11890 York VisGuide vers 1 12/11/07 12:44 pm Page 12
Must See Attractions.
York’s wealth of attractions could keep even the most Famous around the world, JORVIK has become an
determined sightseer occupied for weeks. For those with award-winning experience that is more of an icon than a
just a couple of days to spare, there is a handful of museum. Seated in time cars that move through a Viking
places that really shouldn’t be missed. settlement, the museum helps the visitor recapture what
life was like 1,000 years ago. None of this would have
A visit to the Minster of course goes without saying. You
been realised had plans for a building development not
cannot take more than a few steps within the city centre
been passed in the early 1970s. It was then that
without spotting its majestic towers rising above the
workmen discovered the remains of this Viking city
rooftops. This is such an impressive building that whether
preserved in layers of mud and silt – all buried under
you enjoy the splendour of its exterior by walking the
what was to become a multi-storey car park!
perimeter or by stepping through its ancient doors into
the nave, it is quite overawing. Take a walk around the
The National Railway Museum houses the finest collection
precinct, relish the peace and tranquillity of the gardens
of trains and rolling stock to be seen anywhere. It’s easy
and stop off at St William’s College for a pot of fresh tea
to get lost amongst these giants of steam that once
or coffee and a slice of scrumptious cake.
breathed life into a world waking up to the industrial
revolution. Queen Victoria’s carriage is just a short
Head for the river and take a short cruise with YorkBoat.
distance from Japan’s famous Bullet Train. There are
This long established business has been carrying
always new exhibitions to see and plenty of hands-on
passengers for year upon year, showing off the city from
things for younger visitors to do, press, pull and climb on.
a different perspective. On chilly days, relax in one of the
cosy lounges or, when it’s fine, bask in warm sunshine on
Not recommended for the faint hearted, the York
the open decks. There are evening cruises too and one
Dungeon provides a history lesson with all the gory and
of the boats is equipped for people with limited mobility.
horrible bits left in. Although scary for some, it is one of
the most popular attractions in the city and the
Two of the finest museums in the country can be found costumed guides lend a certain amount of realism. It is
in York. These aren’t fusty old halls with dull exhibits locked always entertaining to watch the door where visitors exit.
away in glass cases, these are wonderful, enchanting Some step onto the pavement giggling while others
places that bring the past to life and energise the mind. return to normality with a distinctly ashen pallor!
The Castle Museum, located in what was once the city’s
There are of course many other attractions that visitors
prison (and where highwayman Dick Turpin spent his last
would consider as ‘must sees’. Certainly Clifford’s Tower,
night) has hundreds of years of history laid out in room
which in times gone by played a major part in defending
settings, reconstructed streets and a rolling programme
the city, provides a pleasant challenge to those climbing
of different exhibitions. This is one of those museums that
to the top. The views are spectacular and provide an
makes an impression visitors seldom forget.
impressive backdrop for a family photograph.
12/13 Visitor Information 01904 550099
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