Hello everyone! Still in the planning process and am enthralled with Yorkshire! Anyone have insight as to the Settle-Carlisle Railroad? Also, Grassington or Settle for a 2 night stay? Just a reminder, using public transportation and will probably arrive by train from Cambridge. Thank you.
TK
Hello , sorry I don't know about the Carlisle Railroad , BUT I have taken the train roundtrip a couple of times to Yorkshire from London and Wales. I just wanted to tell you to watch the movie about Yorkshire " Calendar Girls ". Beautiful scenery plus the story / people are real . The 2000 calendar was already sold out when I was there in Feb. and I really think you might get a chuckle or two.. At the time I knew they would make a movie about this story.
Also if you are able make it walking up the steps to the top of York Minster it's worth every step, if you can't at least TAKE YOUR TIME and go into the church to enjoy. Their is a tea shop right next to the church , also "Shambles area " TERRIFIC little shops with ancient historical buildings. Walk the walls are a must , Roman areas where soldiers are buried are right in the area - walking distance. Don't forget to try Yorkshire Pudding ! We stayed a B&B's two different times then once at York University Dorms as I was there for a Genealogy Conference. Some do take the train to Scarborough , I think a castle there.. you'll have to google.. If you could hire a driver there is wonderful Cistercian , Rievaulx Abbey in Helmsley in North Yorkshire Moors. Directly across the road alongside the Abby is a beautiful stone thatch cottage " how old , it's OLD " , artist travel here from all over the world to paint this cottage. If I knew how I would post a picture of it.. Anyway I hope you have a great trip, would love to go back again .. can't you tell !
Hi Gail!
Thank you for your "picturesque" response. I have that movie on Blue Ray! Your suggestions are very much appreciated, especially about the cottage. Kinda like a Thomas Kincaid painting?
Can you share your experience with train tickets or passes? Am still undecided as to which would suit my travels and budget.
Will also be stopping in Salisbury, Cambridge, Oxford and Birmingham (as it's in close proximity to Wales which will be part two of this trip). Of course I will begin with a three day visit to London.
TK
The Settle and Carlisle line is gorgeous but long. A two-way journey along it will take up an entire day, so its easier done as one leg on a general tour around Britain. Note that at present the line from Appleby north to Carlisle is closed due to ground movement issues, and will not be reopened for some time. Check http://www.settle-carlisle.co.uk/ for up-to-date info.
Also, be warned that occasionally trains along the route are operated by "Pacers", absolutely crap buses on rail wheels that were bought by British Rail at its quality nadir. You don't want to spend a journey that long on one. They look like this or this.
Philip,
Thank you. Wasn't aware it would consume an entire day, so will have to weigh the pros and cons. I am guessing that the train station employees will know if the "crap bus on wheels" is scheduled for any particular day and I will insist on that information before committing to the journey.
May I ask if you had accommodations in the area?
TK
