York England

Travelled:117km

Visited/Stay: York - day time only, parking free at P&R at Designer Outlet, bus £3.20pp return. Overnight free parking next to race course N53.9440 W1.0949

We had a bit of a drive this morning but arrived at the Designer Outlet P&R huge car park after 9am, had breakfast, caught the bus (20mins ride) and we’re in the town center an hour later.

 We noticed straight away that this town attracts a lot of tourists. It has many layers of history with the Romans’ building a capital of the northern province in 71AD. Constantine was made emperor here in 306.

 When the Romans left, the Saxons turned into a Christian stronghold. Then the Vikings came in 867 and made it one of Europe’s chief trading base. Between 1100 and 1500 it was England’s second city. As we hopped off the bus Cliffords Tower loomed over us, where William the Conqueror’s originally stood. This one was built back in the 13th century. 

 We then walked up to The Shambles, which is an historic street that once was home to butcher shops. Now the 14th Century narrow cobbled streets are lined with overhanging timber-framed buildings selling all matters of things, even Harry Potter ‘The Shop that must not be named’. 

We managed to find a pie shop and had a taste. 

We then popped in to have a look at the quaint Holy Trinity Church which was tucked in behind the buildings with some interesting elements including the rare 17th Century box pews and the hagioscope - an angled window built in chapel wall so the chantry priest (in a small chapel attached to main church) could synchronise mass with priest at the high altar. 

There are 18 medieval churches scattered around the city with the highlight being the minster which is the largest medieval Gothic cathedral north of the Alps. The version we see today took 250 years to build from 1220. 

We then went to visit the Treasurer’s House (a National Trust property £8.70pp). It was formerly the home of Frank Green, bought in 1897 and was then renovated with plenty of interesting features, art and antiques. When he donated the property to the Trust he had marked on the floor where he wanted each piece of furniture to be placed. 

Having worked up a thirst we were recommended the Starre Inn, York’s oldest. Mark enjoyed another pint of Ale and I had a half of cider. 

As we strolled along we couldn’t believe we spotted our favourite Christmas Shop!  so we couldn’t help ourselves and took a peek. It’s the only one in the country! But alas we didn’t get tempted.... 

as we made our way towards the worlds largest Railway museum the rain began, so we took our time wondering around three huge sheds filled with train engines, carriages and other exhibits, including Queen Victoria’s Royal carriages. 

By 5:30pm the rain was falling in earnest as we made our way back through York Station to catch the P&R bus back to Bluey. As no overnight staying is allowed here we checked out P4N and decided not to venture too far and went to a spot next to the race course.