York, England — Attractions
Castle Howard
Award-winning Castle Howard is one of York's most striking attractions. Home to the Howard family for over 300 years, the Castle took 100 years to build, outliving several architects, craftsmen and three earls, to become the setting for the popular TV series, Brideshead Revisited. The spectacular estate comprises of acres of farmland and exquisite gardens, while the interior is a treasure trove of paintings, furniture, sculptures and more. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour, but historical costumed guides are available to answer questions and share information about the history of the house, the Howard family and the collections. Regular guided tours are also available and the Castle frequently plays host to a range of exhibitions, lectures, events and dinners. The Castle also has a gift shop, cafés and a plant center.
- Region/City Name
- York
- Phone Number
- (0)1653 648 444
- Website
- www.castlehoward.co.uk
- Transport
- Accessible by public transport. Visitors using public transport are entitled to a discount on their admission fee with presentation of a valid travel ticket dated the day of visit
- Hours
- Gardens daily 10am to 6.30pm, till dusk in winter. House opening times vary, see website for details.
- Admission
- House and gardens £12.50 (adults), £7.50 (children 4-16 years). Concessions available
York Minster
For over 1,000 years, York Minster has been a principal place of worship for the York area. The largest Gothic cathedral in Europe, this impressive building is open to the public and visitors can enjoy the peace and beauty of the church, including its many stained glass windows, the well-known Rose window, fascinating ancient remains beneath the church in the Undercroft, and spectacular views from the top of the tower, 275 steps up. Audio tours are available. York Minster also boasts its own gift shop, as well as a restaurant/café.
- Region/City Name
- York
- Address
- Deangate Street
- Phone Number
- (0)1904 557200
- Email Address
- info@yorkminster.org
- Website
- www.yorkminster.org
- Transport
- Accessible by train, coach or car
- Hours
- Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm (9.30am November to March) and Sunday 12pm to 3.45pm. Closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Sundays before 12pm. Early services start at 7am daily
- Admission
- £8 (adult); children under 16 free. Concessions available
Jorvik Viking Center
Set on a 'Viking Dig' archaeological site, the Jorvik Viking Center is a fascinating exploration of the Viking presence in York over 1,000 years ago. Between 1976 and 1981, the York Archaeological Trust excavated thousands of Viking era objects, including wooden houses, alleyways and fence lines, all part of the ancient center of Viking power in England, Jorvik. Shortly after, the center opened its doors and swiftly became a popular tourist attraction in the city. With over 800 items on display, informative exhibits, reconstructions of the excavated Viking village (including authentic smells and sounds!) and 'Viking' guides, the center offers visitors the chance to experience what life was like in 975AD. A highly popular event is the annual Jorvik Viking Festival in February, where Vikings roam the streets of York once more. Enjoy weaponry displays, hands-on activities (including shield building and excavating), re-enactments of Viking boat burials, guided walks, an evening of ancient tales and songs, and more.
- Region/City Name
- York
- Address
- Coppergate
- Phone Number
- (0)1904 543400
- Email Address
- jorvik@yorkarchaeology.co.uk
- Website
- www.jorvik-viking-center.co.uk
- Transport
- Accessible by car, bus or train
- Hours
- 10am to 5pm (summer), 10am till 4pm (winter)
- Admission
- £6.40 (adult), £4.50 (children 5-15 years). Concessions available
York Dungeons
Not for the faint-hearted, the York Dungeons present a fascinating journey back in time and visitors are guaranteed a ghoulish, grisly experience that will be hard to forget. From the plague-riddled streets of 14th century York, to the Labyrinth of the Lost and its ghostly Lost Roman Legion, adventures with the legendary highwayman Dick Turpin, to the Pit of Despair, Witch Trials, and the real Viking story, visitors can certainly expect the unexpected. Be tried and convicted in the Judgement of Sinners trials, witness hangings and marvel at the life-like waxworks on display. The tour is not recommended for those of a nervous disposition and children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Region/City Name
- York
- Address
- 12 Clifford Street
- Phone Number
- 0871 360 2049
- Email Address
- york.dungeons@merlinentertainments.biz
- Website
- www.thedungeons.com
- Transport
- Accessible by train, bus or car
- Hours
- Various, see website for details.
- Admission
- £14.50 (adults); £10.22 (children). Concessions available
