A Tourist Guide to York, England hotels and historic sights

Friday, September 18, 2009 ·

By Karen Milner

The historic city of York, England, is one of the highlights of a trip to the UK. With its fine medieval architecture, fascinating history and a long list of attractions its difficult to know what to do experience first. We talk about some of York's top attractions in this article, including its popular ghost walks. Yes, did you know that York is reputed to be one of the most haunted cities in the world. This city is haunted by no less than 140 different ghosts, and with an amazing 500+ recorded hauntings it seems that every room, building or street seems to be haunted in this beautiful city.

York Minster is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe alongside the cathedral of Cologne. It has an amazing history, being first built in 627 for the baptism of Edwin, King of Northumbria. The English Civil War saw the city of York besieged by the forces of Oliver Cromwell in 1644, but Thomas Fairfax prevented any further damage to the cathedral.

Some essential sights for a visit to York:

York Minster We have already spoken a little about this magnificent gothic buiding but did you know that it has its own police force? Thats right, after an arson attack in 1829 that destroyed parts of the east transcept and south west tower the guardians of the cathedral were put in place to protect it.

The Shambles Walking down the shambles, you can notice the raised pavement each side of the main cobbled road which form a channel through which the blood and offal from the butchers who used to ply their trade here would wash away. This street really is medieval Britain in its finest preserved form. Don't miss a visit here if you come to the city.

Clifford's Tower The remains of York Castle built in 1068 by William the Conqueror to control the North of England. It is named after Roger de Clifford who was hung by chains here after the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322.

Jorvik Viking Museum York gets its current day name from the viking invaders that once conquered this city, calling it Yorvik. The Viking Centre is a popular visitor attraction in the UK where you can travel back in time and experience the sights, sounds and smells of what was formerly a great Viking city.

If you are looking for a hotel in York then you may wish to consider the Guy Fawkes Inn. This York townhouse is the birth place of Guy Fawkes, born in 1570 and made famous in English history for his role as ringleader of the 'Gunpowder Plot', the aim of which was to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London, on 5th November 1605. This is why the British celebrate 'bonfire night' celebrations on or around the 5th on November of each year.

The Guy Fawkes Inn is located opposite York Minster providing you with the perfect base to explore York. All rooms are individual in character, ranging from comfortable twin or double rooms, to mahogany 4 poster bed rooms. The Guy Fawkes Inn's GastroPub provides an excellent menu and serves a variety of ales brewed specially for the inn, The 1605 Ale, The Conspirator, and of course the Guy Fawkes Ale.

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