Image credit: JeniFoto

Bursting with history and sights, you’ll easily fall in love with the original York city. Get lost in its endless maze of winding side streets, gaze in awe at the majestic buildings, be entertained at the York Theatre Royal or let your tastebuds run wild and free at the many places to eat and drink; there’s no end to the options when you visit York.

Whether you are visiting for a day, a weekend or a week, you can make the most of your time by living like a local and discovering the very best parts of this stunning cathedral city. Don’t worry, all you have to do is sit back – we’ve done all the leg work for you…

What to see:

Image credit: Charlie Edward

One of the York’s biggest draw-cards is undoubtedly the awe-inspiring York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. Here you can marvel upwards at the beauty of the stained glass windows – the Rose Window may just hypnotise you – and take in the views of the surrounding area from the top of the Central Tower. For something a little different, enter the Orb, a dark circular room that features medieval art illuminated with vibrant lighting for your viewing pleasure.

Clifford’s Tower is another quintessential York attraction. Built by William the Conqueror, this large round tower is the only remaining part of York Castle. Situated right in the heart of the city, with the River Foss and River Ouse on either side, the tower is well-positioned for some spectacular views and you can learn more about the castle’s history at the nearby museum.

Image credit: PKOM

Where to shop:

Apart from partaking in some quality sightseeing, there are plenty of ways to get active in York. Why not give your wallet a ‘run’ at the shops and markets? From high street to local boutiques, shopping in York is sure to satisfy. Combine exploration with shopping as you wander through the Snickelways, the city’s narrow laneways and paths, some of which are medieval. It has to be done – how often can you say you’ve been through a snickelway!? The other cutesy-named shopping area is The Shambles, a long street lined with timber-framed shops and eateries. If you don’t like crowds, best avoid this during the middle of the day on the weekend: it becomes quite busy!

Where to eat and drink:

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to the cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants in York. A hugely ‘popular venue is Bettys, which is located at St Helen’s Square. The 1920s façade in its Café Tea Rooms are a real treat for visitors and we recommend fitting in an afternoon tea if you can! For more savoury goodness, head to Sooty’s Cupcakery or Crumb’s Cupcakery, where the sweetness is overflowing. Whippet Inn is another beloved dining establishment and the steak lovers are sure to be satisfied.

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To quench your thirst, check out the extensive cocktail and wine list at The Living Room on Bridge Street, take it easy at the mystical and colourful Evil Eye Lounge or sit in a centuries-old historical pub with a cider or ale at the Ye Olde Starre Inne.

At the end of the day, no matter where you end up in York, you’re sure to have a good time. The best part about the city is that there really is something for everyone and you can tailor your time in York according to your interests, taste and budget. The York tourism team certainly has an easy job. Happy exploring!

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How to Live Like a Local in York

The end is nigh, the time has come; the final day of Winners’ Week has finally arrived!

With only a few short hours until the winner is announced, the Top 10 are readying themselves for a day of excitement and examination.  As we turn up the heat, we wonder:

Will Dave keep his cool?

Will Ceara need to pee (again)?

Can Ricardo really party rock 24/7?

Do Mark and Alex make the ultimate dream team?

Can João wow the judges?

Will Véronique be unique?

Will Nasuna snap a photo finish?

Will Josh make a meal of it?

How wild will Giselle and Cody get?

And will Barbara prove to be the model of perfection?

Who’s got what it takes to be the next travel superstar, and who’s just playing with fire? WATCH THIS SPACE FOR THE BIGGEST BADDEST WINNER REVEAL!

For breaking Biggest Baddest Bucket List news and that all important WINNER announcement, check in with Facebook and Twitter…and don’t miss a beat over at #MyBBB.

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Winners’ Week: Friday – The Final Countdown

Ahoy there, me mateys. Yesterday the motley crew set sail for the final Winners’ Week task: a pirate walk around Bristol.  Unearthing a whole host of swagger from buried booty to Blackbeard’s home, Smugglers Cave to Matthew Shipyard, the finalists soaked up the city’s swashbuckling past. Trudging along Bristol’s picturesque harbour with Pirate Pete at the helm – a man who takes his job and Bristol’s piracy history very seriously – the contestants oohed and aared their way around town.

Trusted with Pirate Pete’s treasured flag, Captain Mark the Mutineer led the way for his fellow seafarers while first mate Alex had his eye on looking for lost gold. Barbara got a little too animated when she heard about Blackbeard’s pillaging ways, while Ricardo ate a mystery pirate pie (apparently laced with laxatives). Even our local expert, Margaret, entered into the spirit of things dressing up in full pirating garb, managing to capture the heart of Pirate Pete – much to the amusement of her husband!

While we considered making the contestants walk the plank (it would be an excellent challenge of bravery after all), we thought we had tested them enough through the week. They walked over fire, for God’s sake. Enough is enough. Now all that remains is the winner’s announcement. Stay tuned for the final Biggest, Baddest Bucket List update; the winner’s announcement will be made tonight.

