Things to see in York

Positioned on a high mound, Clifford's Tower was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and later rebuilt by Henry III after burning down, following the mass suicide of Jews inside it. Today, the tower is a more tranquil spot, affording fantastic panoramic views. However this may not be for much longer as the council has given permission for a shopping centre to be built on either side of the River Foss, which includes building up to the tower.

Created by York Archaeological Trust on the site of a famous Viking Dig, JORVIK demonstrates what life was like when York's name was indeed ‘Jorvik'. State-of-the-art flying capsules whiz visitors back in time to the sights, sounds and (horrible) smells of a 10th-century Viking city. The magnificent gallery of some 400 authentic Viking artefacts has been enhanced by splendid interactive multimedia installations.

Hordes of people flock to The Shambles, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval shopping streets, to peer into its original shop-fronts. Now filled with whimsical cafes, restaurants and boutiques, it was once a busy street full of butchers. It is also the home of the Shrine of Margaret Clitherow, a 16th-century Catholic who is York's very own saint.

York Castle Museum contains a fabulous and well-presented array of displayed costumes and social and military documents, spanning over 400 years of history. The highlights are a recreated Victorian street, Kirkgate, and a reconstructed prison cell.