Shopping and socialising aside, you can’t fail to notice York’s history and culture. It’s hard not to find history fascinating when it lives and breathes around you. York Minster is world renowned and well worth a visit.

The city’s Viking heritage comes to life every year in a rowdy, fun packed festival with hoards of Vikings taking occupation of the streets. You can also step aboard a time car in the world-famous Jorvik Viking Centre to travel back to 948AD. The condemned cell - where the infamous highwayman, Dick Turpin, spent his last night in 1739 - lies within the walls of York Castle Museum. The National Railway Museum is not just for train spotters (so we’re told!) and you can even catch the plague at the York Dungeon.

The arts feature strongly in York’s cultural life. The York Mystery Plays continue a tradition of community performances dating back to the 14th century. Contemporary drama, and much more besides, is on offer at the Theatre Royal and the Grand Opera House.

Film buffs will appreciate City Screen - an arts cinema housed in a refurbished printing works. Music, in all its guises, finds an audience in a variety of venues across the city. York Barbican hosts the UK snooker championship as well as offering comedy, music events and family shows.