Discovering fascinating York, England is a journey through history. Often filled with excitement and a hint of trepidation, especially when it involves navigating unfamiliar roads. After a rather long plane ride, long haul plane rides quite frequently have their own interesting adventures, we touched down in the land of tea, scones, and history. As we soared through the skies for nearly 10 hours, sleep eluded most of us—except of course for our youngest, who has the delightful talent of sleeping under nearly any condition. Sleep evaded me thanks largely to a neighboring passenger with an alarming disregard for personal space. With elbows spilling into my area, I quickly noticed how every inch truly counts on a flight!
Welcome to York: A Journey In English History
We touched down on British soil and navigated customs with relative ease (aside from a seemingly endless line at the luggage belts), our journey truly began. Picking up our rental car was a new challenge which included a mental checklist of driving on the left side of the road and managing our spatial awareness within the car. Getting used to everything being flipped was no small feat. I found myself instinctively leaning toward the center of the vehicle, as if that would somehow help guide us safely down the unfamiliar roads.
With slightly cranky moods and adrenaline pumping, we embarked on the motorway toward York—a 3.5-hour drive that kept us alert and aware while wishing for coffee! Thank goodness for pit stops at service stations—coffee, coffee, and more coffee were desperately needed.
Exploring the City: Miles of Wonder
Despite the challenges of our first day, we arrived in York, and what a delight it turned out to be! Our cozy bed and breakfast, nestled within a charming row house, welcomed us warmly. With the city walls just a short walk away, we were located perfectly for our first foray into this historic town.
The following day, we set out to explore York (click here for a secret hidden gem to explore). With the sun shining down, we wandered over 12.5 miles! The picturesque city center was filled with medieval architecture, and we felt as though we had stepped back in time. From the ancient city walls to the cobblestone streets of the iconic Shambles, every step unveiled a new treasure. We admired stunning cathedrals, ancient ruins, and gardens brimming with vibrant flowers like fuchsias and peonies. And oh, the pigeons! They were comically plump, even fatter than their New York counterparts!
Pubs and Local Delights: A Taste of Tradition
We couldn’t visit England without checking out its pubs! Ian, now officially of legal drinking age at 18 (what a stark contrast to the U.S. drinking age of 21), had his first taste of freedom and was excited to try out various ales, ciders, and beers. We ventured into several cozy establishments, sampling hearty pub fare and enjoying the lively atmosphere. After a few stops and pints, Ian discovered his preference: Guinness! He enjoyed the thick and rich flavor, surprising us all with his newfound taste. It was wonderful to see him embrace his multi-faceted nature during this trip.
Onward to Scotland: A New Chapter
Our stay in York was a whirlwind of memories, laughter, and exploration. But before we could dwell too long on the unforgettable experiences, we prepared for the next leg of our adventure. Scotland awaited us, and with reservations at a B&B on a working farm filled with sheep and Highland cows between Edinburgh and Glasgow, we were off—ready for more discoveries and stories to tell.
Conclusion: The Adventure Awaits
York, with its blend of history, culture, and charm, served as a beautiful introduction to our English escapade. From navigating the winding roads to exploring its enchanting streets, every moment was filled with curiosity and delight. Whether indulging in local brews or simply soaking in the vibrant surroundings, our family adventure in York reminded us of the joy of travel, the beauty of discovery, and the value of sharing experiences together. Stay tuned as we head north to Scotland—there’s plenty more excitement waiting just around the corner!
Thank you! we had a blast exploring York! Scotland was fun as well. Edinburg was rainy, windy and cold. It was a good excuse to by some Scotish wool 🙂 Since I have last posted we have been to Chester, Glastonbury and are now on our way to south England. After that, Canterbury and then London for a few days before we head back to the US. We have had a great visit so far!