York 2,000 years of English history FEATURE

For a relatively small city, York is big on tourist attractions – it has several of Britain's most popular attractions, although one of its biggest appeals is its timeless ambience and its picturesque city center.

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Wandering the narrow medieval streets, and the even narrower alleyways, known locally as snickelways' is an enjoyable way to experience York (what's on in York), one of the most historic and fascinating of English cities.

Despite its size, York boasts excellent shopping and its narrow streets are lined with gift shops, boutiques, antique stores and gourmet food stores. Newgate Market, located in the heart of the city, has been in operation since the Middle Ages and has over 100 stalls selling everything from locally produced food and drink to clothing and household goods.

There are plenty of atmospheric pubs and cozy tea rooms, including Betty's, a York institution that has been serving tea and scones since the 1920s. All that sightseeing may make you thirsty and one of the oldest pubs in York is the Red Lion, which has been welcoming thirstytravelers sincethe 13th century.

One attraction that no first time visitor to York should miss is York Minster, one of the largest cathedrals in the world. The huge space inside is dominated by the large stained glass Great East window, which is the size of a tennis court. Self-guided tours also allow you to see some of the more intriguing detail in the church, such as carvings and tombs and a climb to the top of the tower offers spectacular views for miles. A visit to the Undercroft, the area below the cathedral, allows you to see both original Roman and Norman features, as well as admire the priceless artifacts in the Treasury.

The National Railway Museum is considered to be one of the best museums in the country, and even if you aren't a train enthusiast you will surely find the museum fascinating. To describe the museum as hands-on' is an understatement here visitors can peer into the engine, climb all over many of the trains, and even pretend to drive some of them. The highlight of the museum is a superb collection of Royal Trains, dating mostly from the last century.

York's other popular museum is the York Castle Museum which offers a view of English society and culture for the past two hundred years. Here you will find such diverse and fascinating things as Victorian wedding dresses, 1950s washing machines, restored shop fronts and old postcard collections. For most people of a certain age, the museum brings back nostalgic memories. On the other hand, children love putting coins in the old penny machines and watching the mechanical figures spring to life.

The Jorvik Center is so popular that on most days, the line for admission stretches across the adjoining square. Jorvik is an interactive experience, in which visitors sit in little cars and are transported back in time through a historically accurate reconstruction of a Viking settlement. The ride is complete with sounds and smells, as well as the amazing visual affect of the animatronic figures and there is also the chance to see Viking artifacts that were found in the area.

Perhaps because of its often turbulent history, York is considered to be one of England's most haunted cities and several companies offer guided ghost walks which usually take place in the evening. You may not see the ghosts of a legion of Roman soldiers that some claim to have seen in the old Treasurer's House,but your guide will give you a fascinating insight into the history and legends of the city. Another scary thing to do is to visit the York Dungeon, an attraction that highlights 2000 years of the more grisly side of York's history, with displays on ghosts, witches and the infamous highwayman, Dick Turpin.

You really need several days to fully explore York, However, if you are visiting London and have a free day, York is an easy two hour train journey and makes an excellent destination for a day trip from the capital.

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