Day 1 - Visit York | 12 Days of Christmas

If you're thinking of planning a day trip or a weekend away here's a lovely idea to add to your 'places to go', especially around Christmas time. Jake and I want to start seeing more of the UK and make the most out of cities that are on our doorstep, although I adore seeing the world and travelling on different city breaks, it is more affordable and faster (most of the time). We headed to York one weekend, just for a day trip. After packing up our little car with road trip snacks and chose the perfect playlist, we were ready to go!

York is such a beautiful city, so upon arrival we wandered round the centre, looking at all of the beautiful buildings and shops; there is so much history in York. York Minster is definitely a place you want to see, the architecture is so beautiful and grand – we wanted to go inside however on the day/time we went there were no visitors allowed due to a service. I still enjoyed admiring it from the outside. The last time I went to York was in 2008 with my Dad and I have fond memories of the city and visiting York Dungeons. I was so excited to go back with Jake as I remember how much fun it was. And, I was not disappointed this time round either, I love the ‘audience participation’, I even got dragged into joining in which was embarrassing but really was quite a good laugh. After all the laughs and screams at the dungeons were over, we’d really worked up an appetite so headed to find a quaint café, we came across Bruks – which was exactly what we were looking for. We both got a Jacket potato with cheese and beans to warm us up, for an afternoon strolling round the Christmas market. The Christmas Market at York is not one to be missed. With a whole range of stalls, amazing looking food and niche gifts for everyone.

To finish the day off in style we’d booked on a tour of The York Chocolate Story and before our tour started we sat in their café and devoured a chocolate fondue which was absolutely divine. Once we polished that off we headed on for the tour of the factory which I really think is worth doing. It is full of so much history of chocolate and brands that are from York. From decorating your own chocolate lollipop to watching how they make individual chocolates that you get in boxes - the ones we were shown were filled with lemon and I am not usually one for flavoured chocolate but it really really worked.

York really is such a lovely place to visit not to mention the HUGE Oliver Bonas store there and we all know I'm a sucker for that shop and want to buy everything. Tip - we parked (for free) at the Designer Outlet and got the bus into the city centre which only cost around £6 for a return ticket for two! We ran out of time but the designer outlet also looks great and worth going to get some Christmas presents. 

Lots of love, 
N x