Yorkshire is celebrated for it's past and hospitality and you will locate both in excess in the exquisite metropolis 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 citizens of York and has assumably maintained to make them the resilient and positive citizens they are today.

The Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, York is based on the former WWII Bomber Command Station of RAF Elvington and retains the authentic ambiance of the period, with multitudinous fascinating exhibits housed in restored wartime fabrics. The museum is a unique memorial to every one of the Allied aircrews of Bomber Command, including French, Canadian, Australian, etc. Don't miss the struggle of Britain Service on the 14th September, Remembrance Sunday on the 9th November or Santa's Plane in December! The Museum is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm (3.30 pm in winter) and admission starts from just ?3 for children under 15.

The Whitby Pavilion is Whitby's greatest theatre and function venue and offers year round amusement 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, see the Whitby Wizard Science middle and enjoy 100 experiments and a specialist science gift shop. If it's outdoor pleasure you're after, a trip to Brimham Rocks near Harrogate could be just what you're looking for. Appreciate marked 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-way 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 numerous 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 entertainment and fruitful experience for the whole family.

Travel by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to the seaside city of Whitby for a traditional British holiday experience. Take a break in the Tea Room at Grosmont Station - a genuine 1950's railway junction - spot fabulous souvenirs in the two Gift Shops, see the engine sheds and view the locomotives under restoration. Goathland or "Aidensfield" as it is noted to fans of Yorkshire TV's Heartbeat promotes a refurbished Warehouse Tea Room with authentic furniture and findings, restored coal drops and a cattle dock to recreate the ancient North Eastern Railway of 1922. Take time out to delight in the peace and tranquillity of the 1912-style station of Levisham, which is surrounded by walks and wildlife.

York is the perfect metropolis for young and bygone alike and there are more than enough solicitation to quench the whole family. In the municipals and villages, independent retailers sit alongside galleries displaying arts and crafts of those inspired by the exquisite countryside, while welcoming pubs with roaring fires and local ale are found on every corner.