York: Railways and Chocolate!

Tuesday, June 24, 2014
York, England, United Kingdom


We made an effortless journey from Wimbledon to York (about 200 miles) using our pre-paid BritRail passes ...3 hours on a quiet, clean, and comfortable train. 
 
Our first impression of York was: WOW....what a beautiful setting! York is a walled city of extraordinary cultural and historical wealth.  At its heart lies the immense, awe-inspiring York Minster.  The city's ancient walls contain a spider's web of narrow streets and alleys. We spent a great deal of time, map in hand, wondering: "WHERE ARE WE?" Cars are limited in the historic city center which made walking everywhere a treat!

Our York favorites are many, but the ones that stand out above the rest include:

--The National Railway Museum:  A collection of beautifully restored locomotives, carriages, and thousands of other items.
 
--York Minster: We had an excellent guided tour provided by a knowledgeable volunteer with a delightful sense of humor. 
 
--Chocolate & Sweets (aka "candies"): We discovered that although York has been made historically famous by names such as Rowntree and Terry's, today specialty "chocolatiers" are all the rage
 
--Excellent Food and Restaurants! We were there for the "Food and Drink Festival"...lots of samples to taste alongside York's "Newgate" outdoor Market. I have now been introduced to Scotch Eggs, Melton Mowbray Pies, Boiled Eggs and "Soldiers", Cornish Pasties, and Double-chocolate Digestives...I think this is only the beginning.

--The Quilt Museum:  Featured costumes from "Downton Abbey"-- the purple dress worn by Maggie Smith (Lady Violet); and a servant's uniform worn by "Anna".
 
A late afternoon walk along the ancient walls provided nice photo ops. What is left of the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey in the Museum Garden remains beautiful and irresistible to photograph. Great setting for a wedding...who's next?!
 
And finally, Crook Lodge B&B provided great accommodations, excellent location, superb English breakfasts, and is professionally managed by Brian Aiken, proprietor. 

View more photos on the following "unlocked" link:
https://picasaweb.google.com/104590044281989964656/20140623YORKRailwaysAndChocolate?authkey=Gv1sRgCOewoKD--IPgIQ#

 






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