York this weekend- where to eat etc? Help please!

[marriednotdead]

I know it's late but we've haphazardly arranged to take mum to York this weekend to celebrate her 70th.

As she refuses to stay away from home, we're making it a day trip (Sunday).

We had thought about a riverboat trip but it's too early in the season apparently

Have just about decided on the Minster and Castle museum but are open to other suggestions.

And can anyone reccommend a place where we can eat that would make it special please?

Am bloody disorganised running out of time!

Betty's! I am very . I love York

Betty's

Ooh, that looks lovely and scrummy

She's diabetic so it would be cruel to get a big cake but a bit of indulgence there would be perfect.

Do you know the area well?

Yes fairly well. I used to live in a village just outside York.

Here you go Cafe Concerto

All fab suggestions. Would like to add the Ask restaurant in the Assembly Rooms. I know it's a chain but the building is beautiful.

OMG yes, it's lovely in there! The most beautiful Ask in the country (I think)

Am drooling my way round these links

Thank you. Looks like we will have to stop for sustenance at least 3 times

Ask in York is beautiful. But I think for a special occassion someone of your mum's age would appreciate Betty's more. The queues can be bad though but worth it.

Thanks Viva, that's what I was thinking. If we go for afternoon tea we can pre-book too

If you need somewhere else to visit The Yorkshire Museum (in the park not far from the Minister) has just reopened after a major refurbishment. Barley Hall is also good. Dont miss the Chapter House in the minister - very beautiful.

Have to agree you cant beat Betty's - I'd hold out for a table on the ground floor rather than downstairs if the queue isnt too big - its a bit more special with the glass and mirrors etc. Ask is great too. Some very nice restaurants down Walmgate and can also recommend La Bottega della Langhe deli and cafe over at Peasholme (near the Patchwork Museum).

I don't know if you're there into the evening but the ghost walks are very entertaining and informative. As you can imagine full of history.

Unless the river is flooded (which it isn't at the moment), the riverboat trips run all year round so don't write it off your agenda completely - you should be ok. Most of the boats have a covered bar/coffee area downstairs so if it's too cold or wet for the open top upper deck, you should still be ok.

Have begged for booked a table in Bettys, they were very helpful considering the short notice, and will play Happy Birthday on the piano whilst they bring her a cupcake with a candle in

So, here's the plan so far.

A quick brunch en route or at Cafe Concertos
York Minster
A 45 min York Boat city cruise (thanks for that oops)
Bettys afternoon tea
The Castle Museum

I know it's a lot to cram in-I need a lie down just thinking about it but am really looking forward to it now.

Thank you all for your input, it's made a huge difference and it's very much appreciated

MN is bloody brilliant sometimes, despite the negativity that creeps into some threads.

Will try to update but may not be until Wednesday as helping 1 sis to move house on Mon, and starting my new job on Tues!

You'll have a lovely time, York is beautiful. If you need a good carpark then the commuter carpark next to the train station is £6.50 all day and a 10min walk away from the city centre. Much cheaper than the nearer car parks. Or there are good park and rides.

Update.

We had a lovely time, freezing but sunny. Followed itinerary (which we printed up for mum) but didn't have time for the museum at the end.

She had already heard of Betty's so was very impressed. A total success, for which I gave you lovely MNetters full credit

Very glad you had a good time! Well done for organising. I love York. Used to live there; it's a beautiful little city.