On Tour: York, Day 4

Monday March 9, 2026.

For the first time this weekend, I slept in, so I didn't go for a walk before breakfast.

However, after breakfast we went to Shambles Market and had a quick wander around the city, before heading back to the hotel to pack.

The rest of the morning was spent relaxing, before we headed to a bus stop so that Emma could catch a bus to the station, while I completed a final walk.

So, I headed south along 'Foss Island Road' and onto 'Paragon Street', keeping outside of the city walls, until I reached 'Skeldergate Bridge', which I used to cross the 'River Ouse'.

On Tour: York, Day 2

Saturday March 7, 2026.

As per usual, when I am away, I awoke early at around 05:40. 

So, I quietly made my way to the bathroom, where I washed and dressed making sure not to wake Emma. I then made my way down to reception and out into the cool dawn morning, heading into the city.

I barely saw a single person as I made my way through the darkened streets, snapping photos of old churches and historic buildings as I made my way towards 'Shambles'. On our visit the previous night 'Shambles' had been full of visitors, but this morning was completely deserted. The early morning light giving it an otherworldly countenance.

From here I headed towards the Minster, with still no one in sight. More photographs were taken, before the light brightened and people began to appear, heading to their workplaces.

I followed my feet, confident that the layout of the city was stored correctly in my mind, as each lane, street or alleyway twisted and brought me to another wonderful building. 'The Golden Fleece' pub would become a landmark for the entire weekend, as it always seemed to be where we would end up.

Model Railway at King's Cross station 'Family Lounge'

A model of the 'Mallard' steam locomotive.

Recently I have been using King's Cross station a lot more, as I have been travelling to Peterborough to see friends. Or, waiting there for friends to arrive. Either way I have been visiting around King's Cross station more than usual. 

Of course, there is the architecture of the station, but I have found the family room to be a quiet place to relax, while waiting for trains to arrive or depart.

Some of the detailed model buildings.

The family lounge has seating, a soft play area for the little ones, comfy seats, table top games and screens, showing what it is like to drive the LNER Azuma train, and display cabinets with models of the 'Flying Scotsman' steam locomotive.

But its main attraction has to be the giant Hornby model railway, that takes centre stage of the lounge. With its intricate detailing, different models of the LNER fleet, plus models of the 'Mallard' and 'Flying Scotsman'.