Sadly, we can't stay in York...we are on a tight schedule--a working trip, this time. Maybe next year. I have been to York a few times, but not DH. That is what next year is for, right?

Right!

If hubby is interested in trains then check out the U K's National Railway Museum which is right by the train station and free so even with limited time you can bop in and see such historic trains as the earliest ones ever and the stellar collection of royal trains - not only trains but other forms of transport as well.

http://www.nrm.org.uk/

You all (forum regulars) steered me to thetrainline.com last year. It is a great way to find the best prices for the class and route. If I am remembering correctly, you get the best price 3 -4 months ahead of time and they will alert you when that day comes. Also, re: first class... they have "quiet cars" with no cell phones and no loud talking. Very, very nice!

1. "You all (forum regulars) steered me to thetrainline.com last year."

We all didn't. Anyone who knows anything about British railway websites would tell you to steer well clear of thetrainline.com - and it's simply untrue that "we all" recommended it.

Thetrainline offers the WORST prices, because unlike the booking sites nationalrail.co.uk steers you to by default, it charges commission. Every price offered on Thetrainline is offered on nationalrail.co.uk. Thetrailine's alert function might well be useful - but it's a complete waste of money to book through it.

2."re: first class... they have "quiet cars" with no cell phones and no loud talking."

So does Standard. But in Standard, customers obey the rules. In First, it's only too common to find a Master of the Universe whose responsibilities for trading pork belly futures make him or her too important to obey trivialities like noise rules. Selfishness is what they've paid for.

1. "You all (forum regulars) steered me to thetrainline.com last year.">

very few of the regulars do this - I read just about every post about British trains and the ubiquitous site referred to is the one flanneruk does - www.nationalrail.co.uk - very few refer to www.thetrainline.com for the reasons flanneruk states.

Hmm, I guess it was another forum with nice people... ;-)
I thought thetrainline was great.

2."re: first class... they have "quiet cars" with no cell phones and no loud talking."

So does Standard. But in Standard, customers obey the rules. In First, it's only too common to find a Master of the Universe whose responsibilities for trading pork belly futures make him or her too important to obey trivialities like noise rules. Selfishness is what they've paid for.>

can't say for Standard Class but definitely true in Quiet 1st class - and yes loud - train staff I think are intimidated by these briefcase crowds and are aloof to tell them to be quiet - may be different in Standard class with the rabble - train staff may set them straight?

Hmm, I guess it was another forum with nice people...>

amibguously writ - another forum with nice people on it just this forum with nice people

or as I suspect - a forum with nice people on it - unlike this forum?

flanner - I thought you never ever paid a farthing extra to go first class? What's up?