(29MAY21) And as Springtime concludes, Me and my housemate went on a trip to York--- One of England’s most beautiful cities in the north. Yorkshire is truly a must-visit place suitable for a staycation sensation with your squad (‘cause they have a good pub life that begins from mid-afternoon to… I don’t know, the wee hours of dawn perhaps? Haha!)
This blog covers a 3-day itinerary from transport, food and to what is expected to see in York. Likewise, this trip has been carried out with observance to the latest COVID restriction policy in the UK.
TRANSPORTATION
We bought our train tickets at Omio and the rate’s somehow pricey because we travelled on a bank holiday weekend. The train is from King’s Cross station via NorthEastern Railway (Let me emphasize that as I've heard stories of missing their ride due to rail confusion). The services by LNER was good except during train transfers; It’s either a hassle of finding your designated coach or to sit in a first-come, first-serve basis. Although they get to sort it out while on drive, you may even be lucky to be seated in First Class for the 2-hr ride! CityMapper works across this city as well so it’s fine to tour on foot and it’s quite easier to navigate the attractions once you’re at the city centre. ^^ We only rode a bus when we went to the outlet store (bus ticket costs 2.50/ride from city center to the outlet)
ACCOMMODATION
We lodged in at Diamond Guest House and I got to say, that they really deserved an 8.5/10 rating from various booking websites. The place boasts its flat-type interior on the outside with a hotel vibe inside.
This is the smallest room that they have which is a deluxe suite, perfect for 4 pax already! They offer hotel amenities and flyers for touring York. Though the location takes about 15min’s walk going to the city centre, the neighborhood is very safe and pretty that you would not realize that long stride at all!
THE TOUR
York is known as the cathedral city filled with ancient city walls and is rich of English viking history. Just like in most British areas, they have beautiful, old-fashioned gothic structures from pubs to shops!
The place is so well-preserved wherein some streets are famous for its spooky location. Only in Yorkshire have I known for offering ghost tours. And I wonder how scary will it be?
They also have a Diagon Alley-inspired outskirt called “The Shambles”. It's another haven for the Potterheads and a good district for buying souvenirs (I highly suggest to purchase them here ^^)
Beware for quite a long queue to this shop! We didn't get to go in until its last minute call in the afternoon.
I swear this street is filled with many pretty shop structures despite how crowded it gets for the whole day. Merely, it's a mix of confectionery and Yorkshire trinkets in each store.
Another of their expertise is glass sculpting! Besides Harry Potter emblems and miscellaneous stuff, the shop is fond of designing cats made up of monthly birthstones
Shambles street extends its busy road its own marketplace for more artsy items.
Don't worry, you won't get lost when you walk along this walled-corridor.
The entire town centre has an extensive city wall which you can walk on top to see more of its picturesque community. Strolling along can lead you to Clifford’s Tower (which unfortunately is underconstruction at that time so I did not take a picture of it anymore), York Castle and Museum (has an entrance fee and it’s a must-go if you’re keen to know more about English Vikings)
and the landmark of all, Yorkminster Cathedral.
This church of England reminds me of Vienna’s St Stephen Cathedral or Westminster Abbey. I’m so in awe for such buildings!
Of course, don’t forget to do some shopping in the middle of sightseeing! Visit York Designer Outlet for very good deals from several popular brands. I guarantee that you won’t leave empty-handed when you get here! Haha
Head on to St. Mary's Abbey for this wonderful park surrounded by ruins. 🖤 People were so enjoying the sun at that moment.
FOOD
2 things: Yorkshire pudding and gin.
It’s a wrap of pulled pork with veg and applesauce. The yorkshire bread can also come as a desert but having it with pork is too savory in my palate. I do not fancy it much.
Whereas for the gin, come to this store near The Shambles and have a free taste of all this flavored alcoholic beverage. We bought the Roman Fruit being the most feminine and ‘berry’ drink among the five. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my first taste of gin there!
And never skip an English vacay without going for an afternoon tea. We had this one at Betty’s Café (specifically after gin-tasting session. Lol). It’s a fair price for having a teapot of Yorkshire tea and a stack of small cakes, sandwiches and scones (my favorite that comes with Cornish cream).
We had our first meal there too before havingsaid that this is a popular posh café in town. Watch out for their daily special menu!
Overall, I had fun with this other round of English staycation. It made me felt really away from the hectic life I had in London---We need a change of scenery once in a while. So I hope I got y’all encouraged to visit this place! What else is there to tour in the UK? I might be going to more soon while I patiently wait for the Schengen borders to open again! Fingers crossed for a bulk of travelling this summer.
‘til then!
