A village called Bishop Wilton

This morning we are back on the train, this time from York to London King’s Cross. We have had a lovely time out in the country side. Thank you James for having us and showing us around! It was awesome =)

On Thursday we said we were on our way to York for the weekend which was only partly true. We caught the train to York but actually stayed outside of York in a village called Bishop Wilton. The village is a 45 min bus ride from York and we really enjoyed our first taste of real English country side passing by. There are only 3 buses a day to and from Bishop Wilton so make sure you don’t miss it!

York is obviously in Yorkshire, but the county or area of Yorkshire is actually quite big and takes up most of the central part of England. Bishop Wilton is in the East Riding area of Yorkshire. We initially thought we would be in James Herriot country which is the Yorkshire Dales but learnt that he was in Thirsk which is more North of Bishop Wilton. But we were close enough to imagine him doing his rounds in the country side. Life must have been much harsher in the days before electricity and running water, especially in winter. I’m glad it wasn’t me who had to help with a calving or lambing stripped down to the waist in the middle of the night in winter with nothing but freezing cold water to wash with!

When we arrived James took us for a drive around his parish, Bishop Wilton and a few of the surrounding villages, in his new car. Bron really stuck out in her orange ski jacket but didn’t really care because it was warm! The temperature in the day was generally between -1°C and 1°C and much colder at night which is much colder than what we were used to in London. At least in Holland she will blend in in her orange jacket. Thursday evening was a quiet one hanging out at home catching up with James. James is a dab hand in the kitchen and treated us to some really good meals. We had fresh local beef and ham almost every day. The fresh veg, some straight out of the garden, and local cheese was also really good. Thanks James!

Friday we took the bus to York and had about 3 hours to explore before the last bus back. The first stop was to York Minster, the York Cathedral. It is mostly a gothic style cathedral so very similar to Westminster Abbey. It is quite big with many ornate stained glass windows. There is currently a project underway to restore the stained glass windows on the East End of the cathedral which will take another 10 years apparently, yikes! That’s a long time. They also have several masons working on the stone work of the cathedral. It is good to know that people are looking after and caring for their heritage. We didn’t go up the tower of the cathedral but it is open for visitors.

After York Minster we walked around the city and along the old city wall. A large part of the original wall remains and walking along the top of it offers great views of the city and the cathedral. York has many quaint old streets and lanes with different kinds of shops, an interesting mix of old and new.  The last stop before the bus was Clifford’s Tower, a look-out tower remaining from York Castle. We didn’t have time to go up into it but was still cool to see it.

Friday evening we had dinner at the local pub, The Fleece Inn. We both had a very generous portion of beef and mushroom pie, it literally took up the whole plate! With veg and chips on the side. Good value for money. Rob, even you would struggle with it and couldn’t help Sue with hers!

On Saturday James took us for a drive through the country to the coast. We drove via Bridlington to Flamborough where we scampered on the cliffs and walked on the beach, it was pretty chilly out there! But calm and beautiful and refreshing. On Sunday we attended the local church service given by James followed by drinks and snacks at James’s house. The rest of the day was spent relaxing in front of the fire =)

We really enjoyed meeting people in the village. Everyone here is so friendly and we felt so welcome. There is a great sense of community in the village and the parish. People help each other out and don’t keep a score card, refreshingly different from city life. At drinks on Sunday a lady recognised me as Michelle’s sister, I’ve never had that before! Lol.

Today was an early start to get to the bus on time and we will only be back in London after lunch. The rest of the day will be spent packing our bags and getting organised for the trip to Rotterdam tomorrow, another early start. Plans this week are to find a place to live in Rotterdam and register Bron so she can get a residence permit. Nothing exciting but busy and stressful! Next time we write we will hopefully be able to say that all went smoothly, that we found a place and are on our way to explore Europe! Here’s holding thumbs!

Hope you well and have a good week!

x

Bron in her ski outfit

York Minster

Typical York street

Remains of the wall that surrounded York

Standing on the wall

Clifford's Tower, remains of the York Castle

Frost

Inquisitive sheep

A typical country road 

(only room for one car at a time)

View over Bishop Wilton and the surrounds

Sunrise over Bishop Wilton

Flamborough

Justin, Bron and James

More coastal engineering interest

Something a little odd to end with