wall and River on Piccadilly. Only a 5 minute walk up Piccadilly to Parliament Sq in the Centre. Rooms are comfortable and private, and are pretty cheap (~__29-__60) if booked in advance online. Because of it's prime location, walk-in fares are likely to exceed __80pn. Don't take the breakfast - instead go next door to the Weatherspoons, it's much better value!
If you have a car, also try the Travelodge York-Tadcaster about 5miles from the city centre on the A64. Rooms will be significantly cheaper.
Mid-range
'''The Dean Court Hotel''' - they don't come much more central than this - it's right outside the front door of the Minster, and the city center is just streets away. An imposing Victorian pile, this Best Western hotel has recently been renovated downstairs, and now sports a contemporary 'wine bar' look that's in complete contrast to the red-brick exterior. Unfortunately the refit didn't make it past the ground floor, and the bedrooms are beginning to look somewhat tired. Food is over-the-top nouvelle cuisine style, and they've got prices to match the location. Great if you're looking for something at the heart of the city, but not particularly good value given the standard of accommodation at the moment.
'''Hotel Noir''' - 01904 643711 [http://www.hotelnoir.co.uk]. Very good value hotel within ten minutes' walk of city centre. There are 28 comfortable rooms, all en suite. Free, small car park, good breakfast and free mini-bar. Good for a short break. The road outside can be noisy, so stay in one of the rear rooms if you're a light sleeper. Lively bar as well.
'''The Monk Bar Hotel''' - just outside Monk Bar, on the inner ring road. Perfectly adequate unspectacular Best Western-style hotel, but beware the bedrooms at the front - they overlook the inner ring road which is exceedingly noisy during the morning and evening rush hours. Not particularly good value for money, as the accommodation is unspectacular and food could best be described as adequate.
'''Premier Travel Inn''', tel 0870 990 6594, [http://www.premiertravelinn.com/pti/hotelInformation.do?hotelId=24153]. Five minutes walk from the train station. A recent conversion of older low rise buildings. Clean, with a king size double bed and excellent showers. Rooms cost __70 a night plus between __3 and __7.50 for each adult for breakfast. Good value for families as 2 kids can sleep in the same room on pull out beds, and they get breakfast for free with a paying adult.
'''Queen Anne's Guest House''', [http://www.queen-annes-guesthouse.co.uk]. Approximately 7 mins walk from Bootham Bar (near the Minster), this is a small friendly guest house with a simple Full English Breakfast awaiting you in the morning, after a refreshing sleep in one of the clean, quiet rooms with en suite. Good value for money, the key to the front door is issued on arrival ensuring you do not have to tote bags around all day.
'''Ramada Fairfield Manor Hotel''', [http://www.ramadajarvis.co.uk/hotel/overview.asp?hotel_id=72]. The Ramada Fairfield Manor Hotel in York is set in a recently renovated Georgian mansion in six acres of grounds.This elegant York hotel mananges to combine the calm of an 18th-century country retreat with the vibrant cultural attractions of 2000-year-old York three miles away.
Splurge
'''The Judges Lodgings Hotel''', [http://www.judgeslodgings.com], +44 (0)1904 638733, info@judgeslodgings.com. Housed in a grade 1 listed Georgian townhouse, the Judges Lodgings Hotel has been sympathetically renovated and now offers travellers a luxurious and historical place to relax. It has a traditional cellar bar and restaurant (also open to non-residents) and is among the best located hotels in the city centre (within the main pedestrian area of York and overlooked by York Minster). It has a small free car park in the grounds. Also a venue for conferences, meetings, weddings, private dining.
'''The Royal York Hotel''' is located next to the Station and is the largest hotel in York as well as one of the most prestigious. Has a nice but expensive restaurant overlooking the Minster - great for an evening meal. Also has a Bar, Swimming Pool and Gym. Always ask at reception if you will hear any nose from function rooms. To be safe ask for a high-floor room.
'''The Grange Hotel''', tel 644744, [http://www.grangehotel.co.uk]. A few minutes walk from Bootham Bar, this is one of York's premier (and most expensive) hotels. A Georgian town house, it's gone for the country-house-chic look - all deep sofas, open fires and unobtrusive service. There are three restaurants ranging from a seafood bar, through contemporary cellar bar to the full-on French silver service. Not cheap, but deeply luxurious, and a real change from the standard pre-packaged international chain hotels.
'''Lendal Tower''', [http://www.lendaltower.co.uk]. This newly refurbished luxury establishment will surely be one of York's main landmarks within a couple of years. The 5 star ancient property offers a range of services including guest accommodation, private butler and chef, weddings and private dining.
