York

York is a cathedral and walled city in North Yorkshire, founded by the Romans as Eboracum in AD 71 and occupied continuously since. The city served as Rome's northern military headquarters until the Roman withdrawal around AD 400, was subsequently a Viking settlement known as Jorvik, and was incorporated formally as a city in the 12th century. For a period after the Norman Conquest it was considered second only to London in size and importance among English cities.

What should you see on a weekend in York?

The medieval fabric is the central argument for a weekend here. The city walls, 2.5 miles in circumference and dating primarily from the 14th century, can be walked almost in their entirety and take around two hours at a comfortable pace. York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in England north of the Alps, was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and dominates the skyline from most directions. Entry to the Minster is ticketed and includes access to the Chapter House, the crypt, and, if you want the views, the tower.

The Shambles, a narrow medieval street of timber-framed buildings recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, is the most photographed street in the city. The original buildings date from around 1350 to 1475 and were designed as butchers' shops, with the overhanging upper floors creating a canopy effect and the sloping floor designed to drain waste. Today it is lined with independent shops and has become a focal point for York's increasing reputation as a food destination.

The Jorvik Viking Centre, built on the excavated site of a Viking-age neighbourhood discovered during construction in 1976, offers a different kind of historical encounter: a reconstruction of 10th-century streetscapes with period artefacts and smells. It works better than it sounds.

Where should you eat and drink in York?

For food and drink, the city centre and the Shambles Market area hold a concentration of independent cafes, bakeries, and restaurants. The Humber Street area and various independent chocolatiers reflect York's long association with confectionery manufacturing.

York works well for families because of the variety of attractions, for history enthusiasts at any level of specialisation, for couples who want a city break with genuine depth, and for walkers who want the rare pleasure of a medieval city circuit still accessible on foot.