York is a city in northern England, at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss.

York lies within the Vale of York, and is generally said to be a fairly flat area of land with an unusual amount of green space. The ings are flood meadows along the River Ouse, while the strays are scattered around the city in marshy, low-lying places; the Knavesmire is part of Micklegate Stray. In summer, when they are drier, these areas are used for recreation, and some are grazed by cattle.

York is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Ouse and the Foss. During Roman times, the land surrounding the rivers was very marshy, making it easier to defend. The city is prone to severe flooding from the River Ouse, and has an extensive (but not always effective) network of flood defences. These include walls along the Ouse, and a barrier across the River Foss where it joins the Ouse. The floods of late October and early November 2000, which were the highest for over 350 years, caused much damage, but the water did not breach the flood walls. Much land within the city has always been too flood-prone for development.

A major railway junction, York is situated on the East Coast, Cross Country and Transpennine mainlines.

The University of York, on the edge of the city, regularly places in the top 5 UK Universities. Until now, it has been York's only institution with University Status, however, York St John University College hopes to attain full university status before the end of 2006 (currently it is an autonomous college of University of Leeds). The city also hosts a branch of the College of Law.

The city has one major Further Education institution: York College, which is currently in the process of being moved to a brand new site. This is an amalgamation of York Technical College and York Sixth Form College. Students study a very wide range of academic and vocatational courses, and range from school leavers and sixth formers right to people training to make career moves. It also runs many courses in the community.

Most 5-16 education within the City is managed by City of York Council, acting as the Local Education Authority. 11-16 education is provided by around a dozen secondary schools, and 5-11 education is provided by some 40 primary schools.

However, York also has several private schools. The most famous of these is probably St Peter's. Another two have Quaker origins, Bootham School and The Mount. On the outskirts of the city is Queen Margarets School.

York Minster, the historic cathedral church stands at the city's centre. The city centre is nearly surrounded by walls, pictured. To walk the entire circuit (including parts where walls never existed) is about 3 miles.

The Shambles is perhaps York's most iconic street. Formerly the lamb-butchers district, it retains most of its feel from around 4-500 years ago. It contains the shrine of Margaret Clitherow, and many gift shops.

The city has many museums, including the Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum & Gardens, Richard III Museum and the York Dungeon. The National Railway Museum is situated just behind the station, and is home to the largest static collection of railway locomotives in the world, including the world's fastest steam locomotive LNER 4468 Mallard.

The Kings Arms pub during floodsYork is also a major venue for horse racing at York Racecourse in the Knavesmire area, and every year, thousands flock to the city for the Ebor Handicap Meeting in August.

York is also noted for its wealth of pubs. The York area is said to contain one pub for every day of the year, although this is a little exaggerated. Similarly it has been said that there is no point within the city walls where one can stand and not be able to see at least one pub and at least one church.