A special thanks to Pirate Pete from Pirate Walks for our seafaring adventure.

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Shiver Me Timbers! Does My Destination Make the Finalists Walk the Plank?

Raring to go after a good night’s rest, the finalists headed out to explore Bristol’s coolest subterranean culture: the Street Art scene. Armed with the knowledge of their guides for the day - Dan and Rob - the contestants traipsed around from College Green to Stoke’s Croft staring at  iconic street artists such as Banksy and Inkie. Getting to grips with this artistic outpouring in the city, the awestruck group got to witness first-hand how powerful self-expression can be (and they should know)!

Learning about the development of Street Art techniques, from stencilling to sculptural installation, poster art to fine art, the group absorbed how to construct a successful piece of public art. Breathing in the contemporary masterpieces sprayed, etched, scratched and scribbled along Nelson’s Street – the UK’s largest outdoor Street Art gallery – the contestants took notes for later (of course we were going to test them!).

So, after gazing upon gigantic murals, prancing around in front of graffiti covered walls and getting up close to intricately painted tiles, it was time to put their creative skills to the test. Under the instruction of one of the city’s emerging street artists, the finalists got a glimpse of Street Art in the making. Following a quick spray-can tutorial, it was time for the Graff Off. Who would take Banksy’s crown?

After a scrabble to the canvas, Veronique was keen to hone her new-found skills. Delving deep into her subconscious for a meaningful representation, she produced a lifelike mural of SpongeBob Squarepants. Ceara followed suit with an eerie representation of Mr Buttons, a man who haunts her dreams, while Dave painted ‘The Happy Anarchist’ using graffiti to explain his work (all art should be explained according to him). The Vagabrothers stayed true to their collaborative ethos, constructing a spray-can creation together. Cody proved to be a stand-out artist, however, painting a cartoon figure full of tortured self-expression and soulful intent. Cody, we salute you.

Pipping him to the post, however, it was Barbara who reigned supreme with her crafty prowess and ethereal bird portrayal earning her the Graff-Off crown.

A massive thank you must go to WHERETHEWALL and Hamilton House for this fantastic day of creative expression. 

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Graff Off: Competing for Banksy’s Crown

Taking to the streets of Bristol, the crafty bunch will be uncovering a secret side of the city – but what will they find; a bland, blank canvas or a smooth criminal?  Whatever you bet… we wouldn’t bank on it!

Then it’s back to school for the finalists where they’ll get their hands dirty. Whose grubby mitts will end in a lesson, and who’ll be the teacher’s pet?

After finding a prime position for spot of lunch, will the finalists sink or swim at their next port of call?  We’ve hooked up something special, so we doubt they’ll be board!

Want to see what they’re up to?  Follow the action on the blog, keep up to date on Facebook and chat to the #MyBBB community (including the Top 10) on Twitter!

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Winner’s Week: Thursday – How The South West Was Won

Arriving surprisingly fresh faced and bushy tailed into Bristol (given the cocktail making exploits of the night before!) the BBB finalists were quickly thrust into their next challenge – scaling the dizzy heights of Bristol’s walls and cliff faces…

Arriving at ‘Undercover Rock’, a privately run climbing wall in a disused (and now fully refurbished) church, the My Destination team stood in anticipation as the finalists harnessed up and got their all-important safety briefing from Darren. Making their way down to the first climb the group was quickly split up into teams; Ceara and the Vagabrothers, Ricardo, Dave and Barbara; João, Nasuna, Véronique and Josh. Ceara was up first and after choosing the brothers to hold her life in their hands (as she believed their teamwork would be a winning formula), she squared up to the challenge with the others.

Nipping up and down the wall with effortless ease it was clear she is as nimble as she is fearless. Once down on firm ground the brothers took to the wall and proved they weren’t to be outdone. With everyone safely up and down the wall with an impressive ease (no tears, no tantrums and no bail-outs) it was into the coach to face the REAL challenge of the day – a 75 foot cliff face overlooking the Avon Gorge.

The scene set (sunshine, safety harnesses and a whole lot of stunning scenery) the group stepped up. Josh and Barbara admitted they felt ‘gurtless’ about the challenge while Ricardo and Alex stood at the foot of the cliff ready to race. In a closely fought battle Ricardo hit the summit first.

After a strong start the rest of the group proceeded with caution. Hesitant that this challenge was all about brawn Ceara was assured being nimble would be the key (and since Ceara was feeling ‘like a cat’ we figured she had it nailed).

The girls took to the rock with steely determination and proved girl power is very much alive and kicking.

João had a quick shoe change before gingerly creeping the incline (we don’t want to spread rumours but we think we saw fear on the face:) But with the correct footwear he was back in action and the cliff face was his.

