Wednesday, December 31, 2008

York Day Four

Our last day in York, beginning with a lie in and checking out of the hotel. We headed back up Micklegate Bar, and along the wall back to the York Castle Museum.

We saw the half of the museum we missed last time. This displayed clothing fashions from past centuries, an interesting section on York (and UK) life during WWII, special exhibits on the 60’s, and then underground a look at the prisons where you definitely would not have wanted to be held. Worth a look, especially the 60’s exhibit.

We then walked across to the National Railway Museum. This is the world’s largest train museum, all indoors. We did not enjoy it as we should have as the place was over-run with naughty children and tired parents. No doubt the fact entry is free contributed to this! The noise was tiring.

There were some most interesting sections for us. We saw, and climbed on board, the first of Japan’s bullet trains, which considering they were made in the 60’s were quite luxurious. I was amazed how wide they are.




We saw the Mallard, arguably the world’s fastest steam train.


The Royal Trains exhibit is excellent. Here we saw how luxurious Queen Victoria’s trains were.

After that, we caught the “road train” which is for small and big kids alike, up to the Minster.


From here we walked up the Bootham Bar then along another section of the city wall and down Monk Bar. This section was more enclosed than others we'd seen, but offered amazing views of York Minster, across the beautifully manicured back yards of houses which reside alongside the wall. By this stage it was getting very cold.


We made our way back to the train, via a few pubs and shops to help keep us warm and entertained. The trip back to Edinburgh was very relaxing, as we were booked in first class. Well done Helen, for spotting it was only an extra £2 pound each for an upgrade.

We enjoyed our time in York. Of all cities I’ve visited so far, this felt like it had the most character and genuine history.

Tomorrow, New Years eve!

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