We love a day out to York, but our plans were nearly thwarted due to the frequency and prices of the trains. With a bit of forward planning it was actually cheaper to stay the night at the Travelodge in the city centre and travel back the following day. This gave us plenty of time to have a leisurely stroll around this beautiful old city with its ancient walls and buildings steeped in history. It was a short walk from the station crossing the bridge over the innocuous-looking River Ouse. (In winter it is prone to flooding.)
The Travelodge may be cheap, but that does not mean you have a second class stay. It is situated on the banks of York’s other river – the Foss. From the hotel we had a view of Raindale Mill, which is in the grounds of York Castle Museum. Looking at the Mill you could be forgiven in thinking that the building has always been in that spot. In fact this Victorian building was brought to York in the 1960s from the North York Moors. It has a working waterwheel and is surrounded by a cottage garden.
The time-worn streets have independent shops and the Shambles Market which were perfect for browsing for gifts. There are plenty of places to stop for a cuppa and a snack. In the evening we booked a table at the Old White Swan in Goodramgate. They sat us at a table by the lovely old fireplace. As well as cask ales, which we had been missing for months, there was a great menu. I had game pie, which you don’t eat every day.
We have been to York several times before, so have seen most of the sights previously like the Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre, the Roman walls, Clifford’s Tower, York Dungeon and the National Railway Museum. I recommend a stay in this city when things return again to normal.
