Despite enormous surge and change, York is a metropolitan area that has lost none of its significant charm. It is hard to believe that, following an English rebellion against the Normans after the brilliant fight of Hastings, a survey in 1086 recorded the north as a wasteland. It took generations for the area to recover and today, no constituent of Yorkshire could possibly be referred to as wasteland. Numerous castles and abbeys might lay in ruin, but even these ruins are objects of unsurpassable beauty and attract just as many day-trippers as do the jumbo number of quaint shops and award-winning restaurants found in the conurbation.



Castle Howard is placed 15 miles north east of York, just off the A64. The magnificent house has a charming 18th century Walled Garden and 1,000 acres of gardens offering breathtaking views towards the North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds. Free guided outdoor tours take hamlet daily between March and October revealing the secrets of the gardens and the architecture. Castle Howard also suggests six unique shops - an award-winning farm shop, chocolate shop, plant centre, a bookshop and two gift shops - as well as a restaurant and cafe.

Relaxing horse and pony trekking is available from Trek and Trail in Staintondale. Scenic trails along moors and coast, as well as picnic and speciality rides can be booked by individuals or groups. Snainton Riding centre in Snainton is a traditional riding school set in fascinating countryside. Having been established for nearly 40 years, the school rodomontades qualified instructions, exceptional facilities and well-educated horses. If you would prefer to explore by bike or boat, contact Purple Mountain Bike centre & Cafe in Dalby Forest on 01751 410011 for bike hire or Wavescene Marine Ltd of Scarborough on 01723 374400 for sea fishing, coastal cruises and commercial or corporate boat charters.

Urge for free parking, late night shopping and selection of foremost High Street stores? Look in on Monks Cross Shopping Park just a slender minutes from the city centre for a hassle-free shopping experience! Stores these as Marks & Spencer, Boots, Clarks, Top Shop, New Look, Next, River Island, W H Smith, BHS, Argos, Monsoon, Clinton Cards, PC World, Laura Ashley, Accessorize and Mamas & Papas as well as numerous cafes and restaurants, including McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Starbucks can be found at Monks Cross.

Benefit from the myriads Park & Ride opportunities around York - Rawcliffe pub (Clifton Moor), Monks Cross (Huntington), Grimston drinking house (Hull Road), Askham bar (Tadcaster Road) or McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. Scarborough also promotes four Park & Ride points offering high fine buses which get you to the seafront and town centre in a matter of minutes. An affecting alternative is to use the Moorsbus network to relax and adore the beauty of the North York Moors National Park, its idyllic villages and lure.

York is an experience that shouldn't be missed - from the world-foremost cathedral and countless to its eerie ghost walks and the musicians in the market berth - there is never a dull moment in this admirable center.