Despite enormous success and change, York is a place that has lost none of its outstanding charm. It is hard to believe that, following an English rebellion against the Normans after the foremost compete of Hastings, a survey in 1086 recorded the north as a wasteland. It took generations for the area to recover and present, no constituent of Yorkshire might possibly be referred to as wasteland. Numerous castles and abbeys may lay in ruin, but even these ruins are objects of unsurpassable beauty and attract just as numerous journeyers as do the excessive number of quaint shops and award-winning restaurants found in the metropolitan area.

Named after the Treasurer of York Minster and built over a Roman road, the Treasurer's House and Garden is not all that it seems. Join a ghostly myth expedition and ascertain why the eccentric Yorkshireman Frank Green threatened to return to haunt Treasurer's house if any of his furniture was ever removed or a itineration of the cellar where ghostly Roman soldiers demonstrate been seen marching on the old road running through the house. Once you show recovered your nerve, a drop by to the award-winning tearoom is highly recommended. Luscious Edwardian-style breakfasts, high teas and suppers are served in a relaxed and peaceful environment.

The Whitby Pavilion is Whitby's greatest theatre and function venue and suggests 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, dwell the Whitby Wizard Science middle and enjoy 100 experiments and a specialist science gift shop. If it's outdoor distraction you're after, a trip to Brimham Rocks near Harrogate could be just what you're looking for. Enjoy astonishing 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.

Forget one-custom 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 many restaurants, cafes, distraction complexes and fitness centres to choose from. Thousands of free parking bays and late night shopping will help to make a trip to Monks Cross or Clifton Moor a escapade and fruitful experience for the whole family.

Take a trip back in time with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway by visiting the beautiful cities of Whitby, Goathland and Pickering. Experience the thrill of crowded size engines steaming across glorious moorland. Don't miss the Steam Gala from 26th - 28th September with legions 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 can be booked in advance by contacting Customer Services on 01751 472508 Monday to Friday.

York is the perfect blend of old and new. It is a safe home for pensioners, a center for students, a fascinating trip for historians and a paradise for shoppers.