Suggested  6 day tour

Day 1

Discover the splendour of Castle Howard, set in the Howardian Hills. It is a magnificent 18th Century House set in one thousand acres of breathtaking parkland, adorned with rose gardens, lakes and fountains. Enjoy outdoor tours, costumed guides, exhibitions and events. (Allow a half day or full day for visit - 25 minutes drive from York).

Drive cross country to visit the National Trust property of Beningbrough Hall, enjoy the Hall, herbaceous borders, walled garden, parkland and Victorian Laundry. With a wilderness play area, plus shop and restaurant.  

Day 2

Follow the trail of destruction left by World War II with a visit to the award-winning Eden Camp at Malton. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of life during wartime Britain, you will be transported back in time to a series of original huts from a Prisoner of War Camp built in 1942. (Allow half a day).

Move on to the Yorkshire Air Museum at former RAF Elvington. This is one of the largest WWII Bomber Command Stations open to the public. British, French and Canadian aircrews flew to missions on the continent from here. (Allow half a day).

Day 3

York and the surrounding area have some of the most beautiful countryside, parks and landscaped gardens in the UK.

The closest to home is the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens in the Centre of York, situated in 10 acres of beautiful botanical gardens. The Museum Gardens are also where the spectacular ruins of the 11th Century St. Mary's Abbey lie, which offer an oasis of serenity in the heart of York.

One of Yorkshires most relaxing yet inspiring locations - RHS Garden Harlow Carr. The 58 acre garden includes Streamside garden, vegetables, scented herb and foliage gardens, woodland and wildflower meadow.

Day 4

Enjoy a taste of the Yorkshire Dales with a trip over to Harewood House, home to the Queen's cousin, the Earl of Harewood. The House, with its outstanding art collections, splendid State Rooms and fascinating 'Below Stairs' exhibition, is set in spectacular landscaped grounds, which include formal gardens and gentle woodland walks, a Bhutanese Stupa, waterfall and Himalayan Garden.

Stop off in Knaresborough or Harrogate for the afternoon and a spot of retail therapy.....

Day 5

Why not take a take a visit to the tranquil Burnby Hall Gardens in Pocklington to the East of York. Home to the National Collection of Waterlillies, there are over 80 varieties to be spotted in the 2 lakes. The Gardens themselves are maintained to a high standard with fine features such as a walled garden, Victorian bedding area, rock gardens and heather beds.

Stop in the beautiful town of Beverley for lunch and continue onwards and along towards Hull for The Deep. One of the most spectacular aquariums in the world. This award-winning Yorkshire family attraction is home to 40 sharks and over 3,500 fish.

Day 6

Take a trip to the South of the region and head out of the city on the A19, don't miss a chance to stop at the York Designer Outlet for all the labels you love at prices reduced by up to 60%! Over 120 stores. Then head for the fabulous Selby Abbey, an iconic piece of architecture.

To round off the day why not visit Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens, listed in the top 10 cottage gardens in the UK. Sample some homemade tea and cakes at the revamped rustic cafe.......