York, a Small City with a Big Personality
Boasting a rich and intriguing history dating back to Roman times, York is a city where the traditional has managed to expertly encompass the modern. Home to a breathtaking array of historical sights of interest, it is renowned for its picturesque scenery, lively café culture and range of exciting cultural activities, thus making it one of the most beautiful locations in England.
A walled city, York is located at the halfway point between London and Edinburgh and sits where the rivers Ouse and Foss meet, in North Yorkshire. Filled with a jumble of medieval architecture, charming cobbled streets and numerous museums and galleries, it is the perfect location for those seeking to embark on a cultural adventure.
Cited as its most famous attraction, as well as being the second biggest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, York Minister is a stunning place to visit. Located in the heart of the city, the structure was completed in 1472 and contains a number of points of interest, including Chapter House, and the towers. The stained glass windows are also highlights, as is the walk up to the top of the cathedral, where one is rewarded with breathtaking views across the city.
Providing fun for all the family, the York Maze is also a popular attraction. Believed to be the biggest of its kind in the world, the construction is comprised of over 1.5 million maze plants and covers an area roughly equivalent to 15 Wembley football pitches! Sporting a different theme each year, there are a number of puzzles and clues to solve when completing the maze.
Ideal for soaking up the spectacular scenery, Beningbrough Hall and Gardens is a beautiful location to visit. A dramatic eighteenth century Georgian mansion, it is home to some of the most striking baroque interiors around, as well as offering up a variety of interactive galleries and famous art works to explore. The gardens are particularly attractive and, surrounded by water meadows, feature a lily pool and Victorian conservatory.
The York Racecourse is another of the city's most well-known sights and is great for raising the adrenaline levels. One of the most recognised racecourses in Britain, it hosts a number of popular events, such as the Ebor Handicap; consequently thousands of people are drawn there each year, keen to experience the rush of the races.
In addition to the variety of cultural activities and sites of interest, the city also offers up an extensive collection of riverside cafés and tasty eateries to experience, as well as a great range of York hotels to relax in. Combined with the remarkable views and electric atmosphere, this charming city can definitely be viewed as the perfect location to escape to!
