With the credit crunch still in full swing, ‘staycations’ are becoming more popular than ever. For a fun-filled weekend away, why not pay a visit to the historic city of York? From the towering heights of the magnificent York Minster to the winding old fashioned lanes of The Shambles, this charming city has something for everyone. Get some inspiration from these five must-see sights for a weekend in York.

  1. York Minster

At the top of the list is the magnificent York Minster, and it’s not hard to see why. The cathedral has been through its fair share of turmoil; the original building lasted just over 100 years before it was burnt to cinders, and the subsequent structure was totally destroyed by a Danish invasion in 1075. Today, the impressive building still stands strong, drawing tourists from far and wide with its beautiful stained glass windows and delicate Gothic structures. The York Minster is open for sightseeing on Saturdays from 9am with the last entry at 5pm. On Sundays the cathedral is open from noon until 3:45pm.  

  1. The Shambles

Despite what the name might suggest, this unusual street is far from being a shambles. Widely regarded as Europe’s best preserved medieval street, The Shambles is a must-see for any traveller with an interest in ancient history. The Shambles features a number of old fashioned houses and shops that are tightly packed together just as they would have been in the Elizabethan era. Historians estimate that these houses have existed for over 900 years, so they truly are ancient relics of a time gone by. See if you can find the home of Margaret Clitherow, who was famously condemned to death by crushing in the late 1500s for the ‘crime’ of hiding Catholic priests from the authorities. 

  1. The Jorvik Viking Centre

Step back in time with a visit to the fun but educational Jorvik Viking Centre. Situated next to an archaeological dig where the remains of an entire Viking village were found, the centre gives an insight into the way the city’s ancient ancestors would have lived. Take a look at the various tools the Norse settlers would have used and discover the mysteries of the Viking diet. Enjoy the sights and smells of an ancient settlement as you rattle around a pretty accurate re-creation of a Viking village on a little cart. From late October to Easter the centre is open from 10am – 4pm. An adult ticket to the centre and the dig site costs £13.25.

  1. York Brewery

The York Brewery may not be the best known attraction in the city, but it is still well worth a visit. Established in 1996, the brewery is one of the more modern features of a city that has more than its fair share of ancient attractions. Discover the method behind the mysterious art of beer making with a tour of the York Brewery before enjoying some sweet tasters at the Brewery Tap Room. Be sure to try a pint of the multi-award winning Yorkshire Terrier, which promises to be as short and sharp as the furry fiend it shares its name with! 

  1. The National Railway Museum

As one of York’s most famous attractions, the National Railway Museum is a must-see for any traveller. With an appropriate location just minutes from the train station, this museum is the perfect pit-stop on the way to your B&B or guesthouse. The National Railway Museum is the largest of its kind in the whole world, with an impressive array of over one million rail-related items. Take a look at trains through the ages, from the funky bullet trains of the future to the old fashioned locomotives which made their debut in the early 1800s. The museum is open from 10am – 6pm and admission is completely free, so you don’t have to worry about the extra expense.

Becky is an aspiring writer who loves exploring the UK by train and finding hidden gems wherever she goes. She is part of the travelling team at Enjoy Bed and Breakfast, who specialise in wonderful and unique bed and breakfasts from England and across the world.

Image from Flickr user David-White