A Canadian woman who is travelling around the UK and trying to keep costs down has shared her thoughts on one city in England – and says it’s ‘not worth the trip’
Kamilla Szpakowski, a Canadian digital creator, has been exploring the UK on a shoestring budget and documenting her journey on Instagram under @kamilla.travelling. The 23-year-old has spent five months last year dedicated to “low budget travel” and sharing her insights with her followers.
During her travels across the UK, Kamilla encountered one city that she found charming but ultimately wouldn’t recommend to fellow budget travellers. Despite its picturesque architecture, ghostly tales, and amiable residents, York didn’t make the cut for her. In an Instagram video, Kamilla questioned her audience: “Would you believe me if I told you this cute little city was not worth the trip?” She expressed disappointment in the city’s affordability.
READ MORE: Kickers’ ‘durable’ Back to School shoe range that ‘last all year’
Kamilla pointed out that while York may be delightful and photogenic, it doesn’t cater well to those watching their wallets. “Although York is super cute and picture-perfect it is not for the budget traveller,” she remarked, reports the Express.
She shared her frustration about the unexpected costs, saying, “When I was doing my research on things to see [and] do in York I already knew there weren’t going to be many places we could go in and enjoy but I was not expecting for places like the York Art Gallery to be advertised as free to actually cost £7 when I got there.”
Though Kamilla initially believed York Art Gallery was free of charge, a quick check on their official website reveals that entry fees apply: £7 for adults, £4.20 for kids aged five to 16, and a discounted rate of £6.40 for those aged 17 to 24 or with a student card.
However, there are some who can enjoy the gallery at no cost, including local children under 16, Art Fund members, Friends of York Art Gallery, and various other concessions detailed on the gallery’s website.
Kamilla remarked: “The York Minster is beautiful from the outside but unfortunately costs £18 to enter which I think is just way too much. The food was also very expensive. The burger I got was £11 with no fries!”
Despite encountering some pricey attractions, the travel blogger found joy in several complimentary experiences. Among these were visits to the iconic Shambles, said to be the inspiration behind Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, and the local market. She also admired the stunning architecture of York Minster and Clifford’s Tower from the exterior.
Kamilla enjoyed a leisurely walk along the historic York City Walls, spanning 3.4km of ancient masonry, and meandered through the scenic Museum Gardens.