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York - did you know....?

1.The Shambles is thought to be Europe’s oldest shopping street

2. York has more intact city walls than anywhere in England

3. The county capital is rated the most haunted city in Europe

4. York boasts the world’s largest railway museum

5. The Merchant Adventurer’s Hall is among Europe’s best preserved medieval guildhalls

6. The Mansion House has one of Britain’s finest gold and silver civic plate collections

7. York is home to England’s oldest working convent

8. The Assembly Rooms is Britain’s earliest custom-built dance hall

9. An archaeologist’s dream, York is one of Britain’s very few ‘wet sites’.

10. Fairfax House has one of the best private collections of 17th and 18th century         furniture and clocks


 

Local attractions

Even though it's steeped in history  21st century York is a modern, vibrant and thriving city and boasts a wealth of excellent shops, café bars, pubs and restaurants. With so much on offer it's the ideal place to spend a romantic evening, a city break or an extended stay.

When you arrive at the BEST WESTERN Monkbar Hotel our friendly staff will be delighted to discuss with you the range of attractions and events taking place during your stay. For those of you who are new to York here are the teams top suggestions.......enjoy

 

1. York Minster -  Less than five minutes walk from the Monkbar it really is a must see!

Experience one of the top visitor attractions in York with a trip to York Minster. Regularly voted one of the most popular things to do in York, the Minster is not only an architecturally stunning building but is a place to discover the history of York over the centuries, its artifacts and treasures. Click York Minster  to find out more information  


2. National Railway Museum

From record-breakers to history makers, get up close to iconic locomotives at York’s biggest, must-see attraction. The National Railway Museum is the largest railway museum in the world, responsible for the conservation and interpretation of the British national collection of historically significant railway vehicles and other artefacts. The Museum contains an unrivalled collection of locomotives, rolling stock, railway equipment, documents and records. Situated only a mile from the Monkbar Hotel it offers a fun, free day out for all the family, click York Railway Museum to view their website and find out more information 


3. Jorvik Viking Centre -only 1/2 a mile away from the Monkbar Hotel

Journey through the reconstruction of Viking-Age streets as they would have been 1000 years ago. JORVIK Viking Centre also offers four exciting exhibitions and the chance to actually come face to face with a ‘Viking’. The centre is one of the most popular tourist attractions outside of London. Click Jorvik Viking Museum to  find out more information 


4. Yorkshire Museum & Gardens

Make time to visit the Yorkshire Museum - with five new galleries now showcasing some of Britain's finest archaeological treasures and many rare animals, birds and fossils, in exciting new displays.   Set in the beautiful Museum Gardens which make an ideal place for a family picnic. Find our more here Yorkshire Museum & Gardens


5. Barley Hall

Barley Hall is a stunning medieval townhouse, once home to the Priors of Nostell and the Mayor of York. Until the 1980’s the house was hidden under the relatively modern façade of a derelict office block and has now been lovingly restored to its original splendour with stunning high ceilings, beautiful exposed timber frames and a magnificent Great Hall. Click on their website here Barley Hall


6. York Castle Museum less than a mile away from the Monkbar

Take yourself on a Victorian discovery and venture into the new-look Victorian Street which gives you a colourful insight into the real lives of York’s residents more than 100 years ago. York Castle Museum is   and is a firm favourite for all the family this is a trip back in time not to be missed. To find out more click York Castle Museum


7. Treasurer’s House & Garden

This National Trust property is only a few metres from York Minster. Discover stories of royal visits, servant life and four centuries of interiors and antiques. Click here to find out more information Treasurer's House & Garden


9. York Dungeons  

The York Dungeon invites you to delve into the City’s most horrible history. Come face to face with live actors, experience interactive shows and special effects as you’re transported back to those black, bleak times. Not for the faint hearted! Find out more here York Dungeons


10. York Boat 

A York City Cruise enables you to admire the scenery from the comfort of the enclosed saloon or open top deck. Take home fascinating facts on the incredible history of York and its river, from the live commentary delivered by a local and knowledgeable skipper. Find our more here York Boat


You can pick up a copy of the York Mini Guide from reception which includes a detailed map, restaurants, attractions and special events. For those of you wishing to venture further please see below a list of places and their proximity to us.


• 14 miles from Castle Howard - setting for Brideshead Revisited

• 21 miles to the Spa town of Harrogate - winner of Britain in Bloom 

• 23 miles to James Herriiot country - Thirsk and the Yorkshire Dales 

• 30 miles to the City of Ripon and stunning Fountains Abbey

• 40 miles from the coast - Scarborough, Whitby & Filey

For further information on all York's attractions please visit the Visit York Tourist Information Centre

 

York Pass

YORK PASS - Over 30 top York attractions for one great price!

 
Make the most of your trip to York with a York Pass, the complete sightseeing card giving you free entry to attractions plus lots of special offers to use at cafes & restaurants, on guided tours and ghost walks.

A visit to York Minster, the largest gothic cathedral north of the Alps goes without saying. Do not miss the JORVIK Viking Centre an award winning experience transporting you to a Viking settlement 1000 years ago or let the children enjoy an archaeological adventure at DIG. York Maze the largest maze in the world combined with a visit to the Yorkshire Air Museum makes for a great day out beyond the city.  For further information on the York Pass please visit www.yorkpass.com.  

