Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in River Ouse

"Clifford’s Tower (also known as York Castle) has been at the heart of York for many centuries now. It’s endured a fair few battles and what remains of the fortified complex that once consisted of prisons, castles and law courts, is now a ruinous castle. You can climb to the top of the tower for a small fee, where you’ll see panoramic views of the Vale of York."

"Clifford’s Tower is another one of the cities most famous attractions. Whilst taking photos from outside of the tower is completely free of charge, ticket fees do apply if you wish to go inside. Once inside, you can check out some great views of York from the top."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"As the name implies, York’s Merchant Adventurers were merchants. They traded along the English coast, northern Europe and sometimes as far as the Baltic and Iceland, bringing back an assortment of desired goods to York. The city was an important river port and the wealthiest city in Northern England, second only to London for most of the Middle Ages, allowing the merchants to make enough money to build the Hall between 1357 and 1361."

"The Merchant Adventurers' Hall is a restored medieval guildhall dating from the 14th century. The Great Hall is Britain's largest timber-framed building still used for its original purpose. The hall is still used by the Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York, now a charitable organization."

"York's most impressive semi-timbered building is still owned by the fraternity that built it almost 650 years ago and it is the oldest surviving guildhall of its kind in Britain. The owner was originally a..."

"Stately homes may be two a penny in England, but you'll have to try pretty damn hard to find one as breathtakingly stately as Castle Howard, a work of theatrical grandeur and audacity set in the rolling Howardian Hills. This is one of the world's most beautiful buildings, instantly recognisable from its starring role in the 1980s TV series Brideshead Revisited and in the 2008 film of the same name (both based on Evelyn Waugh's 1945 novel of nostalgia for the English aristocracy)."

"Standing in the Howardian Hills to the west of Malton, Castle Howard is an outstanding example of English baroque, with a distinctive…"

"A survivor of Yorkshire’s ancient fenlands, dating back 15,000 years, Askham Bog is considered one of the most ecologically diverse sites in the UK. The bog itself is made of boulder clay and fen peat, while the land around it is home to roe deer, foxes, newts and frogs. Plants include royal ferns, rare gingerbread sedge and whole rivers of water violets."

"From their website: ‘Our exciting, inventive and varied menus have been especially created by our experienced staff, and are La Vecchia Scuola’s distinguishing – and distinguished – culinary feature. We believe in serving only the very best in contemporary Italian cooking.’"

"05/06/2021: The restaurant is one of two we tend to visit whenever we come to York. The building and surroundings are stunning and this is a big draw. On this occasion we were put in a side room with three other tables."

"When to go: When you want good quality, classic ingredients, cooked to perfection. What to have: The east coast cod, with Jerusalem artichokes, truffle and hazelnut pesto and coastal herbs is light, fresh and decadent all at once. Open for over 30 years, Melton’s is somewhat of a York institution."

"This large 4-bedroomed property in the Upper Village can cater for up to 8 people. There are two luxury bathrooms, two lounges, space to park 2 cars as well as a private garden. It is fully centrally heated with fuel provided, as are the linen and towels."

"08/04/2021: A warm understated welcome greeted me from a kind lady who promptly served me a pizza and coffee for my walk home. Both were on point and with service like that I’ll be returning for ice cream and cake as I pass by, next time."

"Roberto Authentic Italian Gelato is an artisanal gelato offering freshly made gelato every day for you and your family. Also serving coffee, cakes, pastries and tasty pizzas. Open for take-away and deliveries everyday 10am-5pm."

"Choose from a variety of unusual flavours like Orange Blossom and Passion Fruit Cheesecake. Sit in or takeaway for a stroll along the city walls. Savoury treats also available."

"Situated on the riverbank by Millennium Bridge is this “unique and charming floating ice cream van”. Ideal for a sunny afternoon walk by the riverside."

"LICC is excited to be back in business and will be operating daily from 10am-6pm. They are adhering to strict social distancing guidelines by only allowing 2 people in the shop at a time, but will make exceptions for small babies & children of course. Daily specials and deals are on their Instagram stories so stay tuned!"

"This beautiful vintage-style ice cream parlour (also known as LICC) is a must visit. Enjoy a daily selection of homemade ice cream and fun toppings. Take a seat inside and admire the quirky interior or outside in the sun!"