York (Day 5)

Picturesque Cambridge

Kings College Cambridge

After 3 fantastic days in London we left regretfully hoping to be able to return one day.  Travelled back to Heathrow by private transfer to pick up our hire car. The car was a Citroen C4 Picasso Estarata and on first sight Jill and I practically had kittens. We thought there was no way we would fit all our luggage and ourselves in that car. Hummed and hawed over whether we should upgrade but were quoted £500 to upgrade so rethought and decide we would give it a shot.

Set out for Cambridge and were there in no time without too much traffic. Used the park and ride from Trumpington (1 of the 5 park and rides available). Were dropped off in the middle of Cambridge and then went on a Hop off Hop off bus to tour the town. We thought Cambridge was very pretty.

Left Cambridge at 2pm for a drive to York of 166 miles (266 km).  Thought this would take us 3 hours maximum. Well it took over 4 ½ hours. The traffic was horrendous and of course when we got to  York it’s a 3 day racing carnival so the traffic there  was at a standstill. To cap the day off our hotel had no lift, no car park, no fridge and no safe.  Then to add insult to injury the air con wasn’t working.  The air con issue was resolved.

We went out for a short walk on the wall and then had a few drinks in the bar. Had dinner in the Hotel as the pubs were full of drunken revellers après races and didn’t want any trouble.  York is at home to Telford tomorrow so a very sporty weekend for York. They are expecting approx. 60,000 visitors this weekend.

Off to Edinburgh tomorrow and it is a further distance so we have vowed to get an earlier start so that if there is traffic we are there in good time to prepare for the Tattoo.