Archive for May, 2008
Ask Shaun
Published on May 28th, 2008.
Welcome back, fellow travelers, to the latest edition of Ask Shaun. As always, yours-truly has been busy answering all your Brit related questions and comments; making sure that everyone is well-informed on the ins and outs of the UK.
This month, I noticed that many travelers are inquiring about cities outside of London which is great. Don’t get me wrong, London is amazing, but there is a real plethora of other exciting UK cities just waiting to be discovered. Which is why, this month, I’ll be focusing on one of my favourite cities in Britain, York!
This nearly 2000 year old city has a real fascinating history behind it. Originally founded by Romans, then conquered by Vikings, it became, as we know it today, York in around 1000 AD.
So now that that brief history lesson is done, let’s get down to investigating all the cool things to see and do in York.
First step first, how do you get to York? Simple enough really; use a BritRail or BritRail England pass and hop a train to the York Railway Station, located on the East Coast Main Line. Trains depart roughly every half hour from London’s King’s Cross Station and it takes less than two hours to get there.
Upon arriving in York, one of your first stops should definitely be the World Famous, Jorvik Viking Center. This must-see attraction is actually built on the site where archaeologists discovered the remains of the original Viking city. Once there, you’ll instantly feel immersed in authentic Viking culture as you experience the sights and sounds of everyday Viking life. If you happen to be there between May 24th and June 1st, you’ll be lucky enough to partake in the ‘Erik Goes Artsy’ festival and have the chance to enjoy fun activities like willow weaving, rune readings and Viking coin stamping.
Also, the Jorvik Viking Center was just added to the list of York Pass attractions in 2008, so be sure to pick one up to save money. (Tel: 01904 543402, Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT).
Another one of my expert recommendations is to have a drink (or tea between 14:00 – 15:00) at Ye Olde Starre Inne. Established way back in 1644, this is the oldest licensed pub in the city and it definitely provides a cool, unique atmosphere to relax in. With 3 beer gardens, live entertainment and a friendly staff, Ye Olde Starre Inne is unquestionably worth the time. (Tel: 01904 623063, 40 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AS).
Though York has so much to see and do, my last recommendation would be to check out the National Railway Museum (ok perhaps I’m a bit biased towards trains, but trust me, its awesome). You will have a blast exploring the three giant rooms filled with incredible trains like the Shinkansen ‘Bullet Train’, the Mallard (the fastest steam locomotive ever) and, of course, the big-daddy of them all, The Flying Scotsman. Admission to the museum is free (except for certain special events) making it a perfect attraction for large families or travelers on a tight budget. (Tel: 08448 153139, Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ). If you want more information on the National Rail Museum, please visit www.nrm.org.uk.
On that note, it’s time to wrap things up for the May edition of the BritRail Newsletter. Remember for any Brit-related questions, you can email me at AskShaun@BritRail.com. Have yourselves a great month and we’ll see you all in June!
Filled under Attractions, BritRail Products, England. No Comments.
Win Two 1st Class BritRail Passes
Published on May 20th, 2008.
You might not be British, but you can still show us you’re a true Brit at heart. Send a picture of yourself doing your best queen wave, playing darts in a pub, painting a union jack on your face or doing anything wild, wacky and fun that shows you’re really a true Brit.
One lucky winner will win a pair of 4-Day BritRail Flexi Passes in First Class.
Send your entries to photocontest@britrail.net before September 1st, 2008.
For full rules and regulations, please visit www.BritRail.com
Filled under Promotions & Contests. No Comments.
This Month’s Featured Products
Published on May 12th, 2008.
The Royal Botanical Kew Gardens
If you’re spending time in London this month, what better way to enjoy the beauty of Spring than with a stroll through the Royal Botanical Kew Gardens? Situated on the south bank of the River Thames, near Richmond, Kew Gardens is a World Heritage Site and home to the World’s largest and most diverse collection of living plants. With over 40,000 different species of flora to behold, Kew Gardens is a must for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts alike.
Kew Gardens has discounts for seniors, students and children (kids under 16 are free!), and is easily accessible via the London Underground (Kew Gardens Station). To purchase passes for the Royal Botanical Kew Gardens, please visit www.BritRail.com and click Complementary Products.
The York Pass
Travelers exploring more than just London should take the time to venture out to the enchanting city of York. Once there, they can use the all-inclusive York Pass which provides free entrance to more than 30 of York’s most popular attractions including York Minster, the National Railway Museum and York Dungeon. The 2008 York Pass Guide also contains an extended range of offers and discounts available in a number of coffee shops, restaurants, cafes, attractions and shops around the city.
To purchase the York Pass and see a complete list of available attractions, please visit www.BritRail.com and click Complementary Products.
Filled under Attractions, BritRail Products, England, London. No Comments.
Get the Most for you Money with The BritRail “Free Day” Promotion!
Published on May 5th, 2008.
Planning a trip to the UK? Well if so, then BritRail wants to help you get the most for your money, which is why we’re giving away a FREE day of travel! Simply book a BritRail Pass* between May 16th and June 30th and we will add on an extra day of travel to the pass, completely free of charge!
Also, since BritRail passes are valid for 6 months, travelers going in late 2008 can book within the promotion period and benefit later in the year!
So don’t let exchange rates get you down; with BritRail’s ‘Free Day’ Promotion, you’re sure to get your money’s worth! But don’t wait, make sure to book in the valid period or you’ll miss this fantastic offer!
To Purchase a BritRail Pass, please visit www.BritRail.com and click Passes.
* Offer valid on the following Passes: BritRail Consecutive Pass, BritRail Flexipass, BritRail England Consecutive Pass, BritRail England Flexipass and the BritRail Freedom of Scotland Travelpass. Consecutive passes will receive an extra consecutive day and Flexi passes will receive and extra flexi day of travel.
Filled under Promotions & Contests. No Comments.
