Visitors to York can explore the city’s historic Mansion House from next week, when the Lord Mayor’s residence opens its doors for 2011.

The house was built in 1725, and visitors can take tours of the property and see displays including the medieval Sigismund Sword, which belonged to the Holy Roman emperor Sigismund.

Richard Pollitt, Mansion House and Guildhall manager, said: “Last year we set a new record with over 2,500 visitors, and now tours can be booked on our new website we’re hoping to set another new record this year.”

There are a range of tours on offer including silver tours, connoisseur tours, behind the scene tours, candlelit tours and spooky stories.

For the first time, visitors can also book tours online at mansionhouseyork.co.uk and select which tour or exhibition they would like to attend.

Open house tours take place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm. No pre-booking is required and admission costs £5 for adults and £4 for concessions, with children under 16 and York residents are free.