Year 12 students from Norwich High School for Girls embarked on an exciting 3-day cultural trip to York during Big Skies Week, a first for the school. Both students and staff shared their delightful experiences in this report.

The adventure began early, reaching York University Open Day by 11:00 am. We explored the beautiful university campus, attended lectures, and enjoyed the serene lakeside views with ducklings nestled under willow trees. Next, we marveled at the grandeur of York Minster, the majestic cathedral, where we witnessed a choir and orchestra practice amidst stunning architectural details. After a riverside stroll and a hearty meal at Bill’s, we joined our ghost tour guide, Mr. Deathly, for a spooky evening exploring York’s haunted history. Tales of ghost children and the eerie Barguest left us thrilled and chilled as we returned to our youth hostel for the night.

Our day started with a spine-tingling tour of the York Dungeons, where we delved into the city’s dark past from the plague to terrifying courtroom dramas. Despite the frightful experience, we learned a lot and even participated in some of the demonstrations. The group then split up for fun activities: recreating ghost stories, taking spooky photos, and racing to find the best bargain for under £5 with only cryptic clues. We explored more of York, made potions, watched talking portraits, and visited the Jorvik Centre to learn about Viking history through an interactive ride. The day concluded with a delightful meal at the whimsical Cosy Club.

On our final day, we bid farewell to York and traveled to Nottingham. At Nottingham Girls High School GDST, our sister school, we toured their impressive facilities and enjoyed lunch together. A brief visit to Nottingham Trent University and a tour of Nottingham University wrapped up our journey before heading home.
This trip was a fantastic blend of history, culture, and camaraderie, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.