York

Fairfax House is a stunning Georgian townhouse in the heart of York, just a short walk from Clifford's Tower, and is widely considered one of the best 18th-century homes in England. Originally built in the 1740s, it was purchased in 1759 by Viscount Fairfax, who hired the famous architect John Carr to redesign the interior as a winter residence for himself and his daughter, Anne. After spending years as a gentlemen's club, cinema, and dance hall, the building was saved and carefully restored by the York Civic Trust, reopening as a museum in 1984.

Visitors admire the house for its gorgeous plasterwork ceilings, elegant staircase, and richly decorated rooms, which make it a true masterpiece of Georgian design. Inside, you'll find a wonderful collection of period furniture and clocks gathered by chocolate maker Noel Terry, arranged to recreate the daily life of a wealthy family of the era. Seasonal exhibits, including a popular Christmas display, along with guided tours, help bring the house back to life.

Towering over the skyline of historic York, York Minster is one of the largest and most stunning Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. Known officially as the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter, it serves as the seat of the Archbishop of York and took roughly 250 years to finish, with construction wrapping up in the fifteenth century. The site has been used for Christian worship since the Roman and Anglo-Saxon eras, and layers of those early structures still exist beneath the floor.

When you step inside, the first thing you notice is the scale, with a soaring nave and massive stone columns that pull your gaze upward. The Minster is particularly famous for its medieval stained glass, most notably the huge Great East Window and the delicate Five Sisters Window. Down in the Undercroft, you can explore Roman remains and learn about the cathedral's foundations, while those with enough energy can climb the central tower for incredible views across York's rooftops and ancient streets. It is easily the highlight of any trip to the city.