'''de Bretton Hospitality''', [http://www.debretton.co.uk], 0845 4 60 20 20. de Bretton is a hospitality group that operates a range of luxury hotels and accommodation in York.
Learn
'''The University of York''' [http://www.york.ac.uk] is constantly one of the UK's top 10 performing universities, and is one of the top 100 in the world. The departments of Biology and Chemistry are particularly well regarded internationally as leading research centres.
Contact
Phone
York's area code (for landline numbers) is 01904 when dialed from within the UK or +44 1904 from outside the UK.
Internet
There are also several places that offer web and other internet access. These include:
'''City Screen Picturehouse''', 13-17 Coney Street (tucked away behind St. Martin's church - look for the iconic clock), tel 0871 7042054, [http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema_home_date.aspx?venueId=york]Computers, printing, and wireless in the Basement Cafe. If you bring your own laptop, wireless is a pound otherwise you pay by the amount of time spent online.
'''Gateway Internet Cafe Bar''', now situated in City Screen - above.
'''Evil Eye Lounge''', 42 Stonegate, tel 640002, [http://www.evileyelounge.com/]. Just as with City Screen, if you bring your own laptop wireless access is just a pound. Pay at the counter just as you walk in to get that day's access code.
'''York Central Library''', Museum Street (between the river and the Minster). Ask at the enquiry desk - you'll see plenty of locals using the computers, but the staff can arrange Web access for visitors too. Opens till 8pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
Stay Safe
Just like in every town and city York has its bad parts that are best avoided: areas that seem to keep appearing in newspaper reports! These are the outlying suburbs of Tang Hall, Bell Farm, Chapelfields and parts of Foxwood and even these are relatively tame compared to similar areas in cities like Manchester or Leeds.
The centre of town, however, is as civilised as everywhere else in Britain.
Take care on weekend evenings in York. Plenty of local youngsters overestimate their capacity for alcohol and the city centre can seem to be awash with lager louts, mainly over the river in the Micklegate area. Aim for our recommended pubs, though, and you'll find that safe socialising in the company of affable locals is still possible!
Get out
York is centrally located for the Vale of York and East and North Yorkshire, making it a great base for days out in any direction:
'''Aldborough Roman Villa''' [http://www.english-heritage.org.uk] - it`s a bit of a push to the top of the county but well worth the trouble.
'''Castle Howard''' [http://www.castlehoward.co.uk/] - one of the locations for the filming of Brideshead Revisited, this amazing stately home is a great day trip out of York. If you've got a car and go to Castle Howard its worth a look at Kirkham Priory too, just off the A64 at the top of the hill near Castle Howard. Additional local historic sites in the York area include Beningbrough Hall, Bolton Abbey, Nunnington Hall and Riveaux Abbey.
'''Leeds''' - biggest city in Yorkshire. Fantastic for shopping, drinking, dining, and as a base for exploring Yorkshire.
'''Northallerton''' - from here get a bus to the picturesque, authentic, village of Osmotherley with three great pubs and plenty of good walking.
'''North York Moors National Park'''
'''The coast''' - Victorian ''Scarborough'' with two popular beaches and a castle, Victorian ''Bridlington'', ''Filey'' and ''Whitby''. ''Filey'' is a smaller and less developed resort; it is home to a brigg that can be accessed at low tide, has long stretches of beach, however has reduced facilities compared to its larger neighbours. ''Whitby'' is a popular coastal town and home to many historic sites of interest. If you are visiting the town around mealtimes try one of the fish and chip restaurants. The portions are large and the taste to die for. Mushy peas are optional! This used to be the national dish before chicken tikka massala - and in Whitby they show you why. If you are travelling the main road between Scarborough and Whitby, try making a detour into the moors on the landward side of the road. Only a couple of miles or so from the road you will be into a land of babbling brooks and comfortable pubs (most without music) where you can enjoy a quiet drink and a well-cooked meal at very reasonable cost. And the plus is it seems like another world.
'''Thirsk''' - small horse-racing market town. Well known as a horse racing venue, but for me its claim to fame is as the home of James Herriott. There is a museum dedicated to his (real)life and vetinary practice and is well worth making a detour to visit. It`s a "hands on" type of museum and to any fans of the books and films constitutes and couple of hours well spent. You can sit in the actual Austin 7 car that he made his visits in and can round off the visit in the museum shop. Enjoy!!!Afterwards a drink in a local pub and perhaps a (very) substantial lunch.