York Life and Travel Tips

(York, North Yorkshire, England, UK)



Photo of York MinsterYork is both a medieval walled city and a modern university city, with a rich history of more than 2,000 years, beginning with a Roman heritage, followed by the Vikings. Today, tourism and retail has become integral to life in this famous Yorkshire city, contributing greatly to the local economy. Overall, the various elements of the service industry now add up to almost 90 percent of the total employment within this busy city.

The York Minster functions as the centerpiece of the city and is encircled by all kinds of attractions, many of which line the banks of both the River Foss and the River Ouse.

Huge numbers of tourists descend during the summer holidays, often favouring the city's small family run guesthouses. However, a number of larger chain hotels are available in the city centre, where you can choose between the Best Western Monkbar on St. Maurices Road, the Hilton on Tower Street, the Novotel on Fishergate, and the Park Inn on North Street.


Tourism and Tourist Information

The main tourist offices in the city are situated in the Exhibition Square and at York's busy Railway Station.

Tourist Information Centre
Address: De Grey Rooms, St. Leonard's Place, Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7HB, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 621756
Built in 1841, the De Grey Rooms is home to the city's principal Tourist Information Centre and is to be found alongside the Theatre Royal, the Best Western Hotel, St. Wilfrid's Catholic Church and the Red House Antique Centre.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 16:00

Safety

York is no exception to other large cities with regards to safety. It is always advisable to maintain an awareness in crowded places and try your best to look like a local, rather than a holidaymaker. Although crime levels in Yorkshire are low, do watch your valuables and luggage, and consider wearing a handbag or camera across your body, or perhaps use a hidden money belt if you feel the need.

Places of Worship

The diverse city of York is home to an enormous number of different cultures and almost all religions have a good presence here. Many of the churches belong to the Church of England as places of worship for the Anglican faith, although all faiths are always welcome. Newspapers generally list times of services for the main denominations.

York Minster is clearly the most notable, while other prominent places of worship include the Central Methodist Church at St. Saviourgate, the Holy Trinity Church at Melrosegate, and the Parish Church of All Saints on North Street.

Pharmacies and Chemists

Most pharmacies and drugstores in York are open from at least 09:00 until around 18:00, while some supermarkets now contain in-store chemists. Local drugstores are usually open until around 18:00, although some may stay open until later - these usually have a pharmacy counter for dispensing prescriptions and often appear more like mini-supermarkets.

Tipping

Tipping in York is quite discretionary, with local taxi drivers usually being given a small gratuity, which may involve simply rounding up the fare to the nearest pound - although this is not essential. City restaurants frequently include service charges and these are always clearly stated on the menus, otherwise a tip of around 10% is appreciated in recognition of good service. Hotel staff, such as luggage handlers, happily accept a tip of one or two pounds. Generally, no other public service workers in Yorkshire expect tips for their services.

Smoking

In many buildings and on public transport in York, rules restrict smoking and this is usually clearly indicated by no-smoking symbols in prominent places. From July 2007, pubs and bars throughout England no longer permit smoking inside, making their beer gardens especially popular during the summer season, although even some of these outdoor spaces are now also designated smoke-free and therefore quite family friendly.

Smoking in Yorkshire is certainly not as fashionable as it once was, so it is always worth exercising discretion and sensitivity when selecting a place in which to smoke. The best advice would be not to smoke unless others around you do so.

Invitations to Eat

Much business is done over the dinner table in York and business lunches frequently take place at centrally located restaurants recommended by your host. In most good eateries there will be a comprehensive wine and beer list. Of note, tables usually need to be booked in advance.

Social Drinking

The British love pubs for their informality and social atmosphere. Pubs and wine bars in York are most often places to meet and be seen, though each has its own standing in the local community, with some being frequented by business people, locals and celebrities, and others by visitors and resident university students.