Day tour to York by train

The old Capital of the North.

York began as a northern British military outpost on the edge of the Roman Empire. The Roman Basilica stood in the same location as the medieval York Minster, and before that, York was a thriving trading city in the days of the Vikings: Think the Vikings TV show and The Last Kingdom TV show telling the stories of the foundations of England and conflict with people from Norway and Denmark. 

Your guide will take you for a stroll along the old walls and stop off to see Roman artefacts and the ruined St Mary's Abbey. Dissolved during the turbulent times of King Henry VIII. Explore the fascinating city gates and narrow "snickets" before arriving at The Minster, one of the largest gothic buildings in the world. 

The Minster
Completed in 1472 and took several centuries to build. It is dedicated to St Peter. Its windows are a significant feature and enable light to flood the Cathedral. Perhaps the most remarkable is the Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass globally. Another is the Five Sisters window, over 53ft (16.3m) high.

Within the crypt, the treasures of the dioceses are revealed. Golden cloaks, chalices and Viking horns. We highly recommend climbing the tower for magnificent views of the city. 

We can stop for lunch at Bettys Tea Room, probably the most famous tea room in all Yorkshire. Light lunches, big lunches, tea, coffee and fabulous cakes are available, a true Yorkshire experience. After lunch, your guide takes you through the back streets and old alleyways, seeing countless medieval churches and houses. 

Jorvik Viking Centre
Offering perhaps one of the most exciting time-travelling experiences, the Jorvik Viking Centre takes the visitor down under the streets of York to ride on a mini-train through the streets of Viking York, inside some of the excavated houses, shops and yards. Authentic sounds and smells add to the historical experience.

York Castle Museum is one of the best small city museums and gives you an insight into crime and punishment of the past as you get the opportunity to walk through the old prison. Plus, the Victorian streets of York have been recreated, much like a film set, giving you a walk-through time feel to the place.

York has a pub for every day of the year. So why not visit a proper old locals pub, chat with people and sample some Yorkshire Ale. 

Finally, we reserve a table at The Star Inn The City, located beside the river, a short stroll to the train station and first-class lounge. An 8 pm train will take you to London at 10 pm.