Delve Into Historic Yorks Vibrant Culture

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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Situated on the rivers Ouse and Floss, and nestled within the picturesque Vale of York, the walled city of York boasts a wealth of attractions. Renowned for its rich Roman, Viking and Medieval history, it has a visible cultural heritage that annually attracts tourists from all over the world.

Winner of ''The Most Picturesque Street in England'' award, York''s main artery is the Shambles, a charming medieval cobbled street peppered with original sloping Tudor buildings, quaint tea rooms, and smart boutiques. At the heart of the city lies the magnificently intricate York minster, an intricate masterpiece of architecture and one of the most exquisite Gothic cathedrals in the world.

Yet York has a veritable plethora of historical sites beyond this, not least the very medieval walls that characterise the city and afford stunning views. Within its perimeters, world class museums such as the National Railway Museum and the hands-on Jorvik Viking centre pay homage to its Viking origins and long-standing love affair with the locomotive.

Beyond its remarkable historical wealth, the city also has a thriving contemporary ...
... cultural scene. Visitors to the city will find a host of vibrant cafe bars and talented street entertainers on almost every corner. There is also a resonant musical heritage that has been kept alive in the plethora of music performances, ranging from orchestras to reconstructions of medieval players, which are to be found on a regular basis.

Gastronomically speaking, York has something to offer all its visitors. As well as a flourishing cafe culture and a myriad of fine restaurants, the city also hosts an annual Festival of Food and Drink that provides a platform for local produce. One speciality not to be missed is the ''York ham'', a delicate cured meat traditionally served with a Madeira sauce.

A city that embraces both old and new, York also hosts an array of interesting shops that range from high street brands to independent boutiques. The attractive winding lanes, although at times overpopulated with tour bus groups, make for a great days'' walking and throw up many interesting finds. Visitors shouldn''t miss the Christmas markets, when the city''s squares house festive stalls from all over Europe.

York is renowned for its numerous pubs and lively ale houses, both past and present. A visit to one of the heritage taverns to sample local brew is a must if you want to take in the sights and sounds of this historic city. Duck into the Black Swan, a classic Tudor fronted black and white building dating from 1798 that serves up decent pub food, and even live music on the weekend.

With a wealth of historic buildings, those planning a trip to this exquisite Northern gem will certainly find no shortage of accommodation to meet their needs. To make the most of your trip to this fascinating city, be sure to take advantage of some of the more interesting options such as traditional cottages or elegant town house hotels that are available. Bonny Kominek is a freelance travel writer providing lots of information on cities throughout the UK, Octopustravel.com provides many different hotel options to suit every budget which include York hotels.