So despite all the gloom and doom and the never ending lockdowns that are pretty much making up 98% of any Melbournians lives, I think it’s also safe to say that good times are around the corner; or I like to be optimistic and think so.
While good times are on the way to come; I would like to take this chance to post about one of the all time awesome places I’ve travelled to over the years- that is the National Railway Museum, in York in the United Kingdom.
To give some context, I was always aware of this place and during the “big holiday” in August/September 2015 [which was a guided tour of the UK followed by Greece], there was an opportunity to briefly view the museum- and by briefly I really mean less than an hour!
However, that hour was more than enough to know that I was going to enjoy it and so just over three years later, after undertaking a career course direction, I was back in the UK and on my way to York for a wonderful day trip- I departed early via LNER from Kings Cross and returned semi late via LNER and their excellent first class service.
So here’s a photographic trip down memory lane
Boarding screen at London King’s Cross- little did I know that this would be a semi regular train I would catch on my adventures
The must visit location at King’s Cross for every Potterhead- the magical Platform 9 3/4!
The amazing and beautiful concourse architecture at King’s Cross.
The standard accommodation of the recently introduced LNER- the government owned Operator of Last Resort who took over from Virgin Trains East Coast.
Despite the early morning and empty train- I still had someone in the seat literally opposite me!
The then stead of the East Coast Main Line- the class 225.
Welcome to- the welcoming sign of the National Railway Museum at York
York Minster- an amazing Gothic cathedral in York- aka God’s Own Country. There’s not enough words that does it justice.
A perfect way to end the day- a walk around the Christmas markets. Can you guess what’s in the mug?
Awaiting departure back to London and I managed to see this by surprise- the replacement for the Class 225, this is an unbranded class 800 undergoing testing at York Station.
Selfie from onboard First Class on the HST- thankfully I managed to get a ride on this before they were removed from service with LNER.
The First Class seat- very comfortable I must say. While not the best representation, it also shows the table presentation featuring placemats for heated food and mugs for refreshments
I can’t recall what this was but this was included as part of the First Class fare and it was yummy- a proper first class service unlike on V/Line and other Australian train providers- you got food and drinks!
To the surprise of no one, I of course had a few drinks of a lovely rose!