Yorkshire is a cute county with open moors, dales and mountainous landscapes divided by valleys and ancient municipals. York is the region's capital, in Roman times second only in fame 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.

Nunnington Hall is a mellow 17th century manor house surrounded by a walled garden on the banks of the River Rye. Stroll through the sheltered garden and adore the peaceful feeling enhanced by scented borders, meadows, fruit orchards and peacocks. Climb the three staircases from the magnificent oak panelled hall to see the family rooms, the nursery and the haunted room. Just a minutes drive from Nunnington Hall are the Rievaulx Terrace and Temples. Adore superb views over to Ryedale and the Hambleton Hills. Call the two 18th century classical temples at either end of the terrace and delight in the springtime flowers or fantastic autumn colours.

The Whitby Pavilion is Whitby's greatest theatre and function venue and offers year round entertainment 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, go over to the Whitby Wizard Science centre and be fond of 100 experiments and a specialist science gift shop. If it's outdoor recreation you're after, a trip to Brimham Rocks near Harrogate might be just what you're looking for. Be fond of wonderful 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-convention 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. All 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, diversion 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 joking and fruitful experience for the whole family.

If you are concerned about parking problems or traffic jams in the city centre, why not consider using one of the multitudinous Park & Ride locations that York has to offer - Rawcliffe pub (Clifton Moor), Monks Cross (Huntington), Grimston public house (Hull Road), Askham public house (Tadcaster Road) or McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. The seaside city of Scarborough also has numerous Park & Ride opportunities and suggests high terrific buses operating every 12 minutes to the seafront and city centre in less than 15 minutes.

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