Day 4 of UK & Avalon Trip

Day 4 of UK & Avalon Trip

Blog Post #3 Fawsley to York

We took pics from the day we arrived and all through the wedding and then sadly misplaced the camera.  We had hoped someone would find it, but no luck so far.  I was so upset because we had intentionally taken pictures of all the wedding guests the hall and more, so mad to have lost them.  Oh, well thank God for smart phones, because that is what we ended up using for the remainder of our trip.

After partying with the wedding group until late in the night, we had to drag ourselves out of bed early for the wedding breakfast at 9:30 am, check out by 11:00 and on our way to York.  Gurrrr, we would have paid lots of pounds to have had a few more hours of sleep and recovery time.  With thick heads and sore feet (too much dancing) we walked over to the Great Hall, where breakfast was laid out in a private dining room for us.  Our noses of course led us straight to the coffee, strong and good.  So funny to see all the other bedraggled wedding guests join us for a somewhat subdued breakfast.  Food and coffee sorely needed, but a bed would have been much more appreciated. 

Then the bride and groom entered, looking fresh, how is that possible?  Lots of laughs and chatting about the previous evening and then sad goodbyes, hugs and promised to catch up soon.  Will miss everyone until next year.  So with a full English breakfast (1200 calories by the way ekes), in our bellies we went back to our room, freshened up, gathered our luggage, loaded the car and checked out.  What a wonderful wedding, great venue and suburb memories.  Thank you Phil, Taryn, The Ringrows, The Watsons, wedding guests and Fawsley Hall and staff.  Can’t wait to visit again.

So we leave, driving out the gravel drive, through the grand pillars on a foggy chilly morning.  Much like our heads.  We planned to drive to York today with a slight detour to see if Pete’s mothers’ house in Wakefield is still there and to take some pictures.  Pete’s mother, Rhona Churchill, presumably a distant-distant relation to The Winston Churchill, lived and grew up in Wakefield.   With Wakefield being only 40 minutes outside of York, in West Yorkshire UK, it was a must see and stop on our way.  The drive took us from the scenic, tranquil and peaceful Fawsley through the A361, A425, A361 and A5 to the M1. 

In the UK, road numbers are kind of a smart numbering system.  M means Motorway (like our expressways), “A” roads are main roads, typically not at the same standard as the Motorways, “B” roads are less traveled as the “A” roads.   So we went from quaint country roads to the M1, congested, high speed, not the easy relaxed drive any longer.  But it does feel a lot more like home.

After about 2 hours on the M1, we made it to Wakefield, we had a map and easily found the street.  As we were coming down the street, we noticed a young man, walking in the same direction as we were.  After pulling over across the street from the actual house his mother grew up in, would you believe, the young man entered that very house.   As we were taking pictures, he was giving us the Look.  As to say, what are you doing taking pictures of my house.  So we didn’t stay long, but so cool that the house was there, in good condition and Pete was a happy guy!  Pete said these were council houses, meaning people rented them from the city council.  Most towns, villages and cities have Councils that own houses, arrange for housing and manage tenants.  Seems to work wonderfully in UK. 

After we left, it was a little sad, that no family lived there anymore.  It would have been fabulous to see and talk to relatives and get more insight into the family origins.  However, since there were none available, we hit the road again for the short ride to York.  We stopped for a coffee and a bathroom break first.  If you are on the motorways the best place to stop is at The Services.  Think of a rest area, but with restaurants, gas or petrol stations, bathrooms and shops.  Great place to get everything and anything you need.  One of my favorites is M & S.  It’s a Marks & Spencer’s store.  They make the best sandwiches, salads and prepared foods surprisingly gourmet for a gas station store.  Highly recommend M & S if you need a grab-n-go meal or snack. 

After a quick nibble (as Pete says) and a coffee in hand, off we went to finish the drive to York.  Getting in the car, always a challenge for this Yank, as I continually wanted to get into the right-hand side, since I’m the passenger.  But with the cars right-hand drive here, I’m always have to do the full, Chinese fire drill, lap around the car to finally get in on the left hand passenger side.  It’s exhausting LOL!  

Here’s a quick snap shot of our drive from Fawsley-Daventry to Wakefield.  As you can see on the map, York is very close to Wakefield. 

Arriving in York we were met with an old grand sight, seeing the old city wall, old cobbled streets and churches.  We opted to stay in the old city to maximize our access to the must see places in the limited time we had to spend there.  So with parking at a serious deficit, we stayed at the Best Western Plus Dean Court, because they offer a great price, breakfast and most especially valet parking.  We just pulled up outside the entrance and a porter came out took the car and we were care-free pedestrians once again.  I don’t know about everyone, but I love dispensing the car and being able to ramble, wander and duck in and out of places at will.  A car in most cities is a burden we prefer to discard.  So this amazing Bed & Breakfast Best Western is so convenient as it is just across from magnificent York Minster cathedral.

The hotel/B&B has only 37 rooms and a wonderful quaint ambiance and amazing courteous and friendly staff.  After checking in we were directed to the elevator by the luggage porter.  As we were are only one flight up, we thought it a bit silly, but we went along as instructed.  When the bellman rang for the elevator her asked for all our bags, we said “no, we can manage our carry on/backpack”, he insisted that he take them.  When the elevator arrived at our floor, and the door opened we were gob smacked, as Pete says the elevator was the tiniest thing I ever saw, basically a tall dumbwaiter.  Pete and I got in the elevator together, the bellman had to take Pete's backpack up with him.  We barely got the door closed.  And we laughed all the way up.

After entering the surprisingly spacious room, we got settled, dressed up warm and went to a walk around town.  The Christmas markets were in full swing as it was now getting dark around 4:00 PM, darn these winter, day-light savings hours.  Although with the town decorated for Christmas, the lights were all lite and everything sparkled.  After a quick walk around, we opted to have dinner at a French bistro called Café Rouge.

Pete had a fabulous beef bourgeon and I had my favorite, lamb shank.  Both were superbly prepared and delicious.  Then a couple of cafe lattes for dessert.  Just what we needed after a long day.  Afterwards we walked some more through old streets with shops, Christmas markets and an area called The Shambles. 

It is an old street with overhanging timber-framed buildings.  The area has been used as a market dating back to 1318.

Then finally back to the hotel, picked up night cap in hotel bar, into our PJs and took a look at our email.  Finishing our nightcaps we were whipped now, but relaxed and looking forward to more adventure around York tomorrow.

What a great day!

Night-Night!