York
England's medieval gem
York
The ancient walled city of York offers its many visitors the opportunity to step back in time and explore its Viking and Roman history. You will also enjoy trendy shops, tearooms and museums. York has well-preserved medieval houses, streets and the awe-inspiring York Minster, a gothic masterpiece.
York is an excellent base to tour the Yorkshire Dales and is also ideal for staying a few nights before heading for Scotland. The Romans thought York was the perfect place to launch invasions into Scotland. Your ‘invasion route’ will be a gentle Driver Guided tour along the spectacular Northumberland Coast with a stop at Hadrian’s Wall. The magnificent ancestral home of the Howard family, Castle Howard is a short hop and well worth a tour from York with your Driver-Guide.
York has a sweet side, confectionery and chocolate are still produced here in large volumes. Therefore, York is known locally as The Chocolate City. Think; Charlie and the Chocolate factory. Your tour guide will introduce you to some classic English sweets (candy) and chocolate bars.
A much loved preserved city
A Brief History of York
York Minster
The genuinely magnificent York Minster is the largest Gothic Cathedral in Europe at its heart. It was completed in 1472 and has taken several centuries to build. It is dedicated to St Peter. Its windows are a significant feature and enable light to flood the Cathedral. Perhaps the most remarkable is the Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass globally. Another is the Five Sisters window, over 53ft (16.3m) high.
City Walls
Built in 71 AD, the walls are remarkably well preserved and, at some 2.6 miles long, are the longest medieval walls in England. Long sections of the wall are accessible on foot, and the views are spectacular - not to be missed. Many of the ancient city gates remain, such as Micklegate Bar, which is still used by vehicles.
Jorvik Viking Centre
Offering perhaps one of the most exciting time-travelling experiences, the Jorvik Viking Centre takes the visitor down under the streets of York to ride on a mini-train through the streets of Viking York, inside some of the excavated houses, shops and yards. Authentic sounds and smells add to the historical experience.
York's Chocolate
York's reputation as a centre of chocolate excellence comes from two famous chocolate brands, Rowntree and Terrys. Henry Rowntree founded his fledgling business in 1862. While he was an excellent chocolatier, he was less useful as a business person. Rescued by his brother Joseph the business flourished. From modest beginnings, the factory is today a significant employer in the town. Another well-known brand which started life in York was Terrys.
The Shambles
An iconic shopping street filled with quirky independent shops, many of the houses are over 500 years old. Strolling down the Shambles makes you feel like you are in a Harry Potter movie; indeed, The Shambles is Diagon Alley's inspiration in the Harry Potter films.
Touring and accommodation
York is one of England's must-see destinations; we recommend at least a two-night stay with a maximum of four nights.
We recommend a couple of day tours from York to take in the glorious Yorkshire landscapes. Head west and explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park, including a stop at Fountains Abbey. Next, visit Castle Howard the stately home of the Howard family, northeast of York and head to the North York Moors for fresh air and superb drives.
The Grand Hotel York is our choice of Hotel, centrally located with luxurious accommodations. Our Classic tour of England itinerary features the city of York and can be customised to match your personal requirements.
The Great Historic City of Northern England
Tour York Minster, City Walking tour and Shop
- Tailored Tours
- Expert DRIVER GUIDED Tour
- Private Expert Tours of York Minster
- Stay overnight and tour the Yorkshire Dales nearby
- England's Medieval Gem
York - The famous Shambles
Betty's famous Tea Shop
York Minsters' West Towers
Shoppers on Stonegate
York Prison Museum
Stonegate York
York Museum Historic Street
York Museum Historic Carriage
York Museum Historic Shop
York Museum Historic Parlour
York Museum Fashion Exhibit
York Minster Tower Interior
York Minster Heart of Yorkshire window
Doors of York Minster Chapter House
Viking Horn in York Minster
York Minster Chapter House
York Minster West Door
York Castle Museum Exterior
York Minster Norman Column
York Street Scene
York Street Scene
York Bootham Bar-City Gate
York's Famous Betty's Tea Room
York's Famous Shambles at night
Clifford Tower York
Help us make your trip exceptional
Our UK, EU and US office-based staff will listen to what you want to see and experience.
Whether you are a honeymoon couple, a family or a corporate incentive group, our team’s collective resources will be brought together to build the experience that’s right for you.
We will require your arrival and departure dates, details of your personal preferences and places that you would like to visit as well as the events you would like to experience.
We will then prepare a draft itinerary and send it to you by email for your approval. Once agreed, we will send you a Booking Confirmation with Personalised Itinerary and Information Pack via email.
Contact information
From the UK: +44(0)20 8669 3666
FREE from Canada or the USA: 1-888-472-1799
Email: [email protected]