Clifford’s Tower
This is one of the landmarks, aside from York Minster and The Shambles, that you’re most likely to see on postcards and posters. People like to take pictures of Clifford’s Tower during the summer when the banks leading up to it are surrounded by daffodils and the greenest grass you’re ever likely to see. The main attraction here though, as with most Yorkshire landmarks, is its history. Clifford’s tower is a proud symbol of the power of England’s kings in years gone by, built by William the Conquerer to keep the rebels of the north at bay. For a small fee you can climb to the top and experience a wonderful view of the city sky line.
The Jorvik Centre
This is great fun if you’re taking kids to York for the day and want them to learn a thing or two about the Vikings. If they’re at the right age and are studying the Vikings at school, this would make a brilliant extra-curricular trip. The Jorvik Centre is dedicated to recreating the dress, smells and tastes of the Viking era, complete with excellent actors and authentic artifacts. My only advice would be there to get there early to avoid the queues!
Castle Museum
Did you know that Dick Turpin was buried in York? At the Castle Museum you can visit his actual prison cell, as well as walk down an authentic Victorian Street and take a look at thousands of artifacts from the era. These artifacts are renown for being some of the best preserved in the world and are an excellent insight into our country’s Victorian heritage.
Railway Museum
One of the first things to note about the Railway Museum is that it’s completely free, and it’s incredibly easy to kill an entire day there with all there is to see. Stretching back over 300 years, the history of the locomotive can be seen here in all of its glory, and there are special school holiday events for children if you visit York at the right time.
And of course, York Minster
York Minster is simply dazzling, and it houses some of the world’s most valuable and important treasures. There is a law in York that says no building within the city walls can exceed the height of the Minster, so climb to the top (if you can manage it) and you’ll be at the highest point in York with one of the best views in all of Yorkshire.
