Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Wheldrake

"At one point the majestic centerpiece of York Castle, this historic keep has had a long and troubled life. Originally built to intimidate and subdue the Viking north by William the Conqueror, it has been twice burned to the ground in its lifespan. The other surviving fragments of the castle (such as the bailey wall and parts of the south gatehouse) blend seamlessly into the bustling city streets."

"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."

"Students can find it right between the Castle Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre. Clifford’s Tower offers visitors stunning panoramic views over Old York, thus making it the ideal starting point for any visit to the city. There’s plenty to discover here, including the remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror, a prison and a royal mint."

"The park also serves as a romantic backdrop to St. Mary’s Abbey… or what’s left of it. The monastery was first built in 1088 and was among the wealthiest and most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England. In the 1530s King Henry VIII banned all monasteries in England in 1530s and St. Mary’s gradually fell into the medieval ruins you can see today."

"St Mary’s Abbey is a ruined Benedictine abbey in York, surrounded by the Museum Gardens and next to the Yorkshire Museum. It was once the richest abbey in the north of England. 575 metres from the Minster.Yorkshire Museum, Museum St, York YO1 7FR, United Kingdom"

"Soak up the sunshine and take stock of your day’s sightseeing by enjoying one of York’s magnificent parks. The city is blessed with an abundance of green spaces, so take your pick...The York Museum Gardens are one of the reasons York is so wonderful. As well as being a beautiful botanical garden, you’ll find the Yorkshire Museum, York Observatory, York Hospitium, the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey and a Roman Fortress."

"King’s Manor is a stately house in York city centre that has played host to some of British history’s most important visitors. In the days before the Reformation, it was the home of the Abbot of St Mary’s, before becoming the headquarters of the Council of the North in Henry VIII’s time. The Tudor king himself stayed there, giving rise to its current name."

"Valhalla is York’s only traditional Viking pub and just being there is an entire experience in itself!. You’ll find people drinking strong, strange ales and mead out of a real Viking drinking horn!. The do also serve regular beers, lagers and spirits as well, but no cocktails unfortunately!"

"Toby Carvery do a quick and easy all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. “Whether you fancy tea and toast or want to go all out with our unlimited breakfast buffet including eggs, bacon and our famous breakfast Yorkies — here at Toby Carvery, we’ve got everything you need to give you the perfect start to your day.”  We have eaten breakfast in our local Toby Carvery lots of times. It’s a help yourself buffet with all the usual full English goodies."

"El Piano, tucked away in the historic Grape Lane, is wholly gluten-free and plant-based. That doesn’t mean it’s restricted menu by any stretch, as a 5-year winner of Visit York’s Tourism Award will attest to. With over two decades behind them, the El Piano team also run a regular cooking school and a B&B just in case you were keen to really immerse yourself in the world of veggie and vegan cookery."

"Pitcher and Piano offer a bottomless brunch, “Welcoming you from day to night with a sophisticated escape suited for every occasion. Whether it’s bubbles over brunch or a relaxed Sunday roast, after work drinks or a night to remember – each of our bars has been carefully crafted to bring you something wonderfully unique.” Pre-bookings only. Available Saturday & Sunday until 2pm."

"Chiquito is a lively, family friendly Mexican chain restaurant. They serve breakfast, available every day until noon. Breakfast items include the Breakfast Sizzler, Breakfast Chimichanga plain tortilla, Mexican eggs benedict and the Breakfast feast."

"Relax, eat and drink in the stylish, contemporary interior that is Brew and Brownie. Located opposite the Museum Gardens, this coffee shop in York is a very popular destination for coffee and brunch alike. So popular, in fact, that they have opened a second premises just a few doors down – B&B Bakeshop."