York City Guide

The historic city of York is an enchanting place for an overnight stay or a weekend break away. There are plenty of ancient buildings which enable you to delve into the history of the city. This beautiful area also has many parks and gardens to stroll around in the summer months. This cultural hotspot also has a range of events which people flock to each year – these include such things as sporting events and famous theatrical performances.

Parks and Gardens

The scenic spots and plush greenery within York are famous throughout the UK and attract people to the city each year. The Beningbrough Hall and Gardens has intricately designed areas with are lined with flowers and foliage. This preciseness extends to the lawns which are expertly trimmed and emerald green. You can also stroll around the Georgian house which is currently a museum containing 18^th century antiques such as portraits and landscapes.

A great place to visit during the summer months is Breezy Knees Gardens.  The 14 acre gardens contain many thousands of flowers and trees which are at their best during the warmer seasons. You can also visit the specialist nursery which houses 200 varieties of rare plants. The Deans Park Garden is a place which is loved by locals and visitors alike. The expansive lawns are perfect for strolling along and enjoying the abundance of sights on show. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the Minster as well as observe the Cathedral Library and its regal architecture.

Tourist Attractions

York has a wealth of attractions which keep all of its visitors busy during their days within the city.  An extremely popular place to visit is the York Minster – the Gothic architecture simply draws people to the building. The Byland Abbey is another example of Gothic architecture; however all that remains are the ruins of this great monastery. The medieval floor tiles and broken walls which still exist are definitely worth seeing as you are able to get a real glimpse of York’s history.

York has a number of regal buildings and halls which exist around the borders of the central areas. Castle Howard is an 18th century country house which is surrounded by vast gardens. There are tours around the interior of the building where you are told about the house and families which once lived within its walls. Outside you can stroll around the variety of gardens which have a range of themes and styles. You can also enjoy boat trips in the Great Lake and activities within the children’s playground.

Harewood House is another must-see country house due to its exquisite architecture. The building contains a great antique collection which includes such things as Chippendale furniture, fine porcelain and art collections.  The gardens are award-winning with fancy flowerbeds and exotic foliage. The most famous part of Harewood is its Bird Garden which is home to over 80 exotic species of birds.

Shopping

York also has a great range of shopping experiences – you can enjoy the perfect retail experience as you stroll around the narrow cobbled streets and visit a multitude of different stores. Petergate is a busy area which runs from one side of the city to the other – here you can find fashion outlets and popular lifestyle stores. Swinegate Quarter has kooky boutiques to delve into and bars for an afternoon drink. You should also try and visit Fossgate and Walmgate  - these bustling markets are great for picking up cheap bargains and deals.

5 Day Weather Forecast for York