Sights in York
-
A
Tower
At the heart of the minster is the massive tower, which is well worth climbing for the unparalleled views of York. You'll have to tackle a fairly claustrophobic climb of 275 steps and, most probably, a queue of people with cameras in hand. Access to the tower is near the entrance in the south transept, dominated by the exquisite Rose Window, commemorating the union of the royal houses of Lancaster and York through the marriage of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, which ended the Wars of the Roses and began the Tudor dynasty.
reviewed
-
B
Micklegate Bar Museum
reviewed
-
C
Hospitium
reviewed
-
D
Gatehall
reviewed
-
E
Choir, Chapter House & Nave
Entrance is via the south transept, which was badly damaged by fire in 1984 but has now been fully restored. To your right is the 15th-century choir screen depicting the 15 kings from William I to Henry VI. Facing you is the magnificent Five Sisters Window, with five lancets over 15m high. This is the minster's oldest complete window; most of its tangle of coloured glass dates from around 1250. Just beyond it to the right is the 13th-century chapter house, a fine example of the Decorated style. Sinuous and intricately carved stonework – there are more than 200 expressive carved heads and figures – surrounds an airy, uninterrupted space.
Back in the main church, take…
reviewed
-
F
Dig Hungate
reviewed
-
G
City Wall Access Steps
reviewed
-
H
City Wall Access Steps
reviewed
-
I
City Walls
If the weather's good, don't miss the chance to walk the city walls, which follow the line of the original Roman walls – it gives a whole new perspective on the city. The full circuit is 4.5 miles (allow 1½ to two hours); if you're pushed for time, the short stretch from Bootham Bar to Monk Bar is worth doing for the views of the minster.
Start and finish in the Museum Gardens or at Bootham Bar (on the site of a Roman gate), where a multimedia exhibit provides some historical context, and go clockwise. Highlights include Monk Bar, the best-preserved medieval gate, which still has a working portcullis, and Walmgate Bar, England's only city gate with an intact barbican…
reviewed
-
J
Church of the Holy Trinity
Tucked away behind an inconspicuous gate and seemingly cut off from the rest of the town, the Church of the Holy Trinity is a fantastically atmospheric old building, having survived almost unchanged for the last 200 years. Inside are rare 17th- to 18th-century box pews, 15th-century stained glass, and wonky walls that seem to have been built without plumb line or spirit level.
reviewed
Advertisement