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Visit nostalgic York

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We were in York for a long weekend. I have spent quality time in this fine city in the past and it was nice to be back. Although the architecture, fabulous City walls and Minster continue to attract flocks of tourists from all over the world, this time I noticed York’s real appeal for the domestic market – nostalgia.

York has got peddling nostalgia down to an artform. There is something for everyone:

  1. Nostalgia for the mythical golden age of Middle England. York has more twee-themed museums and gift shops, ye-olde-worlde tea shops and pubs proudly declaring that they are ‘traditional’ than I have seen in quite some time.
  2. Nostalgia for the steam age. Remember when the trains ran on time and you didn’t feel degraded travelling in one at the excellent National Railway Museum.
  3. Nostalgia for rose-tinted childhood. Every second hand book shop had a ‘nostalgia’ section filled with Enid Blyton books and old Beano annuals. York even has a shop dedicated to selling dolls houses and doll house furniture. No children were sighted near either.
  4. Nostalgia for the 70s. There is a branch of 70s theme bar Flares and at least one 70s themed kareoke nights.
  5. Nostalgia for the 80s. Represented by a branch of 80s theme bar The Reflex and local paper over-enthusiam for Spandau Ballet.
  6. Nostalgia for the 90s. See picture above. This is probably going too far.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 at 8:52 pm and is filed under Random. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

4 Responses to “Visit nostalgic York”

  1. Keith Says:
    April 1st, 2009 at 5:06 am

    I’m glad you had a good time. Take care. Have a great week. Cheers!

  2. Cocktails Says:
    April 1st, 2009 at 5:16 pm

    Thanks Keith. Thanks for stopping by – hope all is well with you.

  3. planet mondo Says:
    April 1st, 2009 at 5:31 pm

    I’ve been to York a few times – it seems even better by night. Have you tried Chester (or Stuart Maconies Pies and Prejudice) or closer to home, and on the the south caost Rye – with Winchelsea Beach just down the road is always deserted…

    Last time I went to York, I had the route home all mapped out and ready, put the map on the car-roof while loading up then drove off with it still on there, but didn’t realise until a few miles later..whoops.

  4. Cocktails Says:
    April 2nd, 2009 at 2:17 pm

    PM you’re right, York is good by night but I think it looks best under clear spring skies like it was on Sunday!

    I have been to Chester (very nice too), but not Rye. Must go sometime – my Mum likes it there! Friends tell me that Winchester is very nice and I recommend Lincoln for a quick trip away.

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