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- England
- York
York
From the remains of a Viking settlement discovered deep beneath
Coppergate Street, to the medieval wall surrounding the old city
and the splendour of Castle Howard (the setting for TV's
Brideshead Revisited), York is a city steeped in
history.
Founded in the year 71, York is located at the convergence of
the Ouse and Foss rivers and was thus a strategic Northern hub,
passing through the hands of the Romans, Saxons, Vikings and
Normans respectively. The varied history of the city is evident in
its magnificent architecture - from Viking ruins and the walled
city to York's most imposing building, the Minster. Northern
Europe's largest Gothic Cathedral, the Minster took more than 250
years to complete, and is an impressive structure surrounded by
beautiful gardens.
Other popular attractions in the city include the fascinating
Jorvik Viking Centre, the York Maze, the York Dungeons and the
Shambles, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cobbled streets.
The Shambles area is well worth an afternoon stroll, with its
winding narrow lanes, picturesque buildings and quaint shops.
Alternatively, a more 'other worldly' way to experience this
historic area is on the York Ghost Hunt - a fun and fascinating
tour that operates rain or shine through the city streets, in
search of York's more illusive residents.
This is not just a city of history, however, and the presence of
York University means that it is a lively mix of the old and the
new. There are plenty of shops, bars, clubs and restaurants and
weary travellers in York can spend their afternoon in one of the
city's excellent tea rooms or coffee shops, while the evenings
offer West End-style shows at North England prices, or some good
English pub grub.
Information & Facts
Climate
Typical of the United Kingdom, York's climate is highly
changeable. The summer months (June to September) are usually sunny
and mild, though mornings can also be cloudy and damp. Summer
temperatures usually range from 64-70°F (18-21°C), with
temperatures dropping to around 52°F (11°C) at night. November to
January are the coldest, wettest months and although snowfall is
minimal, days can be frosty. A popular time to travel to York is in
the spring (March to May), when the weather is mild and the flowers
are in bloom.
Getting Around
As York is highly pedestrianised, the best way to take in all
the sights and sounds of the city is on foot. Many travellers also
choose to hire a car, and there are plenty of major car rental
agencies around, but taxis, buses and trains are all reliable and
readily available. Parking tends to be expensive, and the streets
can be confusing for new arrivals. There are about 20 bus routes,
and the city is separated into zones, with the cost of the journey
varying accordingly. Off-peak day passes are available. Hiring a
bicycle is also a good option for exploring the city, as it is
accommodating towards cyclists.
Language
English is the official language, though visitors will be
astonished by the variety of regional accents.
Money
The currency is the pound (GBP), which is divided into 100
pence. ATMs are available in all towns and Visa, MasterCard and
American Express are widely accepted; visitors with other cards
should check with their credit card companies in advance. Foreign
currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and large hotels,
however better exchange rates are likely to be found at banks.
Travellers cheques are accepted in all areas frequented by
tourists; they are best taken in Pounds Sterling to avoid
additional charges.
Time
Local time in the United Kingdom is GMT (GMT +1 from last
Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).