My journey carried me next to the medieval city of York, used to be known as the Viking city - Jorvik. My train stopped me at the outskirts of the city, as I trudged ahead for a room that I had rented via airbnb. After settling down, I marched towards the city for another adventure!
York is one of my favorite cities in UK, as its city center has its medieval luster preserved; its crisscrossing narrow streets is enclosed by a magnificent circuit of 13th century walls, and from afar you are being greeted by the awe-inspiring York Minster.
I got myself a one-day Yorkshire pass, as it saved me a lot of money. At first the lady who sold me the pass gave me a weird one-kind of dubious look, as she was doubtful I could finish the big attractions in just 5 hours. So I made it a challenge for myself!
I started off with the York Minster, the world's most beautiful Gothic building where the archbishop of York sits. It was built in the 7th century and over and over again it was given lots of make-over until now. The interior of the minster was breathtaking, and I especially love the stained glass windows and the eerie crypt. After an hour lingering in the minster, I headed off to my next two destinations.
Next in my list was the York Dungeon. Since I missed the Edinburgh Dungeon back then, I figured it would be nice to try the York Dungeon as I could get in free with the Yorkshire pass. I had to admit it was a fun and creepy experience, but you do learn something about York's history. There was a family with 3 children who opted to back out halfway because the kids were too terrified to go on! The actors and actresses were genuinely entertaining, and I particularly loved the lady judge at the end.
I walked across the street and visited Jorvik - The Viking Experience, where I start off with the exhibitions before proceeding to a pseudo-roller coaster ride, witnessing how the Vikings lived in York. The entrance fee is steep but since it's included in the pass, I would say it's worth a visit, plus, it's the second most visited attraction here after the minster!
Having visited the three main attractions in York, I allocated the rest of my afternoon (it was merely 4 pm to be exact!) to walk around this medieval town. I randomly bumped into Barley Hall (while trying to locate Haunted) and so I went in for a peek. Somehow, somebody accidentally found this clandestine medieval house in their behind their courtyard years ago, well preserved almost in its original form, and turned it into a museum where you can see how medieval houses were back then.
One of the most interesting streets in York would be the Shambles, where this narrow cobbled lane is lined with 15th century Tudor buildings that overhang so much the residents can shake hands with another opposite the street! Otherwise this little town is kind of overrun with tourists, as it was the peak season then after all.
I wanted to go for another ghost tour but since the York Terror Trail was included in the pass (2 pounds discount) and the reviews in tripadvisor was encouraging, I decided to partake in this tour. The trip was almost cancelled as it seemed that I was the only one at the waiting point at 5.40 pm outside the Golden Boar Inn, but I was joined by another 2 English couples just at the nick of time, so the guide, James, had no choice but to lead on. We walked around York town as he explained the historical background and stories pertaining to this town. Since there were only five of us, so it was a really personal experience as each of us took turn to roleplay in his stories!
The tour ended at around 6.30pm, and I trudged back towards the room I rented, 25 minutes away! I was totally exhausted and slept almost immediately since I had to wake up early the next day for Cambridge.
Next in my list was the York Dungeon. Since I missed the Edinburgh Dungeon back then, I figured it would be nice to try the York Dungeon as I could get in free with the Yorkshire pass. I had to admit it was a fun and creepy experience, but you do learn something about York's history. There was a family with 3 children who opted to back out halfway because the kids were too terrified to go on! The actors and actresses were genuinely entertaining, and I particularly loved the lady judge at the end.
I walked across the street and visited Jorvik - The Viking Experience, where I start off with the exhibitions before proceeding to a pseudo-roller coaster ride, witnessing how the Vikings lived in York. The entrance fee is steep but since it's included in the pass, I would say it's worth a visit, plus, it's the second most visited attraction here after the minster!
Having visited the three main attractions in York, I allocated the rest of my afternoon (it was merely 4 pm to be exact!) to walk around this medieval town. I randomly bumped into Barley Hall (while trying to locate Haunted) and so I went in for a peek. Somehow, somebody accidentally found this clandestine medieval house in their behind their courtyard years ago, well preserved almost in its original form, and turned it into a museum where you can see how medieval houses were back then.
One of the most interesting streets in York would be the Shambles, where this narrow cobbled lane is lined with 15th century Tudor buildings that overhang so much the residents can shake hands with another opposite the street! Otherwise this little town is kind of overrun with tourists, as it was the peak season then after all.
I wanted to go for another ghost tour but since the York Terror Trail was included in the pass (2 pounds discount) and the reviews in tripadvisor was encouraging, I decided to partake in this tour. The trip was almost cancelled as it seemed that I was the only one at the waiting point at 5.40 pm outside the Golden Boar Inn, but I was joined by another 2 English couples just at the nick of time, so the guide, James, had no choice but to lead on. We walked around York town as he explained the historical background and stories pertaining to this town. Since there were only five of us, so it was a really personal experience as each of us took turn to roleplay in his stories!
The tour ended at around 6.30pm, and I trudged back towards the room I rented, 25 minutes away! I was totally exhausted and slept almost immediately since I had to wake up early the next day for Cambridge.
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