York is one of the ancient places in England and has come a long convention since the Romans premier produced a fort between the River Foss and the River Ouse. The place that grew up around it was originally named Eboracum and strong protective walls were created, forming the base of the city walls that remain present. The rectangular gatehouse of Micklegate bar marks the main entrance to the municipality, but thankfully traitor's heads are no longer shown there to deter rebellions.



The Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, York is based on the former WWII Bomber Command Station of RAF Elvington and retains the authentic atmosphere of the period, with legions fascinating exhibits housed in restored wartime edifices. The museum is a unique memorial to all the Allied aircrews of Bomber Command, including French, Canadian, Australian, etc. Don't miss the battle of Britain Service on the 14th September, Remembrance Sunday on the 9th November or Santa's Plane in December! The Museum is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm (3.30 pm in winter) and admission starts from just ?3 for children under 15.

The Whitby Pavilion is Whitby's greatest theatre and function venue and offers year round pleasure from stage displays, dances, concerts, festivals and children's events to exhibitions. Please telephone 01947 604855 for further details on performances and events. While in Whitby, look around the Whitby Wizard Science centre and enjoy 100 experiments and a specialist science gift shop. If it's outdoor amusement you're after, a trip to Brimham Rocks near Harrogate might be just what you're looking for. Be fond of grand views over Nidderdale from a vantage point of nearly 300m. Fantastic rock formations of millstone grit, carved out over thousands of years by the actions of the weather, are rich in wildlife. Admission is free, but facilities may close in bad weather.

Forget one-mode systems, extortionate parking charges and tedious traffic jams! Head for Monks Cross Shopping Park or Clifton Moor Retail Park, both easily accessible from the A1237 York Outer Ring Road. All major High Street stores are represented there, including Marks & Spencer, Boots, Monsoon, Clarks, Top Shop, New Look, Next, River Island, W H Smith, BHS, PC World, Dunelm Mill, Wilkinson's, Wickes, Tesco's, Matalan, Roseby's, Pets at Home and Argos. There are also multitudinous restaurants, cafes, entertainment complexes and fitness centres to select from. Thousands of free parking bays and late night shopping will help to make a trip to Monks Cross or Clifton Moor a foolery and fruitful experience for the whole family.

Take a trip back in time with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway by seeing the enticing towns of Whitby, Goathland and Pickering. Experience the thrill of complete size engines steaming across glorious moorland. Don't miss the Steam Gala from 26th - 28th September with legions visiting locomotives, freight trains and local shuttles or the annual wartime re-enactment from 10th - 12th October including street parades, entertainers, air raids and much, much more. Tickets may be booked in advance by contacting Customer Services on 01751 472508 Monday to Friday.

There is something for everyone in York - from celebrated buildings and appealing gardens to eye-popping outdoor events and award-winning restaurants and no matter where you go in York, you are bound to show a fantastical day out, whatever the weather!