There are enough highlights in York to keep you busy for a week or more. Fortunately, most of them are clustered within the ancient walls of the old city centre. With the towering York Minster dominating the scene, visitors can wander the tiny lanes of medieval neighbourhoods like The Shambles or explore the remains of York’s early Viking settlers. Navigating the city is easy thanks to the nearly two miles of fortified walls, which can be walked for a unique perspective of the city.

Jorvik Viking Centre
The Vikings controlled the city of York from before 948 AD until the Normans sacked it in 1067. The remains of their settlement was unearthed several metres below street level and is now preserved as a historic time capsule. Visitors can ride a special car that ferries them through the history of York from the Norman conquest up to medieval times. At the end you’ll pass through Finds Hut, where all the artefacts discovered at the site are displayed. Phone: +44 1904 643 211; website: www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk

Museum Gardens
Covering more than 10 acres of riverside land, these lovely botanical gardens designed in the 19^th century are an ideal place to escape the concrete of the city. A great people watching site, the gardens are also home to wild peacocks, hundreds of squirrels and lots of grassy picnic spots. A number of historic buildings also grace the park, such as the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, Kings Manor, the 7^th century Anglican Tower, and an astronomical observatory. Phone: +44 1904 629 745.

National Railway Museum
Train buffs take note of this impressive museum dedicated to English rail travel. It was the first national museum to be opened outside of London, and has hosted millions of visitors since its inception. Located in an original steam train depot, visitors can see the ins and outs of some 40 steam locomotives including the royal car of Queen Victoria. Phone: +44 1904 621 261; website: www.nrm.org.uk

The Shambles
York’s most famous street dates back to medieval times, and is the only roadway named in the Doomsday Book. Once home to the city’s butchers and slaughterhouses, this extremely charismatic district now contains some of the best shopping, dining and drinking in York. Its leaning timbered houses rarely fail to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Phone: +44 1904 676 167; website: www.yorkshambles.com

York City Walls
A special feature of York is its fortified city walls, which stretch for nearly two miles around the town’s old medieval quarter. Visitors can walk the length of the ramparts during daylight hours to get a different vantage point over the streets that wind through the old town below.

York Minster
York’s star attraction is also one of the world’s greatest cathedrals. With origins dating back to the 7^th century, the York Minster is a classic 15^th century structure based around three massive towers. Famed for its stained glass which has survived from the Middle Ages and its Octagonal Chapter House filled with statues of England’s greatest historical figures, the Minster is a must-see for any visitor. Guided tours are available, or you can explore the church independently and climb the central tower for stunning views over York. Phone: +44 1904 557 216; website: www.yorkminster.org