Out and About

Designer Outlet,York

Located on the outskirts of York, this compact but well appointed Outlet Retail Mall is a pleasant oasis of guilt-free shopping, as the literature would have you believe. Containing over 70 outlet versions of high street and boutique names, the mall is different from the usual out of town centres crammed full of the same shops that already exist in your own town. Here you can find the usual shopping centre suspects: Next Clearance, M&S Outlet and also the more bespoke: Armani collections, Osprey, Karen Millen, and many other names that make my wife's eyes light up.
Visit www.yorkdesigneroutlet.com

Jorvik Viking Centre

In historic York, the past is all around you. Only at the Jorvik Viking centre is the spirit of the Vikings held captive for all time. At the world famous Jorvik centre you'll embark upon a journey of discovery, deep below the streets of York. On this very site, archaeologists uncovered what Viking life was really like. Now you can see where the Vikings lived and traded when Erik Bloodaxe was King.

Info Hotline (24 hours): 01904 643211
Advanced Booking: 01904 543403
Website: www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk

Jeff Metcalfe Fly Fishing Instruction, Osgoodby Lake, near Balk

Osgoodby Lake can be found just outside Balk on the road to Kilburn. Coaching is available by the hour, half day or full day and all ages are catered for with the equipment being provided. The lake is also available for general Fly Fishing.

Coaching enquiries: Jeff Metcalfe 01347 838794
General fishing enquiries: Allen Fawcett 01845 597601
Website: www.tek2flyfishing.co.uk

Eden Camp

Malton - A visit to Eden Camp will transport you back to wartime Britain. You will experience the sights, the sounds, even the smells of those dangerous years. This is no ordinary Museum - Not another Military Museum - Not a glass showcase Museum - We have reconstructed scenes using movement, lighting, sound, smells even smoke machines to transport you back in time, to make you feel that you are there taking part in history.

10am to 5pm, try to arrive before 2pm
Tel: 01653 697777
Website: www.edencamp.co.uk

Black Sheep Brewery

Ripon - Situated at the gateway to Wensleydale, Masham in North Yorkshire is the home of the Black Sheep Brewery. Black Sheep Ales are rich in flavour, long on finish, deeply satisfying and are worth the visit alone. You will soon discover however, that there is a lot more to this independent, traditional brewer of fine Yorkshire Ales.

Tel: 01765 680100
Website: www.blacksheep.co.uk

The World of James Herriot

Thirsk - This £1.4 million development combines history, humour, nostalgia, science and education in a unique tribute to Alf Wight, the author of the James Herriot novels. Situated in the actual 'Skeldale House' at No 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, Hambleton district council's millennium project explores veterinary science, takes visitors on a journey back to the 1940's and even allows you to take part in your own TV series!

Tel: 01845 524234
Website: www.hambleton.gov.uk

Monk Park Animal Centre

Enjoy a visit to a working farm with modern and rare breeds. Indoor and outdoor viewing and feeding areas.
Tel: 01845 597730

Bladnoch Distillery

Scotlands' most southern distillery at Bladnoch. Take a tour and sample the fine lowland malt whisky produced here. Visit http://www.bladnoch.co.uk

Wigtown

Wigtown - Scotlands' National Book Town. A must for book lovers.
Visit http://www.wigtown-booktown.co.uk

Monreith Animal World

Happy animals in natural surroundings. Visit http://www.monreithanimalworld.zoomshare.com

Swallow Theatre

A small intimate theatre converted from a former barn. Visit http://www.swallowthatre.com

Whithorn

The birth place of Christianity in Scotland. Visit http://www.whithorn.com

Logan Fish Pond

An historic and unique tidal pool, a geologiocal feature formed during the last ice age.
Visit http://www.loganfishpond.co.uk

World famous Blacksmith Shop at Gretna

The home of runaway marriages since 1753. Visit http://www.gretnagreen.com

Dumfries Museums and Galleries

Museums and Galleries in Dumfries & Galloway. Visit http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums

Kirroughtree Forest cycling

Cycling in the Kirroughtree forest, part of the 7 stanes. Visit http://www.7stanes.gov.uk

Wigtown Off Road Driving Centre

4 x 4 driving with qualified instruction using a Landrover Discovery.
Visit http://www.wigtownoffroad.co.uk

Nature reserves

Bishop Monkton railway cutting

The reserve is part of the former London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), Harrogate to Ripon Line, closed in 1967, running through the Magnesian Limestone belt. It lies north-east to south-west on the Middle Marl of the Permian. Visit www.ywt.org.uk/nature_reserves.php?id=7

Bolton on Swale Lake

The 10.9 hectare lake is one of the few expanses of open water in this part of North Yorkshire and is consequently of great importance for wildfowl and wading birds. Great crested grebe, little grebe, shoveler and little ringed plover have bred along with oystercatcher, yellow wagtail and corn bunting in the surrounding area. Visit www.ywt.org.uk/nature_reserves.php?id=8

Upper Dunsforth Carr

This reserve of around 12 hectares, is a prime example of the type of marginal land that once would have been widespread in lowland Yorkshire. The reserve supports a wide variety of habitats including an excellent example of haymeadow, fen-meadow, hedgerows and wet alder carr.
Visit www.ywt.org.uk/nature_reserves.php?id=64

Ripon Loop

The reserve contains a mosaic of habitats including running water, riverbanks, shingle shoals, scrub, woodland, marsh, natural ponds and pasture. Associated with these varied habitats are large numbers of plant species. Wetland species include marsh cinquefoil and narrow buckler fern. Visit www.ywt.org.uk/nature_reserves.php?id=44