A remarkable city...
Did you know?
- 2012 marks the 800th anniversary of the city being granted its
Royal Charter from King John.
Video and text courtesy of
City of York Council
- York was voted the place in the UK that most British people
would like to live according to a survey by a
national daily paper.
- In 2011 York was voted the best food and drink destination in
the UK by internet voters.
- York topped a poll of the most beautiful cities in the UK (July
2011).
Eating and drinking
York is said to boast 365 pubs - one for every day of the year!
There’s something for every taste and pocket, with special rates
and student discounts to be found. The city is also brimming with
bistros, restaurants and
cafés – just choose to suit your mood and your price range.
Nightlife
York’s nightlife caters for all, from traditional and quirky
pubs, to ghost walks, cinemas and theatre, to the lively, modern
and vibrant bars, clubs and live venues – York really does have it
all.
To start your night look no further than the Students’ Union,
with a variety of entertainments to suit every taste, it is true ‘
value for money’. Alongside great drinks offers throughout the
week, it is the perfect place to meet your friends and for pre-club
warm ups.
Most of the bars are located within the city walls and within
walking distance of each other and York St John.
York has many late night bars and clubs catering for every music
taste from rock to cheesy pop. Commercial bars such as Revolution
and Yates are complimented by independent and popular bars such as
Evil Eye and Vudu Lounge. They are open every day and often have
themed nights with student-friendly prices. There are a variety of
different clubs in the city; Tokyo, Gallery, Salvation and
Fibbers-a live music venue to suit all tastes. All in all York
boasts a great night out for everyone.
Shopping
York is paradise for shopaholics - everything
from famous high-street names to intriguing specialist, designer
and curiosity shops. The outdoor Newgate Market, in the centre of
the city, offers a more traditional shopping experience, with
stalls selling everything, all at brilliant student friendly
prices.
York also hosts a variety of specialist markets which arrive
each month and offer a taste of local and international
produce.
In September the UK’s largest Food Festival takes over the city
for 10 days and one of the largest Christmas markets, the St
Nicholas Fayre, arrives just in time for those last minute
presents.
There are three out-of-town shopping centres, all within easy
reach of the city centre. At Clifton Moor there are shops galore
plus a Vue cinema and tenpin bowling. Monk’s Cross Shopping Centre
has a layout like a classic American shopping mall with many high
street stores and the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet features over
100 designer name stores full of best buys!
The city is constantly ranked as one of the best tourist places
to visit.
York topped a list of the friendliest places to live in the UK
and we can also lay claim to having the most picturesque street in
Britain.
Let’s get cultural
Shopping and socialising aside, you can’t fail to notice York’s
history and culture. It’s hard not to find history fascinating when
it lives and breathes around you. York Minster is world renowned
and well worth a visit. The city’s Viking heritage comes to life
every year in a rowdy, fun packed festival with hoards of Vikings
taking occupation of the streets. You can also step aboard a time
car in the world-famous Jorvik Viking Centre to travel back to
948AD. The condemned cell - where the infamous highwayman, Dick
Turpin, spent his last night in 1739 - lies within the walls of
York Castle Museum. The National Railway Museum is not just for
train spotters (so we’re told!) and you can even catch the plague
at the York Dungeon.
The arts feature strongly in York’s cultural life. The York
Mystery Plays continue a tradition of community performances dating
back to the 14th century. Contemporary drama, and much more
besides, is on offer at the Theatre Royal and the Grand Opera
House. Film buffs will appreciate City Screen - an arts cinema
housed in a refurbished printing works. Music, in all its guises,
finds an audience in a variety of venues across the city.
The recently refurbished York Barbican hosts the UK snooker
championship as well as offering comedy, music events and family
shows.
Further afield…
York is also a fantastic starting point from which you can
explore more of what Yorkshire has to offer. The Yorkshire Dales
and North York Moors are both National Parks, accessible by public
transport, where you will find incredible scenery and bracing,
fresh air. The seaside resorts of Scarborough and Whitby also make
the perfect destination for a day out (and do great fish and
chips).