The City of York is one of Britain's jewels. Steeped in over 2000 years of history, it is one of the most visited places in the United Kingdom and offers something for everyone.

Beneath the modern city lies its Roman foundations and traces of the later Viking settlement from which its name derives. Within the circle of its thirteen-century city walls, the medieval cobbled streets mingle with the elegant town-houses of the Georgian period. Dominating the city is York Minster, the largest medieval cathedral in Northern Europe.

Beyond York lies some of Britain's most attractive and impressive countryside. Within easy reach are the Pennine Dales and the national parks of the North York Moors, with fishing villages and seaside resorts of the East coast plus a wealth of fine houses and picturesque abbey ruins.

Situated almost exactly half way between London and Edinburgh, York enjoys excellent communication links and is easy to reach from anywhere in the country. Intercity trains from London take under two hours, Manchester International Airport can be reached in about two and ferries from the nearby port of Hull provide easy links to mainland Europe.

Renowned for its historic glory, York is more than just a city of beautiful architecture, sculpture and unrivalled museums. As a student city, it is big enough to feel cosmopolitan, but small enough not to be overwhelming. With a population of about 100,000 it is credited as a friendly, compact city where people enjoy life: in a recent "quality of life" survey, York was placed 7th out of 145 cities.

Shopping and Street life

York's reputation for fine shopping, offering goods from the far corners or the world, was established in the 14th century, with the building of Europe's finest medieval Guild Hall, in Fossgate. Wealthy merchants, whose trading ships sailed as far as Russia and the Middle East, conducted their affairs in the superb timbered room on the upper floor, as their successors still do today.

A browse around the numerous shops and boutiques in the narrow cobbled streets is a must. There's Stonegate and Grape Lane, Parliament Street the world famous Shambles (first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086) to name but a few, as well as the beautiful Mulberry Hall, built in 1434. Cars have been banned from these areas, pioneering project the City its people (York was recently voted Number 1 Cycle City) allowing street life, traders and performers to flourish.

Theatre, Music & Entertainment

The City's most celebrated theatrical work dates back to the 1300s, when the world-famous Corpus Christi cycle of Mystery Plays, was first performed. The plays, which tell a theatrical story from Creation to Doomsday are still acted in the city today, amid the gothic splendour of The Minster.

Britain's premier festival of early music also takes place annually in York in July, utilising the many houses, guild halls and historic churches of the ancient city as venues for candlelit concerts, illustrated lectures, coffee concerts, walks, talks and exhibitions.

If it's contemporary drama, dance, a musical or comedy that you are seeking, both The Theatre Royal (built in 1740) and the Grand Opera House in York provide an exciting arid varied programme, featuring UK's leading actors and touring companies.

In terms of other nightlife, York appeals to all tastes from classical concerto's at the De Grey Rooms and choral music at the Minster, to lively pubs and night clubs. Regular venues to visit include jazz at The Cells or Pierre Victoire Brasserie, folk music at the Black Swan Folk Club, Peasholme Green, plus rock, pop and indie at Fibbers, Stonebow, and York Barbican Centre.

For film lovers, there is the centrally located 'Odeon' showing the latest multi-million box office releases, and the specialist arts venue 'City Screen', that shows the best world cinema, past and present.

Sport & Leisure

Does a clay at the races, rowing on the river, a leisurely stroll wandering through the museum gardens or joining one of the many organised river walks, sound appealing to you?

For the more energetic sport enthusiast, the city has three public sport centres offering a huge variety of fitness activities and facilities, three swimming pools, a 10 metre high climbing wall, as well as squash and tennis courts and a six lane athletics track.

Eating Out

As you would expect from a cosmopolitan, internationally renowned City, there is a huge choice of restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Relax in one of the fashionable coffee houses of Georgian times, including the pillared Assembly Rooms, on Blake Street or the glass fronted Betty's Tea Rooms. Try the traditional Yorkshire Pudding, served with onion gravy as a starter; enjoy the freshest fish and chips; discover fine dining in quaint and historic settings; or stimulate your taste buds with a wide range of ethnic cuisine including Indian, Chinese, Mexican and Turkish. Of course, no visit to York can be complete without trying fine Yorkshire Ale. You can enjoy a pint (or a gin and tonic) in one of the many old Inns, such as the Anglers' Arms, on Deangate, reputedly the most haunted pub in York or the Roman Bath Pub, recently opened after being closed for 2000 years!

York is truly a wonderful city - culturally and historically and offers a warm welcome to all who visit. So, come and discover the unique atmosphere of a city that offers something for everyone, all year round!

Author: Julia Gledhill, York Sixth Form College

Please visit: http://www.york-sfc.ac.uk

This article first appeared in Educational Courses in Britain magazine