Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby, Yorkshire Moors and York

We made a few outings with school and had two great sightseeing in Yorkshire. We started the first Wednesday by going to Robin Hood's Bay, a sweet little village on the coast. It has quite a dodgy history famous for being smuggler's paradise. The cliffs made a perfect lookout and the village being remote and isolated made it perfect to smuggle goods from all over the world. Today it is a quiet village with sweet narrow streets.

Next stop was Whitby. For the ones who like Bram Stoker's vampire story, Im happy to show you pictures from where Dracula landed when he came to England. It's a story but when you walk around the church and old abbey you can understand why Bram Stoker chose this place to be a part in his gothic story. Whitby is a small town and is build around a harbor which almost divides the town. The old town is crowded with tourists shopping for jet stones and other souvenirs. I liked the abbey and to climb the cliffs, up and down. We also had a very reasonably priced and very tasty fish and chips at a lunch place by the harbor but otherwise I don't know if it was worth the visit. Maybe I need to give it another chance. There is a little old steam train to take you up to the moors, that is absolutely something worth doing.

 The abbey or what is left of it.

 Maybe this is where Dracula took sweet Lucy?

Yorkshire Moors was the last stop. I love Dartmoor and was very excited. It is just something with that barren desolated landscape. I think either you hate it or you love it. We didn't hike that day, I think I really want to come back and do that one day. But we did do a short stop at the Goatland Station, where Harry Potter got off the train and met Hagrid for the first time... or the spot where this was all filmed. We also got to see where the British Tv series Heartbeat was set, the pub and the garage. Never really followed that series though it has been running on Swedish television for years. But my mother loves it and was thrilled to see the pictures.

The following Wednesday we headed for York. We could follow the guide from school or take some time by ourselves, we chose the latter. York is a town a could really live in. It has everything and then some. I only spent a day but will definitely come back. We started at the Railroad Museum. Now trains have never been a passion of mine but I can seriously recommend this place if you do have an interest.

We walked into the city centre, saw the magnificent cathedral and then spent the day in the old town. Some of us visited the viking museum Jorvik. You go in a sort of wagon or cart through a viking village which was very realistically made with smells and everything. History has always fascinated me and I think this is worth the while if you are in York. Then just walking around town is very charming and they do have some odd shops.

 They don't make them like this anymore. Must be the Rolls Royce of trains.

 Apparently this street inspired JK Rowlins  Diagon Alley

 A long name for a short street!

 Viking museum.

Scarborough

We had two lovely weeks in Scarborough. We had applied to a methodology course at Anglolang and took a pause in our precious off time from work to get useful and inspirational tips for our teaching. Though still in holiday mode we were very chuffed to be back in school and hungry for knowledge... well, I think between the afterschool beers and wines, we got very valuable tips and new friends from all over Europe.

Down below I have posted some pictures from Scarborough. It's a seaside town, not too small but not very big either. It's easy to walk around. In South Bay you have the typical arcades and touristy little shops which didn't impress me. Walking along the promenade to the North Bay you get a more quiet part of town.

 South Bay with the Spa below and the Grand Hotel.

 City centre, in the morning on our way to school.

 Launcher's Cottage, home sweet home.

 North Bay with the castle ruin on top of the hill.

 Anglolang, filled with student groups. I was lucky not to be responsible one for all the kids.

We mostly stayed in Scarborough, except for the two outings we did with Anglolang. On the Saturday we were free and busied ourselves with walking around Scarborough, shopping and we had afternoon tea at Francis Tea Room. Check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Francis-Tea-Rooms-South-Street-Scarborough/152480368136503

I must say as an English teacher this was such a fantastic experience. We had cucumber sandwiches, salmon sandwiches, cheese sandwiches and egg sandwiches, scones, Victoria sponge cake and some chocolate cake. No need to say that dinner was not needed.
    Francis Tea Room is an old hair salon made into a café. The booths from past time are still there and we were lucky to find one available. Usually if you want to make sure, book one in advance. The tablecloths were charmingly old-fashioned and the china as well. And we, the ladies, really appreciated the complimentary bowls of sweets on the tables. If you are in the neighbourhood, or even if you're not - this is a must! You will love it!

 Like Alice in Wonderland...

 the booths seen from the entrance.