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 2nd only in reputation to London and is still very much the heart of Yorkshire. It has survived the Romans, the Saxons and the Normans and carries myriads mysteries and secrets in its walls and tunnels.
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 many fascinating exhibits housed in restored wartime homes. 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.
A trip to Yorkshire wouldn't be complete without a look in to Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden. Explore the fabulous ruins of the most complete Cistercian abbeys in Britain and discover for yourself the life of a medieval monk. Wander from the dramatic Abbey into the Georgian luxury grounds of Studley Royal's ornamental gardens, woodland and deer park. Stroll verging on reflections of temples in elegant formal canals and lakes and determine 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 adequate programme of family activities and events is available through the year, including storytelling, guided tours, open air theatre and desire clad parades. There is also a play area, workshops, tea-room and gift shop.
Forget one-way 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. Every one of 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 legions restaurants, cafes, entertainment complexes and fitness centres to pick from. Thousands of free parking bays and late night shopping will help to make a trip to Monks Cross or Clifton Moor a entertainment and fruitful experience for the whole family.
Travel by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to pay a call the seaside municipal of Whitby for a traditional British holiday experience. Take a break in the Tea Room at Grosmont Station - a genuine 1950's railway junction - pinpoint fabulous souvenirs in the two Gift Shops, call the engine sheds and view the locomotives under restoration. Goathland or "Aidensfield" as it is prominent to fans of Yorkshire TV's Heartbeat offers a refurbished Warehouse Tea Room with authentic furniture and treasures, restored coal drops and a cattle dock to recreate the bygone North Eastern Railway of 1922. Take time out to adore the peace and tranquillity of the 1912-style station of Levisham, which is surrounded by walks and wildlife.
York is the perfect center for young and old alike and there are more than enough inducement to make merry the whole family. In the settlements and villages, independent retailers sit alongside galleries displaying arts and crafts of those inspired by the charming countryside, while welcoming public houses with roaring fires and local ale are found on every corner.