About York

York is a medieval town in the north east of England and, aside from London, is the number one destination for UK visitors. York is a compact walled riverside city. York was the capital city of the country before London and is still a highly vibrant and thriving community to this day.

The North's spiritual capital for 2000 years, York is central to Britain's colourful history.

York was founded by the Romans. They invaded this part of England in 71 AD and quickly subdued it. The Romans built a fort between the rivers Ouse and Foss. At first northern England was a rough and uncivilised area but gradually it was 'Romanised'.

However in 627 York was given a bishop. A cathedral was built inside the walls of the Roman town and a bishop’s residence was probably built there.

In the Middle Ages York was an important port. Luxuries such as wine were imported from the continent. York was also an important manufacturing centre. Wool was woven in York.

In 1349 York was decimated by the Black Death, which may have killed half the population of the town. The population of York was around 13,000 in the mid 14th century but it fell to about 10,000 by the year 1500.

In 1801, at the time of the first census, York had a population of 16,846. By the standards of the time it was quite a large town but it declined in importance as the century drew on.

Over a million people a year take a walk through 1900 years of history on York's city walls. Built in Roman times, they've been added to and rebuilt over time and now have parts from across the centuries.

The first modern police force in York was formed in 1836.

Today the population of York is 181,000.

York is renowned for its history, which is preserved in its architecture. York is a compact walled riverside city and home to countless world-class attractions, museum and galleries.

York has a vibrant lively arts scene which brings together the classical and contemporary theatre with a wide range of traditional and modern galleries.

York boasts a plethora of music and festival venues. York is truly a city of cultural wealth and variety.

‘The UK's Best City', York is offering an amazing array of world famous attractions and galleries, independent boutiques, lively events and a lively café bar and restaurant culture.

York offers a total of 21 cinema screens, including the latest in cinema sophistication, the city's new City Screen. York is also thought to be one of Europe's most haunted cities; the Original Ghost Walk, the Ghost Hunt and the Ghost Trail are frightening reminders of York's colourful past.

York is an excellent place to commute from to most of the UK's major cities; London is a mere 1 hour and 45 minutes away by high-speed train, so that one can commute to the capital of England and live in the more peaceful medieval town of York where the cost of living is not so high.

York's location on the rail network means that that you are within two hours, with a direct train link to London, Manchester and Edinburgh.

York is located 40 minutes' drive from the M1/M62 motorway and 20 minutes from the A1. It is conveniently situated midway between London and Edinburgh.

Chester and York can be reached from the ever-increasing number of transatlantic flights to Manchester International Airport. York is also within easy travelling distance of Leeds/Bradford airport.

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