Pack Your Bags: York, England

You've probably seen on Instagram 

that I'm on a fast & furious trip

around the UK (and soon-to-be Ireland).

While this is all fresh on my brain, 

I'm going to spend the next few days

spitting out pics & information

on new places that I'm discovering

so that, someday, you'll have some good options

for when you start planning a trip of your own.

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What the US feels towards the North vs South

is similar to how the UK feels 

towards their North vs South...

except flipped.

The South of England is, stereotypically,

harsher, busier, ritzier, more educated... and snobbier.

The North of England is, stereotypically,

easy going, slow paced, cheaper, less intelligent.... and nicer.

Obviously, these are stereotypes

and you can meet both types

in either place.

BUT.

There is something to be said for the 

kind attitudes 

and the cheap meals

and the crazy Billy-Elliot-esque vocabulary

that you start to experience 

once you roll up into the upper area of ole Blighty.

All of that to say,

I love when I find myself up north.

Especially if that means I'm in York.

York is a small town

(compared to the other "big" English cities),

but it has loads for tourists to enjoy.

I love these things:

York Minster

Obviously, this church is a headliner

for most people's visit to York.

It's massive and it's stunning.

Go at 5:15pm for the daily evensong service

to get in and enjoy the church for free.

(You'll also hear some amazing choir singing in the 45 minute service-

but go 15 minutes early to snag a seat up close to the action.)

*  *  *

Yorkshire Pudding

I love nothing more than eating something

in it's birthplace.

While of Britain enjoys a Yorkshire pudding,

I've never seen them as big as they are in York.

{Editor's Note: A yorkshire pudding is not sweet. 

It's a savory bread-cup that is a perfect bowl shape 

for gravy on top of your roast meat & vegetables. 

Imagine a breadbowl... but less soggy.}

If you can get to a pub for a proper Sunday roast,

York makes it easy with two options 

that are centrally located and open daily:

York Hog Roast & York Roast Co.

Don't blow the chance to try this in person...

Mmm.

*  *  *

Betty's York

If you want tea

and you want to be fancy,

go to Betty's.

This gorgeous tea room & shop

give all the service and ambiance

you could ever hope for

in an English tea room.

This opulent surrounding

could hold its own 

around any fine establishment 

from the South.

*  *  *

I found myself eating cake & tea

in a places called, none other than, 

The Teddy Bear Tea Room.

The downstairs is a teddy bear shop

and, up some narrow & windy stairs,

is a small tea shop + cafe.

It's not entirely impressive,

but the very top floor

has a great view overlooking the York Minster...

and you can get any cake + tea for £3.80

The carrot is awesome. 

I'd go back- baby or not.

{Though, admittedly, better with baby.}

*  *  *

sometimes it's fun to fall headfirst into a tourist trap... especially when you said trap lets you hold an owl.

If you go to York,

the other main tourist attractions you need to see are

The Shambles

(as in "Bloody Shambles")

and the Medieval Wall around the city.

Both are free to access, btw.

The Shambles are a tiny street of crooked buildings

and exposed-beam architecture

that draw your mind back hundreds of years.

The walk around the city walls offers gorgeous views

and a fun activity for an afternoon. 

*  *  *

And if you want to shop somewhere really neat?

Stop in the store,  The Imaginarium.

With curious objects, a luxe finish out, 

and friendly young men in dapper clothes attending you,

you'll find it hard to not walk away with something pretty in your hand.

__________

Ah, I can't wait for you to experience York. 

Let me know if there are any favorites you have

from past trips there 

that I can try out 

the next time I find myself there!

*all images original to Aspiring Kennedy