York's imposing Minster cathedral

Britain's original capital, York is steeped in Roman, Viking and Norman history.

A bustling and handsome modern city, York's history oozes from its medieval streets, fortifications and imposing Minster cathedral.

Get your bearings by taking a stroll down the Shambles, a winding medieval street lined with boutiques, charity shops and tea rooms.

Brush up on your York history at the National Railway Museum, the Jorvik Viking Centre or at the grisly York Dungeons.

Roughly 30 minutes drive from York is the spa town of Harrogate, home of the annual agricultural piss-up The Great Yorkshire Show and where tourists and locals alike pile into Betty's Tea Rooms for a cup of Yorkshire tea and a Fat Rascal.