York Guides

Even though the Romans were renowned for cultivating vines wherever their occupying armies went there is no record of them having achieved such a feat on the Yorkshire Coast, despite a thirsty garrison at York.
The Domesday book also contains no record of vines in the area. But now wine buffs could be sizing up a glass of Chateau Scarborough for the 2008 tastings.
It follows a surprising decision – after Yorkshire Water cleared some overgrown allotments between Northstead and Barrowcliff estates – to convert one of them into a vineyard.
Already more than 60 vines – bought from a specialist importer to thrive in cold climates and cultivated from German roots – are in pots ready for planting for the Rainbow Vineyard Project.
Eyebrows might be raised that land usually reserved strictly for fruit, veg, and flowers, is to be used for wine making. But project manager Nick Marshall said while it was a long way from the banks of the Rhine, the land was on a southward facing slope to ensure maximum sunlight.
The spot was quite sheltered, well drained, and the word from a range of experts consulted was they they could be producing more than 100 bottle of Rainbow Vintage a year within three years.
Mr Marshall added: "We did wonder if the Romans or monks made wine here but there are no records of vineyards in Scarborough in the Domesday Book.
"The Romans tended to plant vines wherever they went so we would be surprised if they didn't, especially with the garrison at York – but I think it helps that the climate is a bit warmer now."
Dozens of people have already volunteered to work the group of allotments which also supply fruit and veg to the St Mary's Church Social Action Centre in Scarborough's Old Town. It distributes the food free to the needy at its Rainbow Cafe.
Most of the vines are white grape varieties thought to be likely to fare better in the Scarborough climate. But one red vine will be cultivated as an experiment.
It is not clear what will happen to the wine because The Social Action Centre's articles look likely to prevent commercial wine sales. "But I am certain we will find a good home for it somewhere," Mr Marshall added.
At the moment Yorkshire's sole commercial vineyard is Leventhorpe, at Swillington, near Leeds.
George and Janet Bowden have been growing grapes and making wine since 1986.