Post by postscript on Jun 15, 2009 13:23:55 GMT
Hi everyone. I found I had several things to say which, while related to my main purpose would technically have gone off topic. I was then going to create a new thread which would have ended up as a one post thread. I didn’t think this helpful, so then I thought of this title, where I cover my immediate need but there is opportunity for it to develop.
Simply, I was in York last weekend for which there may be photographs later, when I get round to mastering video editing techniques. My purpose was that I had an expensive ticket in support of the national muscular dystrophy charity which gave me the opportunity of meeting both Katherine Jenkins and Faryl Smith.
It occurred to me that we in the UK might give some thought to those travelling some distances who might want to stay over a couple of extra days and while they can glean much from googling, they might find a personal visit report helpful in making their best choices of opportunities.
Therefore, were Hayley ever to be in York or at a venue near York I will regale my recent weekend.
York Minster is definitely a must with a not over-long nave, as the choir area takes up quite a chunk of the East end. The stained glass windows are magnificent. Immediately around the Minster is much of historical interest just to wander around in peace and quiet, including the Shambles (very busy) for which York is principally known.
Assuming it is a pleasant summer’s day, wandering the whole of the city, including walking along its walls—one of the few cities in the UK where you can do that round most of the city will take a full day, with plenty of eating opportunities for lunch and dinner on the way. Separate occasions would be to allow a couple of hours at the Viking centre but on tourist popular days this can be quite a queue so you need to do a recce to assess the situation and perhaps try again another time.
If you are interested in steam trains or the wider ‘History of Transport’, you could spend an easy day wandering the National Rail Museum, just by the station. Plan lunch OUT of the obvious period, otherwise a couple of hours before and after would serve most people, or there are facilities for eating your own packed lunch, cheaply available from M&S rather than hotel packed, although that needs planning as it is not close by. I also discovered my authority for claiming a train’s yellow livery was called green in a previous post elsewhere because a company director was colour-blind—I’ll PM Grant when I’ve edited my video where the details are recorded (I hope).
A gentle walk along the river would be a half-a-day or you could take a boat to a riverside inn, perhaps combining the two. Depending upon your interest in history, you can add to your day by visiting several ancient buildings. You need to make a note of these and be prepared to come back specifically as you won’t be able to fit in details if you want to cover the city as a complete unit.
York has a diverse modern shopping facility all close to one another and part of the historical ‘walk about’. On the top floor of M&S there is a magnificent elevated view of the Minster, with an old pier telescope if you haven’t got a camera.
The Grand Opera House does not look much of a building (in fact `I thought it was closed down) but I suspect its interior is either original or refurbished. There is a city map available for only a pound from odd machines dotted around which I recommend as it is in 3D and is very useful in wandering, although I still managed to get lost!
If you need to visit York for a specific purpose then it is certainly worth making it an extended break. If you have a car driving to the east coast would be a good day out, over the hills and for the seascape. If not car bound, such a visit would be possible on a train trip for the day.
Mind you, it does all depend on the weather. I left London in June and woke up in York in March! It can be bitterly blowy.
Peter S.
