November 17, 2013

York, England

York is located in the northeast of England, further up north from London city, closer to the Scottish region. So if you ever travel from Edinburgh in Scotland to London by train or vice versa, you may then consider to put a stop in York!

Well, I’d suggest that a day trip to York will be ideal, depending on your pace. Personally, I find that York may be a simple place to visit, and many would put a stop as York is conveniently linked with the north-south bound railway.

PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN YORK

York Shambles & Market

In York, there’s a famous street called as the Shambles, an old street that is lined with timber-framed buildings. Well, it’s not every time you can see buildings and houses like these. In the Shambles, you will also find the Newgate Market too.

Need to buy a souvenir? This is the right place for you.

York Minster

This is a cathedral that is Gothic-decorated located not too far away from the Shambles. Worth the visit and there is an admission fare of about GBP15 per adult (combined ticket for both Minster and its Tower).

You may visit York Minster – Website for more information on its tickets and opening hours.

York Castle (Clifford’s Tower)

York Castle, or also known as the Clifford’s Tower, is obviously not seen like a Castle but more like a Tower. Well, its still an attractive looking Tower with a flight of stairs up-front.

It holds a subsequent event of being a castle, a keep, and even a jail before.

York Castle Museum & Crown Court

Near to the Clifford’s Tower, you will find a group of historic buildings like the York Castle Museum and its Crown Court. Nothing much but you may visit them if you are interested.

Coney Street

Apart from visiting the Shambles, you may also visit the Coney Street being one of the main shopping street you can find in York.

FOOD AND DRINKS YOU’D LIKE TO TRY

Bettys Café Tea Rooms

If you ever visit York, I would highly recommend visiting the Bettys Café Tea Rooms where many of the locals would suggest the same too! They are founded back in year 1936, so don’t you wait anymore and visit them for an afternoon tea!

You may visit Bettys Café Tea Rooms – Website for more information.

RECOMMENDED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION

By Foot

No metro is required here in York, just your foot.

You may visit York – Maps for maps of York, that may be useful for you.

TYPICAL COSTS AND MONEY SAVING TIPS

Hostel Prices

Shared dorm rooms: Starts at GBP60 per pax/night, but GBP80 is average.

I am not too sure about hosteling in York, but there are limited hostels available. Also, I will not recommend staying in a hostel as they can be really expensive!

Hotel Prices

Hotel rooms: Starts about GBP60 per night but a room at a 3-star hotel could possibly be about GBP100 – GBP110 at average per night for 2 persons.

Food & Drinks

Typical restaurant: An average meal could cost about GBP8 – GBP13; and
Good restaurant: Could start as high as GBP20 – GBP25 for an average meal.

Transportation

Outbound Train from Edinburgh (Virgin East Coast Railway): You may take this train company departing from Edinburgh’s Waverley railway station to York station which takes about 2 hours 30 minutes journey. The ticket costs about GBP16 – GBP32 for one-way (depending on date, availability, and the season of your visit).
Outbound Train from London (Virgin East Coast Railway): You may take this train company departing from London’s King’s Cross railway station to York station which takes about 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes journey. The ticket costs about GBP12 – GBP80 for one-way (depending on date, availability, and the season of your visit).

Admission Fares

An admission fare of GBP15 or more per person may be incurred if you heading to the York Minster or to the Castle Museum. Otherwise, you may not need to pay for anything when comes to admission fares.

Disclaimer: All the information and prices (as at November 2013) provided on this website are based solely on experience and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own discretion and will.