Car Hire York - Mini guide to York

Capital of the ‘north’, York has an esteemed history and was once one of England’s most important cities. It’s loaded with history, including Roman, Viking, Anglo-Saxon, medieval, Georgian and Victorian influences and it’s people have a distinctive ‘Northern’ character.

The city is dominated by its famous York minster – Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral. Interestingly, various styles have been incorporated over the 600 years of its development (dating from the 7th century), and it boasts an unrivalled stained glass collection. A good view of this ancient city can be enjoyed from the top of the lantern tower.

Not much remains of York’s legendary castle except Clifford's Tower, William the Conqueror razed the Castle in 1190, and today a noteworthy museum stands on the site, giving an insight into the city’s history, old and new. Another interesting historical attraction is the Jorvik Viking Centre, which brings to life the city’s Nordic roots. Nearby is the 14th-century Merchant Adventurers' Hall, a timbered former guildhall.

The city boasts several fine museums, the highlight of which is the national railway museum (somewhat of an obsession in England!). The Museum Gardens is home to some Benedictine remains of St Mary's Abbey and the Victorian Gothic Gardens Lodge as well as the Yorkshire Museum.

Simply wandering around the narrow, cobbled streets of the city’s medieval old town is delightful and there are simply too many ancient churches and buildings to mention.

The major suburbs in York are: Acomb, Bootham, Clifton, Dringhouses, Fishergate, The Groves, South Bank, Tang Hall and Woodthorpe.