Yorkshire is a delicate county with open moors, dales and mountainous landscapes divided by valleys and ancient places. York is the region's capital, in Roman times second only in status to London and is still very much the heart of Yorkshire. It has survived the Romans, the Saxons and the Normans and carries numerous mysteries and secrets in its walls and tunnels.



Castle Howard is based 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 locale 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 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 middle in Snainton is a traditional riding school set in cute countryside. Having been established for nearly 40 years, the school braggadocios 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.

Appreciate High Street shopping without the hassle of the High Street! See Monks Cross Shopping Park in Huntington and enjoy a safe, convenient shopping experience! Step straight from your coupe into one of your favourite High Street stores - 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. Many cafes and restaurants, including McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Starbucks could also be found at the shopping park. There are myriads buses which run directly to Monks Cross and cycle lanes and racks are available right through.

If you are concerned about parking problems or traffic jams in the city centre, why not consider using one of the many Park & Ride locales that York has to offer - Rawcliffe drinking house (Clifton Moor), Monks Cross (Huntington), Grimston drinking house (Hull Road), Askham pub (Tadcaster Road) or McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. The seaside municipal of Scarborough also has numerous Park & Ride opportunities and suggests high terrific buses operating every 12 minutes to the seafront and town centre in less than 15 minutes.

York is the perfect center for young and old alike and there are more than enough enchantment to make merry the whole family. In the municipals and villages, independent retailers sit alongside galleries displaying arts and crafts of those inspired by the appealing countryside, while welcoming pubs with roaring fires and local ale are found on every corner.