Outdoor Activities
There is something undeniably magical about York. Unlike most other ancient towns, York possesses a wide range of historic attractions that showcase the many facets of this enchanting city. From haunted ghost walks to archaeological digs, there are plenty of diversions for kids and adults alike. The York Racecourse is the place to go for wagering action, while the Ouse Riveris ideal for a leisurely boat cruise.
 Boat Cruises
The Ouse River provides an ideal environment for a boat cruise. There are several companies in York offering both public and private trips though the walled city. Visitors can choose daytime or evening cruises that depart from either King’s Staith or Lendal Bridge between February and November. Floodlit evening cruises are particularly enchanting, but even a daytime ride upriver is a great way to see the historic layout of the city from a unique perspective.
 Dig
One of York’s newest attractions is this fascinating site that allows visitors to become archaeologists for a day. It’s educational in that participants get to work on a real dig site and learn more about York’s heritage and the trade of archaeology. It’s fun in that you get to actually unearth real and fabricated artefacts dating back to the Roman and Victorian eras. Phone: +44 1904 543 403; website: www.yorkarchaeology.co.uk
 Ghost Tours of York
Visitors can experience the thrills and chills of York’s ghost population by taking a guided tour of haunted sites around the city. There are several different tours, which naturally begin late in the evening and last about an hour. While some of the tours rely on mask-wearing spooks to liven things up, the Haunted Walk of York presents the scary past of the city in true storytelling fashion. The Original Ghost Walk of York is another popular choice, featuring experienced and charismatic guides. Phone: +44 1759 373 090.
 Steam Train Ride
Most people are train fans at heart, and one of the most romantic rides in the world is just outside of York. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway operates one of the last remaining steam trains in England on an 18 mile route through the dramatic windswept moors. This wonderful ride crosses the terrain made famous by Emily Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights as its passes through picturesque villages and green rolling dales. Phone: +44 1751 472 608; website: www.nymr.co.uk.
 York Maze
Some people claim York’s maze is the largest in the world, and whether that’s true or not, it is certainly big enough to get lost in. Carved from a maize field spanning more than 15 football pitches, this fun and frivolous site is a great place to take the kids for an hour or two of carefree exploration. Other onsite activities round off the entertainment. Phone: +44 1904 415 364; website: www.yorkmaze.com
York Racecourse
One sporting area in which York is particularly famous for is its horse racing. The York Racecourse is an old established venue regularly packed with punters and racing fans who come out to see some of England’s fastest horses compete. Most people enter the grounds at the Tadcaster Road gate, stopping off at one of the charming pubs clustered around the entrance for a pint of real ale before heading in to try their luck. Phone: +44 1904 620 911
Cultural Activities
York simply oozes with culture from days gone by, offering visitors a brimming plate of fun and interesting activities to fill their schedule. Architectural masterpieces such as Clifford’s Tower and the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall are impressive landmarks from the city’s medieval era, as is its lengthy roster of traditional pubs which still draw patrons. A handful of museums put all this rich history into perspective, proving that York is one of England’s most significant towns.
 Clifford’s Tower
This iconic 13th century tower built by William the Conqueror stands alone on top of a small hill right in the centre of York. Those who can climb the steps to the tower’s entrance and beyond will be rewarded with staggering views from the top. Phone: +44 1904 646 940; website: www.cliffordstower.com.
Eboracum Legion Bathhouse
One of the city’s oldest attractions still functions much as it did in Roman times. Its original Roman bathhouse in the cellar offers a rare glimpse at Roman military life and the way Roman soldiers kept clean. The upper floors of the building are used a fun venue for dining, drinking and nightly entertainment. Phone: +44 1904 620 455.
Merchant Adventurer’s Hall
Europe’s finest surviving Guildhall from medieval times is a truly special historical landmark. This is the only place in Europe to experience a completely intact Guildhall. The three traditional rooms each served one of the three functions of a medieval guild: business, charity and religion. Standing above them all is the striking timbered Great Hall. Audio guides tell the fascinating story of this essential component to medieval English life. Phone: +44 1904 654 818.
 Treasurer’s House
The National Trust owns and operates this stunning home built in 1620. The building is now used as a museum, displaying an excellent collection of period furnishings and medieval treasures. The Butler’s Tour will show you how the locals of York used to live more than 100 years ago. Phone: +44 1904 624 247; website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
York Castle Museum
One of England’s finest folk museums is located at York’s Castle. This eclectic and comprehensive venue features reconstructed period rooms from Georgian and Victorian times, as well as speciality rooms highlighting such themes as period costumes, arms and armour, and a Debtors’ Prison. There’s even a reproduction of an Edwardian street, called Half Moon Court. Phone: +44 1904 687 687; website: www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk
 York’s Pubs
They say there is a pub for every day of the year in York. Indeed, this city has one of the greatest pub scenes in England, and is a real highlight for anyone who enjoys a good pint in a classic atmosphere. The Black Swan is one of the oldest inns in York, dating back to 1417 and featuring live music every night. The Kings Arms is another 16th century wonder next to the Ouse Bridge, while Ye Olde Starre Inne is York’s oldest pub. Authentic Victorian furnishings create a great atmosphere for the three ghosts who are said to haunt the inn.
Dining & Shopping
York’s rich historical character is exceeded by the sheer number and variety of restaurants on offer. Most of the places to eat are found among the narrow snickleways and ancient streets of the old city centre. Restored buildings house everything from trendy cafés to authentic ethnic cuisine from around the globe. Italian, Mexican, Chinese and Indian food is readily available in York, and extremely popular among its residents.
But it’s the hearty Yorkshire fare that stars on many of the city’s menus. Fat rascals and Yorkshire puddings are ubiquitous, and go perfectly with the ever-growing coffee house scene. The famous Betty’s Tea Rooms at the end of Coney Street was perhaps the precursor to today’s coffee culture, and remains one of York’s favourite lunchtime hangouts.
 Head to Swinegate to browse York’s best collection of cafésand wine bars, or simply wander along the alleys of the old quarter and see what you can find. It’s hard to go wrong in a town with a different pub for every day of the year.
Shopping is also a real treat in York. Whether you are looking for a fashionable outfit or a souvenir to take back home, this city has a little bit of everything. In addition to the expected range of high-street shops, York has unique and tasteful speciality boutiques selling everything from antiques to British porcelain. York’s most memorable shopping district is centres on The Shambles, a narrow strip lined with charming old-fashioned stores housed in historic buildings.
Gillygate is the place to hunt for great antique finds, while the pedestrian havens of Coppergate and St Mary’s Square are pleasant sites to browse brand name retailers. Stonegate is another hotspot for its independent boutiques and speciality shops. Check out the medieval Mulberry Hall to see some of the finest goods available in York.
 Coney Street is full of character, and leads to Newgate Market where you can find unusual cheeses, breads, wine and other delectablesamong its many stalls. Big name department stores line Parliament Street and the pedestrian St Sampsons Square, the latter of which often hosts fun events such as the York Food and Drink Festival.
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