tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52560885401090908282011-08-01T23:17:27.331+01:00Tips and Stories from Hodgson's Choice Holidays - luxurious award-winning self-catering holiday rental apartments and tours in York, North Yorkshire, England.Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.comBlogger211100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-60798304663164783212010-04-23T10:59:00.004+01:002010-04-23T11:09:04.991+01:00

If you want to have a proper afternoon tea, then you need to travel to Helmsley, north of York, to the Black Swan.The Black Swan has just been awarded the Tea Guilds "Top Tea Place" award. And my husband and I can confirm - we had a beautiful cup of tea with all the extras - finger sandwiches, cakes, scones.... !! And it has to be said, it's worth the 45 minute drive as the scenery is beautiful.

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-32787707687841754422010-03-23T15:50:00.007Z2010-03-24T09:10:42.320Z

Yikes - it has been 6 months.... Well, there was Christmas and my parents came to stay for the month of December. and then there was the recovery period and then, well. Here I am again.I always get inspired in spring. I'm sure there's scientific reasoning for all this spring cleaning stuff! At any rate, the daffodils are coming in to bloom - Clifford's Tower is always the first to make a fine

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-41833075065395570172009-10-22T14:03:00.007+01:002010-03-25T00:13:16.112Z

If you are coming to York for 3 or more days, I can highly recommend you purchase a York Pass. It is really great value for money. For instance, a one day pass is £28 per person. If you visit 3 venues in the day, you have broken even as the average entrance fee is about £9 (I think!). You get better savings if you opt for more days. A two day pass is £38pp and a three day pass is £44pp. And it

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-54473152760469783302009-10-22T13:30:00.003+01:002010-03-25T09:12:36.978Z

Have you ever dreamed of driving one of those cars you've seen in an old movie - but a) you can't afford to buy one or b) they don't make them anymore? (WHY don't they make them like that anymore?!?)Well, we've met a couple in York who have a few of these Gems and are actually willing to let "Joe Public" hire them for a day or two and actually drive themselves! Classic Car Hire Yorkshire. It's an

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-21426558334873573392009-10-22T13:21:00.004+01:002009-10-22T14:02:57.671+01:00

Well, it has been too long since my last posting and I HOPE I can be a bit more regular with my Blog! I have loads of "stuff" to add, but I'm always finding more urgent things to do... no excuses.I just wanted to bring to everyone's attention that the City of York is again this year illuminating a few famous buildings in the city for our enjoyment. It was truly spectacular last year to be walking

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-79374452154509338372009-06-20T21:19:00.003+01:002009-06-20T21:37:27.468+01:00

It's official - the Frenchman, David, who has been staying with us this past week has declared that "York is a very romantic city". When a Frenchman says it's romantic - who would NOT believe him?! I have to agree, I think York is a very romantic city too. What makes York romantic? It could be that it is an intimate city with cobblestoned streets and snickelways (little alleyways that take you

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-38637466349898195692009-06-17T22:05:00.006+01:002009-06-17T22:32:36.394+01:00

Just got back from a quick bite to eat with the kids in town. And I have to say, I really enjoyed our little independent restaurant - Tuscany, located right next to the Mansion House (the home of the Lord Mayor of York). www.york360.co.uk/restaurants/tuscany.htmI can't say the food was outstanding - it was fine - good Italian food. I would recommend the pizza, the dough was tasty. And I really

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-40981159934421585552009-05-08T16:32:00.001+01:002009-05-08T16:35:36.343+01:00

Our Penthouse has been awarded GOLD from EnjoyEngland for "exceptionl quality of accommodation and customer service"!!!

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-75573977437079694482009-04-26T22:13:00.006+01:002009-04-27T15:05:06.724+01:00

It's been absolutely bliss this past week in York! The daffodils may be gone, but the blossom is out and in full bloom, all the flower beds looking fine and, well, there is just colour everywhere! I don't even mind sitting in traffic on the school run when it's like this (photo taken from the car on the school run)! Bliss, bliss, bliss.

