York, Yorkshire
What is it like for a family to live in York
York is a city in Yorkshire, England, with a rich history, vibrant culture, and plenty of attractions to explore. The city itself is a vibrant mix of medieval streets, Tudor architecture, and modern stores and restaurants. It is also a great place to live, as it offers an abundance of amenities for families and young people alike.
The city is home to a variety of educational institutions, including York University and York College, as well as many leading secondary schools. York also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a wide range of venues, including the York Theatre Royal, which hosts regular performances from the local theatre group. There are plenty of shops and cafes in the city centre, as well as a bustling nightlife.
The city is well connected, with excellent public transport links to the rest of the UK, as well as to nearby cities such as Leeds and Manchester. It is also an easy city to get around, as it is relatively compact and flat.
For families, York is a great place to live, with plenty of parks and green spaces to explore, family-friendly attractions such as York Castle Museum, and a variety of activities to keep the kids entertained.
There is also a wide range of housing options, ranging from family homes to student accommodation and apartments. The city also has excellent healthcare services, which are particularly important for parents of teenage children.
Overall, York is a great city to live in, with plenty of things to do and see, as well as a safe and welcoming atmosphere. It is also a great place for families and young people alike, with plenty of opportunities for education and leisure, as well as a thriving culture and nightlife.
Present-day York:
• Today, York is a thriving city, with a rich history and culture, and a vibrant atmosphere.
• Popular tourist destination and home to a number of important historic sites such as York Minster, the National Railway Museum, and the Jorvik Viking Centre.
• Home of the University of York, one of the leading universities in the UK.
The key benefits of living in York
1. York is a beautiful and historic city with plenty of attractions, including the famous York Minster Cathedral and the city walls.
2. It is an excellent location for shopping, with a wide range of independent and chain stores.
3. The city has excellent transport links, with regular train and bus services to major cities including London, Leeds and Manchester.
4. York offers a wide range of educational opportunities with several universities, colleges and schools.
5. The city has a vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene, with plenty of bars, pubs and clubs.
6. York is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes and eateries, offering a delicious range of cuisines.
7. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, offering plenty of options for outdoor activities, such as walking, cycling and horse riding.
8. The cost of living in York is relatively low compared to other major cities in the UK.
More on...
Shopping
York is a bustling and vibrant city, with a wide range of shopping opportunities. From independent boutiques to large chain stores, York has everything to meet your shopping needs. You can find many brands and items you won't find elsewhere, making it the perfect place to pick up something unique or special.
The city centre is home to a variety of shopping centres, arcades and cobbled streets, with everything from high street names to designer labels. The Shambles Market is a popular spot for bargain hunters, while the likes of Coney Street and Stonegate provide a wealth of independent shops and independent retailers. The city also boasts a thriving independent cafe and restaurant scene, so you can enjoy a bite to eat while you shop.
York offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for a bargain or something a bit more unique. Whether you are looking for a gift, an outfit or just something special, you are sure to find it in York. With its wide range of stores, and its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, York is a great city to visit for a day of shopping.
Restaurants, Cafes and Eateries
York is a foodie paradise, with a huge selection of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to choose from. From classic British pubs to exotic Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern eateries, there's something to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full three-course dinner, you can find it in York.
The city's award-winning restaurants provide an array of delicious cuisines to tantalize your taste buds. There are classic British restaurants offering traditional fare, as well as Italian, French and Spanish restaurants that serve up the best of their respective countries' dishes. For something a little different, there are plenty of international restaurants, from Indian and Chinese to Mexican and Thai.
Cafes, bistros and fast food joints can be found throughout the city, offering a great selection of affordable dining options. Whether it's a quick snack or a full meal, you can find something to satisfy your hunger. For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of dessert parlours and ice cream shops to choose from.
York is also home to a number of award-winning independent eateries, serving up locally sourced produce and imaginative menus. With something to suit all budgets and tastes, there to be plenty of options for a delicious dining experience in York.
Attractions
York is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in England, with plenty of attractions to discover. The most iconic of these is the York Minster Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic cathedral dating back to the 14th century and one of the most impressive structures in the country. Its two towers and intricate stained glass windows make it a must-see, and its bell tower offers stunning views of the city.
