The front of York Minster is always busy with tourists and groups alike but behind this is the Minster Gardens and it’s hard to believe that these gardens are in the centre of a busy town. It’s quiet and peaceful and a perfect place to look at the cherry blossoms in spring, have a picnic (no ball games, or cycling allowed) or to just sit and admire the grandeur of the Minster. On Tuesday evenings the bell ringers practice in the Minster and sitting in the gardens listening to this is magic.

www.yorkminster.org
1 Chapter House Street, York YO1 7HH
+44(0)844 939 0011
Google map: bit.ly/mgvsnn

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Castle Howard is set in thousands of acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, and the gardens have just won the Historic House Association/Christie’s Garden of the Year Award.
As you explore, surprise vistas keep unfolding - a wonderful example of architecture and nature in perfect harmony.
Close to the house you’ll find the enchanting 18th century walled rose garden, and a stroll along the grass terraces will bring you to Ray Wood, which is particularly impressive at this time of year with a plethora of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias in bloom. There are lakes and fountains, statues, temples and architectural follies galore, as well as the impressive mausoleum which is still used as the Howard family resting place.
There is even an ornamental vegetable garden, and an adventure trail for families. If you - or your offspring - get inspired, then you can call at the garden centre on your way out.

www.castlehoward.co.uk
+44(0)1653 648333
Castle Howard Estate, Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
Google map: bit.ly/ij3Eh5

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York is reputed to be Britain's most haunted city with over 140 ghosts and lots going on this weekend. It's a lovely city to start with but it also has some great ghost stories. I met a man (honest) who was working in the cellar of the Mansion House and saw a troupe of Roman soldiers coming towards him through the wall - they went straight past him and out the other side! A great way to do it is to join one of the many ghost walks.
York also celebrates one of its famous sons, Guy Fawkes this week, but there's never a bonfire where he went to school at St Peter's - they don't burn old boys!

www.visityork.org., www.theoriginalghostwalkofyork.co.uk/
Google map: bit.ly/c61KFL

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A lovely park by the river, essentially the grounds of the Yorkshire Museum. If the sun is shining you can't beat grabbing a sandwich or salad (nearby Deli De Clare recommended) and joining the office workers, students, young families, couples and parties of (mainly French) school kids on the manicured lawns. Choose to sit in the shadows of medieval ruins, by a timbered tudor lodge or in the shadow of mature trees.
An awful lot cheaper and more enjoyable than being ripped off in a tourist trap.

Entrances on Museum St and Marygate.
Deli de Clare on Lendal by the Museum St entrance.

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York is a must-see. There's something for everyone.
All the family will love a trip on your very own time-capsule at the Jorvik Centre - a thousand years of sights, smells and sounds of English history. Don't forget to have your camera at the ready for that must-have souvenir pic.

For those who like a bit more blood and guts, thrills and spills, the York Dungeons is an absolute must-see. The team there will educate and, above all, thrill you with an altogether more personal view to two thousand years of York's gory past with all its gruesome hands-on detail. This tour is first class, although only suitable for horror loving teens and parents brought up on Boris Carloff or Peter Cushing! The York Dungeon is pretty expensive so my tip is get the York Pass, which allows entry to a huge number of attractions in York at a modest cost.

The pass is also valid for the York Riverboat Cruise, where the adults can enjoy the captain's commentary while the youngsters can check out the river wildlife and take in the many interesting things to see along the river bank.

To make the most of York it's best to go mid-week, unless you enjoy milling your way through large crowds with plenty of hustle and bustle. A four day trip is probably ideal. Buy a two day York Pass, check out the Minster and few other attractions of your choice, and still have plenty of time to visit the character shops in all the old streets in the city walls.

There are plenty of things to buy for all depths of pocket and interest. For those who like a bargain
(and help others too), the city is well endowed with every conceivable charity shop under the sun. Eating out can be budget or haute cuisine. A good place to feed a hungry family at a modest price is Jumbo in Hudson St. This is a buffet-style Chinese, eat as much as you like of the very wide selection of good quality oriental dishes for every palate, at difficult to beat prices.

Why not try a stay at a B&B? I have no hesitation in recommending The Apple House (74-76 Holgate Rd) where Pamela will make sure you have a very comfortable room with all mod cons and supply you with a full English breakfast (or continental), all at a very reasonable price.

Finally, don't take the car. You'll see more and feel all the better by walking everywhere in the city. Great access and views can be had by walking the ancient city wall. Be warned, many areas along the wall are open at one side. Children and elderly, not to mention those who value life and limb will find it a bit daunting - take care and keep an eye on the children at all times.

If traveling in the UK, then the best way to get to York is by rail. York Station is convenient for the whole city. A first search on the internet will throw up some frightening prices but don't give up. Try National Express East Coast. Book a little in advance and you’ll think there is a mistake in the price you are offered. With a family you can book a seat with a table and have a little more comfort for reading and eating. These trains also serve hot food and drinks at reasonable cost and even have power points at the seats where the kids can hook up their DVD players or game consoles. Don't forget to take earphones or you'll have a lot of angry passengers for your trip.

Take a camera, get the York Pass and don’t over-crowd your time with too many museum and attraction visits. Leave time to enjoy the city, have a carefree coffee and find those serendipitous places that make your trip so special.

www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/
www.yorkpass.com/discountattractions.html
www.visityork.org/

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York is one of the finest towns I have visited in England and Europe, and I've been travelling around Europe for 35 years now.

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