WITH temperatures tipped to reach Mediterranean heights in the best spell of sunshine this year, it looks set to be a busy Easter weekend in York.

Some of the city's best-loved attractions insist the lure of York's history and tradition will be enough to convince tourists to ditch their sunglasses and pop indoors for a spot of culture.

As hotels and bed and breakfasts fill up, there is a busy weekend ahead. Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Bureau, said the sunny weather should encourage more people to take river cruises as well.

But she insisted the sunshine would not deter people from visiting museums.

She said: "It depends what people have decided to do. People do like to be outside in the nice weather but if they have set their minds to York, it's usually to see a particular attraction which York is famous for.

"People will probably want to go inside to cool down as well!"

Matthew Thompson,of Jorvik Viking Centre in Coppergate, agreed that the weather could be a problem - but was confident the centre's distinctive character would still attract visitors.

He said: "In good weather people are keen to go outside, but this is a unique exhibit replicating York's history and has that appeal. It only lasts 40 minutes so may be a good break for some families and a chance to see something different."

The Jorvik Centre is offering free entry to grandparents over the Easter weekend and running craft workshops for children.

The weekend is set to get hotter and hotter, with temperatures rising from 14C on Friday to 18C on Monday. This will be above average for the season and rivals temperatures in eastern Spain, which should remain at 10C or 11C. Temperatures are predicted to remain steady during the following week, with forecasters explaining the sunshine as a result of high pressure, which stops heavy cloud forming.

Workers at the National Railway Museum, in Leeman Road, are confident the sunshine will encourage more people to take to the Yorkshire Wheel, which is due to celebrate its first birthday on Saturday. The museum has both indoor and outdoor attractions, with guests often visiting the museum in bad weather and the wheel when it is sunny.

Judith Whitaker, head of commercial development for the National Railway Museum said: "Many people are taking advantage of the weather to ride on the Yorkshire Wheel. Our Easter competition to spot a huge egg somewhere on the rooftops of York is proving attractive."

Pleased with the weather predictions, York Boat will be running at full capacity, with its fleet of four boats sailing every 30 minutes. A spokesman said: "We do obviously pray for good weather as our attraction depends on it."

Castle Howard, near Malton, is running an Easter Egg quest on Saturday, and York Art Gallery is offering people the chance to learn how to become a modern art sculptor.

The Highways Agency has confirmed all major roadworks will be suspended until Tuesday.