Must See Sights and Landmarks in Strensall Area

"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."

"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."

"The striking contrast of Clifford’s Tower with the green bank of grass it sits on is a classic photo to snap of York!. Make the short (but steep) climb to the top and venture inside for a panorama of York."

"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."

"Just a short drive from the city center you can find the York Cold War Bunker which is unlike any of the other historic attractions in the area. Wonderfully well-preserved, it dates to 1961 and is the only Royal Observer Corps bunker of its kind that you can take tours around. Once one of around thirty such sites in the UK, it was in this semi-subterranean two-storey bunker that members of the Corps and a scientific warning team would have sheltered in the event of a nuclear war."

"The York Cold War Bunker has to be one of the city’s most captivating attractions. Tucked down a quiet residential cul-de-sac, you’ll find the inconspicuous entrance through an industrial-looking bomb-proof door. Go past the decontamination room, and down to the control centre, dormitory, and staff room where, for more than 30 years, this place hummed with activity, staffed by volunteers ready to map and manage the fallout from a nuclear blast."

"High on the isthmus between the old town and castle, St Mary’s is a Grade I listed church, first erected in the 12th century. That building was mostly lost in Civil War in the 17th century, and was rebuilt at the end of the 1600s. Out in the sprawling graveyard you can find the ruins of the old west towers, which give a sense of how much larger the Medieval church used to be."

"This independent coffee shop and tearoom on Goodramgate serves up homebakes, delicious brunch dishes, great coffee and more. With many delicious treats on the window display, it will be difficult to walk past this place…"

"Independent coffee shop and tea room selling home bakes and much more. Open for takeaway and dine-in. 5C Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LJ"

"Sizzling Pubs do a excellent value breakfast with unlimited help-yourself tea or coffee up to 12 noon. You can go for the Sizzling Breakfast (Two juicy pork sausages, two rashers of grilled back bacon, two fried free-range eggs, grilled tomato, grilled flat mushroom, potato and onion hash, Heinz® baked beans and your choice of unlimited white or wholemeal toast with butter. Served sizzling on a skillet, or on a plate if you prefer), or just porridge or white or brown toast. You can also go for a bacon or sausage bap (vegetarian versions available)."

"Manahatta bar is ‘a glamorous New York inspired cocktail bar with an exciting party vibe.’ The price includes one item from the brunch menu and unlimited Prosecco, bloody marys, Aperol Spritz and pints of Coors. This bottomless brunch offering is available for 90 minutes. Brunch options include a full English, buttermilk pancakes and fried chicken and mushroom hirata buns."

"Eat & Drink, Cafés & Tearooms"

"There is the option to eat out or takeaway at Happy Valley, and it is one of the cheapest Chinese takeaways in York. Despite the low prices, the food is excellent quality, and there are plenty of options on the menu to suit all tastes. There are also some unusual items on the menu that you do not see at many Chinese restaurants and takeaways."