The city walls are another popular site, the longest and best-preserved medieval walls in England. Built in the 4th century, they offer stunning views of the city and are a great way to explore the city's history. The city also has other attractions to explore, such as the York Castle Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts and artworks, as well as the Jorvik Viking Centre, which gives visitors a unique insight into the Viking era. There is also a wide range of restaurants, pubs, and shops to explore, making York a great destination for visitors of all ages.
Attractions in and around the York area:
• York Minster - An impressive Gothic cathedral, and one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe.
• York Castle Museum - A museum set within the ruins of the medieval Clifford's Tower, offering a glimpse into York's history.
• National Railway Museum - The world's largest railway museum, with over 100 locomotives, rolling stock and railway artifacts.
• York Dungeon - An interactive attraction featuring live actors, special effects and exhibits.
• Jorvik Viking Centre - An archaeological experience offering a glimpse into Viking life in the city.
• York City Walls - Medieval walls surrounding the city, with four main gates and numerous towers.
• York City Art Gallery - A gallery featuring an extensive collection of works by British artists.
• York Maze - A large maze set in 11 acres of land, with over 1.5 million living maize plants.
• York Racecourse - A Grade 1 flat racecourse located just outside the city.
• York Museum Gardens - A green space in the city centre, with a range of plants, sculptures and other attractions.
• York Cold War Bunker - An underground bunker built during the Cold War, now open for tours.
• York Chocolate Story - A tour of York's chocolate-making, with chocolate-making demonstrations and tastings.
The Wider Area
York is an incredibly picturesque city, surrounded by stunning countryside. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for getting outdoors and enjoying the beauty of the area. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more energetic adventure, there's something to suit everyone.
Walking is a popular activity in the area, with many footpaths taking you through beautiful woods and fields. There are also plenty of routes around the city itself, allowing you to explore the winding streets and discover hidden gems.
Cycling is also a great way to explore the area, with plenty of routes to challenge more experienced riders, as well as gentle trails to suit those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
Many of these routes also offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Horse riding is also a popular activity, with several stables and riding schools in the area. Horse riding is a great way to explore the countryside, with several bridleways taking you through fields and woodlands.
Overall, York is surrounded by beautiful countryside, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, there's something to suit everyone.
Transport Links
The city has excellent transport links, with regular train and bus services to major cities including London, Leeds and Manchester, as well as airports in nearby Leeds, Manchester and Doncaster.
Typical journey times by rail are:
• London: 2 hours and 10 minutes
• Leeds: 1 hour and 6 minutes
• Manchester: 2 hours and 5 minutes
• Sheffield: 1 hour and 37 minutes
• Birmingham: 3 hours and 10 minutes
• Newcastle: 2 hours and 8 minutes
• Liverpool: 2 hours and 45 minutes
• Edinburgh: 4 hours and 20 minutes
• Glasgow: 5 hours and 15 minutes
• Doncaster: 57 minutes
Schools
York offers a wide range of educational opportunities, with several universities, including the University of York, York St. John University and York College, as well as numerous schools and colleges.
The University of York is one of the most prestigious universities in the UK, with a world-renowned reputation for academic excellence. York St. John University is a popular choice for students looking for a more personal learning experience, with a focus on providing an enjoyable and supportive learning environment.
York College offers a wide range of courses from GCSEs to degree-level qualifications and provides excellent facilities and resources for students.
When it comes to secondary schools, York is home to a variety of state and independent schools, including Bootham School, The Mount School and Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate. Each of these schools has a long tradition of academic excellence and provides excellent teaching and learning facilities, as well as a range of extracurricular activities.
