York is a popular tourist destination for foreigners and Brits alike. Its manageable size makes it perfect for a weekend away at any time of year. Winters tend to be cold and clear, while summer can be surprisingly warm. But what should you go and see while you’re there? Following on from a previous feature about Free Things to do in York here are some more ideas to help you plan your visit to York

view of york

York Minster

The Minster serves as an almost unavoidable centrepiece to the city. Wherever you go within the city centre, you’ll soon find yourself at one side of the Minster or another. While you can go inside, it is actually best appreciated from outside, particularly if you enter the city via Bootham Bar, an approach that provides the best vantage point.

The walls

Speaking of Bootham Bar, this also makes a decent point at which to mount the walls which surround the city. While there are gaps, York does still have more walls than any other city in England. Each of the Bars – Monk, Walmgate and Micklegate in addition to Bootham – are worth a look as well. These are gatehouses which were once used to restrict traffic.

York city centre

York is actually best explored with no real sense of purpose. People tend to enjoy it most when they just amble around, taking in their surroundings. The Shambles are a popular area, with the old, timber-framed buildings leaning in on you, but other shopping areas are pleasant too. The pedestrian part of Stonegate, for example, is very nice, with some interesting shops.

There are also a number of ‘snickelways’ which add to the ambience. These are narrow alleys or ‘ginnels’ of varying length. One – Pope’s Head Alley – is only 2ft 7in wide. It can also be fun to spot all the unusual street names. There is a Mad Alice Lane and also Whip Ma Whop Ma Gate. Just enjoy being in the city.

Pubs and cafés

And why not stop for a drink? Few cities in Britain are as well-suited to pub-lovers as York. A host of local breweries ensures plenty of choice and there are pubs to suit every taste. If it’s still a little early in the day, why not instead have a drink at the world famous Betty’s Tea Rooms?

Jorvik Centre

If it is raining, try the Jorvik Centre, delivering the sights, sounds and smells of Viking era York. Excavation in the Seventies revealed the houses and workshops of the old city and you can now walk around, experiencing what life was like and encountering Norse-speaking residents.

Guest post from Al Bodwin who lived in York for three years and still enjoys visiting at least once a year. He generally uses the hello-yorkshire.co.uk to discover the bits of York that he never got to see.