The city of York is situated between the rivers Ouse and Foss where they meet and has been one of the UK’s most important cities for around two thousand years.  The Romans founded the city in 71 AD and the town has grown and was at one time going to be the capital of England.  But King Richard II was deposed before he could make this come to fruition. 

Certainly there is so much history to be discovered about this wonderful city and you should set aside several days to take in all the sights when you stay in York. In this article we take a look at a few of the places which attract visitors to them year after year.

1.     York Minister – This is now the largest medieval building in England today and is the largest cathedral in northern Europe. It has dominated the skyline of York for over eight hundred years and is a wonderful example of gothic architecture to be found anywhere in England today. 

Although you do not have to pay for entry into the main part of the Minister there is a small admission fee to climb the central tower and witness the spectacular city views it offers. Plus you need to take into consideration it is a long climb up and back down again in order to view the city from a completely different angle. 

2.    Jorvik Centre - When archaeologists were carrying out investigations in the Coppergate area of the city they found houses and workshops dating back to the times when the Vikings laid claim to this land. The artefacts they found, including tools and clothing, date back over a thousand years. The time capsule ride attempts to recreate Viking life and you can travel back to a reconstructed Viking settlement. As you travel you have the chance to view some of the well preserved 10th Century buildings that were discovered during the time of the archaeological dig.

3.     York Castle Museum – This is a very popular museum with visitors to the city and offers them a chance to view what life has been like throughout the centuries in Britain. You can examine detailed reconstructions of British life and the exhibits often include original artefacts.

4.    National Railway Museum – Probably the largest and most comprehensive railway museum in the world. Through wandering around this wonderful museum one can learn about the history of railways and how they became one of our mainstream methods of transport. The museum is the home of Stephenson’s Rocket and also the record holding steam engine, Mallard.

If you want a different angle on history then why not arrange to take the Ghost Trail of York. Here you can learn more about the cities more gruesome and blood chilling history.

Choose your York hotel or guesthouse from this list.

Kendal is within easy reach of the English Lake District and also the north west coastline. Both Windermere and Keswick are a short car journey away and unless you’re driving in the height of the season, both are less than half an hour away. In fact, the town of Kendal is an excellent base for exploring most of the Lake District. 

There is not only the Lake District to be enjoyed and explored when you stay in Kendal the town is also well worth exploring. Here we’ll look at some attractions that you’ll want to consider when you visit Kendal.

Abbot Hall Art Gallery is located in a Georgian Villa to be found in the heart of the town and houses some wonderful works of art. As well as exhibitions taking place throughout the year there are plenty of lectures and events taking place also. So you can take your admiration of its art to new levels.

Sizergh Castle and its gardens is a popular tourist destination just a few minutes drive from Kendal. The original part of the house was built during medieval times and then extended during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It boasts a number of oak panelled rooms which lead to the Inlaid Chamber with its magnificent collection of portraits and ceramics. Today the house is still home to Strickland family who first had the house built for them during the middle ages.

After you’ve toured the house you can spend time when the weather is fine exploring the gardens. Here there are two lakes to view along with an amazing rock garden also. Plus there are plenty of viewpoints as you walk around the Castle grounds which offer views across Morecambe Bay and to the Lake District’s fells. 

Right in the centre of Kendal you will find the Quaker Tapestry Exhibition Centre. This is housed in the Friends Meeting House which was constructed in 1816 and this Georgian building houses exhibits celebrating the formation of the Quakers Religious Society in 1652. 

However, if you are looking for somewhere to learn more about what life is like for those who have lived in the Lake District over the centuries, then time should be spent at the Museum of Lakeland Life. This is opposite the Abbot Hall Gallery, in a converted stables and visitors young and old will find plenty to keep them occupied. 

As you wander around the rooms including the 18th Century kitchen and walk down the Edwardian street where you will get a feel for what life has really been like for the Lake District inhabitants during the past 150 years. This museum is an excellent “time machine” for you to enjoy.

When you next stay in Kendal, choose your Kendal hotel or otheraccommodation here.

In recent years, as well as recent months, air trips rules have changed.  If you are planning on flying, you will find that most of these changes have occurred right at airports, namely airport security checkpoints.  If you are about to head off to catch a flight, whether you leave tomorrow or in two weeks, it is advised that you famialrize yourself with these new air travel rules, namely the ones that are enforced at airport security checkpoints.

When it comes to airport security checkpoints, there are many passengers who only think of one checkpoint, but the reality is that there are actually three.  The first checkpoint is when you go to register for your seat on the plane. This is the time when you will be presented with your boarding passes and when you must hand over the luggage that you would like checked.  In addition to handing over your plane tickets or requesting your boarding passes, you will need to show the proper forms of identification. These items most commonly include a driver’s license or a government issued identification card. 

Once you have received all of your boarding passes, for all of your flights, you will need to hand over your luggage that you will be leaving below in the plane. These bags are commonly referred to as checked baggage or checked luggage.  As with your carryon luggage, your checked baggage will need to be checked for prohibited items. In the past, only a small number of bags were hand checked, but now almost all are.  Many of these checks are quick look-overs, but you may be subject to a random, extensive search. This search often includes the checking of all baggage compartments, as well as the wiping of a cloth, which is looking for powdery substances. 

When you have been cleared to the next stage, you will need to go through the main airport security checkpoints. This point is where you will be required to have your carryon luggage scanned by an x-ray machine. You will also need to walk through a metal detector. In the past, only random travelers were asked to remove their shoes for checking. At this time, all travelers are required to remove their shoes, expect those with underlying medical conditions. Your carry-on luggage will be x-rayed along with your shoes.

By familiarizing yourself with the items that are banned aboard an airplane, including items that are only prohibited from being stored in your carryon luggage, an unnecessary incident could be prevented. In the event that you are found carrying a prohibited item, certain steps will be taken. Depending on the item in question, you may be required to return the item to you car, discard of it, mail it to your home, or turn it over to airport security.To shorten delays, make certain you do not bring along with you any prohibited items that could cause you to miss your flight.

Once you have been cleared at the main security checkpoint, you will need to go through one more security checkpoint. This is the final step before being able to board your airplane.You will require to present your boarding pass just after waiting in line to be attended.During this time you will probably need to present your ID again, but not always necessary. Most travelers are easily able to board their airplane, but you may be pulled aside in the event that you are acting suspicious or drawing unwanted attention to yourself. That is why it is best that you stay calm during all airport checkpoints, including the final boarding stage. 

Perhaps, the best way to ensure that your next flight is as pleasant as it can be is to follow all travel requirements rules.  Knowing these rules ahead of time, including the screening process, you should ensure that you are able to board your plane and make it to your intended destination without incident.