Where to Stay and Eat in York and Southampton
My wife and I are planning a trip to York and Southampton this June and are looking for places to stay and eat. We are flying from Houston and would like to know what is the best and simplest way to get to York? Southampton will be at the end of our trip and we would like suggestions on what to see and what to avoid in both cities.
Steve
Nacogdoches, Texas USA 10/26/09
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Just returned last week from the UK. If you are considering bed and breakfasts in York, look at the Abbeyfields Guest House. We found it through Rick's Britain guide. Comfortable, good breakfasts, and close to the major sites. I take it from my conversation with the owners that not many Americans stay there.
The friendly owners Al and Les recommended a new place called Grays Court historic house and tea room for lunch. Service was a bit slow, as apparently they've only been open a few weeks, but the food was good (they do a nice tea) and the views couldn't be beat.
We had stayed in Bath prior to York, so we arrived by train. York has an excellent rail station.
Flying in to where exactly from Houston?
If its London Heathrow, best way to York is take the tube from Heathrow Underground station, the Piccadilly Line (Eastbound) which is a direct service to Kings Cross/St Pancras Underground Station.
Then take the National Express East Coast service from London Kings Cross to York.
Tube takes one hour and the fast train to York runs almost hourly and takes about two hours.
Find schedules at National Rail Enquiries.
Instead of sleeping in Southhampton (the huge port city) consider nearby Portsmouth instead. More scenic, very close to Southampton (20 miles) and lots more to see.
In York we like to stay at the Royal York. It is the rail station hotel. It is a lovely building with a very nice small garden. It is only a short walk to the center of town. My favorite place to eat is Gert and Henery's. It is in a 1/2 timber house at the edge of the Shambles and the market. They have great food.
Thank you for your information. We are now going to stay in Portsmouth instead of Southampton. We will most likely go through customs at Gatwick and then try to get another flight closer to York, Maybe Birmingham or Manchester. I am just trying to reduce our travel time to the B&B in York. Thank you, Steve
The train ride from London to York is not bad. You get to see some nice scenery.
My wife and I stayed at the Bronte Guest House in York. We loved it.
http://bronteguesthouse.yorkwebsites.co.uk/