The town of York was not in our original itinerary when we planned our trip to the UK. When talking with friends who had just returned from York, they told me that York was a highlight of their trip and convinced me to include a stop there. Our plan had been to take the train from Edinburgh to London. It was easy enough to split that trip up and stop in York for two nights.

I chose accommodation at the Grand York hotel based on the location. It is a short walk from the train station and an equally short walk to the center of York. This hotel was not the most expensive hotel of our trip, but it was certainly the most extravagant. The exterior of the hotel is impressive with red brick, multipaned windows, and dormers. The architecture is indeed Grand. The interior is just as impressive with spacious restaurants and lounges. There is a renowned spa and a cooking school in the hotel, but we did not have the time to experience either of those options. Our room was in a renovated addition to the original building and was spacious and well furnished. The service at this hotel was exceptional. If you plan a trip to York, you can’t go wrong choosing this hotel.

It was an easy walk over the bridge across the river Ouse to the center of York. York is still surrounded by remnants of the roman walls that encircled the city in ancient times. If you want to take a walk along the top of the walls there were stairs across the street from our hotel where you could access one of those sections.

York is not a large city and it is very easy to explore the historical center in one day. We started our day in the shambles market. This outdoor market has stalls selling everything from food stuffs to kitchen items, handmade crafts to t-shirts. We spent a couple of hours wandering this market that stretches over several blocks.

In addition to the market, the Shambles is made up of narrow streets lined with shops in restored 14th century buildings. I think that these streets look much like they did 600 years ago. Just walking through the streets is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. There are plenty of park benches and small cafes where you can stop for a rest break.

The highlight of our trip to York and the main reason for our visit was evensong service at York Minster. York Minster is the heart of the city. I wish we had the time to tour the cathedral as it is truly a beautiful building. We got in line about 30 minutes early for evensong. I am glad that we did because we were able to be seated in the old quire stalls directly behind the choir during the service. Those who arrived later were seated in folding chairs farther from the choir.

The building is over 1000 years old, and it has been added on to over the years. According to the Pastor presiding over the service we attended, there has been a worship service conducted every day in the York Minster since the 1400’s. It is mindboggling to realize that you are sitting in the same space where people have been worshipping every day for the past 600 years or more.

The evensong service is beautifully sung by the Minster choir. There are prayer books available to allow you to follow the service. The acoustics in this cavernous space give it a magical quality. This is a truly moving experience and makes a trip to York a “must see”.

part of the minster interior

York is a fascinating city that is full of history. The streets are fairly flat, and most sites are in easy walking distance. I would love to go back and explore again.