York Minster, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, is one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. Its East Window is about the size of a tennis court and is one of the largest areas of medieval stained glass in the world. The Minster dominates the rest of the city because local laws forbid the construction of buildings taller than the Tower of the Minster (195 feet). This has helped York retain its charm and architectural integrity.

There are several other ancient churches which can be visited in York, as well as the evocative ruins of St. Mary's Abbey in the Museum gardens.

A walk around the medieval walls, which are open to the public, is about 2 miles. The fortified stone gates in the walls are known as "bars", but for refreshment you'll have to stop off in one of the city's plentiful and varied cafes. York's most famous teahouse is Betty's, a must if you want an elegant and relaxed tea or light meal.

York is very easy to explore on foot, because the city is relatively small and the area around the Minster is pedestrianised.

One good way of seeing the historic city centre is on a free walking tour conducted by the city's voluntary guide association. Or you can take a guided bus tour or a trip on a river boat, or even a tour on a horse drawn open carriage.

There are more specialized guided walks which explore York's winding old streets, or "Snickleways" and the evening GHOST HUNT OF YORK will fill you in on the city's less visible inhabitants. Perhaps the most famous of York's streets is the Shambles, originally where the butcher's shops were located, now its leaning wooden houses are graced with shops and restaurants.

When it comes to museums, you are really spoilt for choice in York. You can learn what life was like during the Viking period in the famous Jorvik Viking Centre. In February, York hosts an annual Viking festival, when authentically dressed Vikings prowl the streets with their blood axes once more.

The Yorkshire Museum in the lovely Museum Gardens has displays on York's Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Viking and Mediaeval periods, as well as special exhibitions. The York Castle Museum will fill you in on 400 years of more recent history. Next to the Castle Museum is the remainder of the Castle, the keep known as Clifford's Tower, which you can climb up for a good view of the city.

Art lovers will appreciate the York City Art Gallery, with fine European paintings from the last 600 years.

Another famous museum is the National Railway Museum, a must for anyone interested in trains and locomotives, and popular with children.

OUTLYING AREAS

York makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region which boasts stately homes, cathedrals, villages and stunning countryside.

Just 20 minutes drive away is Castle Howard, the 17th century stately home, surrounded by parkland; the TV adaptation of Waugh's Brideshead Revisited was filmed here.

Other stately homes include Newby Hall near Ripon, with its Adam interiors and extensive gardens. In the Leeds Direction, Harewood House also boasts Adam interiors and extensive gardens as well as a bird garden.

The majestic ruins of Fountains Abbey near Ripon is a world heritage site. To the north of York, near Helmsley, you can also visit Rievaulx Abbey, a ruined Cistercian Abbey founded in 1132.

A day trip from York can be made to two National Parks, the Yorkshire Dales to the North-West and the North York Moors to the North.

You can take a steam train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from the pretty town of Pickering into the heart of the North York Moors National Park, and alight for a country stroll at Goathland Station, which will look familiar if you have seen the film of Harry Potter.
Readers of the James Herriot novels can visit the house in Thirsk where the author lived and worked.

On the literary trail, admirers of the Bronte Sisters can visit the parsonage where they lived, in the preserved village of Howarth, south of the Dales