York Minster and the Shambles

York Minster is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe, with the Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in Britain. Climb the 275 steps of the central tower for views across the city.

Nearby, the Shambles is a narrow medieval street of overhanging timber-framed houses, once butchers' shops. Walk the city walls, which almost encircle the old town, and visit the Jorvik Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum (free). York is about 2 hours by train from London.