Best Arts and Culture Places in Howden

"Set inside a large and elegant building, an £8 million development back in 2015 has seen York Art Gallery rise to one of the best regional galleries in the country. Boasting 7 exhibition spaces across 2 floors and an outdoor Artist’s garden, there’s plenty to see for the art lovers visiting York, including an internationally significant collection of ceramics spreading across 2 galleries and temporary exhibitions that mean there is always something fresh to see. Keep your eyes out for works by hugely famous artists such as Turner and Hockney."

"According to McGee is a contemporary art gallery found opposite Clifford’s Tower and close to the River Ouse, dedicated to exhibiting the most “exciting artists in the UK” – whether they are established, emerging or just starting out. For 14 years directors Greg and Ails McGee have been displaying a mix of works in their gallery, from sculpture to photography, with prints of the work available for purchase online – selling to collectors the world over. From Goldsmiths and Glasgow School of Art graduates, to rock star and Pop Artist Horace Panter and 1960s legend Doug Binder, According to McGee is “an increasingly well regarded gallery space of note” with knowledgeable and passionate minds behind the project – making it one of the best places to discover something new."

"Shopping, Independent"

"Lotte Inch Gallery first came to York in 2012 in the form of a pop-up art gallery space – but many glorious years later and after several small pop-up exhibitions, the gallery moved from its previous space near York Minster to its current location in bustling 14 Bootham. The eponymous Lotte comes from a background in Art History and Heritage, having worked for The National Trust; Scampston Hall and Gardens; and The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery at The University of Leeds, amongst others – making her a mastermind when it comes to art. The gallery is the ideal place to discover new artists, designers and makers, alongside established names and figures, hoping to be a “welcoming and inclusive place with a regularly changing programme of exhibitions."

"Over 50 years old, the Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery holds an impressive display of natural history and archaeology, focusing on the region’s rich history. Alongside that, the museum houses the Regimental Museum of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, a unit formed in the late 1700s that went on to fight in Waterloo, Burma and both World Wars."

"Shopping, Independent"

"Established in 2011, Blue Tree is an independent contemporary art gallery on 23 Bootham – unmissable with its striking blue front and tall, glass windows. With a welcoming and informal atmosphere and attracting first time buyers and collectors alike, Blue Tree showcases a wide range of original paintings, original prints, ceramics & jewellery from established artists both local and international. They are also Art Council approved with the ‘Own Art’ scheme – an easy and affordable way to collect art with interest free installments, making the buying process simple for a variety of budges and hold six exhibitions a year."

"For a gallery with a real “homely” feel, look no further than Kentmere House. Kentmere’s original art is displayed in multiple rooms of a fine Victorian house overlooking York’s famous Knavesmire race-course, welcoming visitors in with a friendly smile and welcoming atmosphere. The house and gallery is owned by Ann and David Petherick, which opened after Ann moved to York from Suffolk in 1979 and was amazed to find that there was no contemporary gallery."

"Blossom Street Gallery, which makes its home in the historic Micklegate quarter of the city, was conceived to bring local artists and creatives together in a central space and provide an opportunity for Yorks’ residents and visitors to enjoy local artwork. Blossom Street hosts regular exhibitions with notable artists, predominantly from Yorkshire but sometimes from a little further afield. They aim to offer art which everybody can enjoy – from original pieces, to prints, to handcrafted and design-led gifts and cards, and innovative framing options and supplies."

"Join us in a mouth-watering journey through York’s newest visitor attraction. Celebrate the city’s special chocolate and confectionery story; from chocolate’s roots in the Central American rainforests to our present love affair with all things sweet. Meet chocolate’s founding families; discover the stories of the people of York who made, packed, labelled and shipped chocolate to every corner of the globe."

"While the York’s Chocolate story itself isn’t an Instagrammable spot, if you take a tour, you’ll have a chance to create your own chocolate lollypop as well as decorate it as you’d like and then take a photo of it in front of some famous landmark."

"This pink facade building on St. Helen’s Square (near Betty’s Tea Rooms) is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York and has only recently opened to the public. The grand, 800 year old house showcases collections of silverware and ceramics, ceremonial items used by the Lord Mayor as well as recreated 18th century bedrooms and dining rooms. The downstairs kitchen has interactive exhibits and equipment to learn about Georgian cooking ."

