Trembling Madness and Afternoon Tea

The day in Liverpool was a long one, so we stayed closer to home the next day. We took the train one town over for some afternoon tea and sightseeing in Knarsborough before hopping back on the train to visit York one last time. 

Knarsburough

We had tickets for a York ghost walk that evening, so we found a super-cool and kinda creepy pub to get us all in the mood for ghouls and specters. This little tiny shop near the York Minster is called the House of Trembling Madness. Downstairs they sold lots and lots of small-brew beers from all around the world. 

Downstairs at the House of Trembling Madness

And upstairs is... well... weird. One of the walls of the pub dates back to the 14th century, and the rest is spry, dating back to the 16th century. Yes, it's old, but it's also decorated with lots of taxidermied heads. And there are real furs draped over the bench backs. And the antler chandelier? Yeah...

Upstairs pub at House of Trembling Madness

And the silver candle holders look like the tell tale heart should be beating just below the floorboards...

But I digress. You can purchase any of the beer they sell downstairs or have them pull a pint of their vast variety on draught. They had food platters full of locally sourced and produced food, it was amazing, really. And all in a teeny-tiny pub that maybe seats 20 people at any given time. Madness, I say, MADNESS!!! :-) 

Trembling Madness decor

After our dinner and beer, we met up with the ghost walk tour and learned all sorts of grisly details of the city's past. It's no wonder York is considered the most haunted city in all of England! 

Clifford's Tower at night

The next day we opted for a bit happier adventures. Bill had to go back to work, so the ladies headed out to a botanical garden for a stroll. 

A poppy in Harlow Carr gardens

And what visit to England would be complete without an afternoon tea experience? We had the little sandwiches, scones, jam, and clotted cream, and all the dainty cakes you could imagine. What a delightful day! 

Afternoon tea at Betty's Harlow Carr

And then, bright and early the next day, these two fabulous ladies flew home where other adventures awaited them. Come back anytime, you two!! :-)