One of the most beautiful small cities that we can visit in the entire United Kingdom is, without a doubt, York, located in the north of England, where during a tourist trip from the south you arrive on the eastern route that takes you to Scotland.
You should know that the best example of York's historical importance is that in the Middle Ages it was considered, after London, the second richest city in Great Britain.
This wealth was associated with a great commercial boom in wool.
Today I can tell you that the trip to York is well worth it and we shouldn't treat it as a stopover on our possible driving route to Scotland.
In fact, I tell you, I even took part in a weekend trip to England with the sole purpose of visiting York, having flown from Madrid to Liverpool. Read more interesting things and things to do in this city in this post.
Curiosities of the history of York
York originates from the Roman fortress, which was built in the year 71 of the Christian era and was called Eboracum.
This enclave was very important, and in fact in 306 Constantine the Great was proclaimed emperor there.
Later, after the departure of the Roman legions, this Roman enclave came under the control of the Saxons, who named it Eoforwick, being the capital of the kingdom of Northumbria.
Starting in 866, York was occupied by the Vikings, who named it Jorvik, hence its current name, by which it has been known since 1000.
The Vikings were based in York for just over a century and left a great influence on Scandinavian customs.
In the Middle Ages, between 1000 and 1500, York was at its peak when it had more than 10,000 inhabitants and 40 churches.
Its decline came after the Wars of the Roses, in the late 15th century, with the dissolution of the monasteries and the decline of the wool trade.
Today you have the best manifestation of the aforementioned rise of the Middle Ages by visiting its majestic Gothic cathedral, the largest north of the Alps, known as York Cathedral.
The best things to see and do in York in one day
To plan your visit, it will be useful to know what to see and do during a visit to York in one day.
Historic Center of York
If you are going to visit the city on your own, first of all you should enjoy the atmosphere of a real medieval city, for which you just need to walk through the narrow streets of the historic center of York.
I have to tell you that during the Middle Ages and thanks to the great commercial boom, York became the second city in England after London.
Jorvik Museum, Viking history in York
You have traces of its Roman era in the nearly five-kilometer wall that still stands, and of the Viking presence in its Jorvik Museum.
This museum offers visitors a unique insight into the Viking history of the city of York, which has featured in recent Viking TV series.
It opened its doors in 1984 and has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.
The museum is located on the Jorvik archaeological site, where important Viking remains were discovered during excavations in the 1970s.
The museum offers an immersive experience thanks to interactive exhibits and authentic replicas.
Visitors can walk through reconstructed streets that show the everyday life of the Vikings, see lively scenes and take part in interactive activities.
The museum's collection includes more than 800 original objects, ranging from tools and weapons to luxury items and household artifacts.
The Shambles medieval street in York
Walking through the streets of the historic center, you will see buildings dating back to the aforementioned medieval period, but above all, you should not miss the street that is considered to be the most famous street in York.
This is The Shambles, which is the oldest medieval street in England, which is considered the best preserved in Europe.
You'll find The Shambles next to the central Market Square , very close to York Cathedral , and it's actually a relatively short street, but it's unmistakably recognizable.
It is so narrow that it may seem that the facades of some buildings on both sides of the street almost touch.
The Shambles is an old name that refers to the many butcher shops and taverns that historically lined these narrow streets.
A boat trip in York
A tourist activity that you can do during your visit to York is a boat trip on the River Ouse.
During this one-hour tour, during which you will listen to the commentary in English, you will be able to see different parts of the city center, such as Skeldergate Bridge, the Palace of Justice or Clifford's Tower, the remains of the old castle of the city.
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