With three different climbs to tackle there was plenty to challenge the finalists. Picking a ‘cliff-scouring champion’ from this talented bunch would be a tough call.

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Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Waking up in the West Country, we can’t wait to see if the finalists buy into Bristol’s big-city attractions and cool street vibe after exploring the city.

They won’t be stalling too long, though, as they’ll soon be whisked off to the afternoon challenge.  High on any adrenaline junkie’s list, the Top 10 will be defying gravity at Bristol’s waterside.  But who’s in for a rocky ride?

Want to see what they’re up to?  Follow the action on the blog, keep up to date on Facebook and chat to the #MyBBB community (including the Top 10) on Twitter!

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Winners’ Week: Wednesday – Bristol or Bust

After a well-deserved dinner at the Dean Court Hotel, we decided to mix things with a cocktail challenge at Hotel du Vin.  Taught by the patient and knowledgeable Luke, our rowdy Top 10 learnt their muddlers from their strainers, and shook it like a Polaroid picture to create some smooth and fruity beverages.

But who whipped up a storm and who won’t be twisting again?

With a pinch of salt here, and a squeeze of lime there, the air was filled with flips, catches, drops and disasters.  Free pouring like a pro, Giselle showed them how it’s done, while birthday boy Neil snuck a few cheeky shots to celebrate.  Getting creative once again, Ceara and her team of Josh and Alex came up with their own concoction, which sadly turned out as vile as its namesake (and no we’re not going to be repeating it!).

Ending in a sticky, stinking, intoxicating state, Mark, Nasuna and local girl Jess’ creation was named victorious.

Cheers!

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Cocktails vs Shocktails

After a mucky morning, we whisked the Top 10 off for an afternoon of physical endurance; a High Rope Challenge at Wired.

Mistaking the high wire course as mere child’s play (the fastest time by a non-instructor was by an 11 year old girl!) it turned into a battle of the sexes when Cody declared that he: “didn’t want to be slowed down by the grandmas.”

Game faces adorned, it was time to begin.  Hoisted 25ft above the ground, Alex and Mark were first to shoot off, their brotherly banter spurring them on.  Dave and Ricardo’s blossoming bromance bloomed as the pair swapped tactics and egged each other on further, while Josh’s speedy footwork resulted in a nasty accident ripping open his… pinky toe.

As the boys’ team started to unravel (Neil lost a shoe whilst João got a nasty case of rope burn – to the face!), the girls saw their chance.  Hot on the boys’ heels they did all they could, with Giselle’s over-zealous zip wire leaving her choking on sawdust with some very dirty jeans!  Despite their efforts and Barbara’s uncanny resemblance to Zippy with a time of just 3 minutes and 30 seconds, it just wasn’t enough.

Emerging triumphant, big-boss James took the crown as the hottest high wire’r around.

The boys won the battle, but who’ll win the war?  Check out the blog to find out what our finalists are up to next.

A big thank you to Wired for a fantastic day.

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King of The Swingers

Sweetening things up after last night’s fiery challenge, we thought we’d give our finalists a little treat.  Heading out to York Cocoa House, the Top 10 were greeted by Anna (yet another one!) with an array of flavourful fancies.  After a nifty sniff and taste test, teams, titles and taglines were assembled; Ricardo, Dave and Ceara formed ‘Cocomite – It Tastes You; Cody, Giselle and Josh boasted ‘Ate Balls of Fire – Hotter Than a Mexican Cartel!’; the Vagabrothers and Barbara created ‘Lemon Zest – When Life Gives You Lemons, Just Add Chocolate’; while Véronique, João and Nasuna became ‘Citrus Burst – A Ganache from the Past’.

After some choc-a-bloc instruction and tips from the pros, it was time to get stuck in.  It was clear from the start who the mucky pups were and who had the skills.  While Barbara pondered: ‘Does size and shape really matter?’ Team Cocomite just couldn’t keep their cravings at bay, diving headfirst into the chocolate and emerging smothered, smiling and licking their cheeky chops.

After a lengthy sniff-test from Mark, Team Lemon Zest went for a sweet ‘n’ sour combo, while the vegan team of Ate Balls of Fire spiced things up with a splash of chilli jam and a hint of ginger.

Blindfolded – probably because of the rather questionable appearance of some of the chocolates! –  Anna-Lucy and Hannah (our other social media sproglet) were tasked with judging the team’s efforts.

While it was a bittersweet ending for Team Cocomite, whose homemade marketing poster caught the judges’ eye, but their Marmite and ‘secret’ ingredient (Ceara’s coco butter lip balm) chocolate left a bitter taste in their mouths, it was Team Citrus Blast who came out on top, when their zesty treats simply João’d the judges.

Awarded Wonka Nerds for their efforts, the winners will be needing the sugar rush for this afternoon’s task. Stay tuned to find out what happened next…

A big thank you to Anna and the York Cocoa House for treating us. 

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