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With travel restrictions still in place for the majority of countries abroad, there is no better time to take a staycation and holiday in the UK this summer.

And York is one of the best places you can choose to do that.

The cathedral city offers gorgeous views of rivers Ouse and Foss and it is steeped in history long-standing buildings and structures, such as a the minster, castle and ancient city walls.

It is also full of bars, restaurants and gorgeous hotels so you can be comfortable and have fun while taking in on that history and beauty.

We've found the five top things that you won't want to miss while on your trip to York.

1. York Minster

The York cathedral is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe while the minster is the seat of the Archbishop of York, the third-highest office of the Church of England.

The minster was completed in 1472 and is devoted to Saint Peter. It has a very wide Decorated Gothic nave and chapter house, a Perpendicular Gothic quire and east end and Early English North and South transepts.

It also features the Great East Window (finished in 1408) – the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.

Tickets for York Minister can be bought on the website, with adult prices at £12, while Student and Child tickets are cheaper.

2. Jorvik Viking Centre

At York's Jorvik Viking Centre, you will be stood on the site of one of the most famous and astounding discoveries of modern archaeology.

Between the years 1976-81 archaeologists from York Archaeological Trust, revealed the houses, workshops and backyards of the Viking-age city of Jorvik as it stood nearly 1,000 years ago.

The centre will allow you to journey through the reconstruction of Viking streets and experience life as it would have been in 10th century York.

It will give you the sights, sounds and of course, smells, of the Viking Age.

There is a unique ride experience and state-of-the art galleries showcasing a unique collection of Viking artefacts.

Adult tickets are £12.50, with reduced rates for children, seniors, students and families.

3. York Chocolate Story

If you are a chocolate lover, then you wont want to miss this!

Here, you will be able to find out how cocoa is transformed from bean to bar and unwrap the secrets of some of York's most famous chocolate brands.

You will also learn how to taste chocolate like a real expert and marvel at the skills of York's professional chocolatiers.

As well as sampling some delicious treats on the tour, you can also explore the gift shop to buy some treats for a loved one (or yourself!)

You can either buy a general admission ticket, or there are masterclasses or a walking tour ticket.

4. National Railway Museum, York

The National Railway Museum celebrates the past, present and future of innovation on the railways.

It is home to some truly iconic locomotives, with an unrivalled collection of engineering firsts.

You will step back in time to discover how the railways began, as well as come face-to-face with Rocket – the locomotive that sparked a global transport revolution.

Visitors can also experience the working life of a station and peer into the world of royalty with the world’s finest collection of royal carriages, including Queen Victoria’s ‘Palace on Wheels’.

There are also two cafes on-site if all that train fun leaves your with an appetite.

Admission to the museum is free, however you can also book tickets with a £5, £10 or £20 donation.

5. York Dungeon

The York Dungeon isn't for the faint-hearted! It includes live actor shows, telling the gruesome story of 2000 years of York's dark history.

Visitors get to enjoy the specially designed sets, special effects and gripping storytelling from a professional cast.

You will meet famous characters from York's past including Vikings, Isabella Billington and Guy Fawkes.

Be prepared to laugh and scream as you experience surprises walking through the depths of the Dungeon.

Tickets start from £17.55 and can be booked on The York Dungeon website.

6. Shambles

Shambles is one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in the whole of Europe.

Although none of the original shop-fronts have unfortunately survived from medieval times, some of the properties still have exterior wooden shelves – reminders of when cuts of meat were served from the open windows.

The street was made narrow by design to keep the meat out of direct sunlight.

Today, the stunning old buildings have been restored and now house cheerful cafés, quirky boutiques and even a coin & stamp dealer.

The Shambles has been recognised and awarded the title of the most picturesque street in Britain in the Google Street View Awards – so you can imagine how lovely it is!

7. York Art Gallery

The gallery has a gorgeous collection of paintings from 14th-century to contemporary, prints, watercolours, drawings, and ceramics.

The paintings span more than 600 years and works range from 14th century Italian panels and 17th century Dutch masterpieces to Victorian narrative paintings and 20th century works by LS Lowry and David Hockney.

The gallery also holds the most extensive and representative collection of British Studio Ceramics, thanks to the acquisition of collections from Dean Milner–White, WA Ismay and Henry Rothschild and the recent long term loan of Anthony Shaw’s collection.

What's better is that it is free to enter – you will need to book your ticket on the website to secure your space though.

8. Parliament Street

Parliament Street was built in 1834 and it leads from St Sampson's Square to Piccadilly and Pavement.

It is also known as Parliament Square, as it contains a large square which sees performers, international markets, trade fairs, live bands and other exciting exhibitions and entertainment.

It is definitely somewhere if you want to head to do some shopping, or why not grab a drink and some food from York's amazing THOR's Tipi Bar?

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