York for the unpretentious goth |
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...one small goth's travels in Yorkshire.
York is a warm, vibrant city in the northeast of the United Kingdom, about an hour from the eastern coast. It boasts plenty of medieval charm to go with its trendiest areas.
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Monksgate, of the city walls
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Situated on the River Ouse, York combines historical charm and trendy globalism into the most comfortable vibe I've gotten from any city I've visited. Timber-framed buildings sit just around the corner from newly-built boutiques. A large section of the city centre is pedestrian-oriented, making exploring and shopping quite easy. Nearly every attraction of interest is within easy walking distance of every other, so even if you wear your silliest Death Wellies, your feet won't protest too much. Just be careful of the cobblestones.
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Stonegate houses some of the most fun shopping. There are plenty of little boutiques for mementos and plenty of curio shoppes for the odd pressie. And even if you don't find what you're looking for, it's just around the corner from Parliament Street and Piccadilly, a major shopping area. The city wall is a great walk, and a lovely way to orient yourself and see some of the major sites. The Jorvik Viking Centre is the 80s Epcot of the Viking world, and worth a go if you're in the mood for an educational laugh.
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There are numerous ghost-oriented walks, tours, and attractions across the city. You can't walk two blocks without finding one, and it's great fun to try for an evening before or after going out to the pubs.
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York Minster is currently under restoration, at least on the south exterior. The western facade and the interior are still absolutely fantastic. Take your binocs to have a good look at the ceiling bosses, especially in the west wing. Visit the Undercroft, and many tombs of the notable and famous. The audio tour is well worth it. Just be sure to check whether the Minster is being used for services; I ran into a snag with the RAF All Souls' Day celebrations.
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| Nightlife: |
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The bar at the Evil Eye Lounge
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Definitely catch the Evil Eye Lounge (http://www.evileyelounge.com/menu.asp). It's a combination nightclub/bar/off-license bottle shop/humidor/internet cafe--with a Caribbean voodoo theme. Their Hellshot has been banned, but they've a huge menu full of cocktails, shooters, wines, beers, and spirits, including absinthe. For the less daring, they serve teas and smoothies of lovely varieties (their Tibetan chai is fantastic). They also have posh cigars on the menu, which are well worth a go. Don't miss the upstairs levels.
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The Eboracum Legion Bathhouse (http://www.yorkromanbath.co.uk) is actually a restaurant with a Roman bath in the cellar.
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The York Dungeon is a hilarious trip, filled with gore, torture and fun. ;o)
Alquimia Spa on Stonegate is perfect for pampering feet tired from those not-yet-broken-in Doc Martins and New Rocks.
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Published on Wednesday November 2th, 2005 by ragnvaeig
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