York - The Capital of the North

York Minster

Move over NYC, the tranquil and beautiful city of York, North Yorkshire, offers the unforgettable experiences you crave from a weekend break, without the Sex and the City price tag. The historic core of York has become the epicenter of its vibrant tourism trade. Each year, hundreds walk the pristine gardens, and casually stroll alongside the idyllic river-side paths making up this wonderful city. The bustle of York city centre will entice and attract you, with many small boutiques holding undiscovered wonders for you to buy, whilst the constant stream of friendly locals will always be willing to help if you are lost, or just need a recommendation of where to visit next.

With the open-top, double-decker buses giving you an hour-long, guided tour of this historical city, you can sit back and relax as you are chauffeured past the most popular and famous attractions in York. For those who wish to see the darker side of the ancient "Capital of the North", you can catch a ride on the "Terrible Tales" tour-bus, which takes you on a guide of the more gruesome aspects of the city.

Having completed your tour of the city, take a break in St. Helens Square, where the mouth-watering, succulent delights of Betty's Tea Rooms will ensure you leave with a full stomach, ready to take on what the rest of your stay may bring. For those looking for more modern surroundings to grab a bite to eat, check out the Blue Fly Bar, Cafe and Internet Lounge, with its fun and friendly atmosphere, it proves to be popular with the younger generations.

A visit to York is not complete without taking part in one of the cities most renowned activities, the Ghost Walk. Starting at the Golden Fleece Pub, the York Horror Tour will ensure that you have a night you will never forget, guiding you around the darkest and most foreboding back streets which seem so safe during the light of day, recalling tales of murder, horror and death.

However, if you are keen on making this short break all about you, then bear in mind the four "Trails" for you to hurry along. Forget SoHo and Lower Manhattan in NYC, The "Designer Trail", the "Designer Living and Antiques Trail", the "Pure Pampering and Gifts Trail" and finally the "Mr. York Male Trail" take you to shops and boutiques you may have never noticed before, offering you exactly what they advertise. For more information, click here for all your shopping dreams.

For those wanting to relax and recuperate after their long days of shopping and exploring, book a room at The Minster Hotel, lavishly decorated with an affordable price tag of £69-£119 per person, per night with breakfast. For those with a slightly smaller budget, or you may have seen a few too many designed clothes you needed, then have a look at Alhambra Court Hotel, a family run, Victorian converted hotel with a price tag of £30-£63 per person, per night with breakfast.

For more information on each see The Minster Hotels website here or The Alhambra Courts website here.