The Romans knew it as Eboracum. To the Saxons it was Eoforwick. Then the Vikings named it Jorvik. Today we know it as York. From Roman times onward, Eboracum would become such a well-established political and commercial center that people continued to live here for millennia. Due to the numerous uncovered artifacts (many of which can be seen in the town’s numerous museums), and its plethora of ... Read Full Article
York’s Medieval Streets Resound With History
The Romans knew it as Eboracum. To the Saxons it was Eoforwick. Then the Vikings named it Jorvik. Today we know it as York, England. In Roman times York became such a well-established political and commercial center that people lived on here for millennia afterwards. The city still bears evidence of all its eras and occupations. Due to the numerous uncovered artifacts ... Read Full Article
Where to Stay in York, England
When choosing where to stay in York, England, the city’s medieval center calls out with 13th century city walls and views of the York Minster, one of the most impressive cathedrals in England if not Northern Europe. The following ‘where to stay’ options give preference to centrally located hotels in York as well as hotels that provide free WiFi. 5-Star Hotels in York Cedar Court ... Read Full Article
Medieval York, England: the City of…Cats?
My first clue that all was not as it seemed was the cats. I had just arrived in York that morning, with two days to explore before catching a flight out of Leeds. When I asked my friends back in London about York –only an hour away from Leeds - they said it was a pleasant-enough little place, so I decided to take a Yorkshire mini-break. As the train rolled through the English countryside, I ... Read Full Article
York, England: Castles and Churches and Pubs, Oh My!
Ahhh York …. with its great city walls, castles and churches. For most tourists coming to this town, the medieval history of this great northern city is the major draw. The renowned City Walls stretch for about 3km and should be walked by all travelers with a just a little or a lot of time on their hands. The walls are dotted with castles and fortifications and every now and then a ... Read Full Article
Bettys Café Tea Rooms in Harrogate, Yorkshire
The British have a longstanding love of afternoon tea and, if you’re visiting Harrogate in Yorkshire, there’s one tea shop that you have to try out – Bettys Café Tea Rooms. Bettys Cafe Tea Room in Harrogate, England was opened in 1919 by Frederick Belmont, a young Swiss confectioner. He aimed to serve quality, traditional English tea, Yorkshire specialities, and continental delights -making ... Read Full Article
Exploring Bolton Abbey in the Yorkshire Dales of England
It’s picturesque, has a fascinating history, provides plenty of walking trails and is a place that people of all ages can enjoy – it’s Bolton Abbey, in the Yorkshire Dales. The village of Bolton Abbey is located seven miles from Skipton, 17 miles from Harrogate, and lies on the banks of the River Wharfe. There you’ll find the Bolton Abbey estate, of about 30,000 acres, which is perhaps best ... Read Full Article
Steam-Training Through Yorkshire’s Bronte Country
Steam-Training Through Yorkshire's Bronte Country The five mile Keighley and Worth Valley Railway starts at Keighley (although you can get on and off at any station on the line) where the traditional preserved line lies alongside the mainline station. Here old steam trains gently chug out of the old station on one side, whilst modern trains zoom off from the platform on the other side, ... Read Full Article
Brimful With Rocks: Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire
Located within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in North Yorkshire, Brimham Rocks is an area characterised by dramatic rock formations. My first visit to Brimham Rocks was years ago as a child but, other than the fact that there were a lot of rocks, I couldn’t remember a great deal about it. So given the opportunity to re-visit recently, I jumped at the chance. My ... Read Full Article
Must-See Castles in England
There are hundreds of castles in England, each with its own special charm and appeal. The following are a few we think should be on everyone's must-see list. Arundel Castle Arundel Castle is impressive in size and is more modern in appearance than most other castles in England. The 1,000 year-old castle was originally of Norman construction, but has been added to over the years, most ... Read Full Article