While York is home to world-famous attractions like the JORVIK Viking Centre and York Minster, the city also contains some lesser-known sights that you should also make the time to visit.

York is certainly a great place for your cheap holidays this year and if you enjoy looking at historic buildings and want to get a deeper insight into the city’s past, stop by Barley Hall.

The development was the former residence of lord mayor William Snawsell and was once used by the Nostell Priory monastery. Dating back to the late 13th century, the building had been obscured by a modern office block in the 1970s and 1980s but has since been carefully restored.

Now replicating what Snawsell’s home would have looked like in 1483, taking in the hall’s high ceilings and exposed wooden frames can provide a glimpse into what life was like in the Middle Ages.

Various temporary exhibitions can be viewed here alongside the permanent collection of medieval clothing, while you can also see what is believed to be the only horn window in England, which is made from flattened pieces of animal bones.

Open seven days a week, you can visit Barley Hall all year round, although admission hours are reduced during the winter months.

Entrance to the hall costs £4.95 for adults and £3 for children. However, with your ticket you are entitled to free entry to the attraction for the following 12 months, meaning you can go on repeat visits for nothing!

Fairfax House is another outstanding example of York’s historic architecture. Located in Castlegate, the Georgian townhouse is believed to contain one of the finest collections of English 18th century furniture in the entire world and was previously the winter home of Viscount Fairfax.

Musical performances, comedy shows and other special events are held throughout the year, so there will be plenty of things for you to take in. Just be sure you’re in one of the York hotels, which are close to the action.

Admission to Fairfax House is £6 for adults and £5 for concessions, however like Barley Hall your ticket will provide you with free entrance to the attraction for a year.

If you’re in need of a little refreshment while on a holiday to York, stop by one of the two branches of Betty’s tearooms that are located in the city. You can tuck into a range of scones, biscuits and other sweet treats here, as well as a hot cup of tea or coffee. This can be a great way to get a breather, but as the Stonegate cafe is situated in a listed building it can also act a way to see some more of historic York!

Another of the city’s hidden tourist attractions is the Museum of the Royal Dragoon Guards. Situated opposite the famous Clifford’s Tower on Tower Street, the cultural institution gives visitors an insight into the history of the Yorkshire-based armed regiment, from its foundation in the late 17th century right through to the modern day.

The museum also contains a multimedia area where you can watch a number of short films offering an insight into the regiment’s history, before stopping by the gift shop for some souvenirs.

Lastly, why not visit the Quilt Museum and Gallery? As the first museum in the country to be dedicated to quilt-making and textile arts, you can be sure of seeing some fantastic clothing and linen here.

You can see a range of clothing here, including dressing gowns and skirts, as well as a silk patchwork coverlet. Made in 1718, this is the earliest known dated piece of British patchwork.

Open six days a week from Monday to Saturday, exhibitions by contemporary craft-makers are held here throughout the year so no matter when you visit there should be something new to see.

With so many fantastic attractions waiting to be uncovered, you may find yourself going on breaks to York for many months to come!