My wife and I are planning a day trip from London and we are trying to decide between a trip to York, or a trip to Canterbury + Dover. Neither one of us has ever been to England before. Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
Both make excellent day trips by train. York is a lovley city, with good shopping (the Shambles has lots of craftsmen's shops, etc. and there is a good market) and some nice walks. The Minster is excellent, and we enjoy the Jorvic museum (a disneyesque take on York's Viking and Roman history). Canterburry is fun and a bit smaller. Dover castle is one of my favorites and they often have fun activities in summer (falconry, archery, etc.) There are the WWII connections as well. What are your interests? Both Canterbury and York have a cathedral (I like Canterbury's). Canterbury also has the Chaucer connection and a small "museum" with animatronic figures where some of the tales are recoutned. Also- what time of year are you going? Both York and Canterbury have Christmas markets- I think Canterbury's is a bit better, though Bath has the best in England).
Just to muddy the waters- you might want to read an article I wrote a few years ago about doing day trips out of London by train- here is the web address
http://www.aaacarolinas.com/Magazine/2008/Jan-Feb/britain.htm?zip=28208&stateprov=nc&city=charlotte
Basing in London and doing train day trips is really a great way to begin learning about the UK. Feel free to private message me.
PS- We have been there more than 40 times...
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
Canterbury and Dover have the better Cathedral/Castle (but the Minster is a close second), while York is the better town. It's a bit larger than either, and more interesting in my opinion. I saw quite a few college kids running around Canterbury, while York seemed a bit more authentic. Tea at Betty's, Castle Museum (one of the best Museums in England), shopping in the Shambles, Ghost Walks, touring the wall... York was one of my favorite towns. With that being said, I kept missing Canterbury while in England due to track construction, so it was frustrating. I regretted it so much, we went back to Europe (france) the next year and added 2 days to our trip so that we could start in Canterbury. The cathedral didn't disappoint. I'd still do York, though.
Posted by
Fairbanks, AK
20 posts
We really enjoyed our two days in York last month. I'd highly recommend a vist, with a lot to see and do whatever your interests. The Minster is awe-inspiring, whatever your religious inclinations.