We had a fantastic weekend in York. It will go down in history as the most successful Christmas shopping trip ever. And, it was even enjoyable – contrary to most Christmas shopping experiences!
York is an amazing city. It is a must-see destination for anyone who comes to England. The history, architecture and culture are fabulous. Walking down the Shambles – an old medieval street – you cannot help but picture yourself carried back in time to the 1400s. I can’t tell you how many times Brent accused someone of being a witch or carrying the Black Death.
This was our second trip to York, so we skipped the Minster (except for sneaking a quick peak by escaping through the gift shop and therefore bypassing the entrance fee), a sight which took us all afternoon the last time we were in town, and opted to partake in some shopping and eating! Two great pastimes. After arriving on the train we made a beeline to Betty’s, the famous tea shop: www.bettys.co.uk. We managed to beat the line up, excuse me, the queue, which is normally outside and around the block! We had the most delicious high tea lunch of sandwiches, scones and squares. This place is a serious operation with a mail order catalogue and a ‘fresh from the oven’ service where during the month of December within a certain radius you can have fresh mince tarts delivered hot to your door in time for the weekend. They also have a large selection of ‘Christmas Hampers,’ a truly English idea where you get a big basket full of food and festive goodies. All the big stores like M&S, Fortnum & Mason and Harrods sell them.
Our shopping took us to all the usual ‘high street’ shops and also to the Christmas market which had arts, crafts, and local food. We resisted buying a pork pie which seems to be the specialty of all the local food makers. It was even harder to resist buying a hot chocolate with Baileys, but we thought it best to shop sober.
The second day in York we experienced a proper English rain. Not drizzle and not the ‘fresh’ damp day that usually happens here. This was a full on, non-stop pouring. We did not let it dampen our spirits. We walked the city wall despite the rain. When we needed some warming up we wandered into a local pub, the Royal Oak. We had the best pub lunch ever with local bitters and steak and ale pie.
It was a great weekend away and a nice start to the festive season. And one cannot under- estimate how good it feels to have all Christmas shopping done before the beginning of December. If only we could shop in York every year!
