This series will cover a range of UK-based trips that are relatively easy to take from London.
While I love travelling (obviously - it is the basis of this blog) and can live out of a suitcase for weeks on end, I also enjoy having my home comforts around me embarking on a day trip strikes the perfect balance: the excitement of discovering a new city, but the familiarity of returning home - plus the convenience of not needing to drag a suitcase or hold all about. I’ve been known to do day trips to the likes of Paris and Brussels, but this time we’ll focus on a city a little closer to home: York.
Around a two-hour direct journey from Kings Cross (not unlike Paris or Brussels actually, lol), York offers historical landmarks, delightful afternoon teas and a plethora of Harry Potter stores. If you decide to take a trip for the day, here are some top tips, so you can make the most of your time:
Arrive early
I chose to get one of the earliest trains to really maximise my time. One of the first places I visited was the famous Shambles, which had barely another human strolling down its cobblestones at that time of the morning. I was able to admire the 14th-century, sloping buildings without having to dodge other tourists; the same could not be said for a few hours later!
The Shambles - a few hours’ later!
Strap on your trainers
The city is relatively small - well, for a Londoner, anyway - so you may opt to explore on foot. A stroll along the city walls is a must do while you’re here. York has been a walled city since roughly 71 AD, and while the ones you’ll walk are a little more recent, they’re still pretty old: we’re talking 12th to 14th century. You’ll get views of the whole city, and pass through both old and newer areas.
City wall strolls
Clifford’s Tower is another spot that should be on your walking list. Now, don’t be decieved by the car park it finds itself in today; it is one of the city’s most iconic historical structures. Also known as York Castle, the building sits atop a steep hill, but you won’t need your hiking boots as there are stairs straight up - 55 of ‘em.
Clifford’s Tower/York Castle
A trip to York would be incomplete without a stop at York Minster, and it appeared to be even more beautiful than I’d seen in photos. Once you’re done admiring its exterior (and taking a peep inside if you wish, although we didn’t at the time), make a beeline for the quaint book shop nearby. Although I didn’t buy anything, I loved the narrow staircase and admiring the collection. It felt like I’d stepped into someone’s home.
Grab yourself an afternoon tea
You cannot go to York without visiting Bettys Tea Room. We visited York in November, so although we didn’t have a booking, we were able to get a table at Bettys Stonegate Shop, the smaller outpost around the corner from York’s flagship outpost, after a little wait. The cakes, scones and sandwiches were delicious and the service was fabulous.
Plan your return visit
While a day trip is definitely enough to get a taste of York and see many of its landmarks, a return trip, or a longer trip, is definitely needed if you’d like to explore the surrounding area or museums in detail. If I were to return, I’d probably stay the night and visit the nearby Yorkshire Dales to get a country fix, alongside my city exploration. Heathcliff, Cathy, wuu2?