The gem of the North – why York is becoming the mini-moon destination to visit in 2019

York Minster
York Minster is considered one of the UK's most magnificent cathedrals and is well worth a visit. More than 2,000 years old, the exterior and interior design is simply unrivalled. The cathedral has more medieval stained glass than anywhere else in the country and is home to York Minster's Central Tower which is the highest point in York and offers unbeatable, panoramic views of the city. You can also take a look at medieval stonework and gothic grotesques as you climb the 275 steps to the top. If you have children in tow, York Minster offers a range of activities to keep them entertained as you take in the beauty around you.

The Bar Walls of York
The Bar Walls of York are one of a kind and you must see them to really appreciate the history behind them. At 3.4 kilometres long, these beautifully preserved walls protected and defended the city for nearly 2000 years. If you want to walk around the whole wall, it will take you around 2 hours, but there are multiple points in which you can stop. As you can imagine, the views are spectacular and is the perfect way to see a lot of York in one afternoon. Although this is a free activity, the guided tour is highly regarded!

Clifford's Tower
Clifford's Tower is a picture-perfect attraction that has beautiful scenic views and allows you to gaze over Old York. As the only remnants of York Castle, there is plenty of history to learn and enjoy. The castle also hosts games and costume play for children (and adults can participate in too!) Pause for a moment and contemplate the history that surrounds you then have an ice cream to celebrate.

National Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum is a great way for the whole family to run off some steam. Full of activities for adults and children alike, you can enjoy lots of railway activities, such as steam rides, royal carriages and turntable demos. There's also an outdoor activity area if the weather is on your side.

York and the Magic of Harry Potter
If you're a Harry Potter fan, you may (or may not!) know that York has strong connections to the story that shaped a generation. York is often cited as a huge inspiration to the franchise and once you've explored, it's not hard to see why.

The Shambles bears a strong resemblance to Diagon Alley and is now filled with Harry Potter inspired shops, such as The Shop That Must Not be Named, The Boy Wizard and World of Wizardry. Step onto the busy, cobbled streets and you'll feel like you're shopping for potions!Nearby Malham Cove, Dalby Forest, York Station and Brimham Rocks were also used as filming locations in the Harry Potter films. Malham Cove was famously featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 back in November 2009, whilst Goathland Railway Station was the setting for Hogsmeade Station.

Getting to York
A visit to Yorkshire is easy by car or train. For those travelling by train from Scotland, the North, West or the South, York train station provides a central drop off point from where you can explore the whole of Yorkshire, be it the pretty market town of Northallerton in the North, iconic Scarborough to the East, the steel capital Sheffield to the South or the historic markets of Leeds to the west.For those looking to explore the North and East of Yorkshire, driving is recommended. The county is easily accessed by the A1 or M1 from the North or South, and from the West can be reached via the M62. The A64 also runs across the county from Leeds to Scarborough, skirting past York.

Take a look at CEWE's travel guides to the top locations in Britain at www.cewe-photoworld.com/bestofbritain