In the unlikely event you should ever want to leave York try:
1. The Beach at Filey:
great for sandcastles and paddling for the brave.
2. Seaside entertainments at Scarborough:
okay so it’s a less nice beach than Filey but the seaside entertainments are much better and there are always the Castle and the cliffs if you fancy a walk. About an hour along the A64.
3. Ideal rural village at Hutton-le-Hole:
gateway to the moors and a beautiful village with lovely pubs, although mind the sheep in the middle of the road.
4. The ultimate country house, Castle Howard:
keep an eye out for fireworks spectaculars, concerts etc. 25 mins from York, follow signs from the A64 to Scarborough.
5. The North Yorkshire Steam Railway:
18 miles across the Yorkshire moor from Pickering (A64 and A169).
6. Fountains Abbey: Tranquil world heritage site with abbey ruin and deer park on the edge of the dales. Leave by the A59 and follow signs for Ripon.
7. Shopping in Leeds:A City transformed. 40 minutes on the train for some of the hippest shopping north of Chelsea.
8. A walk on the moors:
Head for Helmsley, Pickering or Rosedale Abbey for some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain.
9. Beverley:
a country village version of York with charming old shops, coffee houses and even its own Minister and Bars (as in City gates as opposed to pubs).