Day 6 Off to York

Began the day with a tube trip to Lords. Boys were in heaven and bemoaning the fact we were leaving London the day before the one day match between Australia and New Zealand. Donna and I were very sad for them but quietly breathing a sigh of relief.

We caught a transfer to Kings Cross and boarded the Flying Scotsman to York. It was a very pleasant trip (apart from the know-it-all, I-have-an-opinion-about-everything, sitting across from us).

Our digs were a convent (with real nuns still living there). The best part – a washing machine and dryer.

We visited a Viking museum (Vikings took over this Anglo Saxon town in 866 and named it Jorvik). A ride through the display was quite impressive. Wayne was commenting on how real the exhibits were and then one of the Vikings spoke to us. Unfortunately, the element of surprise prevented the taking of a photo.

We accidentally came across the street that was the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

We then walked to West Minister, one of the most beautiful and structurally impressive churches I have ever seen.

We had afternoon tea at Betty’s and Wayne and Mark fitted in beautifully. Great to have such cultured and refined gentlemen. Didn’t want to share their cake though.

We then went to Clifford’s tower, the only thing still standing from York Castle. Wayne suffered a vertigo attack whilst up the top and at one stage we thought Mark was going to have to carry him down. This brought back memories of him having an attack up the Eiffel Tower and Donna’s brother Danny having to coax him down.

The views were spectacular.

We went across the road for dinner at the Windmill. I experienced my first ‘rage attack’. Lined up for ages to order dinner and I didn’t have the table number (as Mark said – rookie error). Could have handled that if the bar attendant hadn’t been so rude. Back to the end of the line I went.

We started compiling the pluses and minuses of the venue ready for Donna’s Trip Advisor review. Grumpy bar attendant vs nice girl who served the food. False Prosecco (Spumante) vs cheap beers. No ice bucket vs good music. One line for food and drinks and under-staffed vs good bench table. Food was fair although Wayne didn’t like his chicken pie that tasted like apple. Rating 1 star, maybe 2 at best.