It was after a scenic one hour train journey that I disembarked at the York train station. After checking in at The Park Inn Hotel and a quick shower later, I walked to Loch Fyne for an amazing sea-food lunch. The fresh scallops served in their shells with a yummy buttery sauce were delectable and then I had total indulgence with a delicious sticky toffee pudding.
A day at the Whitby
The next morning, I took a day trip to Whitby which is governed by the cliff-top ruins of a beautiful 13th century Abbey and 199 steps (one of the locations in the book Dracula) that lead from the old town up to the Abbey. West Cliff, opposite the cliff, has its own landmarks, a statue of Captain James Cook, who sailed from the town, and a whalebone arch, commemorating the town’s once large whaling industry.
As hunger pangs struck, we stopped at Magpie Café for lunch. Located right on the edge of the harbour, the building dates back to 1750 when it was a merchant’s house. Town’s folk say a ghost called Albert frequents it. It became a Cafe in 1939. In between a member of the Scoresby whaling family is known to have owned it and it was also used as a shipping office. As for me, I had Haddock fish and chips, and requested that my fish be grilled rather than fried … it was decadent to the core.
On to the Moors
Stomach happy, I moved on to the North York Moors National Park. The Park’s railway has provided the steam trains used as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies, though it is also a popular summer destination for tourists visiting the Moors. The park, which stretches out to the north-east of the ancient city of York, encompasses some of England’s wildest and most spectacular landscapes. All around it, deep dales cut into high moors, their dense forests, fields and hamlets providing a vivid contrast with the bleak plateau above.
On to the Moors
Stomach happy, I moved on to the North York Moors National Park. The Park’s railway has provided the steam trains used as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies, though it is also a popular summer destination for tourists visiting the Moors. The park, which stretches out to the north-east of the ancient city of York, encompasses some of England’s wildest and most spectacular landscapes. All around it, deep dales cut into high moors, their dense forests, fields and hamlets providing a vivid contrast with the bleak plateau above.
Back in York, dinner was at Nineteen, located in one of the oldest Buildings, on the oldest street in the city. The food and service were impeccable… Like Nirvana on Earth.
FAST FACTS
Visa and currency: You need a UK visa to enter Yorkshire. Currency used is the pound.
Best Way to Reach: Fly Emirates to Manchester and then an-hour’s train journey to York.
Best Place to Stay: Park Inn York, North Street for the most magnificent views of the river and York minister.
Must-buy: The Yorkshire pass, which offers a choice of entry to over 70 major attractions across the ENC