Welcome back, adventurers ! If you caught my previous York entry, you’ll know the city already cast its spell on me.
But just when I thought I’d seen it all, York found new ways to surprise and delight me.
This visit, I dove even deeper into its cobbled streets, uncovering hidden corners and unexpected moments that made my heart race and my curiosity soar.
What happened next? Let’s just say, York wasn’t done with me yet.
Double the Deck, Double the Fun!
My shopping at The Shambles had my feet hurting. Golden Tours Hop On/Hop Off bus provided me a lifeline. This modern-day stagecoach whisked me through York’s greatest hits!
Twenty stops, one hour, and endless opportunities to wave regally at unsuspecting pedestrians.
At just £16, it’s a royal bargain. Where else can you buy an hour of sightseeing and free nap potential for less than the price of a fancy cocktail?
The tour’s commentary? That stuff was a sleeper hit, literally!
One minute I’m soaking up facts, the next I’m out cold.
Yep, I’d slept through the entire tour. By the time I blinked awake, the bus had boomeranged back to the start and I’d power-napped my way through the whole tour.
No, York is not boring. Not one bit.
My brain just went on strike after that brutal 5 a.m. wakeup call for the 6:33 train.
Should’ve chugged a gallon of Yorkshire tea. Hindsight’s 20/20, innit?
Rejuvenated by lunch and a heroic pot of Yorkshire tea, I set off on round two, wide awake and ready to soak up every panoramic view as the city’s secrets unfurled around each corner.
I enjoyed panoramic views, admired spectacular sights and learned fascinating facts about York Minster, Micklegate Bar and Clifford’s Tower.
Loco-Motivation
No trip to York is complete without a pilgrimage to the National Railway Museum.
But let me warn you: getting there is a bit of a trek, and I mean walk.
If you ever wanted to truly earn your train-spotting stripes, this is the test.
Talk about getting my steps in!
I was a bit peeved as I trudged along, wondering if the museum might be on the other side of Yorkshire.
Thankfully, the sun was out and the day was beautiful, so at least I had a scenic excuse to walk off my lunch.
The museum is free to enter, but guests still require a ticket. Curious, I learned this helps manage building capacity and track visitor numbers.
The museum isn’t just about speed: it’s a treasure trove of railway legends.
The Royal Saloon collection gleams with history, offering a glimpse of how kings and queens once traveled in opulent style.
Next, I slipped into the cockpit of Japan’s legendary bullet train, heart pounding as I imagined rocketing across the countryside at 200 mph, while, in reality, not moving an inch.
Still, the thrill was very real.
And then there’s the Flying Scotsman: the world’s most famous steam locomotive, a true superstar of the tracks. This iconic engine has been breaking records and capturing imaginations since 1923, the first steam locomotive officially recorded to reach 100 mph!
Sadly, the Flying Scotsman was away on tour during my visit, so I missed my chance to see its gleaming apple green livery up close. I could only imagine the thrill as it steamed through distant stations, wowing trainspotters elsewhere.
But disappointment was soon replaced by delight when I found myself face to face with The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry locomotive.
This striking engine, named for the famed regiment, is a masterpiece of British rail history, decked out in polished brass and proud regimental crests.
Built in 1927 for the London and North Eastern Railway, it once thundered between London and Scotland, carrying passengers and prestige alike.
One quirky highlight: near the locomotive, I spotted a cast iron sign marking the border between England and Scotland, a relic from the golden age of railway travel.
Its bold lettering, “England/Scotland Border,” felt like a portal to bygone journeys, when crossing the border by steam was a true adventure.
There was only one disappointment with my entire visit.
Some of the static displays were tantalizingly closed off, leaving me yearning for just one more shot for my photo album. It stung a bit. Those carriages were camera candy!
Still, even with a few barriers, the museum is an absolute must for any rail enthusiast or curious traveler.
Steak-ing My Claim
Before visiting the National Railway Museum, I took a much-needed foodie detour at The Ivy.
The £19.66 menu called my name, and who was I to resist?
My adventure began with the Roasted Tomato Soup: a velvety bowl of red pepper, crumbled Greek-style ‘cheese’, pine nuts, and coriander.
Each spoonful was pure comfort, refreshing and soothing, like a culinary hug after a morning of sightseeing.
Then came the Minute Steak and Chips. This thinly beaten steak, seared just right, topped (some might say smothered) with a rich peppercorn sauce and crispy onions, served with triple-cooked chips that could win awards for crunch.
I had to scrap off the peppercorn sauce. It was just nasty. My taste buds wanted to slap me for even trying it. However, the steak underneath was tender and satisfying.
The chips? Golden, crispy and impossible to eat politely.
Every bite made me wonder why I’d ever settle for a sad sandwich on a day trip.
If you’re in York and looking to treat yourself to something memorable, The Ivy deserves a top spot on your foodie bucket list. Trust me: your mouth, and your Instagram, will thank you.
One Daycation, Many Tales
With one more walk along York’s ancient walls, my Daycation wrapped up.
I wandered back to the station, clutching my camera and souvenir stash like trophies.
Flopping into my train seat, I was ready for a smooth ride back to London — my head full of new stories and a camera full of selfies.
If you’re looking to get out of London for the day or just want to explore more of England, heck, York is the full package: ancient walls, quirky shops, secret alleyways, and enough character to fill a dozen Instagram feeds.
You’ll find yourself wandering cobbled lanes with a grin, discovering hidden gems around every crooked corner, and plotting your return before you’ve even left.
From city walls to snickelways, York delivered a day packed with surprises and stories.
Whether you’re a history buff, a railway geek, or just here for a amazing afternoon tea, York is a day trip that promises adventure, charm, and photo ops at every turn.
It’s impossible to leave without a story, or at least a new favorite snack.
Book your ticket, charge your camera, and get ready for a day that will leave you feeling anything but bored!
Until next time…
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