I visited York my wife back in 2004. We were on our way to the Newcastle game via York then Whitley Bay. She’s American and loved York because it was everything she thought historic England would be.
After a touristy experience in York we spent NYE in Whitely Bay. Bit of an eye opener for the missus after York. The place was heaving with people in fancy dress, who were all seemingly plastered. The New Year was counted in by a naked Geordie who had snatched the microphone off the compere at the pub we were in.
The following day was her first Blues game. She was treated to seeing the plane-load of (pissed) Blues from the Black Horse as they stumbled down the stairs.
York gets two thumbs up from me and my other half. Great place to visit. Loved the full English at our B&B. Chippy was superb. Beer (bitter) was good. Plenty of history to marvel over, too.