A selection of the streets and other landmarks here are medieval too, but York is more than just heritage. The city is famous for its excellent pubs, and just 40 miles away are the Victorian seaside resorts of Scarborough and Bridlington, and even nearer, the rolling Yorkshire Dales. York Minster: first constructed in the 8th century, York’s huge cathedral is the largest in the whole of northern Europe. The Medieval stained-glass windows are some of the largest and most impressive in the world. Visitors have to pay an entrance fee to see inside the cathedral apart from service times, with additional charges to see the crypt and tower. National Railway Museum: whether you’re a train-spotter or not, this ranks as a very impressive exhibition. The largest museum of its kind in the world, this free attraction features a bewildering collection of steam engines, locomotives and all manner of rolling stock that tracks Britain’s long railway history. Jorvik Viking Centre: an exhibition based on artefacts unearthed during the 1970s when York’s substantial Viking past was first discovered, a period in which the city was known as Jorvik. The highlight of this exhibition is a reconstructed Viking settlement from the 10th century. The Shambles: formerly a street of butcher’s shops, this narrow medieval street of timber-beam buildings is now a favourite stage on the York tourist trail thanks to its souvenir shops and cafes. | 
