So it’s not quite a weekend in New York, but I had a really lovely time in York, UK this weekend just past. I’ve already popped up a post about my hotel in York but here’s what we actually got up to!

We drove up to York from Cambridge after work at about 6pm and got there about quarter to nine, so it was straight to the hotel room to chill for a busy Saturday. I like to be up and out early when I’m on holiday or city breaks which drives Charlie a bit nuts but I like to make the most of my time! We headed out for a stroll and to get our bearings. We soon bumped into the Shambles, a gorgeous cobbled street dating back to the 14th century lined with little boutiques and fudge shops. I actually felt like I was walking down Diagon Alley!

We then headed to Betty’s tea room for breakfast, I wanted to get there early as I’ve heard it can get really busy and I didn’t want to waste time queueing. We got straight in and sat down on a table at around 9.30am, by half past 11 there were queues down the street! So I definitely recommend getting in early. I actually hate tea, and all hot drinks (soz) but I did enjoy some delicious pastries!



Filled up on pastries, tea (and apple juice) we then strolled over to the York Minster, it was around £15 each for tickets with a tower tour, but they’re valid for a year so you can head back in whenever you want. It was absolutely stunning inside, in fact it’s the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe! We walked up to the top of the tower, around 290 steps, there was a warning that a ‘general level of fitness’ was needed that I definitely underestimated. My thighs felt like they were on fire by time we got to the top but the views were totally worth it!



After that we went on a mission to find the Roman walls, we then walked all the way around the city, stopping off for lunch on the way. It was then time to head to the Castle Museum, which is only a fiver if you’re under 24 and totally worth it! There’s an actual mock Victorian street which was really interesting and lots to see including the old York prison! We stood in Dick Turpins prison cell and various others.




It was then time to head back to the hotel (with a few stops in the shops on the way) where we regained warmth, had a power nap then got ready to head out for dinner. We ate at Piccolinos, an Italian next to the river which was lovely. Followed by a few drinks in a typical ‘old’ style pub and then to bed. Sunday we mostly wandered and did a little bit of shopping before heading back down South.

Overall a great weekend, and I can’t believe how much we managed to pack in! It’s definitely taught me to make more of my weekends, and to travel more of my own country.

Next on my list of city breaks is definitely one that includes a stay at a spa, I’ve been eyeing up the Rosewood spa  (amethyst crystal steam room anyone?!) for a luxurious weekend away with a little bit of lunching, shopping and London mooching! I just love that city and seems as it’s only a 40 minute train journey away, I really need to make more of it. There are so many places I want to visit, despite having visited London a million times (and working there a lot) I still haven’t seen half of what I want to. There’s just so much to do in the city, I still haven’t been to the Shard – although I recently had lunch at the Sky Garden which was amazing. Kew Gardens is up on my list, so a relaxing weekend with a few spa treatments is definitely on the cards.

Have you ever been to York? Did you like it there?