Visiting York
Free wifi in York
If your cellphone plan doesn’t include roaming, you might want to use York’s free wifi. The city council has a site that gives the details, including the network names and how to sign up.
Attractions
City Walls - the oldest part of York is surrounded by raised walls that you can walk around to get a good view over the buildings. The historical perimeter of the walls is around 4.5 kilometres, but parts in the north-east and west are no longer there. The best views across the city are from the walls next to the station and behind York Minster. You can take a (paid) tour, but access to the walls is free and they’re open daily from 8 AM until dusk.
York Minster - York is a historic centre of Christianity in the UK, and the ‘Minster’ (cathedral) is quite impressive. Full admission requires payment (unless you’re there for a service), but (certainly until recently) you could stand just inside the door to admire the architecture.
National Rail Museum - York is home to a large collection of historic trains and rail history. The museum is behind the station and tickets are free but it’s best to book in advance if you can.
Betty’s Tea Room - a local institution that serves an authentic Yorkshire ‘afternoon tea’ with cakes etc. There’s often a long queue, but you can book ahead.
The Roman Bath - an unassuming pub in the centre of York, but it has a passageway just inside the front door leading down to the basement which houses a genuine roman bath and small museum. There’s a modest cost for entry.
