If you ever get the chance to experience the city of York, jump at it! The medieval heart of the city, dominated by the famous York Minster, is well worth a visit - just don't wear high heels!

It's amazing, really, to see how many medieval houses, some dating back well and truly to the Dark Ages, have been preserved! The streets are mostly cobblestone and somehow you expect a horse and carriage to dash around the next corner. Probably the most famous street in York, is The Shambles. Most of the houses are timber-framed and centuries old and lean into the street. It is said that it brings you one year of luck when you walk down it hand in hand with the one you love.

On a nice day, Yorkers and visitors alike flock to the Museum Gardens to sit on the grass and enjoy the sunshine (or read a book...) or they spend their time on the shore of, and on, the river Ouse. River cruises take you 30 minutes up and down the river through the core of the city, past the National Railway Museum and various old pubs. It's worth it just for the little breeze you get on the river!


If you're looking for somewhere to have lunch, try Oscar's. The restaurant recently moved to a bigger venue, and even the starters can fill you up. If you don't want to sit down, have a sip of fruit beer or ale at the bar. Be sure to also try a pint of the locally brewed ales from the York Brewery.


York is one of only a few walled cities in Britain with most of their medieval walls still intact. So if you're feeling up for a stroll but don't fancy the hustle and bustle of the market, why not walk along the wall and it's gate houses? One entire circuit should take you roughly one hour, and you get to see a backyard idyll few others take time to see.

And although I am told that York's nightlife is pretty good, I do have an alternative for you! Be at the King's Arms pub (next to Ledal Bridge, on the shore of the Ouse) at 8pm sharp and join the Ghost Walk! You'll be taken round York's hotspots for activity (at least it is claimed that there have been ghosts), old buildings like the Jorwick Centre, Clifford's Tower and the Shambles and you get to enjoy several ghost stories on the way! There are several walks starting from all over town, so there's plenty of choice!