PHOTOS: I’ve posted some of my photos on google photos. (If some look a little fuzzy, they were probably taken from a tour bus.)
https://photos.app.goo.gl/RY3es15YuKxUXibL7
WEATHER. My streak of near perfect travel weather continues, with only 1 day of rain in York and then a few brief periods of drizzle. It was always cool in the morning (usually in the 40s) and then warmed up in the afternoon (50s and even a few days in the 60s). The early sunrise at just after 5am worked to my advantage as I love to get out early and walk before the main sights get too crowded. Yes, I was often out the door at 5am. 😊
FLIGHTS. I flew nonstop on United in and out of Edinburgh on a small, not very comfortable Boeing 757-200. Upon arrival in Edinburgh, I was able to use one of the electronic passport gates. There was no passport control when departing. From the airport, I took the tram to Princes Street (as I had purchased my open return ticket ahead of time, I was able to avoid the group of people crowded around the ticket machines) and walked to Waverley train station to catch a train to York. I found the layout of Waverley to be a little confusing.
YORK—6 NIGHTS I stayed at the Grand York, which was a little fancier than I needed, but it was a great location, in between the train station and city center, and right across the street from an entrance to the city walls. This hotel was fabulous and well worth the price!! I find that by booking hotels early (10-11 months in advance) prices are at their lowest. I had originally planned to stay 5 nights, but I added an extra night due to the train strikes. Speaking of trains, what great service from LNER in first class!!
I won’t mention everything that I saw in York (you can see many of those things from my photos), but my favorite activity was walking the city walls (I was on the walls all the time!!) and just wandering the city early in the morning. I also really enjoyed the York museum garden. To give my legs a break from walking, I took a boat cruise on the River Ouse, which was relaxing, but not very scenic.
Day trip to Knaresborough. I discovered this place when doing research for the trip. It’s a very attractive little town with a castle (Norman castle) and incredible views of the railway viaduct across the Nidd Gorge. I greatly enjoyed being the only tourist walking around here early in the morning. On my way back to York, I decided to stop in Harrogate, which I was not so impressed with.
Day trip to Durham. I had a little trouble getting here as there was a medical emergency on the platform at the Durham train station and the train could not stop. So, I had to proceed to the next station—Newcastle—and then make my way back to Durham. Shortly after, I received an email from LNER letting me know my ticket cost would be refunded due to the delay. My favorite part of this picturesque city was the crook hill gardens.