Where Can I Go Exploring the UK and Abroad (2)

The Water Rat, Ripon

August 28th, 2008

water-rat-ripon

If you are looking for the ideal pub in Ripon to enjoy a good pint and a bite to eat, then the Water Rat situated on the banks of the River Skell, just off the Boroughbridge Road, could be just what you are looking for.

In summer, The Water Rat, Ripon, is an incredibly popular pub because of its outside tables that overlook the River Skell and the large conservatory where you can eat by the riverside. The Water Rat, Ripon, is open every day from noon to normal closing time (11.30 pm) and has a very simple but appetising food menu which is served between 12 pm -2 pm at lunchtimes and 6 pm until 7.00 pm in the evening. The menu consists of dishes such as scampi (£6.95), steak and ale pie (£7.95) and bangers and mash (£6.95) with a light lunch section consisting of soup, cold sandwiches, hot baguettes and ciabatta with a range of fillings such as honey roast ham and English mustard (£3.50) or prawns Marie Rose  (£3.50). [...]

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National Railway Museum, York

August 27th, 2008

national-railway-museum-york

The National Railway Museum in York is one of the largest and greatest attractions of the city of York, especially for families, and what is more, entry is free! It is the largest railway museum in the world and appropriately located in York, which has a long history of the rail industry. The National Railway Museum is worthy of a visit whatever the weather and is a godsend for parents with young children on a rainy day.

The National Railway Museum in York has three large halls of trains plus an interactive learning centre, new library and archive area and an outdoor play area. Highlights of the museum are the Mallard and the Japanese shinkansen (bullet train) which can both be found in Great Hall. Having travelled on a bullet train whilst on a trip to Japan, I can vouch for the fact that they are very fast and efficient. You can also see a replica of Stephenson's Rocket. Royal carriages including Queen Victoria's can be seen in Station Hall. [...]

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The City of York on Foot

August 26th, 2008

city-of-york

The historic, walled city of York is fairly compact and is best explored on foot, especially as some of it is pedestrianised. If you are spending a day in York, the following walking route would provide a good insight into the city. Pick up a map of the town centre at the train station or tourist information and this will enable you to follow the suggested route below.

Starting at Clifford's Tower, walk across the car park behind it and down into the Coppergate shopping centre. Walk through here and then head right towards the Shambles, an old cobbled street which used to be full of butchers' shops but is now packed with tourists. At the end of the Shambles turn right into a small square then at the next crossroads turn right into Goodramgate. Walk down Goodramgate to reach Monk Bar at the end of the street, passing the Minster and St William's College on your left. Should you wish to stop off, the National Trust Shop has an excellent cafe as does the Treasurer's House (National Trust) which is tucked in to the right of the Minster. [...]

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Scarborough Youth Hostel - Scarborough, North Yorkshire

August 26th, 2008

scarborough-youth-hostel

Scarborough youth hostel is situated a couple of miles outside of Scarborough town centre and about a mile from the beach. Don't be fooled as we were by the tourist map which shows the youth hostel in the middle of South Bay! This is incorrect as you need to head in the direction of North Bay and the hostel is just outside of Scalby.

Scarborough youth hostel was formerly a water mill and looks more like a country cottage than a youth hostel, a pleasant surprise for a hostel in a popular tourist resort. In front of the hostel is a river and there is a lovely garden so perfect for sitting outside on a sunny day. The bedrooms have four or six beds (bunks and singles) and there are shared showers and toilets. The buffet breakfast offered a variety of foods and filled us up for our day of cycling. There is a pub just five minutes walk away up the road which has a large beer garden and a good choice of dishes on the menu. [...]

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Helmsley Youth Hostel - Helmsley, North Yorkshire

August 26th, 2008

helmsley-youth-hostel

Helmsley Youth Hostel is situated in a quiet residential area of the attractive market town of Helmsley on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, 24 miles north of York. The hostel is just a five minute walk from the market square so conveniently located for the pubs, shops and cafes. On our recent visit we had a lovely meal in the Feathers pub followed by beers in the Royal Oak, both in the market square. Helmsley Castle is a short walk away and Riveaulx Abbey is also nearby so there is plenty to see and do. The hostel can easily be reached by public transport (buses from York, Pickering or Scarborough).

Helmsley youth hostel can accommodate up to 35 people in different sized rooms and the shared showers and toilets were clean on our visit. There is a self-catering kitchen as well as a restaurant which serves an excellent buffet breakfast as well as evening meals using locally-sourced ingredients. It has a bright, pleasant lounge and dining area with a lovely garden out the back where you can sit in fine weather. There is a very small TV lounge which was full of toys and games for children. There is also a drying room and locked bike store so handy for those participating in outdoor pursuits. [...]

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