Weekly Update 6 – York in one day!
Welcome to another post. This week has mostly been work (as per usual!) but I have also managed to have a day trip to York this weekend! So let’s dive into that. If you want something more continental, read my post on Florence that went up yesterday!
York
I can’t remember the last time I went to York, but bearing in mind my youngest is 14 and he wasn’t with us means it was at least 15 years ago. I am not sure what has changed in those years but it felt like a different place completely. My sister suggested the day trip as we had originally mentioned camping this weekend, but the forecast wasn’t great.
When we first arrived we got a park and ride the bus into York – so much easier to do that than to try and park in the centre. For 5 adults and one 14 years old (and Luna the dog), it cost £13.20 which is great value for money. First stop was The Tower Cafe for brekkie. Chloe had done some research and found out that they were dog-friendly, so it was the obvious choice. It was right at the bottom of Cliffords Tower and had our park and ride bus stop just outside too.
Brekkie !! in action as I was too hungry & forgot to take a pic first! Clifford’s Tower
Pop up theatre
Firstly, there is a pop-up theatre next to Cliffords Tower. Its called Shakespears Rose Theatre and it first popped up in 2018. We didn’t go to a show as we were only on a day trip, but I would love to visit if I got the opportunity next time.
Outside of the theatre was a Shakespearean Village with pop up bars etc.
The Shakespeare Rose Theatre One of the bars – and a wooden bear!
York Fringe and the market
After walking past the theatre, we headed in the direction of “The Shambles” and found it was the York version of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. With a stage and pop up bars, it looked pretty cool. There was a ventriloquist there when we were, but no other shows were on which was a shame.
We did try a bit of the Moonshine which was on sale and that was potent!! I don’t think I would have made it around york if I drank more than a spoonful!!
Here are a few pics of the market, and “The Shambles”.
Shambles Market Shambles Market A homemade cake stall on the market The Shambles The Shambles The Shambles
I was surprised to find that on The Shambles, there were lots of Harry Potter-themed shops, including one called “The Shop that must not be named”. This famous medieval street was the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Actually, there were some parts of the film filmed in York. So this would be a must-visit for any die-hard Harry Potter fan!
York Minster
Next, we walked up to York Minster and even spotted Bettys Tea room – there was a massive queue so there would be no visit today!
York Minster Entrance York Minster Bettys Team Room York
We stopped off at our dog-friendly favourite, Caffe Nero then for some street food. Food-wise there was too much choice. In the end, we settled on sharing a Chicken Gyros and some Dirty Fries (covered in chunky beef chilli).
Things still to do
Revisit The Jorvik Viking Centre – we have been here a couple of times, once when Eddie and I were about 18/19 (so a long time ago!) then again when Chloe and Tom were small. Unbeknown to me Jorvik flooded out in 2016 and closed for a year. Then it had a complete refurb (it seemed to us like it had moved, but perhaps it was the area around it that had changed?)
We also didn’t make it to the castle this time, nor half of the shops.
I definitely think you could have a weekend here and find enough to do to keep you occupied.
Reading and Watching
Again not much reading has taken place. I have watched all of the Netflix series called “Dead to Me“. Christina Applegate is the main star. I really enjoyed it and apparently, it has been commissioned for another series. The outline of the plot is that it starts where a ladies husband has been killed in a hit and run. In each episode, there is a slight twist. But it’s all about her trying to find out who did it, whilst trying to get her life together with the help of a bereavement support group and an unlikely new friend. Although it sounds depressing it’s a dark comedy and actually very good!
I am also watching the most recent series of Designated Survivor, starring Keifer Sutherland. I don’t think it’s as good as the previous two series but it’s still watchable.
Wishlist
This week I have just bought two new monitors and I am in the middle of setting up new desk space for both working from home and blogging/gaming. Here are things I want from Amazon** for my new desk space.
This Wooden Desk Organiser, which just looks great, and it has room for my bullet journal and notebooks.
Also, a couple of pen pots would be handy – in bamboo.
This monitor stand – my new monitors tilt but are not height adjustable. I also think this would give more space. These stands can be angled (like in the picture), or straight. So they would suit different desk layouts.
Well, that’s it for this update. This week we have a volunteer team building day at a city farm, so wish me luck for that one!!!
Final pic is one of Luna on the way back in the car – she was pooped!
Julie x
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