A short break in York

Those of you who follow my blog will know how much I love York. It was devastating when the floods happened this winter, but York is still open for business. If you were planning a short break, don’t let the recent floods put you off. In fact, now is the best time to go in order to show your support. The community is still thriving, but a little extra help never hurt anybody.

Here are my recommendations for a short break in York:

Twilight on the River Ouse

Raspberry Macaroon from Bettys

Clifford’s Tower

View from Clifford’s Tower

York Minster at twilight

Make sure you leave room for dessert!

Rustique in Castlegate, York

Places to visit:

• Clifford’s Tower. A historic landmark in the city and the perfect viewpoint. Make sure you wrap up warm at this time of year!
• York Minster. Visit if you like impressive architecture, stained glass and want to see one of the largest buildings of it’s kind in Northern Europe.
• National Railway Museum. Even if you aren’t a die-hard train fan, you are sure to find something to interest you in the country’s national railway museum. I particularly recommend the royal carriages.
• York Castle Museum. Visit if you have an interest in history, want to see a Victorian street and like exhibitions which are well put together.

Things to do:

• Go shopping! York has everything you need for a great day shopping. From cute independent shops which are great for gifts, to high-end designer shops. From bargain second hand bookshops, to an armoury – York has everything you could possibly want!
• Walk the walls. Not recommended in the rain, but otherwise a very pleasant trip around the city with some great views.
• Have some mead in a Medieval Ale house. The House of Trembling Madness, situated on Stonegate, is a great place to visit, and an even better place to sit and enjoy a drink. It’s always warm so perfect for this time of year!

Places to eat:

• Rustique is a great value French restaurant with excellent food. I love the one on Castlegate but if that one’s full then there is always another one at the other side of town.
•  Want to go somewhere a bit quirky and alternative? Try Thomas’s of York – traditional pub food, but not as you’d expect it!
• No short break in York is complete without a trip to Bettys. I would recommend the afternoon tea, but if that’s a little pricey then just go for a cup of tea and cake to watch the world go by.

These are only a few of the many highlights that York has to offer… if you do visit, I hope you fall in love with it as much as I have!