Five English city breaks

Don’t fancy Oxford? Try one of these cities

1 York Go for: Steam trains • The Shambles • Vikings Masses to see and do in York, from the Jorvik Viking Centre to the National Railway museum – and the living history of the old city walls, the Minster, the castle and the ancient city centre, the Shambles. Must-ride road: A166 York to Driffield

2 Newcastle upon Tyne Go for: Galleries • Angels • Drinking You’ll always have a great night out in Newcastle. But it’s not just a party city – it’s crammed with galleries and museums. Just remember that the massive Angel of the North is in Gateshead, not Newcastle… Must-ride road: A696 Newcastle to Otterburn

3 Norwich Go for: Tombland • Modern art • Market The old town around Norwich’s huge cathedral, Tombland, is packed with character, while the Sainsbury Centre by the university is packed with art. Shoppers should visit the huge covered market. Must-ride road: B1108 Norwich to Watton

4 Winchester Go for: King Arthur • Gurkhas • Churches The capital of Wessex, Winchester is packed with history – and legend, with King Arthur’s round table in the great hall of the castle. Good Gurkha museum, too. Must ride road: A272 Wintester to Petworth

5 Warwick Go for: Shakespeare • Warwick Castle • Hussars Go to neighbouring Stratford-upon-avon for Shakespeare, but we’d stay in Warwick with the castle and the Hussars museum. Must-ride road: B4100 Warwick to Banbury