York is a city is which there is never any shortage of things to do. The Christmas markets might have closed up shop for the year, but the Shambles market is there all year round. I have been to York twice during November, and had a ride on the only City Cruises vessel still working the river, with the other seven tied up together by the Lendal Bridge, patiently waiting for when more tourists turn up in the spring.
The train is the best way to visit York, with a range of fares and direct services from many north east stations. My first trip started at the National Rail Museum, admission free, followed by a walk around the City before boarding the York Pullman bus 36 out into the country for the Yorkshire Air Museum, based on the site of the former bomber command station at RAF Elvington. I ran out of time to see everything, both aircraft of varying ages and the remaining huts and buildings such as the control tower. Luckily, like many attractions today, they have a scheme where you can return for free within a year. I therefore returned on my second visit for just half an hour to see the latest two huts I had missed, and the Chapel. However, when I discovered the cinema at the back of one of the huts showing a selection of wartime films, which I had no chance of watching in 30 minutes, I resolved that a further trip will be required before next November. RAF Elvington was significant for having two French squadrons no. 346 Guyenne and 347 Tunisie based there in the later stages of the war.
My second trip was a two night overnight stay at the Premier Inn at Blossom Street North, where I was staying in the Minster Wing. Meals are taken in the physically separate but close by restaurant at Premier Inn Blossom Street South, solid with people at 0900 one morning and pleasantly quiet at 0800 the following morning. Clearly, they are catering for the tourist market. A night away does allow you to pack in more visits, and I attended morning Eucharist at 0750. Minister services are free to attend, whereas tourist visits are charged for.
Apart from the Minster, and Jorvik (the Viking exhibition), York Castle Museum etc. you might like to try less well-known places like the York Army Museum, Fairfax House and the Van Gogh exhibition, all close together near the under-refurbishment Clifford’s Fort. The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, York Chocolate Story, the National Trust’s Treasurer’s House and Cold War Nuclear Bunker (English Heritage) may all whet your appetite. Added to which bars and restaurants and interesting shops in places like Walmgate, Goodramgate and the improbably named Whip Ma Whop Ma Gate means there is plenty to explore on foot. Buses go back to the railway station from most stops throughout the city. If you come by rail you can get a York Plus Bus ticket for £3.50 adult, £1.75 child and £2.30 for railcard holders. You can even buy these at York station travel office on arrival just by showing your rail ticket, to use on the majority of the bus services in this most fascinating of northern cities.
