Despite enormous advancement and change, York is a metropolitan area that has lost none of its important charm. It is hard to believe that, following an English rebellion against the Normans after the brilliant struggle of Hastings, a survey in 1086 recorded the north as a wasteland. It took generations for the area to recover and nowadays, no componental of Yorkshire could possibly be referred to as wasteland. Numerous castles and abbeys may lay in ruin, but even these ruins are objects of unsurpassable beauty and attract just as myriads sightseers as do the excessive number of quaint shops and award-winning restaurants found in the metropolis.



Castle Howard is stationed 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 habitat daily between March and October revealing the secrets of the gardens and the architecture. Castle Howard also offers six unique shops - an award-winning farm shop, chocolate shop, plant centre, a bookshop and two gift shops - as well as a restaurant and caf?.

The Whitby Pavilion is Whitby's largest theatre and function venue and offers year round recreation from stage demonstrates, dances, concerts, festivals and children's events to exhibitions. Please telephone 01947 604855 for further details on performances and events. While in Whitby, pay a call the Whitby Wizard Science middle and adore 100 experiments and a specialist science gift shop. If it's outdoor pleasure you're after, a trip to Brimham Rocks near Harrogate could be just what you're looking for. Enjoy daring 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 might close in bad weather.

The Courtyard Gallery in Malton is an ideal destination for up-to-the-minute art, crafts and quality gifts. See exhibitions of paintings, textiles and photography featuring local artists and attractively handcrafted items of jewellery, glass, ceramics, wood, sculpture and greeting cards. While you are in the area, don't miss the opportunity of seeing Sophie Hamilton Pottery at High Marishes just off the A169 between Malton and Pickering. The pottery shop promotes a unique and astonishing range of colourful and functional handmade pots which are all made at the pottery and are the perfect special gift for yourself or a friend.

Travel by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to look around the seaside town of Whitby for a traditional British holiday experience. Take a break in the Tea Room at Grosmont Station - a genuine 1950's railway junction - locate fabulous souvenirs in the two Gift Shops, inspect the engine sheds and view the locomotives under restoration. Goathland or "Aidensfield" as it is renowned to fans of Yorkshire TV's Heartbeat suggests a refurbished Warehouse Tea Room with authentic furniture and artefacts, restored coal drops and a cattle dock to recreate the bygone North Eastern Railway of 1922. Take time out to appreciate the peace and tranquillity of the 1912-style station of Levisham, which is surrounded by walks and wildlife.

York is an experience that shouldn't be missed - from the world-elevated cathedral and countless art galleries to its eerie ghost walks and the musicians in the market home - there is never a dull moment in this alluring municipality.