34 Or More Ideas For Fun-Packed Days

So much to do, so little time! The only answer is to come back more often and discover all this great location has to offer.

Ghost Hunt of York.

Telephone number: 01904 608700

At the stroke of half past seven the Victorian guide in his frock coat, cape and top hat manifests at the bottom of Shambles, England's most famous medieval street. Ringing his death bell he gathers the awaiting ghost hunters and leads on to York's darker side. It is a journey that takes your emotions from horror to hilarity. The Ghost Hunt presents classic York ghost stories in a captivating style, from a guide with a predilection for fun and entertainment. No need to book.

York Minster, York.

Telephone number: 01904 345155

York Minster is one of the largest Cathedrals in Northern Europe. It was built between 1220 and 1472 and is in the Gothic style with tall arched windows and many intricate carvings.

The Jorvik Viking Centre, York.

Telephone number: 01904 543403

Explore York's Viking history on the very site where archaeologists uncovered remains of the Viking-Age City of 'Jorvik' in the late 1970's. Discover what life was like over 1000 years ago, journey through a reconstruction of actual Viking-Age streets, get face-to-face with our resident Vikings and see over 800 artefacts found on the site.

Castle Howard, York.

Telephone number: 01653 648333

An 18th Century Historic House with breathtaking parkland featuring temples, lakes and fountains and walled rose gardens. The superb House is overlooking the lake and now has additional attractions: outdoor 'new perspective tours', come face to face with an historical character from Castle Howard's rich past and discover what life was really like in the 1850's. Alternatively watch as the team of archaeologists unearth the lost medieval village of Henderskelfe. Additional features also include cafeterias, craft and gift shops, plant centre, adventure playground. For further details see website  

York Dungeons, York.

Telephone number: 01904 632599

The York Dungeon invites you to a unique feast of fun with history's horrible bits. Live actors, shows and special effects transport you back to those black, bleak times. Are you brave enough to delve into the darkest chapters of history? You know you'll love it! The Plague Doctor will see you now takes you back to the 14th century, and the terrifying Bubonic Plague has finally reached York. Will you escape the deadly disease or run out screaming?

National Railway Museum, York.

Telephone number: 01904 686286

Discover the world of the train at the world's largest railway museum, home to the famous Flying Scotsman. With free admission, the museum mixes fascination and education with hours of fun. Explore three enormous galleries, interactive exhibits and special daily events.

York Castle Museum, York.

Telephone number: 01904 687687

The Castle Museum brings over 400 years of history back to life in its award winning exhibitions and displays. You'll discover a unique combination of everyday life and extraordinary objects. You can wander through cobbled streets, see a grand array of historic costumes, view the toys that children used to treasure and go shopping the Victorian way.

York Art Gallery

Telephone number: 01904 687687

Experience the world through oil and canvas, watercolours and ceramics. Walk through galleries spanning six hundred years, from the time of the Wars of the Roses right up to the present day. Only three minutes' walk from York Minster, York Art Gallery displays a mixture of nationally and internationally acclaimed works of art. With an innovative programme of supporting events, talks and tours, there is always something new to experience.

York City Sightseeing.

Telephone number: 01904 655585

City Sightseeing bus tours daily throughout the year (except 24th - 26th December). The tour takes 45 minutes - 1 hour and takes in the main sights and attractions of the city.

York Boat, York.

Telephone number: 01904 628324

YorkBoat Guided River Trips operate every day from February - November giving you the opportunity to see the sights of York in comfort whatever the weather. See for yourself where Saxons fought Vikings in 1066, where monks entertained their guests and witches were ducked in the Middle Ages. Sit on the top deck or retreat to the warmth of the bar and lounge. You can board the boat at either King's Staith, or Lendal Bridge landings. The Captain gives a live commentary throughout this 1 hour cruise.

Clifford's Tower, York.

Telephone number: 01904 646940

Clifford's Tower, an unusual four-lobed keep built in the 13th century atop the mound of William's larger fortress, is now the principal surviving stonework remnant of York's medieval castle. The sweeping views of the city from the tower still show why it played such an important part in controlling northern England. On summer weekends a costumed interpreter brings to life key events in the history of York and the Tower.

