York has been named as the top tourist destination on the East Coast route following a survey of customers using the train operators’ services.

East Coast customers were asked to choose their top three favourite destinations in six categories in a survey carried out in July 2011, ranking the best place for shopping, family days out, romantic breaks, historical attractions, nightlife, and rest and relaxation.

York was named as the favourite in half of the six categories, as the best destination for family days out, historical attractions and rest and relaxation – beating other popular destinations on the East Coast Main Line including London, Edinburgh and Harrogate in the same categories.

Despite offering fantastic shopping, bars and romantic idles, York was beaten to the winner’s podium by London as the favourite shopping destination, Newcastle came top for its larger than life club and bar scene, and Edinburgh topped the lovers’ poll as the best romantic break.

The top six destinations chosen by East Coast customers were:

• Shopping:  London
• Family day out:  York
• Romantic break:  Edinburgh
• Historical attractions:  York
• Nightlife:  Newcastle
• Rest and relaxation:  York

East Coast Commercial and Customer Service Director Peter Williams said: “The results of our customer survey found that the City of York remains one of the most popular destinations on the route, which was a great achievement considering the stiff competition it faced from other cities on the East Coast such as Edinburgh, Leeds and London.

“The city has wide appeal with numerous activities for families and history enthusiasts alike with attractions such as the Jorvik centre, York Minster and the City Walls. Those looking for a more relaxing pace can enjoy the quieter side of the city and get some R & R by visiting one of the many health and beauty spas or long countryside walks that York has to offer.

“East Coast offers some fantastic deals for people travelling to the city, with a one-way single ticket starting from as little as £13. Tickets can be purchased from www.eastcoast.co.uk - so there really is no better time to visit York and sample some of the great attractions it has to offer.”

Chief Executive of Visit York Gillian Cruddas said: “This is fantastic news and we are delighted that York has yet again come out on top in this public opinion poll.  With world class attractions surrounded by beautiful architecture, our visitors return to York again and again.  And the beauty of York too is that it is so easy to visit by train.”

To coincide with the survey results, East Coast is offering one of its lucky customers the chance to win a luxury perfect weekend for two to one of the fantastic destinations on the East Coast route. Simply visit www.eastcoast.co.uk/favouritedestination and explain what would make your perfect weekend getaway to be in with a change of winning.

City.Mobi

Also in England today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to York.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

York.city.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.