Train Travel with a Mask and a Day Out in York

I was surprised and a little bit saddened to learn that 20% of people are still not wearing face coverings when travelling on UK trains. Why? I have travelled by train four times since the travel restrictions were lifted, and every time I have worn a mask without hesitation. So I’ve teamed up with Northern to help encourage people to wear a face covering when travelling on trains.

Last weekend we enjoyed a family day trip to York and went by train. We hopped on a Northern train from Cross Gates to York and were at York Station within 30 minutes. I was excited to make this journey as it was also Theo’s first ever train journey.

To us it was a little hop from Leeds to York, but to him it was a great adventure. He watched in wonder at the trains whizzing through the platform. He loved looking out of the window as the fields rushed by. Kids really do see the wonder in everyday things don’t they?

Train Travel with a Mask

The carriages were quiet and felt very clean. We didn’t have reserved seats but got four table seats all to ourselves (which is a good job as Theo didn’t sit still for more than 30 seconds!). There are signs around the carriages asking passengers to wear a mask and to not eat or drink on board.  All ticketing is digital now via the Northern App, to help stop tickets being passed around. This was another very easy aspect of our journey. 

A Day Out in York

I kept my face covering on until we were out of York Station and heading towards our first stop of the day. We went to check out Thor’s Sol Ast tipi bar which is a pop up in the gardens of the Principal Hotel. It’s under a 3 minute walk from the train station, so was an ideal place to stop and get refreshments after our journey.

Sol Ast has been very well thought out and adheres to all the social distancing guidelines. There is a large tent with open sides, but the majority of the seating is all outdoors on large picnic tables. The tables are very well spread out and it’s table service only (to avoid any crowding). I was impressed by how speedy the service was and can recommend the Aperol Spritz! There was incense wafting through the air and an open fire pit, which made the whole setting feel very relaxed and welcoming. Booking is essential for parties of four or more.

After spending some time at Sol Ast, we moved on to The Museum Gardens. I always take Theo to the Museum Gardens whenever we’re in York Centre as it’s the perfect place to let him loose for a run around. After sitting really nicely at the tipi bar, he was ready to let off some steam. I spent the majority of the time having an impromptu work out by chasing him around nonstop.

The Verdict

I loved visiting York for the day by train as it took the hassle out of traffic and finding a place to park. Theo loved his first train experience and the journey felt clean, safe and secure. I’d be happy to travel with Northern again and will definitely be bringing my trusty pink leopard print mask wherever I go.

Train travel with a mask is easy. Please do your bit and wear a face covering next time you travel by train. It helps to protect you, your family and other families. It’s respectful to key workers, and to train and station staff who are busy keeping trains clean and safe. And with so many fun prints and designs now, you can have a bit of fun in the process!

Want to read more posts about York? Check out

• Afternoon Tea at The Ivy St Helens Square, York
• A Baby Free Night at The Grand, York

Will you be wearing a mask on your next train journey? Has your little one experienced a train ride yet? I’d love to know your thoughts so please leave me a comment in the box below x

This post has been sponsored by Northern. All photos and words are my own and 100% honest