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

Fairfax House in Castlegate, York is the first-string Georgian city 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 most 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 dinner room and kitchen. The ensue is a successful blend of classic style and conservation, to be enjoyed by everyone keen on British estate.

The Whitby Pavilion is Whitby's largest theatre and function venue and suggests year round amusement 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, drop by the Whitby Wizard Science middle and enjoy 100 experiments and a specialist science gift shop. If it's outdoor entertainment you're after, a trip to Brimham Rocks near Harrogate might be just what you're looking for. Appreciate 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.

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. 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 myriads restaurants, cafes, recreation complexes and fitness centres to select from. Thousands of free parking bays and late night shopping will help to make a trip to Monks Cross or Clifton Moor a jesting and fruitful experience for the whole family.

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

York is the perfect blend of ancient and new. It is a safe hole for pensioners, a foolery municipality for students, a fascinating trip for historians and a paradise for shoppers.