Seat of the North - York Part 1

If you were thinking about Game of Thrones, and wondering what real life castle is like Winterfell, in controlling the northern areas of England, then it would be York. There are some great Spanish game of Thrones film sites, but this real walled medieval city has been the central focus of every conflict and historical event in the history of the north of England.

Friendly people and history

Northern cities in the UK are known for their slower pace of life, as well as the friendly people. Visiting British tourists from the south are often confused and suspicious when complete strangers greet them on the street, and with the massive variety and common use of terms of endearments like 'pet' and 'dear. Throughout Yorkshire you will find a village atmosphere, regardless of the size of the city that you are in. The people here can be quite tough, but in reality they are practical but lovely. I have never seen people so willing to go out of their way to help strangers as in Yorkshire.

Fitting with the importance of York in England's history, the monuments here are stunning. York Minster Cathedral is the highlight, and this is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. There are more than two million pieces of glass in the stained windows, and the Great East Window is the largest stained glass window in the world. This cathedral is an impressive piece of architecture now, so it's almost impossible to imagine how awe-inspiring it must have been when there were no other tall buildings for miles around.

Castles and Streets

York Castle is quite a peculiar little fat thing, stuck in a lonely spot. It's incredible to see this castle, with all it history and past. The circular castle has seen so many battles, invasions and English history, and the museum nearby is also great to visit.

Away from the big building history side of the city, you can find a lot of beauty and history in the simple streets of York. The Shambles is one of the oldest streets in the UK, and the buildings that stand there now have been around for centuries, and some even longer. Visiting York will give you a sense of what life was like in medieval England, as well as show you a friendly and fun modern city.