Grays Court Hotel

York Minster is northern Europe’s finest Gothic cathedral, taking 250 years to build, and famous for its vividly beautiful stained glass.

Walking York’s ancient city walls – the best-preserved in Britain – offers glimpses of the city’s rich history, with fortified towers, Roman gateways and a wonderful view of the medieval rooftops.

Travel back to 10th century York, to encounter the sounds, sights and smells of the town under Viking rule.

Europe’s premier railway museum boasts every type of train from steam locomotives to the only bullet train outside Japan – a wet-weather winner for kids of all ages.

Five million KitKats are produced in York every day. You can’t tour the Nestlé factory, but here at St Helen’s Square you can find out all about the city’s sweet history and make your own chocolate.

A regional art gallery that punches well above its weight, you’ll find Victorian and contemporary artists displayed, including David Hockney and Grayson Perry. General admission is free.

This iconic tearoom opened in 1937 and there’s a good reason people queue for two hours for afternoon tea here. Book online in advance to avoid the wait.

One of the largest Christmas markets in the UK, the St. Nicholas Fair sees market stalls take over the city centre, transforming Parliament Square into a Christmas card worthy scene and offering festive shoppers the chance to stock up on gifts, arts and crafts. Daily, from mid-November-Christmas.

York’s dramatic past – from Roman settlements to Viking invasions – has created one of Britain’s most beautiful historic cities, home to the world-famous York Minster and the most complete medieval walls in the country.