In AD71 the Romans founded ‘Eboracum’ as a military base for northern England; the town remained important as the Anglo-Saxon settlement of ‘Eoforwic’ and Viking settlement of ‘Jorvik’. Now named York,it is one of the most beautiful cities in England. It is one of the few cities to be found with many of its ancient walls intact.

The city has much to offer any visitor be they Roland Rat (remember the visit of the Ratmobile to the city in the 80's), or the Grand Old Duke of York!

Some of the major sites include:

THE JORVIK VIKING CENTRE - the museum takes you back in history to the time of the Vikings in a time car. It is an interesting place for adults and children alike. Even if the child doesn`t speak much English like my Polish niece they will be fascinated by the smells, noises, scenes from Viking life and the car travelling back in time.

YORK MINSTER - this is Britain`s largest gothic cathedral. There is some fantastic architecture to be found inside. It has recently been renovated and on my last trip was free of scaffolding for the first time in years. It is well worth climbing the 275 steps of the central tower for a view of the city.

THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM - the museum seems to have grown and grown over the years. It has many different examples of trains over the years and you can even see a carriage used by Queen Victoria. Even for non-trainspotters you will find something to interest you. It is actually possible to spend almost the whole day in here, especially when there are children with you.

THE SHAMBLES - one of the ancient streets within the city and probably the most photographed. There are a few unusual small shops along here.

THE YORKSHIRE MUSEUM - there are Roman, Viking and Anglo-Saxon galleries among the many exhibits of the museum. In the grounds of the museum you will find the ruins of St Mary's Abbey which overlooks the Ouse.


THE CASTLE MUSEUM - this will appeal to children too. In the museum you have the chance to explore a Victorian shoppping street, go through the key hole into family living rooms through the centuries and also have the opportunity tovisit Dick Turpin`s prison cell!

CLIFFORDS TOWER - in the recent floods the tower illustrated the wisdom of our predecessors with the flood water lapping around at the foot of the mound on which the Twoer stands.

MCARTHUR GLEN RETAIL OUTLET - when you get bored of the sightseeing you can always head for a spot of designer shopping at reduced prices!

CONCLUSION
The city has something to offer everyone and admission prices into attractions tend to be much lower than in London.