Around & About York

Imagine 2000 years of vibrant history and 2000 shops all within one compact walled heritage city.  Award-winning attractions are thick under foot in York.  Quaint tea-shops, bustling shopping streets, ghost walks and bus and boat tours combine with an excellent array of restaurants, bistros, bars and evening entertainment to create one of England’s great cities.  Holidaying at Stonegate Court will place you right in the centre of all this and more.

Below is a taste of just some of what is on the doorstep of Stonegate Court indicating how many minutes walk and providing you with web-links and contact numbers.  Or why not try the following links for more detailed information.  And why not try the York Pass and save on entry to many attractions and in restaurants.  Buy on line at http://www.yorkpass.com.

http://www.visityork.org                                         http://www.yuletideyork.com

http://www.yorkshirevisitor.com

http://www.iknow-yorkshire.co.uk

NB:  all telephone numbers are prefixed with the dialing code for York of 01904.

HISTORY & CULTURE:

York Minster:         <1 min             http://www.yorkminster.org           557216

                        Is the largest medieval gothic cathedral north of the Alps with a history spanning almost 2000 years.

St William’s College:   1 min             http://www.yorkminster.org           557233

                        A splendid timbered building built 1461 as a college for Minster priests.  Having gone through changes over the years it is now restored to its former glory and also houses a popular restaurant.

Treasurers House:        1 min             http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk    624247

                        Now in the care of the National Trust, originally built around 1090 and rebuilt in the 1600’s, Treasurer’s House is home to York’s most intriguing ghost story.

National Railway Museum:  10 mins          http://www.nrm.org.uk          611112

                        Tells the railway tale from the Rocket to Eurostar with its vast collections including Mallard (the world’s fastest steam locomotive), and the Royal saloons from the Victorian era. (the road tour-train transports you to and from the Railway Museum from the end of Blake St opposite the church.)

Merchant Tailor’s Hall:        3 mins                                                         632967

                        Tucked under the city wall where an outer 17^th century cladding hides its 14^th century origins.

Merchant Adventurer’s Hall:  5 mins  http://www.theyorkcompany.co.uk  654818

                        Built between 1357 and 1361 an outstanding example of a medieval guildhall and one of the best preserved in Britian.                     

Museum Gardens:                 2 mins                                                         687687

                        One of the largest of York’s attractive parks extending from the back of King’s Manor to the banks of the River Ouse.  Amongst its marvellous buildings include the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey originating 1086 and the Yorkshire Museum.

Yorkshire Museum:               2 mins             http://www.york.yorkshire.museum

                        Home to some of the richest archaeological finds in Europe.

King’s Manor:                       1 min      http://www.york.ac.uk                  433926

                        Originally to house the Abbots of St Mary’s Abbey and now the home for Medieval Studies and the Department of Archaeology at York University.

York Art Gallery:         1 min               http://www.york.art.museum           687687

                        Housing old masters as well as a collection of British paintings spanning 4 centuries.

Impressions Gallery:     3 mins      http://www.impressions-gallery.com   654724

                        Located in a beautiful Georgian town house exhibiting contemporary photography, film and digital media.

Jorvik:                       3 mins         http://www.vikingjorvik.com                 643211

                        Explore York’s Viking history on the very site where archaeologists uncovered remains of the Viking-age city of Jorvik.  Take a tour through a reconstruction of the Viking-age streets which stood here 1000 years ago.

Clifford’s Tower:       4 mins                                                                      646940

                        Standing on a high mound erected by William the Conqueror the present stone building dates from 13^th century.  A prominent landmark in historic York offering a tremendous view over the city for those brave enough to ascend its internal staircase to the top of the battlements.

York Castle Museum:     5 mins         http://www.york.castle.museum       650333

                        Take a trip back in time with a visit to one of the most popular museums of everyday life in England.

York Dungeon:           5 mins            http://www.thedungeons.com           632599

                        Wander through a modern day Dante’s inferno with a bloodcurdling visit to the York Dungeon, an animated medieval horror museum.  Not for the faint-hearted!

Guildhall:                   2 mins             http://www.york.gov.uk                    551049

                        The present Guildhall is a rebuilt version of the 15^th century original building which was badly damaged by fire in an air raid in 1942.

Barley Hall:               1 min              http://www.barleyhall.org.uk             610275

                        A hands-on experience of life in a 15^th century town house.

