YORK, ENGLAND – We asked the old man sweeping the stoop outside his medieval shop on one of this city’s famed narrow streets what the area was called.

“Shambles? It looks pretty good to me,” replied the wise guy among us. The old man just shook his head and went back to sweeping the stoop.

Shambles is what a maze of narrow, twisting alleys in the heart of this former Roman city are called. They are said to be the best preserved medieval streets in all of Europe, relics of the Elizabethan period that keep getting better with age.

In some places, the streets are so narrow you can stretch out your arms and touch the buildings on either side – which many visitors do.

The shops in the Shambles are painted pretty colors and today cater to the many tourists this city that has been around since a Roman governor named Quintus Petillius Cerialis set up camp here in 71AD, attracts each year. But during York’s Saxon period, the Shambles was where the city’s butchers did their business, hence the window sills still featured in front of most shops where their meat was once displayed.

The Shambles is the city’s premier shopping area now, and a place where some of York’s most important events took place. Several of the buildings along the Shambles display plaques noting what happened within their walls.

One honors the memory of Margaret Clitherow, who was arrested in 1586 for harboring Catholic priests and sentenced to death by means of pressing – her body was crushed under the weight of heavy stones. She was canonized in 1970 and her home on the Shambles is now a shrine.

The Romans liked York so much they hung around for over 300 years but withdrew around 400AD to go fight someplace else. Thus ended the first of many periods this walled city experienced. The Romans were followed by the Anglo Saxons, then the Vikings and then the Normans. Each brought their own form of architecture and much of it has withstood the test of time.

Above: The narrow old streets of ancient York are a treat to walk.

Fabulous relics from York’s Viking period, around 866AD, are now displayed at the award-winning Jorvik Viking Centre. Jorvik is the Viking word for York and one of the most fascinating displays at the museum is the perfectly preserved remains from that period that were found encased in mud.

York is a city that could keep a history major spellbound for weeks. On every corner of this enchanting city there’s a reminder of its ancient past. The most dominant landmark here is York Minster, a massive cathedral that dates back to 627AD. The church, which fell victim to fire on several occasions over the centuries, only to be rebuilt time and time again, features a beautiful ribbed wooden roof that is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. The church is also famous for its amazing collection of 800-year-old stained glass windows, highlighted by five narrow floor-to-ceiling colored lancet windows known as the Five Sisters.

York Minster is the largest medieval Gothic cathedral north of the Alps and, if you have the stamina to climb the dozens of stone stairs to reach the top of its massive tower, you’ll be rewarded with some stunning views of the York countryside.

While exploring York, you’ll notice that many of its streets end in the suffix “gate.” Among them are Stonegate, Coppergate and Skeldergate. However, those streets have no connection with the gates on the city’s famed wall. In fact, the “gate” in this case comes from the Viking word “gata” which means street. The gates of the city are actually called “bars”, such as Micklegate Bar and Walmgate Bar.

To walk on York’s Wall is to walk back in history. There are more miles of intact ancient wall in York than any other European city and a large section of it dates back to when the Romans were here.

The most notable Roman relic is the Multiangular Tower, which can be found in the Museum Gardens. The tower was built by Emperor Severus between 209-211AD and has 10 sides and stands almost 30 feet tall.

Most of York’s Wall is from the 12th and 14th centuries and they remain a favorite gathering spot for tourists and locals alike. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 39 per cent of York residents like to stroll along the Wall.

There are many other attractions in York to see – the National Railway Museum, the Roman Bath Museum, York Castle Museum, and the incredible Guildhall, a 15th century meeting hall which features a collection of stained glass windows that rival those found in York Minster.

All this exploring is bound to make you hungry so may we suggest you head to Petersgate where you’ll find a collection of excellent fish and chip shops who serve up mushy peas with the consistency of pea soup. Yummy!

If you’re looking for a place to bed down for the night and one where you can experience the history of the city, then may we recommend Middlethorpe Hall, the former country home of William III that was built back in 1699. It’s located just outside York on 20 acres of pristine parkland. It’s a member of the Historic House Hotels and features lovely gardens and one of the best spas in all of England.

Its grand staircase is a sight to behold and its award-winning dining room features many local dishes. Each of the 18 rooms is stuffed with comfortable furniture but ask to stay in one of the 10 rooms in the main house – that is if they are not being occupied by one of the property’s friendly ghosts.