York Guides

The plan – Investing in Yorkshire's Heritage – says better understanding of what Yorkshire has to offer and the benefits it can bring to the region's economy would help to foster prosperity.
The region's rich historic assets include medieval buildings such as the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, in York, great country houses and estates such as Castle Howard and National Parks.
Tourism already generates £1.2bn a year, brings in nine million visitors and supports 35,000 jobs – but authors of the report say there still remains much untapped potential.
Key figures from the heritage sector have worked together to identify projects that need cash and pinpoint ways of attracting more money.
Investment priorities over the next five years include:
n Effective management of Thornborough Henges, near Ripon, a sacred landscape cherished by Neolithic man 5,500 years ago and exploring the potential for sustainable tourism
n Examining conservation areas under development pressure in Leeds, Malton and Norton and the vales of York and Mowbray
n Restoration of key sites including Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds, and the Royal Hall, Harrogate. Kirkstall Abbey is currently being restored and cash has already been secured to rejuvenate the Royal Hall – but more still needs to be found.
The report also highlights the need to train more skilled craftsmen; better market existing attractions and focus restoration grants on grade I and grade II* buildings, especially those in private ownership, industrial buildings and those under threat from development pressure.
The plan has been produced by the Yorkshire Historic Environment Forum (YHEF), which is made up of 19 organisations including English Heritage, The National Trust, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Yorkshire Forward.
David Fraser, chairman of YHEF, said: "We are fortunate in Yorkshire and the Humber to have such a rich historic environment, from high-quality streetscapes to mills, workshops, stately homes and opulent parks.
"But we think this priceless asset can carry more clout and have a greater impact on improving the quality of life.
"A well cared-for historic environment makes the region a more attractive place for inward investment, provides sustainable housing and office accommodation, earns tourist revenue and provides a tangible sense of who we are in Yorkshire."
Those behind the report argue that tapping into the potential of the region's heritage will boost the economy and improve the quality of life of people and help foster civic pride in where they live.