Look what Yaya and Lloyd got up to in York when they visited for a recent festive mini break, travelling up from London to York with LNER and staying at The Grand, York. We caught up with Yaya and Lloyd on all the top tips of their visit!

Day 1

Morning: Yaya and Lloyd departed on an LNER train from London Kings Cross to York. First or Standard class the choice is yours. They checked out the festive menu on board in comfort and style and simply relaxed for a very easy journey. Arrived in York in under 2 hours with just 5 minutes' walk from the station to The Grand, York.

Checked into The Grand, York with their hand luggage. York’s only 5 star hotel located right beside the city walls, housed in the former North Eastern Railway building with plenty of options for afternoon tea, fine-dining, a festive cookery class or a gourmet dinner.

Afternoon: Headed to Shambles market and food court for a something to eat with a wide variety of street food to tempt your tastebuds. They were so excited to explore one of our favourite cities and took a stroll on the York City Walls, then meandered around the newly opened York Christmas market complete with Winter Hutte, a new 2 story alpine style chalet with menus from Michelin starred chef Andrew Pern.

Over 70 chalets now line the streets ready for that Christmas shopping spree. Amazing to see York in all its festive glow, the city looked magical with a brand-new set of Christmas lights. This year York is celebrating the 30th anniversary of St Nicholas Fair. Yaya and Lloyd met up with some of the chalet traders, tried a cheeky mulled wine and realised it was the first Christmas fair they’d visited for 3 years!

Overnight at The Grand, York

Day 2

Breakfast at The Grand, York

Morning: A visit to York Minster, home to the heart of Yorkshire window where it’s said if you kiss underneath the window you’ll be together forever! Also on the very same West end of the Minster they found the brand new statue of our late majesty Queen Elizabeth, recently unveiled by King Charles. York Minster is the largest Gothic Cathedral, North of the Alps and is feeling very festive now having just raised their HUGE advent wreath.

Afternoon: A trip to Castle Howard, 15 miles North of the city.

Arrived at Castle Howard and strolled through the Courtyard – dined in the Courtyard Café before heading down to the house itself for the main event.

Fantastic to take in the wonderful new “Into the Woods” Christmas fairy tale experience, created by Charlotte Lloyd Webber and the Projection Studio. As it grew dark outside the way back was fully lit by dozens of Christmas trees! Plenty of shopping and tea rooms to try out too.

Yaya and Lloyd travelled back into York.  Arrived at York Station with time for a cuppa at the LNER First Class lounge before boarding the train. Hopped aboard the LNER train from York to London and relaxed all the way home.....

Arrived back into London Kings Cross.

See all this and more on Visit York’s Love York hub page.

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