Fairfax House:           4 mins                                                                      655543

                        A magnificent Georgian House built around 1750 presenting the visitor with an enviable insight into privileged life of opulence during the Georgian era.

The Arc:                    5  mins                                                                      643211

                        A really unusual place to visit to discover the history of York.  Housed in the 15^th century church of St Saviour, visitors have the opportunity to see archaeology in action and to handle items as old as 2000 years.

Churches:       As befits a great medieval city, York has many ancient churches, fitting tributes to the wealth and religious piety of its citizens of former times.

Bar Walls:      Stroll along the city’s medieval walls for great view of the city.

ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE

Theatre Royal:     <1min           http://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk            623568

                                    Founded in 1744, built on the site of the St Leonard’s Hospital where remains of the 12^th century structure can still be seen.  The Theatre Royal is renowned for its wide range of programming and superb visiting artistes.

Grand Opera House:   5 mins         http://www.getlive.co.uk/york    0870 606 3595

                                      The Grand Opera House, York, is a beautiful Edwardian Theatre which brings the biggest shows and the brightest stars around.  It also offers Theatre Tours and Conference facilities.

University of York Concert Series:   http://www.yorkconcerts.co.uk               432439

                                      Currently celebrating its 40th anniversary the University of York plays host to major orchestras, choirs and other key musical ensembles thorughout the year.  

York Racecourse:      circa. 1 mile   http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk    620911

                                    A beautiful 18^th century racecourse now hailed as one of the best in England.  Chosen to host the Ascot races during 2005.

Ghostly York: York is reported to be the most haunted city in England.  Try one of the Ghost Tours if you dare!

Boat Trips:                 2 mins                   http://www.yorkboat.co.uk

                                    Take a trip along the beautiful banks of the River Ouse and watch the Rowers during the day or dine in style in the evening.

Tenpin Bowling                                                                          690006

Grand Opera House                                                                    0870 606 3595

Tours and Walls                                                                          706643

Barbican Centre                    http://www.york.gov.uk/leisure     670977

Waterworld & gym                http://www.courtneys.co.uk           642111

OUT OF TOWN

York’s many tourist attractions are not limited to the city centre – there is a host of other venues appealing to both young and old.  Below is just a flavour:

http://www.nationaltrust.org

http://www.castlehoward.co.uk

http://www.edencamp.co.uk

http://www.flamingoland.co.uk

http://www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

http://lightwatervalley.net

http://www.deerparkfarm.com

http://www.yorkmaze.co.uk

http://yorkshirelavender.com 

Not forgetting of course the other enthralling attractions across Yorkshire including the Royal Armouries at Leeds and The Deep at Hull.

SHOPPING ETC.

You will be able to shop ‘til you drop in York.  Below is a tour of some of its streets and wares:

Stonegate, with access from Stonegate Court, can vie for the title of prettiest street in York with plenty to see and do and buy.  Guy Fawkes spent part of his life here and you will also find the remains of a Norman 12^th century house.  It is also home to Ye Olde Starre Inne – one of the oldest recorded pubs in the city reputedly named after King Charles I. 

Blake Street, with access from Stonegate Court, houses some wonderful shops and tea-rooms aswell as the Georgian Assembly rooms opposite the building entrance, now a popular Italian restaurant where you can dine amongst Georgian opulence.

Petergate, Goodramgate, Fossgate and Walmgate are all within a couple of minutes from Stonegate Court where you will find almost anything you desire.  Not to mention the Shambles, one of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe with some buildings dating back to 1350.

Newgate Market is just 1 minute from Stonegate Court with over 100 stalls offering something for everyone with special summer and winter fayres also.

http://www.thecandleshopyork.com

 FURTHER INFO

York Tourism Bureau                1 min                                              621756

Park & Ride                                                                                   883000

Car Park Helpline                                                                            632735

Bus Services                                                                                  551400

Train Services                                                                                 08457 484950

Taxis (there is also a taxi stand on the corner of Blake Street)

            Fleetways                                                                           645333

            Streamline                                                                          638833

            Shopmobility                                                                       679222

Chauffer car - ideal for airport transport & highly recommended            626202

http://www.alphachauffeursyork.co.uk

Car hire can be arranged at the York railway Station

Bike hire (including drop off and collection)                               07903 376612 

http://www.yorkbikerental.co.uk                

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