Yorkshire is a county with open moors, dales and mountainous landscapes divided by valleys and ancient municipals. York is the region's capital, in Roman times 2nd only in usefulness to London and is still very much the heart of Yorkshire. It has survived the Romans, the Saxons and the Normans and carries legions mysteries and secrets in its walls and tunnels.
Castle Howard is positioned 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 abode 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 middle, a bookshop and two gift shops - as well as a restaurant and cafe.
The Whitby Pavilion is Whitby's greatest theatre and function venue and promotes year round entertainment from stage shows, dances, concerts, festivals and children's events to exhibitions. Please telephone 01947 604855 for further details on performances and events. While in Whitby, the Whitby Wizard Science middle and adore 100 experiments and a specialist science gift shop. If it's outdoor recreation you're after, a trip to Brimham Rocks near Harrogate could be just what you're looking for. Be fond of spectacular 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.
Enjoy High Street shopping without the hassle of the High Street! Come by Monks Cross Shopping Park in Huntington and enjoy 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. Many cafes and restaurants, including McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Starbucks can also be found at the shopping park. There are legions buses which run directly to Monks Cross and cycle lanes and racks are available from beginning to end.
Take advantage of the legions Park & Ride opportunities around York - Rawcliffe pub (Clifton Moor), Monks Cross (Huntington), Grimston bar (Hull Road), Askham bar (Tadcaster Road) or McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. Scarborough also offers four Park & Ride stages offering high first-class buses which get you to the seafront and town centre in a matter of minutes. An captivating alternative is to use the Moorsbus network to relax and appreciate the beauty of the North York Moors National Park, its idyllic villages and enticement.
There is something for everyone in York - from important erections and exquisite gardens to provocative outdoor events and award-winning restaurants and no matter where you go in York, you are bound to present a great day out, whatever the weather!