Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in East Cowick

"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."

"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."

"This guildhall in the city of York was one of the most important buildings in the medieval city. The majority of the Hall was built in 1357 by a group of influential men and women who came together to form a religious fraternity called the Guild of Our Lord Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The main part of the building consists of the Great Hall, the Undercroft and the Chapel."

"Merchant Adventurers’ Hall on Fossgate is one of the finest medieval guild halls in existence. A fascinating museum also available for weddings and events (great vintage fairs take place here), the venue’s centrepiece is the Great Hall where medieval merchants once gathered. A collection on display inside includes a range of fine silver, paintings and furniture."

"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..."

"Housed in a majestic stone building with pillars reminiscent of the Parthenon in Greece, sits one of the best collections of archaeology and geology in Europe. Ranging from prehistoric natural history, through ancient Roman treasure and up toward the modern-day, this is a great early stop on your exploration of York. Arm yourself with knowledge of the history that makes this city so special, and watch as every subsequent attraction comes to life with your new understanding."

"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."

"In a beautiful timber-framed building near the Shambles, which dates back to 16th century, Pivni is named after a Czech beer in homage to its cosmopolitan selection of drinks. There are more than 80 draught and bottled beers to choose from and several wonderful cask ales. Wander up the creaking stairs and take a seat in the corner beneath dark timber beams – the perfect place to conspire over a rich stout or rare ale."

"This pretty timber framed building dating back to 1190 is tucked away around the corner from the Shambles and is celebrating ten years as one of York’s must visit hostelries. Visitors are often fooled by the small ground floor bar which belies the Tardis like nature of what’s above their heads. Two further floors offer comfortable drinking space in asymmetrical wooden architecture."

"I’ve honestly lost count the amount of times I’ve raved about Cosy Club on my blog and Instagram, but it truly is my favourite place to eat in York!. Cosy Club have such a vast array of choices on their menus; from salads to sandwiches, to tapas and burgers, Cosy Club really have thought of it all when it comes to their extensive menu. Not only that, but it’s also got the most amazing interior and decor and is without a doubt my number 1 recommendation of places to eat and drink in York!"

"The brand-new YO1 Beach Club is a fun and safe urban oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, with peaceful views of the river and passing boats. Located in Tower Gardens, next to the River Ouse, we are open every day from 24th June to 5th September, from 9.30am – 6.00pm Monday – Friday, and 9.00am – 6.00pm Saturday and Sunday. The Club comprises a wood-panelled covered café and veranda with a boardwalk entrance across a beach area with picnic tables."

"York has some fabulously chic Cocktail bars at its heart around The Quarter (the central collection of streets located between Stonegate and Petergate). Bobo Lobo isn’t just one of York’s finest Cocktail bars and grills, it’s also a top venue for private parties and functions with two floors and a DJ on request. Why not make their ‘Cocktail Mixology Master Class’ part of your private party!"

"Loch Fyne was “brought to life by two oyster enthusiasts, Johnny and Andy, who started selling their oysters from a small shack on the west coast of Scotland. We now have 22 Restaurants up and down the country, providing fresh, sustainably sourced seafood dishes; much of which is delivered fresh from the loch itself.”  Loch Fyne have a good brunch menu including Baked eggs, Loch Fyne Kippers, Avocado, pink grapefruit and chilli and the Loch Fyne Breakfast (grilled sausage, back bacon, black pudding, haggis, mushroom, baked beans, tomato, egg how you like it and toasted sourdough)."

"Although Loch Fyne is part of a chain, it still provides a personal experience to your dining. Starting out in the 1970s on the west coast of Scotland, Loch Fyne has spread all the way down to the south of England. Its wonderful location in York has it sitting on the gorgeous River Foss (Loch Fyne is on the right in the photo), in a beautiful old building that has retained much of its original fixtures that provide a unique experience for its costumers!"