Hostel Rises From a Home in York

This ancient city is an ideal destination for young travelers touring Britain. It has a fascinating history that can easily be investigated by foot along charming cobblestone streets.

Cheap accommodations are available in a youth hostel that is the former home of the Towntree (chocolates) family, and even travelers with standard-class rail passes can now reach York from London in less than two hours aboard new high-speed InterCity trains.

The Roman Ninth Legion chose the site of present-day York for its fortress in AD 71. The location was attractive because two rivers, the Ouse and the Foss, met there, providing a natural moat on two of its sides. Today, you can still see sections of the original walls built by the Romans.

It was the Vikings who gave York its name, which is derived from their version-- Jorvik or Yorwik . Ruins of their settlement were found under shopping streets in mid-city. The recent excavation sites are now open to visitors.

At the Jorvik Viking Centre, there is an exact reconstruction of the street during the Viking period, the “dig” site itself and an exhibition area where many of the artifacts that have been unearthed are displayed.

The city’s medieval history can be explored by walking for about three miles along the top of city walls that date from the time of Henry II. The skyline will be dominated by York Minster, the largest medieval cathedral in Northern Europe. Construction began in the year 1220 and took 250 years to complete.

Young travelers can start their visit by checking in at the York International Youth Hostel, which is at Water End, Clifton. Reach it by walking from the train station for about 20 minutes along the Riverside footpath.

Another way to get there is to take the main Thirsk Road (A19) from city center, and turn left at Clifton Green. The hostel offers lodging for about $15.50 per person for hostel members 21 and older, and $13 for those under 21. Nonmembers are charged a small additional fee.

Most single-sex bunk rooms are shared by four. You’ll also find a cafeteria and kitchen, plus luggage and bike storage area.

Tours of York Minster, admission to the Art Gallery and walks along the old city walls are all free.

Evening “ghost-themed” walking tours are very popular and cost about $3.70. Three companies offer tours. Details are available at the youth hostel or tourist information center.

Between Feb. 14 and 29, York will be celebrating its Viking heritage with a special Viking Festival that includes fireworks, a demonstration of Viking combat, crafts, processions and a traditional boat-burning ceremony.

Youths who travel by rail to this ancient walled city before April 12 are also eligible for local tour discounts and lower prices on attractions through a special promotion called “Three Cheers for York.” This offer is also available to those using BritRail Passes.

Take your train pass to York’s Rougier Street Tourist Information Centre, local telephone 0904 620557, and you can pick up a booklet of vouchers valid for a 50% discount on a number of popular attractions, several local tour companies and some accommodations.

Attractions that honor the vouchers include: Jorvik Viking Centre, York Dungeon, National Railway Museum, Yorkshire Museum and York Minster Foundations, where you can view the remains of the Roman fort buried under the Minster.

Good news for those planning to tour Britain by rail in 1992: BritRail has announced that it will not be raising rates for its passes.

For travelers 16 to 25 years, rates for unlimited standard-class travel in England, Scotland and Wales are: 8 days for $169, 15 days for $255, 22 days for $319 and one month for $375.

Flexipass Youth Passes valid for any four days of travel within an eight-day period remain $145; eight days of travel within a 15-day period is $199, and 15 days of travel in a two-month period costs $295.

The passes can be purchased only from a U.S. travel agent before going abroad.

New this year are vouchers for major attractions and tours at reduced rates. They can be purchased at the International Youth Hostel Federation’s London hostels. Discounts vary from 17 cents to $6, and are available for catamaran cruises and tours of the city, plus the Guinness World of Records, London Zoo, Madame Tussaud’s, Planetarium, Museum of the Moving Image, Original London Walks, Rock Circus, Spitting Image, Tower of London, Tower Bridge and Wembley Stadium.

The service offers a big advantage in addition to discounts. Where there are lines, such as at Madame Tussaud’s, the normal wait can be one to two hours. However, voucher holders need only present their passes and walk right in.