Fairfax House, Castlegate, York.

Telephone number: 01904 655543

Fairfax House is one of the finest eighteenth-century townhouses in England and is home of the famous Noel Terry collection of Georgian furniture. One of its uses over the years has been as a cinema and dance hall, however it has been superbly restored and re-created to its former glory.

Friargate Museum, Lower Friargate, York.

Telephone number: 01904 658775

History is brought to life by over 70 waxwork figures, this fascinating museum is a great family attraction.

Kirkham Priory, Kirkham, York.

Telephone number: 01653 618768

Set in a peaceful and secluded valley by the River Derwent, the ruins of this Augustinian priory include a magnificent carved gatehouse, declaring to the world the Priory's association with the rich and powerful. However, the site also has more modern associations including a secret visit by the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill during the Second World War.

Sutton Park, Sutton-on-the-Forest, York.

Telephone number: 01347 810249

The Yorkshire home of Sir Reginald and Lady Sheffield. The House is a fine example of early Georgian architecture overlooking beautiful parkland. Frequent winner of Yorkshire in Bloom the gardens attract visitors from home and abroad. Tearoom serving delicious home-baked fayre. Open Easter - September.

ARC Archeological Resource Centre, St Saviour's Church, York.

Telephone number: 01904 543403

This is no ordinary museum, although it does have genuine Viking-Age artefacts and pottery, it sets out to improve the public's understanding of how archaeologists convert the evidence they find on digs into real knowledge of the past. This is a hands-on experience for all ages. Try your hand at sorting and dating authentic finds.

York Brewery Tour, Micklegate, York.

Telephone number: 01904 621162

Established in 1996 within the City Walls, York Brewery is both a tourist attraction and a working brewery.  A gallery has been constructed around the brewhouse, providing an excellent viewing platform, with viewing panels into both the fermenting and conditioning rooms.The Visitor Centre includes a bar (capacity 100 persons) and retail shop where various brewery merchandise can be purchased including York Brewery home brew kits, and the 5 different bottle brands brewed by the brewery.

York Model Railway, York Station, York.

Telephone number: 01904 630169

York Model Railway is located just at the side of York Station, at the entrance to the short-term car park. Everything here is in miniature and a delight for children and adults too. The miniature trains run continuously and include the Royal Train with the Royal Crest on every carriage, the InterCity 125 and the superb Orient Express. There is even a Thomas the Tank Engine, which the children will take great pleasure in operating themselves.

Yorkshire Museum & Gardens, York.

Telephone number: 01904 687687

Discover some of the world's greatest and most beautiful archaeological finds.This unique Museum is set in a unique location - 10 acres of wonderful botanical gardens. Wander through them and you will find the stunning ruins of St Mary's Abbey, the splendid 14th century Hospitium and wonderfully preserved section of York's Roman fortress.

Merchant Adventurers' Hall, Fossgate, York.

Telephone number: 01904 654818

The Merchant Adventurers' Hall, York was built between 1357 & 1361 and is the finest building of its date and type in Europe.  Visitors to the Hall will marvel at the splendour of the Great Hall where business was conducted, courts were held and social events were attended. What's more, on visiting the Hall's Undercroft they will learn all about medieval hospitals and by viewing the Chapel they can come to understand more about the religious practices of the time.

The World of James Herriott, Thirsk, York.

Telephone number: 01845 524234

This undercover attraction provides a unique tribute to the author James Herriot. Situated in the original 'Skeldale House' and surgery at No. 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, where Alf Wight, the author of the James Herriot books lived and worked. The house has been faithfully restored to depict the 1940s. See the rooms featured in the books, learn how the TV series 'All Creatures Great and Small' was made, and discover more about farm animals and the history of life as a vet.

Ryedale Folk Museum, Hutton le Hole, York.

Telephone number: 01751 417367

Yorkshire's leading open air museum, featuring 13 historic buildings depicting the lives of ordinary North Yorkshire folk from earliest times to the present day. Set in 3 acres, many of the buildings have been rescued and restored. It's very much a 'hands-on' museum, and visitors get the opportunity to learn some of the traditions of the past.

