York

York is famous for its exquisite architecture, cobbled streets and the iconic York Minster, a 13th century Gothic cathedral that dominates the medieval walled city.

The city, which was briefly the capital of England, boasts a Roman, Saxon, Viking and Norman heritage that is reflected in its many tourist attractions, which include the Jorvik Centre and the Shambles, considered the most picturesque street in Britain, as well as the popular National Railway Museum.

It is this rich history that brings millions of visitors to York every year to enjoy the museums, cafe culture, designer and craft shops, theatres, live music, nightlife, and festivals.

Yorkshire has some famous “real ales” including the strangely named Theakston’s Old Peculier. It is also, not surprisingly, where Yorkshire Pudding originated, and where better to enjoy a traditional Sunday Roast than in one of York’s historic pubs or restaurants?

While other great northern cities of England made their wealth from wool, cotton and steel, York built a city from chocolate. Some of the world's well-known names in chocolate like Kit Kat, Smarties and Aero began in York. For the Johnny Depp blockbuster Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, York's Nestle Rowntree factory produced thousands of chocolate bars.

The countryside around York has some famous literary connections. Castle Howard was the setting for the film and television dramatisations of Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited. It is one of England's grandest remaining baroque mansions and just 15 miles from York.

Haworth, the home of the Brontë sisters, is one of many gorgeous villages in the rolling Yorkshire Dales. And not far from York is the northeast coast and the charming, cobblestone Whitby – the town that inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula.

As a centre of history, academia and contemporary style in a wonderfully scenic setting, York is a favourite English language destination in the North of England.

Learn English in York for a historic learning experience!