 

York Races - Fixtures for 2013

Dante Festival  - 15th to 17th May

May Spring Meeting - 25th May

June Meeting - 14th & 15th June

John Smith's Cup Meeting - 12th & 13th July

Music Showcase Weekend - 26th & 27th July

Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival - 21st to 24th August

September Meeting - 8th September

October Meeting - 11th & 12th October


York Food & Drink Festival - 20th to 29th September

This well established annual event transforms the city centre of York into a wonderful market full of great Yorkshire produce, guest wine stands,street food and the Yorkshire Bar serving local Real Ales, many from the increasing range of Brewers within the city.There is a range of dinners, tastings and other events often in historic venues to suit all pockets.To find out more information on this great event please go to www.yorkfoodfestival.com


St Nicholas Fayre - 28th Nov to 1st Dec

St Nicholas Fayre kick starts the festive season with it's annual four-day Christmas market. Featuring more than 200 stalls you can pick up some special gifts from one of the log style cabins. A word of advise this is one of York's busiest weekends but well worth a visit.


Festival of Angels - 14th & 15th December

Originally a smaller event to attract visitors into the Latin quarter of York. Now this winter wonderland of ice sculptures is so popular it's spilling out onto Stonegate. If you're looking for something special to get you in the christmas mood then this event really is worth a visit - my personal favourite

Yorvik Viking Festival 

Every February half term the city of York transforms into the biggest Viking Festival in Europe. There's an exciting mixture of combat, academic, archaeological and historical events.A full programme of events will be published soon so keep up to date by visiting www.jorvik-viking-festival.com 

 

It was once reputed that York had a different pub for every day in the year. I think unfortunately some have slipped under the wayside but we still have a huge selection of pubs & bars. We've listed a few of our favourites, hopefully you'll enjoy finding yours! 


The Snickleway Inn - 47 Goodramgate

The Snickleway Inn just minutes from the Monkbar is definitely your old fashioned pub with more of a village feel rather than a city centre pub. Reputedly the most haunted pub in Britain it's open fires and traditional feel make it an easy place to enjoy a pint of local ale.


House of the Trembling Madness - 48 Stonegate

This medieval drinking hall near York Minster certainly lives up to its name. The quirky bar is accessed through the back of an office license. Full of beams, old benches & stuffed animal heads, it oozes continental style. Their incredible selection of imported beers is complimented by a menu full of great Yorkshire produce. 


Lamb and Lion - 2 High Petergate

Over looked by York Minster the Lamb & Lion offers real ales & a tremendous beer garden. Positioned alongside the city walls, stunning views can be enjoyed especially on a summers day.


Guy Fawkes Inn - 25 High Petergate

Built on the spot where the notorious Guy Fawkes was born this is a must visit for those of you wishing to take in the history of York. Only a few feet from York Minster how can you resist popping in for a quick pint? 


The Blind Swine - 24 Swinegate

If cocktails are your thing I can safely say that the Blind Swine do the best cocktails in town! Their eclectic cutting edge style mixed up with a bit of rock music has made it the must go place in York. It takes months to get a Saturday night booking but I would highly recommend a cocktail or two to either start or end your evening.  


 

York City Centre.

Only minutes from us York's City Centre offers an enchanting mix of high street and boutique 

shops. Great restaurants and cafes line cobbled streets and rivers and pedestrianized 

areas make is a joy to explore. Beautiful gardens, local events and historical landmarks make 

York city centre a truly unique shopping experience one that you'll want to return to time 

and time again!


Monks Cross

 
If you're looking for big high street names with free accessible parking then Monks Cross is 

worth a visit.Enjoy late night shopping EVERY WEEKDAY.Located just off the York A1237 ring 

road – YO32 9GX. Open 7 days a week until 8pm on weekdays and 7pm on Saturdays. Free 

wheelchair hire and free babychange facilities make Monks Cross Shopping a stress free 

shopping experience for all. 


Clifton Moor


Just 2 miles out of York's City centre on the A1237 (York's outer ring road) Clifton Moor  

offers a variety of things to entertain you including York's largest cinema Vue,Tenpin 

bowling, Sector 7 and just across the road Creepy Crawlies. There are numerous 

restaurants including Chiquito's, Frankie & Benny's, Harvester, Burger King & McDonald's. 

Shops include Tesco's, B&Q, Mothercare, Toys r us and many more. 


York Designer Outlet.


Just 4 miles south of York on the A64/A19 interchange you'll find York Designer Outlet. Over 

115 top brand stores including White stuff, Gap, Fossil, Coast, LK Bennet offer tax free 

shopping with discounts of up to 60%. Parking is free and they have a great under cover play 

area for the kids and a good food court which includes Pizza Express and Pret A Manger

Parking is free and the shops are open Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00 Open till 20:00 on Thurs Open Sun 

10:00-17:00 Some of the larger shops open at 11am on Sundays Christmas hours can vary each 

year.Also accessible by Public Transport.