The City of York itself is steeped in history. In its streets, England’s history comes alive: York is probably the only place in the world where you may encounter Romans in the morning, Vikings at lunchtime and stand next to The Mallard (the world’s fastest steam engine) in the afternoon.

You can admire the remains of the Roman tower in the museum gardens, wander through streets with Viking names, walk on the mediaeval city walls, take tea at the elegant Treasurer’s House (complete with Roman ghosts in the cellar!) or perambulate through elegant Georgian terraces and on to the race course.

York’s history has a link to Christianity since Roman times. The Minster was built on top of the headquarters of the Roman fortress. Its vast expanse holds one of the biggest collections of mediaeval stained glass windows. Step down into the undercroft to experience the Minster’s history since Roman times. Don’t miss hearing the magnificent organ and the sublime voices of the choir. There are many more smaller churches in York, often hidden away. Almost all hold their own secrets and treasures and are worth being explored.

And there is more history in the many museums (Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum, Yorvik Centre, National Railway Museum). The Art Gallery always has interesting special exhibitions on offer and also a small but very fine collection of paintings. It also houses an outstanding collection of ceramics.

Quiet walks along the River Ouse to Rowntree Park or the racecourse are an alternative to the bustle of the narrow mediaeval streets of the city centre.

Many small shops invite you to browse and discover interesting things. Apart from the pedestrian areas of the Shambles, Stonegate, Low and High Petergate, we also like the many independent retailers in Fossgate, Walmgate and – just outside the city walls – Gillygate and Bootham.

There are also a range of big department stores within a few minutes’ walk on Parliament Street and at the Coppergate Shopping Centre.

Finally, York is a cool place for food-lovers. There are a lot of excellent restaurants, bistros, and cafés. And pubs for every taste. Why not have a pint in one of the many haunted pubs?

Just outside York you can visit the house and grounds of Beningbrough Hall for an elegant outing. A bit further afield, the magnificent house and gardens of Castle Howard await.

The North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales national parks with their stunning landscape and rich history are only a short drive away.

At the foot of the North York Moors, the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley Castle and nearby Byland Abbey wait to be explored. Coastal towns like Whitby or Robin Hood’s Bay are well worth a visit. The rugged landscape of the North York Moors invites you to long walks in undisturbed nature. Or – if you are a steam train lover – you can travel on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

The even bigger expanse of the Dales is ideal for walking or cycling. (The 2014 Tour de France started here.) Beautiful villages with cosy pubs are great starting points for exploration on foot or bike.

Not to be missed is the world heritage site of Fountains Abbey near Ripon. It combines the stunning ruins of a Cistercian Abbey with the elegance of an 18th century water garden.