Tourist Attractions

York boasts several major tourist attractions, which are definitely worth a visit during your time in the city. Most of these attractions lie within the city walls, so they’re easily accessible.

·         The Medieval City Walls of York are almost three miles long and beautifully preserved – in fact they are the most complete of any town in England. You can walk the entire length of the walls, which are open to the public daily, in approximately two hours.

·         Clifford's Tower was originally built by William the Conqueror and was then rebuilt in the 13th century by Henry III as the central keep for his medieval castle.  There are excellent views of York and the surrounding area from the top of the tower.

·         York is believed to be the most haunted city in England and, as a result, there are many organised ghost tours operating from different starting points each evening. Visit Tourist Information for further information about the different ghost walks on offer.

·         The Jorvik Viking Centre brings you face to face with real characters from York’s past. You can journey back 1000 years and discover how the Vikings lived, worked and traded.

·         York’s National Railway Museum is the world’s largest railway museum. Here you can discover the story of the train and see the Stephenson Rocket, the Flying Scotsman and other giant steam engines. Entry is free for everybody.

·        The Yorkshire Wheel reaches 54 metres into the sky and offers spectacular panoramic views of York’s historic centre and the surrounding countryside.

·         York City Art Gallery houses European paintings spanning 600 years, from the War of the Roses up to the present day. Entry is free for everybody.

·         At York Dungeon you can take a step back into York’s darker history and see its grim and bloody past recreated in all its dreadful, gory detail.

• For most visitors the biggest attraction is the 800 year old York Minster. York Minster is the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe and is breathtaking to look at. The public are able to climb the central tower, where there are excellent views of the city.