The motorway signs just say to ‘The North’, my mind conjured up images of us driving our rental car to a big white wall, but 3 hours later we were in York.
Arriving in York Sunday afternoon, I foolishly thought we could just drop into one of the pubs that I had researched for Sunday lunch, but what I didn’t know about York is that it is busy. Even though we are in the middle of November, there are tourists everywhere. Why would anyone voluntarily go to the north of England in 2 degrees and not even close to Christmas? Who are these people? Well me I guess!
You will be relieved to hear that I did get my Sunday lunch complete with Yorkshire pudding the size of a small child.
York is busy with good reason, it is a fascinating and beautiful town whose history goes back to 71AD. It was such a big deal when my primary school in Perth reached 100 years, going to York certainly put me in my place.
It seemed like everyone had a go, the Romans, Vikings, Normans, and that’s only up to 1200AD. The centre is still full of incredible medieval buildings that look like they are about to topple over yet somehow house ye olde Zara and The Body Shop.
Jorvik Viking centre had recreated a Viking village with lifelike figurines that moved (with the odd real human to throw us off), you go around it in a motorised chair which was pretty funny. I wonder what those Vikings would say!
Andrew was fairly keen to try another UK culinary favourite; curry. The young Indian man serving us was obviously at least first generation English, as when we said we enjoy Indian food in Australia, he replied ‘why would anyone want to eat a curry in a hot climate?’ Clearly hasn’t been to India.
The Yorkshire Dales are breathtaking. We drove through the gently undulating hills of many colours that I don’t really see in Australia, purple, rust, olive, it must have been the inspiration for tweed.
We were driving along a small road and I suddenly see ruins. Always keen to check out a pile of rocks, we stopped . It turned out to be Pendragon Castle, rumoured to be built by Uther Pendragon, father of King Arthur. Where else can you go for a drive and stumble across a 12th century ruined castle in the middle of nowhere with hardly any signage?
Even though the distance between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District is only an hour or so, the scenery is very different. We moved from the rolling hills to bigger, cragier mountains although still keeping the Derwent pastel colour pencil scheme. Actually as I write this I realise the lake we are staying on is the Derwentwater – coincidence?
Keen to test out our hiking boots, we naively asked our B&B host to recommend an easy-ish walk. Turns out an easy-ish walk is a 4 hour hike up to 1234 feet but it really was incredible and was definitely a wow moment. It was around zero degrees but this meant the path was frozen mud not slushy mud and was crisp with icicles
View from the top!
I really loved the Lakes District, we only had two nights there but could have easily spent a week.
Next stop Wales.
7 thoughts on “The North”
David Underwood
Great photos, are they photo-shopped, with the blue skies inserted later? I hope you continue to enjoy your trip, & remember to publisize on your return. I think that your trip would then become a taxation deduction on our ATO system, even if you only sell 500 copies to some of your clients. I meant 5000 of course. Sunny in Sans Souci today, about + 25
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mondeuseandmountains
Thanks David! We always get lucky with the weather in the UK. Don’t forget the film rights, I’m thinking Cate Blanchet for my part? 😜
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Joan Jolliffe
Loved the photos. Reminded me of the time we spent driving through the dales.
Keep enjoying your trip. We are currently in Perth, forecast is for 32 degrees today.
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mondeuseandmountains
Thanks Joan, I had no idea they were so beautiful and will definitely be back for longer next time xx
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Kate
It looks so beautiful, and so cold! I hope you got some warming Yorkshire Gold tea while you were there. x
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Keith and Tricia Robb
So glad you enjoyed your time in “The North”. Sorry about the late response. We have been busy preparing for our departure on in two days time. Enjoy Christmas wherever you are and may you have lots of snow in the New Year. Look for ward to more of your news on our return.
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mondeuseandmountains
Thanks Keith & Tricia! How is your cruise going? Hope all is well x
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