The city of York (York in General)

Member Name: scarlett

Product:	York in General
Date:	05/07/00 (52 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Plenty for everyone

Disadvantages: none

There is something for everyone in York. If you enjoy shopping then you will find a really wide variety of high street names as well as smaller, independent, shops. There are some really unique shops, selling everything imaginable such as Egyptian items, rare books, antiques and models (of the airfix type!!). As they are specialist outlets the staff are highly knowledgeable, and will offer invaluable advice on any purchase. The Shambles is a preserved medieval street full of a variety of small shops, well worth a visit – history and shopping at the same time!! Most of the high street names have a presence here, M&S, Body Shop, Fenwicks, C&A, Debenhams, Virgin Megastore, HMV, Dolcis, Topshop, BHS – and the list goes on.

There must be hundreds of places to eat in York, ranging from old-fashioned teahouses to restaurants. There seem to be new places opening every week, with coffee shops serving every variety of coffee and pastries imaginable, sandwich bars, themed cafes, cafes with continental style pavement side seating as well as the usual Burger King, MacDonald’s and high street store restaurants. Many of the pubs offer excellent food all day as well. Many places are inexpensive; most display a menu with prices outside so you can get a good idea of how much you are likely to spend before you go in!!

If you have even the slightest interest in history then you will find plenty of places to visit in York. First there is the famous York Minster. This beautiful gothic styled building dates from 1220 and is a must see. Entry is free, although a donation (which goes towards it’s upkeep) is requested. There is so much to see just in this one building, marvellous stained glass windows, the crypts, the various chapels and the amazing architecture of the building as a whole. There are rooms set aside for praying rather than sightseeing so it is a wonderful place to find some peace away from the crowds.
The ancient city walls are n
ot to be missed, you don’t have to go along the whole length of them (a good couple of hours walk) but can just go along the shortest sections. If you begin at Monkbar you descend just opposite the City Art Gallery.
In the museum gardens you will find the Yorkshire museum, the York Observatory, the ruins of a 13th century gothic church and other historical sites and buildings. My children love visiting here as there are peacocks strutting around the grounds too. The museum is worth visiting and often has excellent temporary exhibitions.
There are many other museums throughout York including the Railway Museum (you need to set aside several hours for this one, kids love it), the Jorvik Viking Centre (recreated Viking Village - complete with smells – yuk!! – which you are taken through in a little car on rails, very realistic), The York Dungeon (full of the history of torture, including equipment displays) and The Castle Museum.

The nightlife in York isn’t too hectic. Many of the pubs have a dress code; so do be warned if jeans and trainers are your thing. There are several clubs with a variety of styles, including the large, trendy Ikon and Diva twin nightclubs just outside York.
There are several places to catch a show including The Grand Opera House (very welcoming, old-fashioned and popular), the York Theatre Royal (always lots on offer here) and the Barbican (which offers entertainment of all kinds - kids shows, live bands, musicals etc).
There are plenty of places to park your car (with park & ride services from more distant car parks) and regular buses and trains available. You won’t easily get bored in York whatever you enjoy doing. It is a really friendly city, a visit is definitely recommended.

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