IF foreign shores are out of reach for this summer, don’t worry, there are still some cracking holidays to be had right here in the UK and one of my favourite spots in Britain is the timeless city of York.

This beautiful pocket of England ticks a lot of boxes for short breaks and the walled city of York never fails to attract visitors. Steeped in history, York offers some of the most magnificent architecture in England and dominating the city’s skyline is the majestic York Minster that has been hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful cathedrals.

Perhaps you might enjoy dropping into one of the elaborate and uplifting services within The Minster. Even if you’re not particularly religious, the heavenly music from the choir is just wonderful and visitors are made very welcome. It really is an oasis of calm in the heart of the city.

If the shops are more your thing and some retail therapy is on the agenda, then you won’t be disappointed. The Shambles is a labyrinth of charming cobbled streets with high street favourites and quaint boutiques. There’s also plenty of eating places and watering holes to refuel after a hard day’s shopping!

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York’s vibrant café culture gives this historic city a cool, cosmopolitan vibe and with an irresistible mix of old and new, York provides the perfect setting for exploring and enjoying a well- deserved break.

Probably the best way to set off and see all York has to offer is by taking the famous open-top bus tour. York is one of the most inspiring cities to take a sightseeing bus tour in and the fascinating commentary is available in several languages. It’s just a great way to pack everything in and it’s easy on the legs too!

There are some fabulous eateries in the city to suit just about every palate but some of the good old English pub grub takes some beating. Don’t miss the chance to try a proper Yorkshire pudding! Or, if you have a sweet tooth and love a bit of chocolate (who doesn’t?) then York is definitely the place for you. It is the home of chocolate and the perfect place to indulge your passion with a trip to York’s Chocolate Story.

In short, York is a great destination for a short break with lots of pretty shops and cosy, friendly bars, but the relaxed atmosphere of the place really lets you wind down as well as taking in the fascinating history and top sights of the city. It’s also really easy to get to, especially by rail, if you fancy letting the train take the strain. Regular services run from most UK cities, so why not check out some of these great rail deals too.