"The Georgian-style Mansion House in York is the home of the city's Lord Mayors during their term in office. This is the earliest purpose-built house of this sort still in use – it predates the Mansion House in London by at least 20 years. The foundation stone for the building was laid in 1725, and it was completed seven years later, in 1732."

"Offering a fascinating look into the everyday life of the English over the ages is the superb York Castle Museum. Built on the same site where the original York Castle once stood, the museum is in the south of the city center and has countless artifacts and exhibits to explore. While the museum was founded in 1938, its colossal collection is housed in various buildings that used to serve as a prison."

"One of the best York photography spots is the Victorian street recreated in the York Castle Museum. Head there towards the end of the day, maybe 30-40 minutes before the closing time, so you can get the street empty and take some stunning photos there. York Castle Museum is one of my favourite Instagrammable spots in York."

"Kirkgate, at York Castle Museum, is the oldest, most famous Victorian Street experience in Britain. Since 1938 it has been visited by more than 30 million people. Now a massive makeover means that you can discover even more about Victorian Life."

"The Yak & Yeti Gurkha Restaurant brings the many tastes and flavours of Nepal to York’s ancient streets. A family run eatery just around the corner from the Minster, you can tuck into plates of Malekha Ko Machha (spicy salmon curry) or Nepali Tarkari (slow-cooked, spicy veg) for less than a tenner. If it’s just turned payday and you’ve got a little extra dollar to drop, we recommend ordering one of the set meals for £14, with enough food for two."

"The first Nepalese restaurant in the city, The Yak & Yeti Gurkha Restaurant promises a memorable dining experience. This unique location serves high-quality food prepared with only the best ingredients picked fresh from the farm. The food here is expertly made, the atmosphere is friendly and warm, and the staff is super helpful and efficient."

"Understated, casual outlet featuring Nepalese specialties such as curries, meat & veggies. One of the best eating out options in York!. Address : 63A Goodramgate, York YO1 7LS, UK"

"Their main specialty is cuisine from the Himalayan region, so expect a fusion of flavors from Nepal and India. There are vegan options as well as mouth-watering grilled dishes. Expect to see favorites like naan, biryani, tikka masala, momos, and curries on the menu."

"Côte Brasserie serve breakfast and brunch from Saturday to Sunday, and Bank Holidays, from 10am to 2pm. Highlights include a breakfast set menu that involves any cooked breakfast with fresh orange juice or cloudy apple juice and a hot drink of your choice. Options include a full English breakfast, Crepe Complete (pancakes, bacon and comte cheese), Eggs Florentine, Eggs Royal and Eggs Avocado."

"Côte’s tagline is “Relaxed all day dining inspired by the brasseries of Paris” and I would agree with that. They serve breakfast/brunch between 8am and noon Monday to Friday and 9am till 1pm Saturday and Sunday. They have a good lunchtime and early evening set menu at two courses for £11.95 that includes French classics like steak frites and baked camembert."

"Located on Little Stonegate, this upscale dining and drinking destination imitates a classy New York-inspired cocktail bar. Their bottomless brunch allows guests to choose a dish of their choice including buttermilk pancakes with fried chicken, or Nutella and fresh strawberries, a breakfast hash of bacon, chorizo, sweet potato and eggs, or a Mexican wrap with falafel, roasted peppers, grilled corn and black beans. 90 minutes of unlimited alcohol accompany the brunch options, including Prosecco, Bloody Marys, Aperol Spritz or pints of Coors."

"Manahatta bar is ‘a glamorous New York inspired cocktail bar with an exciting party vibe.’ The price includes one item from the brunch menu and unlimited Prosecco, bloody marys, Aperol Spritz and pints of Coors. This bottomless brunch offering is available for 90 minutes. Brunch options include a full English, buttermilk pancakes and fried chicken and mushroom hirata buns."

"Fossgate rivals Bishy Road for the title of “independent central” given the preponderance of great locally owned businesses that make it such an epicurean honeypot. Taking its name from its locality, this chameleonesque café bar attracts a varied clientele who come for top notch coffee and snacks during daylight and a warm intimate atmosphere with craft beers, spirits and cocktails later in the day. You feel welcome whether wandering in on your own or part of a group."

"This independent coffee shop and bar is the perfect place to escape into from the bustling Fossgate street!. With a warm, cosy and friendly atmosphere, it’s easy to wile away the hours in here well into the evening. Which is perfect, since they serve up delicious cocktails too."