The Romans and Vikings certainly saw something enticing about York, and to this day it's a magnificent and beautiful city. York is cut in two by the River Ouse (nasty name, great place for a cruise!) and with the east side boasting fantastic shops for the ladies and boozers for the lads being concentrated in the Micklegate district.
Away from the city and out into the fantastic Yorkshire Dales, there are superb activity centres where you can experience watersports and motor and field activities before returning to the city for a top night out.