York is ideally placed for visiting the surrounding area.

If you like a day at the races, York has one of the most beautiful race courses in the UK. To find out about York's many race meetings throughout the year, visit the York Racecourse website.

If you're the outdoor type, use York as your base to visit the Yorkshire Dales, and James Herriot country, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Wolds, all within easy reach of the City. For example, just 15 miles away is the National Waterlily Collection at Burnby Hall Gardens, Pocklington (below).

Take a day trip to Scarborough or Whitby, home of Captain James Cook. The beauty of the Yorkshire coastline, with former fishing and smuggling villages, is spectacular.

Visit the spa town of Harrogate, or spend a day shopping at Leeds with its famous Victorian arcades.

If you still haven't had your fill of the historic past, visit one of the medieval abbeys, or Castle Howard, one of the many stately homes. Or try the Air Museum at Easingwold.

The York Tourism Bureau and tourist offices around the city have further information.

Links to York and nearby attractions.