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Quick stop on way from London to Edinburgh

Posted by on

Hi all,

Will be travelling from London to Edinburgh on Sun Apr 16. Am considering leaving mid morning and stopping off at one of two cities on the way: York or Durham. Looking to spend 6 to 8 hours and see one of the major sights in these towns. Am leaning York, even though it seems to merit a day or two to itself.

Would the Cathedral, one of the museums, and a poke around the Shambles be doable in that time frame?

Interested to hear your thoughts. Also open to other suggestions. Have never been to the North of England, so eager to see at least some of it.

Have been to Edinburgh numerous times, so not worried about extending my time there. Content to get there later in the evening.

Thanks in advance!

Posted by
3551 posts

York is a guaranteed good stop, plenty of time to see what u wish.
A great idea to break up a long journey.

Posted by
12 posts

Thanks for the responses thus far. Anyone have strong opinions favoring one city over the other? I'm intrigued by Durham because of what Bill Bryson has written about it...

Posted by
9593 posts

Just remember that 4/16 is Easter Sunday and check out the Cathedral schedule for that day, which may not have as many visiting hours for tourists on the year's holiest day.

Posted by
2422 posts

On Easter Sunday, just about everything is closed. York Minster will not be open for tourists due to services. You might want to visit on another day - perhaps when going south. If you are using the trains, I presume you have booked an advance ticket as turn up & go fares can be expensive. With Advance single tickets, you can’t break the journey - so you would need split tickets.
www.nationalrail.co.uk

https://yorkminster.org/home.html

For north east England :>http://www.visitnorthumberland.com

Posted by
12 posts

That's a fantastic point, thanks. I checked the calendar and it doesn't show anything about a closure, but who knows? I emailed them...

I actually haven't booked a ticket yet...I'm doing an open jaw, so into London and out of Edinburgh. I may just take an extra day in Edinburgh, then. Shame, have always wanted to see York Minster.

Posted by
6113 posts

In England, by law, all shops will be closed on Easter Sunday and often, the rail companies take advantage of the 4 day weekend to undertake major engineering projects, so check before you book that you aren't going to have a lengthy bus replacement service for part of your journey if travelling by train. The roads will be busy, particularly if the weather is decent.

Posted by
12 posts

Appreciate the tips. I contacted the York Tourist Board, who confirmed that the two main museums will be open, and York Minster, who confirmed they are open for sightseeing that day. Thanks, all!

Posted by
6522 posts

I like Durham a lot but given your timetable I'd agree York. I think the Minster and a museum and the Shambles area would be quite doable in 6-8 hours, also walkable from the station. My favorite museum there is the Yorkshire Museum, with Roman and Saxon exhibits, and in the nearby park are the St. Mary's Abbey ruins.

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