York is one of England's finest cities with buildings and museums reflecting every age of its long and distinguished history from Roman times, Constantine the Great was proclaimed Emperor of the Roman Empire here in AD 208, through the Viking era and the Middle Ages up to Victorian times with the introduction of the railways and the rise of the Quaker chocolate manufacturing dynasties. Guy Fawkes was born and baptised here, later to be hanged, drawn and quartered in 1606 for attempting to assassinate King James I and his ministers by blowing up the Houses of Parliament.

To help plan your visit go to the York website here. And when you're here the Tourist Information Centre in Exhibition Square and at the railway station has knowledgeable and friendly staff to help you in every possible way. You will also be able to buy this map there!

There are so many places to visit in York. The mediaeval walls, Clifford's Tower, the Castle Museum, where the infamous 18th century highwayman Dick Turpin spent his last night before being hanged on what is now York racecourse, the Shambles and the Merchant Adventurers' Hall. Pride of place amongst the many mediaeval churches of course is the Minster, one of the country's great cathedrals. Unfortunately it has been necessary to introduce a charge to help maintain the building. Rather than join the queue at the disappointing and very expensive Jorvik museum I would suggest your money is better spent on a visit to the Minster. It's a more deserving cause. Besides they don't have any ignorant, boorish staff.