Wuthering Delights, Fun and Games

This picturesque 9 hole golf course can be found in East Gilling which is 20 miles north east of York. Although the club lacks club house amenties at the moment, nearby pub "The Fairfax Arms" offers great hospitality.

The home of Brideshead Revisited... This wonderful series, and now lavish film production, was filmed on location at Castle Howard just over 10 miles south of Helmsley.  This quintessentially English tale of forbidden love and loss of innocence set pre WW11 has the perfect backdrop in this magnificent house and gardens.  It is such a magical place – take some time to drift around the grounds and play at being Lord of the manor for an afternoon.

Duncombe Park is undoubtably one of Yorkshire's most beautiful historic houses and estates.  There are elegant rooms and stunning gardens and many miles of walks in beauiful parkland. The house, gardens, parkland centre, tearooms and gift shops are open from 12th April to 25th October 2009. Each year they host many outdoor events such as Steam Fairs and Craft Shows, all of which are listed on their website.

Horse riding is the perfect way to see the diverse landscape and plentiful wildlife of the North Yorkshire moors. Possibly the oldest riding school in the country, Helmsley Riding School is managed by Anthony Barber, who is the fourth generation manager at the school. You do not need to be an expert on horse back but some experience is needed as they do not take first time riders.

Muddy Bums is a mountain biking website set up by Tony Harker, published author of North Yorkshire Moors Mountain Biking , Moorland Trails. His website is a source of information for the cross country mountain biker to explore the hills and dales of the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. 

Running along one of the most scenic railways in the country, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is an absolute delight. Although it can be busy with tourists and anoraks alike, experiencing the grandeur of rail travel from yesteryear over a bottle of something nice is undeniably appealing.  Sit back and enjoy as the old fashioned carriages draw you lazily through this stunning landscape, huffing and puffing steam and smoke along the way.

York is one of the premier race tracks in Europe and has recently won the Flat Racecourse of the year award.  It also has award winning modern grandstands, stunning listed buildings and beautifully manicured lawns.  Whether you are a serious about racing, love horses or just enjoy having a good day out with friends, York racecourse has it all.

For all you adrenalin junkies.... You can tackle rough terrain on a 4x4 off road driving day or take on the challenge on a quad bike.  They also offer shooting clays with high-powered shot guns and can accommodate individuals or large groups. Book via the Gorgeous Weekend concierge for a 10% discount.