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-3465102240970913712009-04-16T13:10:00.004+01:002009-04-16T13:46:47.844+01:00

Mark your calendars - 11 and 18 July 2010 is the next incarnation of the historic York Mystery Plays. They promise to be a mix of innovation and consolidation. And will play at some new stations (spot where they pull up their wagon and perform) in the city with some new pageants (plays) appearing that have not been seen for 400 years!We went with the kids in 2006 and thoroughly enjoyed the

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-17198429633046787112009-04-05T17:03:00.002+01:002009-04-05T17:03:01.125+01:00

Why stay in a hotel room when you can have a suite for about the same price?!The top 5 reasons people who stay with us at Hodgson's Choice are1. Flexibility2. Freedom - no specified times for eating, etc3. Space4. Privacy5. More relaxingSo the next time you're planning a holiday - consider self-catering/holiday rentals. Many holiday property owners now offer short breaks - we offer a minimum 3

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-44233861386066604362009-04-02T16:51:00.000+01:002009-04-01T17:02:11.410+01:00

I was so excited to see Hodgson's Choice mentioned in the National Express East Coast Trains onboard magazine - Livewire!We are mentioned on page 31 of the Jan/March issue, ...one bed Penthouse 80, with panoramic views over the city, is about as luxe as it gets...

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-90532755983972920482009-04-01T16:45:00.006+01:002009-04-15T20:53:24.279+01:00

Just got back from an outing to Treasurer's House to see a special exhibition on rag rugs by local artists, which was small but splendid. Treasurer's House is tucked away behind the Minster and run by the National Trust. I have to say, I have never had a bad bite to eat at a National Trust property!! The banana and apricot slice was delicious!Tip for the day - whenever we're travelling around

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-62023632114574296352009-03-15T14:55:00.001Z2009-03-15T14:55:00.330Z

I can't believe that the much loved TV programme, "Heartbeat" is finishing production! I'm actually quite cross about it as it is one of the last programmes that the entire family (from children to granny's) can sit and watch together! I know that there are bigger problems in the world to solve, but little changes like this do have a long-term effect on society. If we don't make good quality

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-40708359026801707452009-03-14T14:12:00.004Z2009-03-14T14:45:57.312Z

Well, it's still a bit nippy but spring is ALMOST here.... because the daffodils are starting to open their pretty little heads all around the city walls of York. I usually prefer the pastel coloured flowers, but seeing the swathes of yellow all around the city walls is breathtaking.I have to say, there is nothing like April in York. I keep humming "April in Paris" but if truth be told, I think "

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-9535792145941506012009-03-11T22:31:00.008Z2009-03-14T14:55:26.666Z

Each year, the artists of York get together and open their studios to the public for a weekend. This year, it's 27 and 28 March. So mark your calendars!It's really nice to meet the faces behind the amazing artwork - it gives the pieces more meaning when you are investing in something so personal.For more information on the who, what, where and when's - see http://www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk/

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-58094741914606447502009-02-10T20:49:00.006Z2009-02-10T21:19:30.668Z

The Tornado - built by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust at the National Railway Museum - has made it's maiden voyage from York to London. Prince Charles is arriving in York on Thursday, 19 February for the naming ceremony. Even if you're not a train or history buff, it is impressive and nostalgic - puts the "Great" back into "Britain"!This brings me to the topic of The National Railway Museum .

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-86731334278715900802009-02-04T08:20:00.006Z2009-02-05T20:54:13.160Z

It was reported in the York Evening Press yesterday that York is the 5th most romantic city in the UK. Ranked 5th behind the Lake District, Cotswolds (can we be more specific please - these are areas not specific places?!) Bath and Edinburgh. Not bad I think.We think Hodgson's Choice has the most "Romantic Room with a View" in York! Penthouse 80 has played host to numerous special occasions from

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-35425169691117334892009-02-02T10:16:00.004Z2009-02-02T10:45:59.552Z

I always ask our guests why they choose self-catering/holiday rentals over hotels, b&b's or guest houses. And the response I receive most frequently is FLEXIBILITY.Since running our own self-catering business, we too have gotten in the habit of booking a holiday home rather than a hotel room where possible, and I have to say, I now understand what "flexibility" means.For us, it means we can have

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-72296477495286490142009-01-26T08:58:00.002Z2009-01-26T09:42:32.259Z

I continue to run the self-catering/holiday apartment business- Hodgson's Choice. This year we won "best self-catering" from the York Tourism Bureau and were finalists (second year running!) in the Yorkshire Tourist Board's White Rose Awards.I am starting this Blog not only to provide some information to people interested in coming to York, but also to share some of the antics and experiences

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5256088540109090828.post-26754181329998402612009-01-23T10:01:00.001Z2009-01-26T09:40:12.621Z

Nov 08Our Penthouse 80 is a popular setting for special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons). We recently had guest Russ Kidger bring his girlfriend Le-Anne for a romantic weekend and a suprise proposal. However, just before he arrived, he found out that his holiday was being paid for by VisitYork (the York Tourism Bureau) because he had booked through their Online Booking System and

Hodgson's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801353052781571094noreply@blogger.com