Top things to do in York
York has always been a place I have wanted to visit for a long time but never got the chance, due to having no funds or work commitments. The boy had mentioned he could get a free overnight stay at the Ibis hotel through a loyalty scheme and so bags (and one suitcase) packed, we went away for the weekend to York.
We set off early at 8am to drive to Harrogate for breakfast in the famous Betty Tearooms. There are two tearooms in York however I had heard great things about the Harrogate branch and after all this is the place where it all began! I opted for a light egg sandwich while the boy had the swiss breakfast rosti - delicious! Having had breakfast, we had walked around Harrogate, walking past the Turkish Baths and the Pump Room Museum.
York
We arrived at the Ibis hotel in York and we were lucky to get a car park space even if it did mean the boy had to do some tricky manoeuvring to get past the bollards to park under the steps. Having checked in, dropped the bags and suitcase, we had decided to visit The National Railway Museum.
The National Railway Museum
The museum is home to a large collection, yes you've guessed it! trains, trains, trains! In a nutshell, the museum shows the history of the national railway system from locomotives, steam engines, to electric trains. It is a fascinating place where you can learn about trains including the different carriages where they had trialled a second class, how they delivered and posted items, how the royal family travelled in style - they even a bath tub onboard among many other things. You can also step onto some of the trains, experience it for yourself. I particularly enjoyed seeing the detailed engine room. It is a great place for children as there is a miniature train and play area outside to keep them busy. If you are looking for a special occasion, there is a restaurant where you can dine in carriages on a train.
Shambles
This is an old street with wooden timber, framed buildings dating back to the late fourteenth and fifteenth century. Originally, the street was full of butchers' shops where the meat was hung up outside the shops for sale. Today, the street is a tourist hotspot with shops selling fudge, chocolates, souvenirs and food. We were tempted and picked up a bag of fudge - salted caramel, baileys and vanilla! Delicious!
Cat Trail
Having read a review about a cat trail, I thought why not! We both love cats and had previously shared a house with a cat. In medieval York, cats were extremely popular as they were seen to be lucky. They would frighten off the mice which carried the plague along with any evil spirits that entered the home. Cat statues were placed around the city on the buildings and the trail involves spotting these cats. You can pick up a map in the York Glass shop on the Shambles and there are 21 cats to find. We enjoyed the cat trail however some were much harder to spot on the buildings.
Food
We went for dinner at Ambiente tapas on Fossgate. We had the early bird offer which consisted of 3 plates of tapas for £10. It seemed good value and the food was really tasty. The only downside is that it is a smaller, selected menu. Try the banana and butternut squash curry, it was great!
York Minster
A medieval cathedral in York, also known as the Cathedral and Metropolitan Church of St Peter in York. The gothic style church was built over 250 years ago. There is an admission fee to enter the cathedral and it is included in the York Pass. At set times, you can also climb the tower which is an additional fee.
Holgate windmill
A mile and a half from the city centre is a five storey tower mill that has been fully restored by the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society. Holgate windmill is on a roundabout in the middle of a housing estate and was voted the best roundabout in Britain by the Roundabout Appreciation Society in 2012. On certain days there are guided tours inside the windmill where you can learn more about the history and workings of the windmill.
Clifford's Tower
Another part of York's history is Clifford's Tower. There were originally two castles built by William the Conqueror where the tower now stands. However through the ages, the castle was attacked and has slowly changed. Climb the spiral steps inside and you will have panoramic views of the city if the weather is good.
Castle Howard is the private residence of the Carlisle family, descendants of the Howard family. A stately home and garden, 15 miles north of York. The architecture is beautiful inside the house, particularly the Great Hall with the tall ceilings, dome and balconies. There was a fire in 1940 that had destroyed the basement, principal and upper levels including the dome. Over the decades, there has been an extensive restoration programme.
A large outdoor maize maze with activities for the kids such as mini golf, obstacle courses. We had fun in the maze where this year, it was a Thunderbirds themed. The maze only opens at certain times through the year.
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