One of the reasons we moved to London was that it enabled us to travel to nearby European cities on weekends instead of taking a massive European holiday. We have been truly inspired by the Travel Man, Richard Ayoade. Richard hosts a TV show that take him and a guest to a city travelable from London for 48 hours. He maximises some of the world’s most popular destinations in a bite size time frame by fitting as much of the city into 48 hours i.e. a weekend. We love his catch phrase – “We’re here but should we have come!” and have been pronouncing it every time we land in a city just like he does in his show.
York
York is a walled city in northeast England that was founded by the ancient Romans. It is rich in history from the ancient romans to vikings with many of the artefacts still visible to this day. The roads lead to the grand cathedral (York Minster) and is the largest cathedral in northern Europe. Today it boasts boutique shops, eateries and the a famous Harry potter Diagon Alley.
Things to See and do
- York Minster
- York city walls
- Free walking tours
- St Marys Abbey
- Shambles Market
- Monk Bar
The different walls that were built around York over its history.
People walking along the outside of the city walls.
What remains of the St Mary’s Abbey.
There’s a time capsule here! Find the cross keys on the floor.
Monk bar
Ice cream being made fresh at the Shambles Markets!
One of the first brick homes.
Diagon Alley if you’re a Harry Potter fan. Harry Potter wands stores are dotted around this street.
Foods you just have to try
Goji Cafe Vegetarian Cafe & Deli
We stopped by this Cafe during our Free Walking Tour and were attracted by the vegan scones. Although it is a vegetarian Cafe & Deli, most of their menu is vegan or can be made vegan. We had a mushroom burger and a quiche with a side of salad. It was delicious!
Mushroom burger with sweet potato.
Vegan quiche with butter bean salad
Vegan cream tea with strawberry fruit scone.
Transport
York is easy to access from London. We took a LNER train north and arrived in York in about 2 hours. In navigating the city, it is very manageable of foot and we did all our exploring on two feet.
Accomodation
As this was a day trip we did not have any accomodation booked.
Finally – “We’re here but should we have come?”
The good:
- Well preserved history – being able to walk on sections of the wall was interesting!
- Free walking tour was very informative and history focused
- Vegan scones and cream tea was a treat!
- Lots of boutiques stores
The bad:
- Didn’t stay long enough!
Total Cost Breakdown: £79.39
Transport: £58.00
Accommodation: £0
Food & Drinks: £21.39
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