London, Edinburgh, York: one woman – one hell of a journey

Last year, I decided enough was enough – it was time to see some more of this country
that has become my new home.
 Deciding to visit Edinburgh and York, kicking things off in London of course, I was blown away by what I discovered.

Deciding to journey by train rather than putting myself through the torture of a lengthy car journey, it was East Coast Trains who helped me get started. Setting out from one of my favourite rail stations – London’s King Cross – I was immediately struck by the affordability

of the tickets.

You’d be hard-pressed to fill up a car’s petrol tank on this amount and the fact I could sit
back and enjoy the view without worrying about other drivers was an obvious advantage.
What’s even better is most train stations are centrally located – putting you within easy

reach of all the attractions you want to see.

Historical York:

Arriving in York, the first thing I was struck by was the historical significance of the city
although considering it was founded by the Romans in 71AD, it’s hardly surprising. When I wasn’t marvelling at the impressive York Minster – Europe’s biggest Gothic cathedral – I was getting to know the friendly locals who had plenty to teach me and making a trip round the numerous shoe stores.

A similar story was told when I got to Edinburgh. Proving that we Brits are as diverse as

any other nation, the Scottish capital was bursting with life and Edinburgh is definitely a

place I could visit again and again. From the majestic castle to the strong associations with

literature, music, fine dining and entertainment – it’s certainly a city with a lot to offer.

Once again, locals were on hand to show me that there was more to this city than just impressive buildings and varied attractions. Whether it was sharing a drink or having a quick

chat, I learnt a lot from my trip and was a little disheartened to be returning home so soon.

  

Of course, all great journeys must come to an end and touching back down in the beautiful English capital I couldn’t wait to share my experiences. With London remaining one of the main transport hubs in our country, my newfound love of exploring this country of ours is unlikely to end here – all I need to decide now is where I want to set my sights next!

A Day Trip to York

Continuing with our wee break from the Olympics to do a bit of local sightseeing, today I'm taking you on a trip out of London. We're going to York. Catch a train from Kings Cross station and within two and a half hours you will be in the ancient and beautiful city of York.

York's history began with the Romans who arrived in 71AD and formed the city of Eboracum. The city was very desirable even back then, as testified by the various invasions over the following centuries. The Anglo-Saxons, the Vikings and the Normans, each of the invaders bringing their own traditions and cultures, making York the unique city it is today.

The city is dominated by the Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe. Built between 1291 and 1350 it replaced the original Norman Cathedral that burnt down. The Archbishop of York holds the second highest position in the Church f England (since the time of Henry VIII when C of E was established the order has always been the ruling Monarch, Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop of York).


There are simply loads of important people buried here, plus there is a resident ghost, supposedly an organist who fell to his death while cleaning the organ valves.

Eating and shopping are always high on my list wherever I visit. Last year York was voted the 5th best place in Europe for gourmet food and wine - a foodies paradise. As for shopping, these are the kind of stores you get lost in for hours. I loved the street called "the Shambles". Back in medieval times it was a street of butcher shops. The narrowness of the street and the medieval houses that get larger as they get higher (in a bid to avoid 'ground' taxes) meant that these streets were rather shady and thus popular with the butchers. Imagine though all those carcasses hanging in the outdoors. Yes, flies and rats come to mind. Stay with that image. The locals of the time did. Hence why when they saw anything unpleasant they'd say "yuk, its a shambles".

You can always rely on me to find you a gem that is not in the brochure. Eight hundred years ago York elected their first Lord Mayor. So it's party time now to commemorate. One of the celebrations is the festival of the rivers which was to take place in July, however due to the unusually wet weather this festival was postponed. But as we now have a good summer again the festival will now take place on 26 August. I've already given you enough good reasons to go. Now is the perfect time.

If you need any help with your stay in York just go to the national trust Visit England site.