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Founded by the Romans, York’s Old Town is ringed by a massive wall. That didn’t stop the Vikings from capturing it in 866 AD, though, and you’ll find traces of its ancient history all over the city. Less than a mile across in any direction, this wonderfully preserved medieval town is one of the more fun places to wander. It’s the perfect spot to wrap up our England: Hiking Coast to Coast tour.
York’s most famous street, it’s lined with timber-framed buildings with barely a right angle to be found. Although touristy shops abound, you can’t visit York without taking a walk here.
Several impressive ones from various time periods offer architectural and history tours. 2a – the medieval Barley Hall; 2b – the medieval Merchant Adventurers Hall; 2c – the Georgian Fairfax House; 2d – the Georgian York Mansion House; 2e – Tudor-period Treasurer’s House, which is supposedly haunted.
At two of the major gates through the wall, you can find historical, interactive experiences. Monk Bar offers an exhibit on King Richard III, while Micklegate Bar, on the other side of town offers one on Tudor King Henry VII who defeated Richard to win the crown.
Massive Gothic cathedral with vast stained glass windows, tower tours, and Roman ruins in the basement.
Five galleries showcasing archaeological treasures and rotating exhibits relevant to Yorkshire.
The only remnant of William the Conqueror’s York Castle. On a clear day you can see as far as the North York Moors!
With access points at Micklebar and near the York War Memorial, you can walk all around the town on the wall, viewing the Old Town from above.
Designed as a center to monitor fallout in case of a nuclear attack until the 1990s, the bunker is now open to visitors by guided tours only.
A former World War II airfield used by Allied bomber crews, the complex now offers exhibits on aviation history and is home to a fascinating collection of sixty historic aircraft.
For a hotel recommendation, please see the Pre- & Post-Tour section of your Trip Planner.
England: Hiking Coast to Coast
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By: Matt Holmes
I certainly have my own highlights from when I hiked England’s Coast to Coast trail, but I thought it would be more interesting to hear the perspective of our amazing…
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