We are trying to decide whether to add an additional day in Scotland (we currently have 6, including 3 in Edinburgh) or taking one of the three days we had planned to spend in York and extend our time in Scotland. What would fodorites recommend for activities with <BR>(1) 2 days in York or <BR>(2) 3 days in York . <BR>We love history, castles, celtic music, walking. <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Christy

Based on the information provided by yourself, I would advise a three night stay in York. An absolute must is a meal in the famous (and excellent) Betty's tearooms - absolutely top quality food, and old-fashioned service. Enjoy your holiday!

If you plan on staying completely in York (i.e., not doing side-trips), two _full_ days )3 nights) should be plenty to adequately "do" York. That give you enough time for a walk through the Shambles and along the city wall, a visit to the Castle Museum (an utter must IMO), visiting the Minster and Clifford's Tower, see the Jorvik Viking Museum (get there early to beat the LONG lines) and take a ghost tour at night. Use your other day in Scotland. You won't be sorry. York is a wonderful place to visit (one of my favorites), but Scotland is too and really needs as much time as you can give it, being so much larger.

I too recommend adding the extra night to Scotland -- IF you mean seeing just York. But if you want to do a day trip out to Castle Howard (of Brideshead Revisited fame), Thirsk (home of James Herriot, The North Yorkshire Moors, and or Robin Hood's Bay - then keep the 3rd night in York.

I'd also put the extra time in Scotland rather than York. York is delightful, and if you get the chance & are up for it, walking along the city walls is also a great way to explore. There's a huge railway museum right near (you guessed it) the train station that's worth a quick look. Enjoy - it's a lovely part of the country!

Christy, since you said you loved among other things...castles, I would recommend you do the three days in York. That will give you time to do Castle Howard, which is out in the countryside. <BR>Here is its website <BR>http://www.castlehoward.co.uk/ <BR>It is famous for having been THE castle used in the BBC/PBS series Brideshead Revisited (1981). The web site is very thorough and will give you an idea if you want to ensure having time to see it. I am sure that you will. Have a fab trip!

If you do opt for the third night in York, use the time to see Harrogate and the North York moors area if possible. <BR>I reckon you could 'do' York itself in one long day, including the minster, a ghost walk, a trip to the castle and tea at Betty's. The next day you could spend travelling on the train or bus to Harrogate which would take about 40 minutes. There you could simply potter a while, take in tea again at Betty's (the best branch by far) or take a visit to the Victorian Turkish baths. By late afternoon you would be free again and you coudl travel to the Angle put at Hetton. It is delightful and a frequent winner of food and pub awards. If you look it up on the web and see how far it is from York it is well worth a visit, even during the day. It has a proper restaurant and a bistro serving food at the bar at much cheaper prices. A car would help and you could simply drive around the Moors.

Does anyone know if the pianist still plays at 6 o'clock at Betty's (for added charm)?

For the biggest cup of Cappucino in York, find the Evil Eye Cafe,more of a small store downstairs, go upstairs,also has 1gbp an hour internet.We were there 6/1/01 and the weather was a great. Also visited Bettys Tearoom however it was a small one above a shop in Shambles I believe. <BR>We loved York and the fact everything was walkable. I suggest arriving at Viking Centre by 9am to avoid the loong lines,especially if you will be there a weekend day. Joyce

The pianist does still play. I have been there several times and he was playing, but I cannot remember the exact time. <BR> <BR>I M H O, I find Betty's expensive even for what it is, so mostly I buy food to take away. Lots of their stuff freezes well; if you ask they will tell you which they recommend for freezing.