Here is the first issue of the newsletter you requested when you made a booking on AboutBritain.com. Sorry it's taken so long - but we're sure you'll find it's been worth the wait: As promised, there's an entertaining mix of wonderful ideas for breaks in Britain and superb special offers.

Quenton Fyfe
Editor

• Introduction
• Discover Beautiful and Historic York
• Special Offers on Hotels in York
• Other Great Special Offers
• Next Issue
• How to Unsubscribe

Welcome to the first edition of BritainUpdate from AboutBritain.com. Every fortnight we'll be offering great ideas on places to visit as well as superb special offers on places to stay.

York is consistently one of the most popular destinations researched and booked on AboutBritain.com - so in this issue we'll begin by taking a look at what this ancient city has to offer.

With a history stretching back to 71AD when the Ninth Roman Legion established a settlement they called 'Eboracum' (a place of yew trees), York has one of the longest and most interesting histories of any British city.

The Vikings captured the town in 866, and called it Jorvik. Today, visitors to Jorvik - The Viking City can travel back in time and see what life was like in Jorvik.

Jorvik is a fascinating visitor attraction in which the ancient city has been re-created in painstaking detail from the discoveries of the archaeologists from the York Archaeological Trust's famous Coppergate Excavations.

Visitors are transported through the heart of the city in moving "time capsules", from which you will experience scenes from everyday Viking life. Recently refurbished, to include the latest technology and archaeological research, Jorvik is an attraction not to be missed.

York Minster is the city's most famous landmark, and is an awe-inspiring and beautiful sight especially in good weather when the sun highlights the honey-coloured stone.

Construction of the Minster began in 1220 and was not completed until 1470. York Minster is the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, and has 128 exquisite stained-glass windows (the glass from which was temporarily removed during the second world war for safekeeping).

You can climb the Minster's central tower for a small fee, and enjoy panoramic views over the city.

The medieval city walls were constructed during the same period; they are three miles long and very well preserved. You can still walk the entire length of the walls, and see the four separate gates to the city, two of which now house museums.

Coming more up to date, York is home to the National Railway Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of railway icons. Not just for railway enthusiasts, everyone will be captivated by the sheer scale of the engineering on display and fall in love with the romance and grandeur of the age of steam.

York has excellent shopping facilities, with many individual shops in the atmospheric medieval streets, as well as the more familiar modern shopping centres.

Evenings out are also well catered for with the Theatre Royal, the Grand Opera House, and concerts regularly held at other venues including the Minster.

There is also a fine selection of places to eat out; from a traditional afternoon tea in one of the many tea-rooms, to a full evening meal in any of York's excellent restaurants or historic pubs; you'll be spoiled for choice. You could even take a cruise with dinner on the river!

This is just the briefest of introductions to the many wonderful attractions of York. You'll find lots more detailed information to help plan your trip on AboutBritain.com's York Page including many other Attractions, Hotels, Holiday Cottages (great value for the longer stay), Nearby Towns etc.

Le Meridien York is one of Britain's most elegant hotels, standing in its own beautifully landscaped gardens at the very heart of York, with spectacular views of York Minster.

Staying at this superb hotel will make your break in York complete - and now it's even more affordable: During August you can stay at Le Meridien York for 20% off the already low price shown when you Click Here - (your discount will be calculated automatically and shown before you book).

The York Moat House boasts spectacular views over the River Ouse, and is just minutes away from all the attractions of this historic, walled city.

And now you can save £58 per room per night* for stays before 7th September. Click Here for full details (don't worry about the Standard Rates shown - your special price will be calculated and shown before you book).

*based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room for 2 nights or more.

Availability at these prices is limited, so please don't delay if you want to take advantage of either of these superb offers. If you're too late, don't despair - Click Here to see our full range of other great hotels in York.

Alternatively, our superb range of Holiday Cottages near York offer outstanding value and excellent accommodation - ideal for longer stays.

If you'd prefer a trip to the capital - and luxury accommodation - we've an amazing offer at the Four Star Copthorne Tara London Kensington Hotel:

Three nights for only £99 per person!* (Normal price £193 per person). Click Here for full details on this hotel. (Don't worry about the Standard Rates - your special price will be calculated and shown before you book).

*for stays before 7th Sept, based on two adults sharing a twin/double room.

That's all for this issue of BritainUpdate from AboutBritain.com. We hope you've enjoyed reading this newsletter. Next time, we'll be looking at a Countryside Getaway in Shakespeare Country - and we'll have some more superb offers too!

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