The History of York, Capital of the North and Second City of the Realm, is the History of England.
When the Romans came to Britain in AD71, they already had a bit of experience of world travel. They knew a good place to stay when they saw one and chose the site of The Blue Bridge (where the River Foss meets the River Ouse) to build one of their most important fortresses in Britain. Many others were also attracted to stay at this same site. The Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Normans, Plantagenets, Tudors and Georgians all added to York's rich history. With so many distinguished visitors to the site of the Blue Bridge throughout the ages, the Blue Bridge Hotel is part of the rich seam of York's history and an ideal site for your stay in York. We look forward to welcoming you.
The site that has become the City of York was an ideal location to occupy since the earliest of times being both safe and well provided with the necessities of life. Evidence of habitation as far back as the 'Stone Age' has been found here. We are proud that the Blue Bridge is today carrying on this tradition and will do all we can to ensure that you are safe and well provided with the necessities of life during your stay with us. A friendly, family run hotel, where you can choose from a wide range of room options. Each room is decorated and luxuriously furnished and is fully equipped with en-suite facilities, digital televisions with free view,direct dial telephone and beverage making facilities. A freshly cooked Full English Breakfast, (or Continental if you prefer) is included in the tariff and is served in our attractive dining room each morning. We provide an on-site car park so that you are free to roam York at your leisure.
History on your Doorstep
Step out of the hotel and take the short stroll down Blue Bridge Lane and you will find yourself standing on the Blue Bridge from which the hotel takes its name. A wooden drawbridge with its structures always painted blue, has stood here since 1736. The bridge crosses the River Foss at Saint George's Field where a festival and pageant used to be held on Saint George's Day to commemorate the Patron Saint of England. There also used to be a ducking stool here which was first used for the correction of females who “used fake measures or brewed bad beer” but it was also later used to punish females who were “flyters or scolds”. Happily there has been no need for the ducking stool for many many years as customers are nowadays invariably happy with York's hospitality.
York Minster dominates the skyline of York and provides a dramatic setting for the colourful activities taking place throughout the year.
Walk along the walls of York- probably the most preserved walled city in England. Daffodils in the spring add a colourful extra to the embankments.
The “view” from the bridge. You can see it all from the Blue Bridge. Simply stroll along the scenic riverside and you will shortly find yourself gazing up at the impressive battlements of Cliffords Tower which has defended the City since the 13th Century.
From here everything is close at hand. You can get one of the best views of York by strolling around the City's medieval walls, venturing to explore other historic attractions. Visit the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, the Jorvik Viking Centre or the Museum Gardens. You may choose to enjoy a river boat cruise, a guided bus tour or a guided ghost walk.
You may wish to take advantage of the abundance of shopping in York. York caters for every type of shopper, whatever their requirements. Be it in the historic cobbled streets, the open-air market or the new shopping outlets around the City, York caters for both the energetic and the leisurely visitor. Why not take in one of York's Theatres or Night Clubs. We also have two cinemas in the City, one having twelve screens. York is renowned for its friendly hospitality, traditional fare and locally brewed ales. There are a wide range of Cafés, Restaurants offering a wide range of foods, Inns and Public Houses.
