This summer is a hot one in the UK, and while I love to travel abroad, there’s so much to see here in good old Blighty.
So… we packed the car and drove about seven hours up to York. It was a bit of a pilgrimage as my late father spent a lot of his early life in Yorkshire, and I’d always wanted to get there to see what it was like. It also helped that I love history (shock horror, being a fantasy guy) so the all the Viking and medieval inspiration was very exciting.
Cheeky cocktail
Well… not quite mead, ale or anything medieval… but it’s best to kick off a sight-seeing experience with something alcoholic. Check out this bad-boy from our first stop off, Cat in the Wall! This pink bubble was the Rose Garden, and when we popped it, a mist exuded from the glass. Very cool.
York Minster
You can’t miss it. It’s the jewel of York’s crown. An absolutely stunning medieval wonder. The incredible maze of medieval streets are just perfectly finished when you look up above the rooftops and see this imposing beast looming over you. I can only imagine how impressive it must have been amongst the one floor buildings surrounding it when it was built. Interestingly, those who began work on it were not alive to see it finished. Such was the level and depth of the undertaking. The craftsmanship and ability to craft identical stone elements is mind boggling!
Jorvik Centre
The Jorvik Centre is Viking village recreated underground at the original Viking street level. It was a long way down… why you ask? So did I… Apparently, Viking longhouses lasted about eight years. Then they had to knock them down, and they’d just build on top of them. So over many years, structures were buried and built up the ground level.
You take a small coaster ride around a track that takes you through the various stalls, homes and public places in the village. It was a great insight into Viking life, particularly the smell!
Viking axe throwing
What better way to get assimilated into the Viking world but to take on the art of axe throwing. We visited The Hilt in York city centre and played some great games with targeted axe throwing!
Evil Eye cocktails
With views of the York Minster and an epic cocktail list, of which this Shots-Snakes-and-Ladders does not do justice… Evil Eye was a bar that is definitely worth a few drinks on a sunny day. Not to mention it’s Johnny Depp’s favourite bar in the UK.
York Dungeon
York Dungeon was a real blast. Again… no photos (it’s pretty dark in there!) We went to one of the lates which meant that things were a little more saucy and I’m pretty sure all of the folks visiting had (like us) enjoyed a few beverages prior to attending. It made for a really great experience with thrills, spills and a few belly laughs.
York’s medieval streets
I was told to look out for ‘The Shambles’ (which I constantly mistakenly called The Crumbles), a gorgeous tight alley of shops with medieval overhanging second and third floors. Unsurprisingly a famous wizard themed shop (but not entirely licensed) had popped up there with brooms and all the knicks-knacks one might associate with Pig-Verucca’s School for Witchcraft and Wizardry…
I spent the first day claiming that we must be in ‘The Crumbles’ because it was such a quaint medieval setting. As it turns out, York is full of gorgeous medieval architecture. So when we actually found what I’d been calling The Crumbles, it really was like being thrown back in time.
Also there was a street called Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate. Which I enjoyed.
Shout out to…
York Gin, which we had a blast tasting their full range in their York Store. We may have bought a cheeky bottle to bring home…
And Totally Awesome Games (I can’t not go into a board game shop when I see one). The manager there was great to chat to, insightful and had some great plans for the store. With so many LFGs (Local friendly game stores) closing down, it was great to see renewed enthusiasm and creativity in the cute indie game store. It was the perfect place to grab a couple of mint tin sized games as little gifts for the kids. A decent selection for the grown ups too.
Hi I’m Jamie!
I work on fantasy and sci-fi maps for various clients from authors to game publishers. I have had some great clients working on both established IPs and new settings. I’m always interested in hearing about more projects I might be needed on, so feel free to drop me an email to info@thenobleartist.com
If you’re looking for a fantasy artist, feel free to snoop through my illustration portfolio or head straight over to contact me for work. You’ll find my email address and some handy forms which guide you through some of the starting info I’ll need to be able to quote for you. Typically I’m booked up a month ahead of time, but do drop me a line if you have anything time sensitive. Sometimes I’m able to move things around in a pinch. Hope to hear from you! In the meantime, stay informed of my new work and availability and sign up for the mailing list.
