Despite enormous success and change, York is a center that has lost none of its important charm. It is hard to believe that, following an English rebellion against the Normans after the elevated battle of Hastings, a survey in 1086 recorded the north as a wasteland. It took generations for the area to recover and present, no componental of Yorkshire might possibly be referred to as wasteland. Many castles and abbeys might lay in ruin, but even these ruins are objects of unsurpassable beauty and attract just as multitudinous voyagers as do the enormous number of quaint shops and award-winning restaurants found in the urban place.



Castle Howard is situated 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 place daily between March and October revealing the secrets of the gardens and the architecture. Castle Howard also promotes 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.

A trip to Yorkshire wouldn't be complete without a look around to Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden. Explore the impressive ruins of the most complete Cistercian abbeys in Britain and observe for yourself the life of a feudal monk. Wander from the dramatic Abbey into the Georgian gratification grounds of Studley Royal's ornamental gardens, woodland and deer park. Stroll at the edge of reflections of temples in elegant formal canals and lakes and explore the follies high on the valley side. Look out for Anne Boleyn's seat, the Octagon Tower and the Temples of Fame and Piety. A loaded programme of family activities and events is available through the year, including storytelling, guided tours, open air theatre and want clothe parades. There is also a play area, workshops, tea-room and gift shop.

Be fond of High Street shopping without the hassle of the High Street! Hit Monks Cross Shopping Park in Huntington and adore a safe, convenient shopping experience! Step straight from your car 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. Legions cafes and restaurants, including McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Starbucks may also be found at the shopping park. There are numerous buses which run directly to Monks Cross and cycle lanes and racks are available overall.

Take a trip back in time with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway by visiting the beautiful places of Whitby, Goathland and Pickering. Experience the thrill of chockablock size engines steaming across glorious moorland. Don't miss the Steam Gala from 26th - 28th September with numerous seeing 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.

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