York Shyer Pie

Well, well, what a gem York turned out to be.  It's a charming place, full of interesting historical architecture, fascinating museums, lovely places to eat and dozens of superb pubs.

The journey up on Friday evening was a treat for starters.  The train's an express, so it only took two hours.  Also we were sat with a gaggle of Yorkshire ladies d'un certain age who were very friendly and good value.  They did the usual Ls d'un C-A thing and cracked open a bottle of prosecco as soon as the train left Kings Cross.

We also happened across a couple of young Dublin students who were travelling from Dublin to Edinburgh via London and Newcastle.  There were taking part in a charity event.  Several teams of two had to undertake this journey with absolutely no money whatsoever.  It was also a race, so no chance to rest whatever.  They'd been on the go since 9am that morning.  This was at about 8pm.  We helped them out with some food and a few quid for their collection.  So, all in all, it was a very diverting journey.

We arrived in York at 9.30 and checked in.  Then out for a couple of sharpeners in a craft ale pub at the train station.  Normally, you'd need your bumps felt for drinking in a pub at a train station.  They're generally foul - anonymous, violent and poorly maintained, like Guantanamo Bay with pool tables.  But the one at York station is lovely.  The beer is great and the staff friendly.  This is fitting addendum to the station itself, which is a gorgeous high-Victorian palace to the age of steam.

Saturday was spent at the National Railway Museum, which wasn't the cavalcade of sweaty confirmed bachelors I'd feared.  It was actually a very well kept and presented collection of important engines and carriages from the around the world that illustrate the history and innovations in rail technology.  Even as I type those words, I can feel you slipping away.  I'd had thought the same in your position, but, believe me, it's a great museum.  Everyone uses trains to some extent.  Their history is our history.  It is therefore of interest to most of us.

As Saturday night!  Well, what can I say?  It's absolutely packed with charming, cosy hostelries, York - absolutely packed.  We wandered around, tasting the wares, and finished the night in a lovely curry house.

Sunday morning we charged around the city walls for an hour before heading off home at noon.  A tremendous place - we'll be back.