| School Name | Age Range | Ofsted Rating | Catchment Area | Postcode | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bootham School | 11-19 years old | Outstanding | YO30 and YO31 | YO30 7BU | 01904 659169 |
| The Mount School | 11-18 years old | Outstanding | YO24 and YO32 | YO24 4DD | 01904 657800 |
| Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate | 11-18 years old | Outstanding | YO23 | YO23 7HA | 01904 709100 |
| Archbishop Holgate's School | 11-18 years old | Good | YO24 | YO24 4LL | 01904 654740 |
| All Saints Catholic School | 11-18 years old | Good | YO23 | YO24 1QH | 01904 659750 |
| The Priory Church of England School | 11-18 years old | Good | YO24 | YO24 3QG | 01904 471000 |
| Manor Church of England Academy | 11-18 years old | Good | YO24 | YO24 4HX | 01904 624781 |
| York High School | 11-18 years old | Requires Improvement | YO23 | YO23 2QR | 01904 554422 |
| Joseph Rowntree School | 11-18 years old | Good | YO30 and YO31 | YO30 5PR | 01904 553600 |
| Fulford School | 11-18 years old | Good | YO10 and YO19 | YO19 5LT | 01904 655400 |
Affordability of Living In York
The cost of living in York is relatively affordable, and there is a wide range of housing available, from traditional terraced houses to modern apartments.
The cost of buying a house in York will depend on the size, location and condition of the property. Prices can range from £145,000 for a one-bedroom flat to over £1 million for a large family home in the city centre.
Generally, the average cost of a three-bedroom house in York is around £250,000.
As with buying, the cost of renting a house in York varies depending on the size and location of the property. Generally, you can expect to pay between £600 and £1,500 per month for a two-bedroom house in the city centre. For more affordable housing, you may have to look further out of the city, where rents are typically lower.
Crime in York
The crime rate in York is relatively low compared to the national average. According to the Office of National Statistics, York has a lower rate of crime than the England and Wales average for all types of crime. In 2019, the rate of overall crime was 43.5 offences per 1,000 population, which is lower than the England and Wales rate of 54.4 offences per 1,000 population.
The History of York
York is a city located in the county of Yorkshire, in the north of England. It is renowned for its rich history, culture, and beautiful architecture.
The city is believed to have been founded by the Romans in 71 AD, when they established their fortress of Eboracum. This marked the start of a period of great prosperity and growth, which lasted until the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century.
During this time, York was an important centre of trade and commerce, and was home to a number of important religious sites such as the Minster and other monasteries. By the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066, York had become a major political centre, and was the capital of the kingdom of Northumbria.
The city's fortunes changed during the medieval period, when it was the scene of a number of battles between the English and the Scots. In 1341 it was besieged by the Scots, and in 1405 it was taken by the Lancastrians. Despite this, the city continued to be an important centre of trade and commerce, and also served as an important religious centre for the Church of England.
During the Tudor period, York was home to a number of important figures such as Thomas Cromwell and Cardinal Wolsey.
The city also witnessed a number of religious upheavals, such as the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536 and the English Civil War in the 1640s.
The 18th and 19th centuries saw York become a major industrial centre, with the growth of the railway, textiles and engineering industries. York was also home to a number of important scientific and technological innovations, most notably the development of the steam locomotive by George Stephenson.
The 20th century saw the city become an important centre of culture, with a number of key events such as the York Festival of Arts, and the York Mystery Plays. The city was also the birthplace of the modern chocolate industry, when Rowntree's began producing chocolate in the 19th century.
Today, York is a thriving city, with a rich history and culture, and a vibrant atmosphere. It is a popular tourist destination, and is home to a number of important historic sites such as York Minster, the National Railway Museum, and the Jorvik Viking Centre. It is also the home of the University of York, one of the leading universities in the UK..
The Historical Summary...
1. Founded by the Romans in 71 AD, when they established their fortress of Eboracum.
2. Period of great prosperity and growth until the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century.
3. Important centre of trade and commerce and home to a number of important religious sites.
4. Capital of the kingdom of Northumbria by the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066.
5. Scene of a number of battles between the English and the Scots during the medieval period.
6. Important centre of trade, commerce, and religion for the Church of England.
7. Home to important figures such as Thomas Cromwell and Cardinal Wolsey during the Tudor period.
8. Witnessed a number of religious upheavals such as the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536 and the English Civil War in the 1640s.
9. Major industrial centre in the 18th and 19th centuries with the growth of the railway, textiles and engineering industries.
10. Home to a number of important scientific and technological innovations, most notably the development of the steam locomotive by George Stephenson.
11. Centre of culture in the 20th century with events such as the York Festival of Arts and the York Mystery Plays.
12. Birthplace of the modern chocolate industry with Rowntree's beginning production of chocolate in the 19th century.
