In order to understand England, you need to understand the Industrial Revolution — a major turning point in not only Britain’s history, but the world’s. Almost every single aspect of daily life was influenced in some way by the transition to new manufacturing processes and the average income of the population began to exhibit unprecedented and sustained growth.
Trafalgar allowed us to get up close and personal with the Industrial Revolution, as they took us to visit Quarry Bank Mill, a regeneration project that they are supporting through their TreadRight foundation. Run by the National Trust, the Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire is one of the best preserved textile mills and is now a museum of the cotton industry. There we were provided with an unique insight into how extremely challenging it was to be a factory worker, especially of a child’s age, in Victorian times.
Afterwards we departed for York. A walled city located at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, it is rich in history and has provided the backdrop to major political, royal, and religious occasions throughout its two millennia of existence. It became an important trading center during the Middle Ages and then later evolved into the capital of the Church of England, a role it has since retained.
The city offers a wealth of attractions, of which York Minster is the most prominent. It is easily one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals and holds the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second-highest office of the Church of England. “The Heart of Yorkshire” has the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world, some dating back to the 14th Century.
Quickly before dinner we checked into the Hilton York Hotel, adjacent to Clifford’s Tower, another popular York attraction, before setting out for the main event of the day.
The gracious Bell family had invited us into their magnificent Whitwell Hall for a home-cooked Be My Guest dining experience with them. This exclusive opportunity, which would have been impossible to experience without Trafalgar, allowed me a slice of English country life. It is not often you get to feel like English royalty, even if only for a few hours. Over delicious, hearty local food, the Bell’s regaled us with intriguing stories about their 18th Century estate.
Beautiful architecture!! What a stunning place to visit – I would be eager to return too!
Yes, it’s absolutely amazing, I can’t wait to go back someday!
These are wonderful photos! I’ve heard some great things about York and really hope I make it there some day. It looks beautiful and the history really appeals to me. Thanks!
You would LOVE it!!! Hope you can make it there soon.
York looks so very quaint. I want to have afternoon tea in that tea room!
It is SO quaint and charming!!!
I looove how you photographed the reflections! York is one of our favorite cities in England.
Thank you sooo much, you’re so kind! York is so special right?
Great photos! Sounds like you saw a lot of great historical sites!
Thank you so much! Yes we did!!!
You did a beautiful job capturing the York cathedral. You have a real creative flair – love those reflection shots and all the different angles.
And wow, what an amazing experience to have dinner at that estate. I’m jealous! That’s right up my alley.
Thank you so much for your kind words re: my photos, I really appreciate it! I can’t tell you how amazing dinner at that estate was, wow!!!
The photos look awesome! Great captures of England. Makes us want to fast forward to our Eurotrip. But we are still here in Australia Whitsunday. so it’s really bittersweet. Enjoy your trip!
OMG don’t be thinking about any other place while you’re in the Whitsundays!!!!!
love the water pics
Thank you!
Gorgeous photos, Andi! Living vicariously through your Wanderlust. Looking forward to seeing what’s to come!
Awww what a lovely comment, thank you! I’m really touched!!!
I love, love, love your water reflection shots!! Magical, darling. 🙂
Thank you X a million dear!
Stunning photography. Lovely pic of you!
Thank yoooou sweetheart!
Gorgeous! It looks like it’s straight from the pages of a storybook!
That is exactly how I would describe the town!!!
Looks so amazing. I missed your iconic food pictures, but it still sounds like such an incredible experience!
Hahaha the food and surroundings were just SO good that I couldn’t take pics. I had to enjoy the moment!!!
I love York! These pictures totally took me back there! I went there once for a few days when I was visiting family in England. I took the train there from North Allerton. The Minster is a great place! Did you happen to see the Viking museum?
I didn’t, sadly I didn’t have much time. Was it awesome?
I love these kinds of old world cities. Fantastic photos as always.
Me too!!! THANK YOU! 🙂
I want to go back to Europe so badly! I went to Paris this spring, but am dying to re-visit England in the next couple of years!
The Style Scribe
I hope you can make it back there soon!!! Paris is so beautiful in the spring by the way.
I really enjoy your post. Awesome pictures,It makes me wanna go there.
So glad you enjoyed it! Hope you can make it there soon!
Hi Andi, thank you for this post. As a child of the North – Manchester originally! – it makes me feel a little homesick as I haven’t been to York in years!
You’ve captured the historical aspect of York quite well and that’s why I love it- the Vikings, Romans, Saxons, all encumbered together. Love it!
Awww your comment made me tear up! I’m so happy the post touched you!!! What a great place you grew up!
I am only now seeing that you went to the Quarry Bank Mill – that’s right by where we live in the UK 🙂 And York is SO beautiful. I love that you got to explore the North West!
Oh my gosh really? What an awesome place to live!!! I need to visit you when you’re in England one year.