For any traveler visiting the UK (especially first timers), it's easy to get wrapped up in the lights and glamour of London and overlook other places to visit throughout England. But seriously... How can you not be drawn like a moth to the flame by that city? There's loads of history to be learned, incredible architecture to see, markets to shop in, and different cuisines to try. I had the same exact thoughts until my cousins suggested expanding my horizons and visiting other cities in the UK besides London. That's when I came across this little gem: the city of York.

Most fascinating is York’s Viking history.  Vikings captured York in the year 867 and reigned until 954, when Viking York — then called Jorvik — was absorbed into England.  The Viking Age continued for the next century, albeit without political independence, but the civilization began dwindling after William the Conqueror arrived in 1066.

The York Minster is the largest cathedral in northern Europe.  One of the highlights of our time in York was the Evensong service, hearing the fantastic choir.

York is also a great place for shopping, particularly in the Shambles — a super-narrow street chock full of little shops and boutiques!