"my impression of York" a York Travel Page by margaretvn

York is one of my favourite cities. I was born not far from it and it was often a day out when I was small.
Perhaps it is because we visit so often that I don't have many photos of the place.... we always have the idea we will be back again!
Last friday we had a day in York and wandered around the old centre, it was sunny but cold. it was fun that there was a farmers market in the centre and we treated ourselves to some tasty "fat rascals"

The city of York has many layers of history – a medieval city built on top of a Roman city, it was first built in 71 AD. It became the capital of the northern province and was known as Eboracum. It was here that Constantine the Great was made Emperor in 306 and reorganised Britain into four provinces. A100 years later the Roman army left and the city (under the Saxons) was renamed Eoforwic. The street names remind us that York was a Viking centre from 867 and was one of Europe’s great trading bases. From 1100 to 1500 it was England’s second city. It has a city wall of 4.8 kilometres.

York still has a lot of its medieval structures, so that it is often like walking around a living museum. Many of the timbered buildings, in the narrow twisting streets such as The Shambles, are protected by a conservation order. The city centre is car free. The old centre is small and easily discovered on foot.
Do not try to park in the city if you are visiting - take the park and ride bus it is so much more relaxed and the bus goes so often that you never have long to wait. You can leave your car at several parking areas on the outskirts of the city. We usually park at Rawcliffe Bar. These park and Ride sites are well signposted.