YORK. Trains And Boats But No Planes.

Just so you know where you are when you step off the train.

The usual platform ducking and diving betweem those just getting off the train and those getting on.

Right another trip, this time to York.

I hadn’t been out that way for a while and the weather goods looked to be in a friendly mood so I took myself down to the railway station and off by train through Manchester and under the Pennines. It was a bit damp and overcast on the Lancashire side but emerging into Yorkshire the sun was for once waiting for me and I was in York nice and early. First stop was a coffee and then onto the second stop, the National Railway Museum. I hadn’t been to the place in many many years so it made a good destination to get the ball rolling for the 2026 travels.

Walking around the Railway Museum, some ghosts of past journeys overhead. Is this from the route across from the Cumbrian coast through Keswick to Penrith? That would be a real benefit to travel, pity those who know better chose to close it.

A sad reminder of the the clouds of war that were gathering on the horizon.

From the museum it was onward and into the city. After the Railway Museum I had no real targets, it was a case of reacquainting myself with the place, seeing what had changed, what was the same.

As is the way the time flew by, a couple of stops to catch my breath and get a bite to eat. I’d had lunch in the museum but for some reason I was a bit underwhelmed by it so I was in a cake and coffee mood for the rest of the day. There’s no shortage of food places in York so there were moments of indecision and window Gazing as I wandered about.

The River Ouse and pleasure boats. The reflections shimmer on the water under a blue sky that it BLUE!

The Minster. After leaving the Railway Museum I went into random wandering mode, eing my first visit of the year I just wanted to catch up with the city, see how things stood, how many of my favourites were still standing and what there was in fresh places to try. Early in the year can be a bit of a votyage of discovery as to what is open, even in a tourist orientated place like York.

Minster Yard. This handsome fellow was passing his time in the repair area alongside the Minster. I think he was waiting his turn to be hauled up to a lofty place somewhere on the building, to spend a few years gazing down on the comings and goings of York below.

Radio Y01, York’s very own radio station, here’s their studio on the street. Local radion on a street corner near you.

Roasts in the window. This was a window of temptation I fell for after the earlier meal. Roast ham thank you for asking.

Cat on the wall. Wonder how many mice he catches from up there??

College Street by the Minster . Outdoor tables. The sunny weather was a boon to the cafes etc especially those with outdoor seating.

York, Colliergate the Cornish Bakery. Yes, I heard these calling out to me so I had an unexpected. al fresco fat rat session by the top of The Shambles in the Kings square. I enjoyed the cake, the local birds helped to clear up the crumbs. For a few moments I was the birds new best friend.

YORK. Stonegate. The Little Ale House. Missed it this time around but it’s on the list for future reference.

St. Helens Square with Betty’s famous tearooms on the top right corner. Didn’t make it this time but there’s always next time.

I always enjoy a walk and a rummage around a market. Sadly they are becoming a bit of a threatened species in these days of town centre revamps and redevelopments. Here Captain Beard talks a potential customer through his selection of wars.

Food and conversation in mono at the Shambles Market.

The Market. Fresh fruit and vegetables in the heart of the city.

This way to the Shambles Market just past the florist stall.

Before long it was time to head back to the station and a relaxing drink in the York Tap there before catching my train for the journey back as the sun set and the lights went out on another day. I left plenty meat on the York bone so I’ll be visiting the city again before too long.