Day 23 - Tuesday 01/09/2013 Goodbye York, Hello London

We extended our stay in York for one night, so that MOH could enjoy his train trip without the crowds expected on the weekend. The Travelodge was able to accommodate us again, and even rearranged some other bookings, so that we could stay in the same room. This was great, until the receptionist decided to try to come into our room at 11:30pm, demanding payment. We were asleep because we wanted to leave early in the morning, and didn't appreciate being woken up this way. The door was bolted, so the receptionist closed it again and then knocked on the door. MOH had to get dressed and go to reception to pay for the extra nights stay. We wanted to pay cash, but he insisted that he verify our credit card details and pay that way - more fees. Not happy, Jan!!!

Inside Sherlock Holmes shop

We had a smooth drive to London on the M1, found Heathrow and the car hire place without too much trouble, and returned the car. Then we were driven to Heathrow in the courtesy bus, caught the train to Paddington station, and walked a few blocks to our hotel.

Sherlock Holmes shop

We took a long walk to the Sherlock Holmes museum and souvenir shop - MOH is a fan - and then on to Marble Arch and Hyde Park.

Outside 221B Baker Street, London

Mirka and Wiesiek are back in London now, and want to catch up before we go home, so, after a few calls back and forth, we take the train to meet Mirka, and then a short bus ride to her home.

Marble Arch, London

We say we are only coming for a coffee, and that's how it seems initially, but then the food started coming out, and Wiesiek wanted to have a few shots of vodka with MOH. We shared photos of our trip with them, saw Kamila, Darek and Olga via Skype and MOH spoke to Ciocia on the phone.

Hyde Park, London

We had a wonderful visit, and then had to say our sad goodbyes, and return to our hotel. We have been invited to their son Damien's wedding at some time in the future. We'll have to start saving again!

 

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Day 22 - Monday 30/09/2013 Train to Whitby

This is one of MOH's favourite days - we are going on a steam train to Whitby. He is very anxious to get there early, and starts pacing up and down, huffing and puffing and organising us. We remind him that we are actually on holidays, and that we have plenty of time, but he definitely has a bee in his bonnet this morning.

The diesel engine

The steam engine being coupled

We drove to Pickering which is the first station, and is not a long drive from York. Today we will ahve a diesel engine for two thirds of the trip, and then a steam engine will be attached for the remainder if the trip.

Views along the way

MOH is totally enthralled, I just want to sit back and enjoy the trip, and STS is grumpy because of the early start. The steam engine definitely provides a more interesting experience, with all the steam and toot-tooting.

Views of Whitby

Abbey in background

We buy lunch - fish and chips, of course - from the famous Magpie Cafe, and ate it on the pier - delicious!

Magpie Cafe

We walked along the pier, which would be dangerous in rough weather, and then clambered up the steps to see the Captain Cook monument. This is the place where his ships were built.

Captain Cook statue

It was interesting, walking through the streets and shops, and we saw the swing bridge in operation. We couldn't resist a walk across the bridge ourselves, after it had closed again. STS has been grumpy all day, and just wanted to play electronic games. I later hear that he HAS been enjoying the trip - who knew??

The swing bridge, Weak Bridge, open

MOH is totally agog. On our return trip, he has spent a lot of time with his head out the window of the train, looking at the engine and the scenery. One of the stations along the way was used in the Harry Potter films, as the backdrop for Hogmeade's. This is also the train line used in Heartbeat, All Creatures Great and Small, and numerous films. I took lots of photos and thoroughly enjoyed the day. If we had time we would have spent more time there, particularly walking up to the Abbey, and along the beach.

View from train, on return trip

I fell asleep on the trip back, but loved the experience - very picturesque and interesting.

MOH has had some difficulty with the roundabouts here and missed the turn-off again!

 

 

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Day 21 - Sunday 29/09/2013 Derbyshire

We drove to York for some last looks, and pictures of Diagon Alley, oops, sorry, the Shambles, and bought a few more supplies and souvenirs, then headed off for our drive around Derbyshire and the Peak District.

Derbyshire views

The Peak District

We stopped at Bakewell for a look around. MOH is not enjoying driving along the narrow roads, particularly when cars are parked on the side of the road, necessitating driving down the middle of the road with oncoming traffic.

MOH's favourite narrow roads

Despite this, we saw some spectacular views, and had a pleasant drive. We got lost on our return trip, and almost ended up in Stockport and Manchester.

Bakewell, Derbyshire

Naturally, MOH found a golf course

We eventually found our way back, and enjoyed the sights along the way.

Views, Peak District

 

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Day 20 - Saturday 28/09/2013 Clifford's Tower and York Castle Museum

The weather on England, or at least York, has been brilliant. Perfect for walking around and exploring. We had another full day in York - there is so much to do amd see. We had breakfast, and then caught the bus in to York. Our first port of call was Clifford's Tower. It's obviously very old, and the walls have a slight slant on them which seems to have a strange effect on the men in my life.

Clifford's Tower, York

View down inside the tower

First my Dad, in 2008, and now MOH. They seem to think that it's unsafe and could collapse at any moment, and hold on for dear life. My assurances that we wouldn't be allowed to walk around the top of tthe tower if it was unsafe, and suggestion that holding on to the railing wasn't going to help if it did collapse, fell on deaf ears. Needless to say, STS and I had an enjoyable time at MOH's expense. Sorry MOH.

Narrow, spiral staircase inside the Tower

Inside the small chapel, half way up

View of York from the tower

The York Castle Museum, across the way was great. Lots of interactive displays, and I particularly enjoyed the Victorian street, with it's various shops. There are shop keepers who interact with you, and now you can walk in behind the shops, to see and hear life as it was in the 1800's.

The Victorian street

One of the shop windows

The experience changes as night falls, and the upstairs candle lights come on, and then it rains - or at least it sounds like it is. We learnt more about dick Turpin, who was a notorious character, and spent time in the original jail which houses the museum now.

One of the characters telling her story in the jail

By this time we are hungry, so we walk around the wall to the Fish and Chip Shop that I went to last time with my Dad. He had also been there on a previous visit. We walked around the wall further until we found somewhere to sit and enjoy our meal. In fact my STS is enjoying his fish and chips nearly every day so far, in York.

View from the Fish and Chip shop

We walked off some of our lunch with some more brousing of shops, the market, and of course the Shambles again. I found an interesting button shop. We caught the bus back to our accommodation for a meal and some down time. I also had an opportunity to catch up on some clothes washing.

The Shambles, York

 

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