Stillingfleet Lodge Garden and Nursery.

Telephone number: 01904 728506

Garden packed with interesting plants and foliage. Wildflower walk leading to natural pond. Long herbaceous borders and cottage garden planting round the farmhouse. National collection of Pulmonaria. Adjacent plant nursery. Opening times:

May - September on Wednesday and Friday 1.00pm - 4.00pm.

The Spa Town of Harrogate.

Telephone number (Harrogate Tourist Information Centre): 01423 537300

Harrogate is a vibrant town combining graceful architecture with beautiful parks and gardens, superb shops and restaurants and a thriving conference and exhibition industry.

Harewood House, Leeds.

Telephone number: 0113 2181010

Harewood House, home to the Queen's cousin, the Earl of Harewood, provides a wonderful day out for all the family. The House, with its outstanding art collections, splendid State Rooms and fascinating 'Below Stairs' exhibition, is set in spectacular grounds, which include formal gardens and gentle woodland walks.

Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds.

Telephone number: 08700 344344 (24 hour information)

The Royal Armouries Museum is home to the national collection of arms and armour spanning over 3000 years of history from the Dark ages to present day. 8000 exhibits are on permanent display in five themed galleries: War, Tournament, Self Defence, Hunting and Oriental.

Thakray Museum, Leeds.

Telephone number: 0113 2444343

England's Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2004 offers a fantastic family day out, transporting you into a living experience oh health and medicine, past, present and future.

Experience life as a character in the Victorian Slums of 1840 and have fun exploring the human body in the Interactive Bodyworks Gallery.

McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, York.

Telephone number: 01904 682720

For the ultimate shopping experience spend a day at McArthur Glen Designer Outlet in York. Over 115 stores offer up to 50% off recommended retail prices with a choice of designer fashion to home wares and accessories.

Fountains Abbey, Ripon Near Harrogate.

Telephone number: 01765 6088888

In 1132 13 monks came to this secluded valley to start a simpler life. 400 years later, Henry VIII demanded closure of the abbey and the monks said farewell to what are now the most complete Cistercian Abbey ruins in Britain. The Water garden was created by John Aislabie and his son William, turning what was once a wild wooded valley into a spectacular garden. You are able to wander at leisure along footpaths that criss-cross the canal, past elegant ponds and cascades, discover follies hidden high in the valley sides and classical temples sheltered by woodland trees. The Deer Park and Fountains Hall are also within the estate.

RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate.

Telephone number: 01423 565418

The woodland and arboretum are havens for wildlife, whilst the spectacular summer swathe of candelabra primulas along the famous streamside will delight adults and children alike. With scented, herb and foliage themed gardens, extensive vegetable and flower trails, contemporary grasses border and much more, both the keen gardener and those just wanting a relaxing day out, will find Harlow Carr a place of magic and beauty.

Mouseman Visitor Centre, Thirsk.

Telephone number: 01347 869100

The Mouseman Visitor Centre is nestled at the foot of Roulston Scar, home to the magnificent White Horse and Legacy of Robert Thompson, the Mouseman of Kilburn. From a single acorn, to a finished piece of beautifully crafted furniture. One man's work from start to finish. The Centre includes room settings recreating Robert Thompson's own cottage, an audio visual room to delight the senses and an impressive tearoom looking out onto the very oaks that one day will become a classic piece of Robert Thompson furniture.

Mother Shipton's Cave and Petrifying Well, Knaresborough.

Telephone number: 01423 864600

Mother Shipton is England's most famous Prophetess. She was born in a cave beside Knaresborough's mysterious Petrifying Well, delivered as lightning crackled and burned in a violent storm, some 500 years ago. As she grew older, her prophetic visions became known and feared throughout England. She foretold the invasion of the Spanish Armada in 1588 and gave forewarning of the Great Fire of London in 1666. Beside the Cave is the famous Petrifying Well, a unique geological phenomenon. Visitors have come over the years to see cascading water turn everyday objects to stone as if by magic!