York
A huge wall surrounding the city, York was founded by the Romans. It has a very strong gothic influence and cobbled streets. Furthermore, the city of York was actually a Viking settlement in the 9th century. For any history lover, York is a fantastic place to take a quick day trip. York is also a good troop for any Harry Potter fan; it has been said that J.k. Rowling modeled Diagon Alley after the streets of York.
How to get to York:
By Bus
National Express runs at least four direct journeys a day to York from Victoria Station. The journey often takes around 5 and a half hours. Round trip fare is under £40 when booked as two one-way tickets. But, if you make an online booking at least a month in advance, you could land tickets for less than £30 round trip.
Before booking be sure to check out the Low Fare Finder box on the National Express home page. The company offers a limited number of travel tickets on their most popular routes that are £5 each way. While the destinations change often, York might be on the list!
By Train
Virgin Trains runs 3-4 trains from King’s Cross Station to York every hour! The trains start around 6 a.m. and continue until a little past 10 p.m. — which gives you ample time to have a full day in York. The tickets could cost a little as £38 to as high as £70. It is important to remember that booking early helps to keep ticket costs down.
Things to do in York
York Minster: Erected in in the 7th century, York Minster is a landmark any tourists should not miss. This Church of England houses 14th and 15th century stained glass and stonework. You can take official tours of the cathedral and tower, but you can easily walk around the nave for free.
Tickets for guided tours range from £9 to £16.50. To check pricing click here.
Jorvik Viking Center: In the 1970s excavations began on a Viking settlement which were under the streets of York. The excavation sight is now the Jorvik Viking Center (the Viking name for York), an interactive exhibition that brings to life the 9th-century village. A ride takes you through a smells-and-all reconstruction of the village, complete with disarmingly life-like animatronic characters and an audio guide that describes Viking life.
This is my biggest recommendation that you can do in York; it is a huge tourist attraction in the area. When I was in line, I talked to a husband and wife who said they did it every year with their children.
If you book in advance, student tickets are only £10.50 with a valid student ID. If you do not book ahead of time, tickets are £15.50
Shambles Street: This shopping street has been taken directly out of the Medieval ages. It is such a pretty street that it won the title of the most picturesque street in Britain in the Google Street View Awards. The oldest of the corbelled and half-timbered buildings on Shambles date back to the 1300s. This is the street that was said to have inspired J.K. Rowling while she was writing Harry Potter. You can easily grab a tea at one of the many small shops and jus take in the history around you.