The historic city of York would have to be the best place to use as a base from which to explore the north of England. It is midway between London and Scotland on the main north-south railway line, where it intersects with the Trans Pennine line, which begins at Liverpool on the west coast (Irish Sea), passes through Manchester, Leeds and York on its way to the east coast (North Sea) and the resort town on Scarborough.

Both the Romans and Vikings recognized the strategic value of the location, and both establishing major settlements there, remnants of which remain today. Being at the crossroads to two major rail corridors, it seems appropriate that York was chosen as the home for the National Railway Museum. Just about any British locomotive – steam or otherwise – that made a name for its self, can be seen there.