York - St. Mary's Abbey Ruins and the York Minister

The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York

…commonly known as York Minster. The term ‘Minster’ is an honorary title given to some impressive churches in England. The York Minster is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe.

Fun to start our day in York here!

Love this Emily girl. We pose for a picture while Ryan, smiley Megan and observant Dad come walking down the cathedral aisle.

The Minster was completed in 1472 after several centuries of building. It’s gorgeous.

After leaving the Minster we walked on the York City Walls admiring the views of the city and architecture.

Love these two walking through the streets of York.

Hanging out on the grass by the half timbered - tutor style building that is now St. William’s College.

Shopping and Lunch on the cute little streets near the York Minister. We had fun checking out some of the gift shops, finding cool prints, a candy store and purchasing some things in another Ness store — like a new dress for Katie.

Little Meat Pies for our lunch. Look at those cute boys leaning up against a bench with no seat!

Little Shambles Area

Really enjoyed this old street in York with it’s cute overhanging timber-framed buildings, open windows and little shops.

I just think it’s so interesting that the buildings angle out on the top levels. Kind of looks like they are going to topple over!

Just a real life moment where the kids found somewhere to sit while I took a few pictures of the street. Thanks for carrying my jacket, Ry. And thanks for carrying my camera bag, Megan. You guys are troopers! Sight-seeing is tiring!

The National Railway Museum

Out of the list of different museums we could have chosen for this afternoon in York, the kids decided on the Railway Museum. We enjoyed wandering around the Station Hall looking at all the different trains throughout England’s history. It was fun and it was free.

Ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey

After finding something to eat for dinner we took a vote. Who wants to head back to the hotel and relax and who wants to walk around the city as the sun sets. Katie, Emily and Luke picked staying back at the hotel and watching a show while they wrote in their journals. Ryan, Megan, Matt, Chris and I picked heading back into the city. We really enjoyed the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey.