Round the Walls of York

This is becoming our morning routine, we’ve made changes though with Amy going vegetarian and Simon opting out of some options. Currently would be happy with just weetbix after nearly 2 weeks straight of full English breakfasts. We try and balance it out with muesli or fibre rich cereal and brown toast as well. The great thing is that we save on our daily budget because we never need lunch. 

Getting There

As we’re now driving from place to place where appropriate we’re introducing a new section to our blog called, Getting There. 

Driving in England is a lot like driving back home but there are some subtle differences.

1.       Signs are weird and confusing, do you know what this means?

  neither did I and it’s a little important. It tells drivers to do the National Speed Limit - which also assumes that tourists know what this limit is.

2.       Average roundabouts are about 3 levels of difficulty and complication higher than the weirdest ones I’ve driven back home. 3 lanes of confusion is completely typical.

3.       Highways are the same everywhere but the back roads are a whole other level of terrifying.

4.       Speed cameras, speed cameras everywhere

5.       No one does the speed limit somewhat confusing given point 4.

6.       Diesel is $2.52 a litre so filling up Maddy costs about $165. Never complaining at home again.

7.       Missing a turn can have very serious repercussions, with the roads being narrower the length of the entire car – aint no room for u-turns.

8.       Parking sensors are critical to your sanity and the cars survival.

Day 1

We got up to our usual massive breakfast and jumped into our day by doing our laundry. Yes this is the hard hitting information I know you readers want to know. This provided nearly enough time for us to write the previous blog.

We headed out and found the Botanic Gardens which are home to ruins of a 13^th century monastery that was destroyed in the 15^th century after Henry the 8^th decided he was head of the church and the monastery didn’t agree.

After that we went for an actual walk into town to try and catch the free walking tour. Before it started though we looked at the Newgate markets and the Shambles which are the main streets of old York and some of the most walked streets in Europe. 

The weather was quickly turning and the wind was cutting deep so we headed back to the BnB for extra layers. Suitably equipped we returned the meet point. Prior to starting we bought a ‘large’ hot chocolate each. Failing to realise that this particular chain a large means ‘small bucket the size of Amy’. It was delicious and warmed us up regardless.

Reporting to the free walking tour meet spot we met our guide who was friendly and then mentioned the tour was 6 pounds. With my best confused face on I looked to Amy who asked where the FREE walking tour was and guy to his credit pointed us in the direction and we hustled off. We missed that session so decided to do it tomorrow morning and spend the afternoon exploring and walking the walls of York.

The beauty of historical towns is you continually come across beautiful old buildings just in the middle of town. We love this little gem on the hill. 

Returning to town we explored the snickleways and old town. A snickleway is a Yorkie word for small passageways that lead from one road to an open area. A snickleway is strategic the same as a nightclub entrance, it only takes one big guy to keep the ruffians out. The Shambles or Old Town is super ye olde England with Yorks history going right back to 71AD it’s amongst the oldest places we’ve visited.

The Yorkminster or just Minster is the grandest gothic style cathedral in northern Europe. It has also not been without some form of scaffolding on it somewhere in nearly 100 years. Our guide the next day mentioned in 70 years he’s never seen it completely free of scaffolding. That aside it is very very impressive reaching so high and so wide it was very difficult to photograph from outside of, not to mention we were nearly swept of our feet by the wind. Our guide (day 2) mentioned that it is the windiest place in York and as a child he was literally blown out of his pram here.

 

The scaffolding is almost as impressive as the Minster itself...

Day 2

Arising extra early to get sorted and catch the 10.15 walking tour we ate our not so full English breakfasts and made it in time. Our guides name was Barry the one time Sheriff of York in 2000. An honorary position some the stories he told us made it seem like a pretty good role to land. We will have to look into any available Sherriff roles when we return to Australia.

Barry took us through the history of York over the walk from the Roman establishment of a fort in 71AD right through to war of the roses and York choosing the losing side.

We explored all over York inside some smaller churches, and the impressive residences that people of importance to the Minster enjoy life.

Our guide Barry

After the tour and being whipped by the wind all morning we settled in for a cream tea in a small snickleways establishment. Lovely.

Before setting off for The Lakes District we had one more place to visit. Castle Howard. Built in the 18^th century its not so much a castle like we saw in Warwick but an incredible country palace, it’s really more of a private palace built by an Earl.

The wind at this stage was blowing 90kph gusts. That’s roofing damage territory and was really pushing us around, there were moments where we were running to get inside but even running we could barely move with this wind pushing against us. I’m quite sure English people were enjoying the sight of 2 tourists trying to run, failing miserably and bursting out laughing during their failed attempts of escape.

The “castle” is set on 10,000 acres of highly manicured and planned property including a private forest, lake and English rose garden. There is also an Aztec pyramid and Mausoleum just for show, no purpose, just ‘because im rich and I can.”

The wind was so strong it was blowing the water off the fountain and into the garden sending showers all over the gardens and those trying to see them. Amy was attempting to take some photos and ended up getting completely drenched (thank God for spray jackets) and franticly ran away whilst smart Simon who knew what would happen stayed dry and enjoyed the comedy show Amy just provided. We really do go the extra mile to try and get some good shots.

We tried to hold out but the wind was just incredible so we went inside for a look. In the usual style of such homes the levels of opulence and indulgence in the fittings and design are absurd. This home was the first in England to have the distinctive dome on top such was its grandeur.

Boasting all the usual features such as his and hers bedrooms and a chapel this house is remarkable and worth a visit. Again research on the internet paid off after finding a 2 for 1 voucher and saving $22.

Final Thoughts

Does preservation stifle new development? York is an incredibly historic place with nearly 2000 years background. However we wondered if all the preservation of the past stifles the future leaving a city trapped in its past. 

Lessons Learnt

• Confirm meeting points for walking tours
• Obey the GPS, do not wing it
• Layer up and assume its colder than it looks, be prepared to be knocked off your fee
• Always check for vouchers online for any attraction before paying full price

Xoxo

Simon and Amy