During my Erasmus semester in England.I had the opportunity to travel a lot during my holiday month.
During this time of free time, I went to the city of York, which is only 1 hour by train from Newcastle, ideal for visiting it at daytime.
For this day of discovery, I went with a Spanish friend met earlier during my visit. Erasmus. We arrived in York a little before 11:00 and started by going to the Cliffords Tower, passing through the main street of Micklegate.
Culture point: The Cliffords Tower
The Cliffords Tower, also known as York Castle, is a medieval fortress built by William the Conqueror in 1068. The present stone tower dates from the 13th century, replacing a wooden structure.
It is sadly known for the massacre of the Jewish community in 1190.
The name « Cliffords Tower » came from Roger de Clifford, executed in 1322. The tower would have served as an example, hence the association of his name.
Today in ruins, the tower is a tourist attraction offering panoramic views of York and testifying to English medieval history.
Gin tasting
In addition to being a medieval city, York is also known for its gin and distilleries. One of the best known is the one called York Gin, we went there because it is an alcohol that I especially like (to consume in moderation, of course !).
York Gin produces award-winning gins, often inspired by city history, with classic versions as well as flavoured gins. This distillery also uses local ingredients and craft techniques. On site, you have the opportunity to taste several of their gin before buying them, and sellers are really good advice and will guide you according to your tastes and preferences.
The prices of bottles are not given, especially if you are heading towards limited or award-winning editions, but they are Really excellent.
If you want to buy more than one without ruining yourself, then I advise you their packages of 3 small bottles.
If you are really passionate, an epicurean or simply curious about this alcohol, know that it is possible to participate in tasting workshops with real connoisseurs !
Shambles and York Minster
As a result of our tasting, we took a walk in the « shampoos », a medieval street that is essential during your visit to the city, with half-timbered houses and shops of all kinds (especially for the fans of Harry Potter for he would have inspired the Way of Crossing).
At the turn of a street, you can fall on the Shambles Market, a little hidden place that welcomes a market with something to restore you, or buy handicrafts.
Most? It takes place every day!
We let ourselves be a little lost in this particularly magical street until we went to York Minster, i.e. cathedral of York. It is a rather impressive building located in the heart of the city and you must not miss it if you come to visit the city. However, entry is paid and quite expensive I find for a cathedral, so we've passed our way, but I'm sure the inside is just as pretty as the outside.
Culture point: York Minister
York Minster is one of the most great Gothic cathedrals of Europe, located in the heart of the historic city of York. Its construction began in the 13th century and spanned more than two hundred years.
The Minster is famous for its impressive medieval stained glass windows, including the « Great East Window », one of the largest of its kind in the world. The building combines Gothic architecture, religious history and artistic treasures, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
Spiritual and cultural symbol of the north of England, York Minster dominates the city with its majesty and elegance.
Then we left for lunch Bills' house, a restaurant that offers European cuisine rather modern in a very pleasant setting with colorful decoration. As a result, as it rained, we decided to shelter in the York Art Gallery, then in the restaurant The Ivy for Take tea and write postcards.
We ended the day by walking along the city's ramparts, which offer different views of the city, then we continued our Walk in Museum Gardens Park and the Yorkshire Museum. We can see ruins of Former Abbey of St Mary in a very natural setting in the heart of the city.
The setting is really nice, with the river just at the entrance to the park.
Finally, it was soon time to take our train back to Newcastle.
It is therefore widely possible to visit the must-see monuments of York City in one day, So if you have the opportunity to stop on a trip to England, don't hesitate. It really is an authentic city full of charm.
