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York Travel Resources

York Travel Resources

York Yorkshire, England Travel Guide

Online Tools

Applications

  • Google Maps/Apple Maps:

    For navigation and public transport routes.

  • First Bus App:

    For local bus times and tickets in York.

  • National Rail Enquiries:

    For UK train times and information.

  • Uber:

    For ride-sharing services in the area.

  • XE Currency Converter:

    For real-time exchange rates.

Planning Websites

Print Resources

Guidebooks & Maps

Various publishers offer guidebooks to York or Yorkshire. Detailed city maps are available at the York Tourist Information Centre and many bookshops.

Local Literature

History: "York: The Story of a City" by R.B. Dobson, "The Viking Great Army and the Making of England" by Dawn Hadley. Many historical novels are set in York.

Local Reads

The York Press serves as the local newspaper for current events. Free local tourism leaflets and magazines are available at hotels.

Emergency & Medical

Contact Details

  • Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 999.
  • Non-Emergency Medical Advice: 111 (NHS helpline).
  • NHS Website for general health information: Www.nhs.uk.
  • Keep your embassy or consulate details handy.

Medical Facilities

  • York Hospital: Wigginton Rd, York YO31 8HE (main A&E department).
  • Several walk-in clinics or GP practices for non-emergency consultations.
  • Check the NHS website or ask your accommodation for details.
  • Keep a doctor's note for prescribed medications.

Further Exploration

Visual Content

  • "A History of Britain" (BBC) features segments on York.
  • "Britain's Most Historic Towns" (Channel 4) has an episode on Viking York.
  • "Victoria" (ITV/PBS) filmed scenes at York Minster.
  • Explore online travelogues on York.

Artistic Immersion

  • Listen to British folk music or classical composers.
  • Explore art history related to British Gothic architecture.
  • Visit York Art Gallery for visual arts.
  • Find podcasts on York history.

Community Engagement

  • Travel forums, such as TripAdvisor forums.
  • Reddit's r/travel offers questions and advice.
  • A British English phrasebook can clarify local slang.
  • Gain insights from fellow travelers.

Travel Preparation

Critical Information

Requirements

  • Passport validity for your stay.
  • UK visa if required for your nationality.
  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance (World Nomads).
  • Book flights and major accommodation.

Securing Home

  • Secure your home before departure.
  • Hold mail or arrange collection.
  • Arrange for pet care if needed.
  • Arrange for plant watering.

Document Safeguards

  • Make digital and physical copies of documents.
  • Store copies separately from originals.
  • Notify family or friends of your itinerary and contacts.
  • Inform your bank of travel dates.

Pre-Trip Steps

Initial Planning 3-6 Months Before

  • Book flights, especially for peak season.
  • Book major accommodation like hotels or B&Bs.
  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

Detailed Itinerary 1-2 Months Before

  • Plan your detailed itinerary and research attractions.
  • Make reservations for popular tours or dining (Betty's afternoon tea).
  • Arrange pet care if needed.

Arrival Essentials

Immediate Actions First Steps

  • Have your passport and supporting documents ready for Border Force.
  • Locate an ATM to withdraw local currency if needed.
  • Activate your local SIM card or connect to airport Wi-Fi.

Navigating Arrival Orientation

  • Grab a free city map from the station or Tourist Information Centre.
  • Use a navigation app from the station to your accommodation.
  • Consider a hop-on-hop-off bus tour for a quick overview.

Departure Preparation

Mementos & Shipping

  1. Consider luggage weight or size restrictions for souvenirs.
  2. Research shipping costs if planning to send items home.
  3. Package fragile items securely.
  4. Keep receipts for any high-value items.
  5. Check customs regulations for your home country.

Tax Refund Information

  1. The UK no longer offers tax-free shopping for overseas visitors.
  2. VAT refunds are generally not applicable for goods.
  3. Goods purchased in the UK and taken out of the country.
  4. Applies to items in personal luggage.
  5. Check current UK government guidance for any changes.

Departure Timings

Travel Timing

Allow ample time for travel to the airport or train station, especially during peak hours.

Check-In Advice

Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic or European. Arrive at the train station 15-30 minutes before departure.

Homeward Journey

Confirm return flight or train details. Check in online if possible. Have all necessary documents for your return journey.

Important Notice

Ensure all reservations are confirmed. Double-check passport validity. Carry digital and physical copies of essential documents separately. Notify your bank of travel dates.

Lasting Impressions

Cultural Immersion

  • Historical Layers:

    Gain insight into Britain's layered history, from Roman beginnings to the industrial age.

  • City's Resilience:

    Understand the resilience and adaptability of a city that has reinvented itself.

  • Heritage Preservation:

    Appreciate the preservation of historical integrity alongside modern life.

Personal Development

  • Historical Knowledge:

    Enhance historical knowledge through direct experience.

  • Curiosity & Exploration:

    Develop a sense of curiosity and exploration.

  • Travel Confidence:

    Build confidence in independent travel.

Responsible Tourism Pledge

Support Local

Support local, independent businesses by purchasing their goods and services. Donate to heritage organizations like York Minster.

Sustainable Choices

Minimize waste: reuse water bottles, dispose of rubbish responsibly. Prioritize walking, cycling, or public transport.

Cultural Sensitivity

Respect historic sites and natural environments. Be mindful of noise levels, especially in residential areas and places of worship.

Future Explorations

Where to go next based on interests

  • For more history and heritage: consider Edinburgh, Bath, or London.
  • For natural beauty and outdoor activities: explore the Lake District or Scottish Highlands.
  • For city life and culture: visit Manchester, Liverpool, or Glasgow.
  • For coastal charm: discover the Cornish coast or Scottish islands.

Regional connections and combinations

  • Combine York with a tour of the wider Yorkshire region (Dales, Moors, coast).
  • Travel north by train to explore Northumberland and its castles.
  • Travel south to London for a contrast of ancient and modern UK.
  • Extend your journey to nearby historic towns.

Seasonal Returns

Return visit suggestions for different seasons

  • Visit during the Jorvik Viking Festival in February.
  • Experience the festive atmosphere of the Christmas Market.
  • Enjoy a crisp winter stroll along the City Walls.
  • Discover York's gardens in bloom during spring.

Experiences on a return visit

  • Join a different ghost walk for new stories.
  • Explore more of York's pub scene.
  • Dine at different fine dining establishments.
  • Catch a show at York Theatre Royal.

Your Next Chapter

York is just the beginning. Let your curiosity lead you to discover more of the world's rich history and diverse cultures.

Learn a new skill for your travels on Skillshare.

Next Up: York Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation