York has a lot to offer tourists of all ages and inclinations - from historians to party-goers and shoppers to ramblers. Although some of the walls and gates of famous York were destroyed in the early nineteenth century, there are still a gigantic number of Roman remains in the municipality today, including a ten-sided tower and a not too many sections of the original walls. There is no shortage of documented buildings either and a stroll through quaint avenues like The Shambles will take you on a journey through time.



The Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, York is based on the former WWII Bomber Command Station of RAF Elvington and retains the authentic atmosphere of the period, with multitudinous fascinating exhibits housed in restored wartime erections. The museum is a unique memorial to all the Allied aircrews of Bomber Command, including French, Canadian, Australian, etc. Don't miss the fight 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.

A trip to Yorkshire wouldn't be complete without a look around to Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden. Explore the astounding ruins of the greater complete Cistercian abbeys in Britain and ascertain for yourself the life of a dark ages monk. Wander from the dramatic Abbey into the Georgian diversion grounds of Studley Royal's ornamental gardens, woodland and deer park. Stroll beside reflections of temples in elegant formal canals and lakes and find the follies high on the valley side. Look out for Anne Boleyn's seat, the Octagon Tower and the Temples of Fame and Piety. A jam-packed programme of family activities and events is available through the year, including storytelling, guided tours, open air theatre and fancy clad parades. There is also a play area, workshops, tea-room and gift shop.

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 legions restaurants, cafes, amusement 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 elegant places 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 myriads 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 city for young and dated alike and there are more than enough inducement to content the whole family. In the places and villages, independent retailers sit alongside galleries displaying arts and crafts of those inspired by the divine countryside, while welcoming pubs with roaring fires and local ale are found on every corner.