Laura

I have been to London several times but on my next trip I want to explore a new city also. Both cities are two hours from London. Both seems to have what interests me--history, castles, a folk museum, interesting restaurants, shopping. I'd like some opinions on which city you found most satisfying overall.<BR><BR>Thank you--Laura

ron

I’ve been to both (York, 2 visits for 7 nights total; Cardiff, 1 visit for 3 nights), I’d go back to both, I like them both. Cardiff is a real city with some tourist attractions; York is a large town that largely exists for tourists. York minster is a much more impressive cathedral than is Llandaff, Cardiff does better in the castle department with Cardiff and Caerphilly. The Welsh national museum and gallery is a treasure, unmatched anyplace in the UK outside London. Cardiff has nothing like the Shambles. Shopping is never part of my travel experiences, but I know expert shoppers who go from Bristol to Cardiff to shop. I doubt anyone would make a trip of that distance to York.

Nigel Doran

I would say York. You can get there for about &pound;25 there and back if you book ahead on www.gner.co.uk (Daypex tickets) and there is a lot to see and just experience when you are there. <BR>Cardiff is also a good choice, but I feel that a visitor from abroad might get more from York, which is more keyed up for tourists. Highlights: York Minster, ancient streets, Betty's tea shop (on the pricey side, but worth it for a tea and a cake, and don't forget you can buy most of the things they sell at the shop for about 1/3 of the price), Jorvik Viking museum. The historic centre is compact, so you can see quite a lot quite quickly. <BR>NB, GNER, the train company, might not post tickets to foreign addresses, but you can collect them from Kings Cross station from a real person or from a machine withe the PIN they give you. Book ahead. Don't just turn up at the station on the day or you will pay dear!

jet

Been to both. Definitely prefer York.

kam

Also been to both. I find Cardiff Castle very commercial. York is lovely. Plan to have a drink or tea at the little place across from the windows in the afternoon. Plan to do a lot of walking on the walls. You can also visit Durham or the Hadrain's wall from York. In defence of Cardiff, it's fine arts museum is quite interesting.

Earl

York is the better choice. Great town, interesting museums, and other interesting sites in the area. However, don't waste your money or time on the Jorvik Viking museum.

Sandy4

Where would you stay in York???

Roger

York would be my choice. As far as a place to stay, I recomend the &quot;four Seasons&quot; a very nice B&amp;B located within walking distance of the center of town.

Trevor

I would have to say Cardiff. Having visited both, l find Cardiff much nicer, with friendlier people and much more to do. York is a nice town, but it is slowely turning into a tourist town. <BR><BR>There is pleanty to see and do and Cardiff, and it's Civic Centre simply could be the best in Europe. There is also the Museam of Welsh Life, which is free, along with all the other museams in Cardiff. <BR><BR>Cardiff Bay is also fantastic, somewhere where l'd suggest any visitor to go.