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York Articles Try scenic route for British culture
York Articles Try scenic route for British culture
Try scenic route for British culture |
| Written by yorkguides.co.uk | |
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Get out of city, start hiking on moors So many Americans traveling to Great Britain see London, maybe a nearby village and leave. That is like a European coming to America, visiting New York City and thinking “that’s America.” The train service is extensive, but to really enjoy Yorkshire and its moors (hills) and dales (valleys), rent a car. Until you get the hang of driving on the other side of the road, have your co-pilot chant this mantra “stay to the left, stay to the left, the left.” My driving privileges were revoked by my co-pilot after a near miss with a stone wall along a twisting roadway only big enough for 11⁄2 vehicles — it just so happened there were two on the road. The moors are popular for hikers who trek miles across the dramatic terrain of lush green foliage, bright purple heather, huge limestone formations and bogs. It is easy to get lost in the moors and dales, but that is part of the fun. You never know what cozy village or inviting pub you might stumble upon. Having a funny (American) accent came in handy. Someone bought me a pint just to hear me talk more. One of the towns to put on the top of your “got to see” list is York. York is home to one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. It is nestled at the end of a web of pedestrian streets, lined with unique shops and tea rooms. For a great view of the city and its medieval walls, climb the central tower. The steep, narrow, circular, 275 steps are quite a physical challenge, but the payoff is worth it. We rewarded our calorie-burning feat with the British favorite — fish and chips wrapped in brown paper. Ask for a free side of “scraps,” literally scraps of batter scooped from the fryer. The locals sprinkle it all with vinegar. Another odd side dish is mushy peas — dried peas mashed in a style similar to refried beans. They taste much better than they sound. Before leaving York, we took a ride in the time capsule at the Jorvik Viking Center. It reminded me of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean, but without the catchy tunes. The ride takes you through the streets of a typical Viking village, sparing nothing, not even the Viking toilet. We saw a mannequin’s distressed face and upper body just above a low fence. We heard grunting and, to our horror, we smelled the proper bathroom odors wafting through the air. When night falls, the Ghost Tours begin. York is considered one of Britain’s most haunted cities because of all of the medieval tortures and beheadings. From York, it is a short drive to the rocky coast of the North Sea. We started in Whitby, Bram Stoker’s inspiration for Dracula and the home of famous explorer Capt. James Cook. Whitby has unique shops, museums, a charming seaport, a touristy beachfront and a spectacular abbey, which is a mere 199 steps up the side of a cliff. Robin Hood’s Bay — a quaint, quiet seaside village with steep climbs down to the water — is a 10-minute drive south. You can find bed and breakfasts at the top of the hill for as little as $50 a night. Scarborough, to the south, is a sharp contrast. The beachfront is like Daytona on steroids — there are neon lights, arcades and donkey rides. But Scarborough also is known for its healing mineral spas. For mineral waters with a different kind of mystical power, we explored Old Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knasborough. Mother Shipton was a legendary prophet in the 15th century. The Petrifying Well is beside the cave in which she was born. Porous objects hung underneath the cascading waters of the well turn to stone. Even more magical is the wishing well. Visitors reverently file one at a time into the rocks to dip their right hand in the cold, clear water. For others in need of granted wishes, bottles of the water can be bought in the gift shop. There are many awe-inspiring ministers cathedrals and abbeys to visit in Yorkshire, but the one that stands out above the rest is Fountains Abbey. This land over 400 acres is just outside of Ripon and features lakes, fountains, ruins and conservation land. Every turn is a picture postcard. We ended our trip back in the bustling city of Manchester, which is known around the world for its football team. Manchester has a trendy waterfront with posh bars and clubs. There are modern, glitzy buildings and shopping centers in between historic structures of the 12th century. Besides shopping, Manchester has great international cuisine in its Chinatown and curry mile — a street lined with nothing but brightly lit curry houses. Start planning your trip now. The weather is unpredictable, but aim for summer travel or early fall for your best chances of sunshine and heather blooming on the moors. |
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