Despite enormous aggrandizement and change, York is a urban place that has lost none of its well-known charm. It is hard to believe that, following an English rebellion against the Normans after the applauded fight 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. Multitudinous castles and abbeys might lay in ruin, but even these ruins are objects of unsurpassable beauty and attract just as myriads voyagers as do the enormous number of quaint shops and award-winning restaurants found in the borough.

Fairfax House in Castlegate, York is the most beautiful Georgian municipal House in England. Bought in 1760 as a dowry for Anne Fairfax, the only surviving child of Viscount Fairfax, the family turned to York's better distinguished architect - John Carr - to create the interior. To complement the interior design, superb examples of paintings, silver and glass are distributed the whole time the house and period displays are arranged in the dining room and kitchen. The grow is a successful blend of classic style and conservation, to be enjoyed by everyone keen on British culture.

In the Yorkshire Moors and Coast you can bring past to life by visiting castles, tiny country churches, fascinating museums and magnificent stately homes. If it's adventure you're after, there is no greater abode to spot it than Go Ape! High Wire Forest Adventure in Dalby Forest. Take to the trees and experience an exhilarating course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and zip slides up to 60 feet above the forest floor. For a more relaxing experience, Doodlepots Paint Your Own Pottery Studio in Whitby provides celebration for all ages. Visitors may choose a pot and paint it with no time limit and the studio will then glaze and fire the pot.

There is no shortage of High Street stores and shopping centres in York, but if you are after something a little unlike, a trip to the elevated Mouseman centre in Kilburn might be just what you are looking for. The beautifully restored village joiner's shop is crammed chockablock of unusual furniture and smaller items such as breadboards, judge's gavels and serviette holders, largest of which carry an adorable hand-carved mouse in some shape or form. The Pickering Antique centre is another treasure trove for collectors. Over 45 dealers sell a wide range of goods including paintings, furniture, china and porcelain, brass and copperware, postcards, books, clocks and bygone toys. Admission is free and opening times are Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday 11 am to 5 pm.

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 loaded size engines steaming across glorious moorland. Don't miss the Steam Gala from 26th - 28th September with myriads visiting 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 can 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-celebrated cathedral and countless to its eerie ghost walks and the musicians in the market domicile - there is never a dull moment in this elegant center.