Yorkshire is well-known for it's experiences and hospitality and you will locate both in excess in the beautiful city of York. The Romans were responsible for building the roads, the Saxons set-up villages and fields and the Normans left their mark in the form of amazing and unique architecture. This wasn't always easy for the humans of York and has practicably encouraged to make them the resilient and positive members of public they are nowadays.

Castle Howard is based 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 area 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 middle, a bookshop and two gift shops - as well as a restaurant and cafe.

The Whitby Pavilion is Whitby's largest theatre and function venue and suggests year round diversion from stage demonstrates, dances, concerts, festivals and children's events to exhibitions. Please telephone 01947 604855 for further details on performances and events. While in Whitby, pay a visit to the Whitby Wizard Science centre and delight in 100 experiments and a specialist science gift shop. If it's outdoor diversion you're after, a trip to Brimham Rocks near Harrogate could be just what you're looking for. Delight in 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 might close in bad weather.

The Courtyard Gallery in Malton is an ideal destination for contemporary art, crafts and excellent gifts. See exhibitions of paintings, textiles and photography featuring local artists and entrancingly handcrafted items of jewellery, glass, ceramics, wood, sculpture and greeting cards. While you are in the area, don't miss the opportunity of visiting Sophie Hamilton Pottery at High Marishes just off the A169 between Malton and Pickering. The pottery shop suggests a unique and stirring range of colourful and functional handmade pots which are all made at the pottery and are the perfect special gift for yourself or a friend.

Take advantage of the many Park & Ride opportunities around York - Rawcliffe bar (Clifton Moor), Monks Cross (Huntington), Grimston drinking house (Hull Road), Askham public house (Tadcaster Road) or McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. Scarborough also offers four Park & Ride fields offering high excellent buses which get you to the seafront and city centre in a matter of minutes. An appealing alternative is to use the Moorsbus network to relax and appreciate the beauty of the North York Moors National Park, its idyllic villages and endearment.

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