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At the Merchant Adventurers' Hall , off Fossgate (April-Sept Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun noon-4pm; Oct-March Mon-Sat 9am-3.30pm; GBP2), the overpowering whiff of wood polish prepares you for one of the finest medieval timber-framed halls in Europe. The beautiful building was raised by the city's most powerful guild, dealers in wool from the Wolds, woollens from the Dales and lead from the Pennines, commodities that were traded for exotica from far and wide. Fairfax House , on nearby Castlegate (March-Dec Mon-Thurs & Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 1.30-5pm; guided tours Aug & Sept Fri at 11am & 2pm; closed Jan & Feb; GBP4; ), celebrates the wealth of a later period. The elegant Georgian town house was restored to house the collection of fine arts left by Noel Terry, scion of one of the city's chocolate dynasties. The bulk of the collection consists of eighteenth-century furniture and clocks, and every December the popular "Keeping of Christmas" exhibition recreates a Georgian Christmas in the house. Around the corner, in the Coppergate shopping centre, the crowds descend upon the city's blockbuster Viking exhibit - Jorvik (daily: April-Oct 9am-5.30pm; Nov-March 10am-4.30pm; GBP6.95; ). This multi-million-pound affair flies visitors back in "time capsules" to the tenth-century city of York, presenting not just the sights but the sounds and even the smells of a riverside Viking settlement, complete with animatronic figures, street scenes and panoramic views of the re-created city. Not surprisingly, it's a hugely popular exhibit, and great for children, though you can avoid queuing by pre-booking your entrance ticket with a credit card, by calling tel 01904/543043. It's worth noting that the museum organizes York's annual Viking Festival every February when themed events take place throughout the city - details from the Festival Office at the centre.
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