Must See Sights and Landmarks in Meltonby Area

"Small but perfectly formed, Clifford’s Tower offers, among other things, splendid views across the city and York Minster from its circular platform up high. It also tells an interesting tale, often referred to as York Castle, the site dates back to 1068 when William the Conqueror was busy trying to rid the north of Vikings and built a number of castles on his way. While many battles raged over the centuries (the murky Jewish massacre of 1190 cast a long shadow), York Castle’s role evolved, including stints as a prison and a royal mint."

"Family friendly York Castle Museum is centrally situated near Coppergate Shopping Centre – green signs direct you to the ‘Castle Area’. Collections of Costume and Textiles, Military and Social History and a collection on York Castle’s most famous prisoner Dick Turpin, eventually hanged in 1739, all feature in exhibitions. A favourite with children, the recreated Victorian and Georgian rooms here display historic every day items from the collection of North Yorkshire country doctor John Kirk."

"Perched atop a grassy motte is Clifford’s Tower, which is one of the last remaining parts of York Castle. Originally built out of wood by the Normans, it was reinforced and rebuilt out of stone in the thirteenth century and the sturdy keep is now a popular tourist attraction in York. Wrecked by a massive explosion in 1684, its hollow, gutted interior was later used as both a prison and treasury."

"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."

"Another excellent photography spot and Instagrammable place in York is the Merchant’s Hall. The Merchant’s Hall has one of the most impressive guildhalls in the world, and sometimes you can get it empty – it’s incredible for photos."

"A mile outside of the city centre, York Cold War Bunker tells the story of a country on the brink of nuclear warfare. Designed to monitor nuclear fallout in the event of an attack in Yorkshire, the semi-submerged bunker affords visitors the chance to explore some of York’s more unusual history. Built in 1961, the bunker served as the regional headquarters for the Royal Observer Corps until 1991."

"Step back in time at this beautifully restored, fully operational windmill. This Grade II listed icon has been lovingly brought back to life by the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society, a collection of local residents who rallied together to secure its future and rescue it from disrepair. Dating back to the late 18th century, the windmill supplied flour from Holgate to York, just over a mile from the city centre."

"One of the coolest spots in a city renowned for its oldie pubs, The Habit is a café-bar with assorted, reclaimed furniture, relaxed vibes and a decent selection of guest ales and beers. One of the main attractions, though, is the regular live music and hip DJs, making it quite popular with the city's student population. Head up stairs to the terrace in the summer, where you'll also find The Habit's renowned graffiti wall."

"Another repurposed building, The Judge’s Lodging is a Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse which in its former life was, well - it’s all in the name, isn’t it?. The imposing red brick exterior of this former home now gives way to an eccentrically stylish high-end hotel. Where The Grand does classical five-star grandeur, the Judge’s Lodging offers a kind of quirky, opulent, nudge-wink decor - as you can see in the bar’s judge-themed wallpaper."

"Boasting one of the most stylish rooftop terraces in York there’s no better place to enjoy your favourite drink of choice. Offering an appealing array of drinks from their cask ale bar to their medicinal cabinet loaded with the finest gins and whiskies. Soak in the sun on top of this restored Georgian townhouse just a short walk from the River Ouse."

"Judges Lodging is an elegant Gerogiaans mansion with a view of the cathedral of York. The city has several attractions such as the York Castle Museum, The Shambles streets Breezy Knees Gardens and Clifford's Tower. Judges Lodging offers 29 comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and are fully equipped."

"If you’re a lover of cheesy dance songs, 90s hits and neon décor then Popworld in York is right up your street. This night out staple is the best nightclub in York for a dance and singalong. Let loose on the colourful dancefloor and pair the vibrant atmosphere with fruity cocktails to keep you fuelled all night long."

"Walk through this Ossett Brewery craft beer bar and it opens out into a rather ugly barn of a room: all exposed, new red brick under a glass atrium, the walls incongruously decorated with huge, historic portraits of local dignitaries. The room does have one key eye-catching feature though, a wood-fired oven which gives the Hop an edge over many of York’s pizzerias. The pizzas are paper thin in the middle, boast reasonable char and the dough easily digestible."

"The fourth Ossett Brewery Hop site has a rather overdesigned bar (fancy, pump-clip print wallpaper, jazzy floor tiles and vintage mirrors, ornate art deco lights) opening out into a cavernous pizza restaurant and live music venue. If it feels a little plastic, you can't fault the beer across nine keg and 11 cask pumps. Ossett beers feature prominently of course, as do beers from its rather more buccaneer microbrewery offshoots, Rat and Fernandes."