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York Minster
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York delights capped by great hotel
2/ 5/2008
THE CHOIR’S voice soared through the Minster like a gentle spring tide, washing over every pew before rolling back to allow silence to fill the vast void.
It was a wonderful moment, encapsulating the history, emotion and beauty of York in one small segment of time.
We were in the Minster, that stunning medieval building which dominates the skyline over this historic city.
A visit to York never disappoints and a trip to the Minster is one of its undoubted highlights. We visited on Easter Sunday when the church service was underway and the choir in fine voice.
The crowds shuffled around silently as the service continued, but you could feel everyone almost gasp when the voices in the choir swelled.
History oozed out of every corner of this building.
But there were more treasures to see outside.
Not far from the Minster is the delightful Shambles area, a well-preserved narrow medieval street where the upper floors of the buildings almost kiss, blocking out the light above.
And keep wandering – York is a great walking city – and you come across Clifford’s Tower.
The Tower was vital in keeping the population of northern England under control and you can see exactly why with its sweeping, glorious views of the surrounding countryside from the impressive ramparts.
If history isn’t your thing, then York’s wonderful array of shops will keep you busy for hours on end. All the major high street stores are represented, but the real beauty of this city is its lovely selection of small traders, great street markets and niche stores.
And, if you have kids, a visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre is certain to enthrall even the most sceptical youngster.
You can learn all about the Vikings’ links with York and also go on a themed ride through a recreation of a Viking settlement with all the sights, sounds and even smells to enjoy.
York is also becoming a wonderul place to experience luxury hotels. We stayed in the recently opened Hotel Du Vin, located centrally, close to the city’s walls.
And it proved to be a wonderful experience. Housed in an old Georgian building, the hotel has just 44 rooms and suites and, as such, the service afforded to each guest is exemplary.
From the moment we walked in we were made to feel special. Room numbers are dispensed with and each suite given a wine-related name. We stayed in the Dom Perignon suite on the top floor. It was immaculate from the huge bed to the vast bathroom with a shower you could almost fit a single bed into! No expense has been spared over the furnishings and the decoration is inspirational.
But the true pleasure in staying at the Hotel Du Vin is gained by dining in its Bistro. Head chef Nicco Cecchella has helped create a wonderful eating experience based around its well-stocked wine cellar.
The food was top class and the wine an absolute delight. And, if you struggle with your choice, the excellent sommelier is on hand to point you in the right direction.
I would thoroughly recommend combining a visit to the Bistro, housed on the ground floor, with a stay at this hotel.
Overall, York has something for everyone, fine hotels, staggeringly expansive history and wonderful shops. At just 90 minutes’ drive away, a visit this year should be on everyone’s agenda, as should a stay at the Hotel Du Vin.
We stayed at:
HOTEL DU VIN, YORK: 44 bedrooms and suites; 70-80 seater Bistro restaurant; 2 function rooms 22 pax and 24 pax; Laroche tasting room; Champagne bar; Covered and partial open courtyard; Large green area at rear of property
Address: 89, The Mount, York, YO24 1AX
Telephone: 01904 557350; Fax: 01904 557351
Email: Info.york@hotelduvin.com
Website: www.hotelduvin.com
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