Free Museums in Allerthorpe Woods

"York's National Railway Museum – the biggest in the world, with more than 100 locomotives – is well-presented and crammed with fascinating stuff. It is laid out on a vast scale and is housed in a series of giant railway sheds – allow at least two hours to do it justice. The museum also now includes a high-tech simulator experience of riding on the Mallard (£4), which set the world speed record for a steam locomotive in 1938 (126mph)."

"The National Railway Museum is a world class museum dedicated to the glory days of Britain's railways. Opened in 1975 the museum is housed in a former steam locomotive depot within walking distance of York Station. The free museum displays over 100 locomotives and nearly 200 other items of rolling stock and presents the history of the railway from the early 19th century to the present day."

"Interactive multimedia exhibits aimed at bringing history to life often achieve exactly the opposite, but the much-hyped Jorvik manages to pull it off with aplomb. It's a smells-and-all reconstruction of the..."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"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."

"York’s Chocolate story is a great family attraction in the centre of York. Here you’ll learn all about the history of chocolate and in particular York’s chocolate history. The attraction is really interactive and there are plenty of chocolate samples to try."

"Kitkat, Yorkie, Quality Street, Smarties, Chocolate Orange, Black Magic, All Gold.. the list goes on, all originating from York. York is famous for its Chocolate, with names like Rowntree's and Terry's now known all over the world."

"Designed in fine Georgian style, the Fairfax House was built in 1762 as a dowry for Anne Fairfax, daughter of Viscount Fairfax. The house’s interior is the masterpiece of John Carr, the most eminent architect in York at the time. In 1982 the house was restored by the York Civic Trust and it became, as mentioned in the best-selling book England’s Thousand Best Houses, “the most perfect eighteenth-century townhouse to come across anywhere in England.” Discover its decorative flourishes and artistic treasures, including the Great Staircase, the Venetian Window, and its decorative wrought iron."

"One of the UK’s finest Georgian townhouses, Fairfax House on Castlegate was designed by John Carr. Originally the winter retreat of Viscount Fairfax, the house was converted into a dance hall and cinema in the 20th Century. The York Civic Trust however restored it to its former Georgian glory, and today it’s open to the public with the Noel Terry collection of furnishings, ornaments, decorative arts and paintings on display inside."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Barley Hall is a timber framed medieval townhouse lying behind Stonegate, accessed by a narrow snicket. The 14th century house was concealed under the framework of a more modern building and was only discovered during renovation work in the 1980’s. Barley Hall, particularly its recreated banqueting hall, will provide visitors with an accurate experience of what life was like in medieval York."

"This historic site was discovered by accident, when it was scheduled to be destroyed. The oldest parts of Barley Hall date from about 1360, but until the 1980s the house was hidden under a more modern brick façade. The medieval house was once home to the Priors of Nostell and the Mayor of York."

"If you want to take a photo wearing a traditional medieval cape in some beautiful surroundings (as well as learn more about the relationship of science, religion and chemistry in the Middle ages in York), head to the Barley Hall, where you can do all that."

"At DIG, you get to discover only the most exciting archaeological artefacts from the 2000 years of history hidden under the streets of York. Our four excavation pits are filled with Roman, Viking, Medieval and Victorian finds, so you can grab a trowel and dig up the clues that show how people lived in these times. DIG, St Saviour's Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN"

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Designed in fine Georgian style, the Fairfax House was built in 1762 as a dowry for Anne Fairfax, daughter of Viscount Fairfax. The house’s interior is the masterpiece of John Carr, the most eminent architect in York at the time. In 1982 the house was restored by the York Civic Trust and it became, as mentioned in the best-selling book England’s Thousand Best Houses, “the most perfect eighteenth-century townhouse to come across anywhere in England.” Discover its decorative flourishes and artistic treasures, including the Great Staircase, the Venetian Window, and its decorative wrought iron."

"One of the UK’s finest Georgian townhouses, Fairfax House on Castlegate was designed by John Carr. Originally the winter retreat of Viscount Fairfax, the house was converted into a dance hall and cinema in the 20th Century. The York Civic Trust however restored it to its former Georgian glory, and today it’s open to the public with the Noel Terry collection of furnishings, ornaments, decorative arts and paintings on display inside."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Located in the city centre, The Botanist is a popular bar and restaurant in York which holds gin masterclasses. The gin masterclass gives you the chance to learn more about gin including the origins, history and tasting notes. You will get to sample a range of hand-selected gins and find out about their unique flavours, botanicals and the best pairings for each gin."

"From The Botanist website: “Discover the origins and history of our botanists’ favourite tipple, as our experts guide you through our gin tasting masterclass. Enjoy a range of expertly selected gins, as you learn to identify the unique flavours and botanicals in every bottle.”. £25 each, minimum of six per party, maximum of twelve."

"Popular with students and young professionals alike, Zoo Café is a lovely place to relax and enjoy the day. In 2016, it underwent a rather lengthy refurbishment and is as popular as ever. On the menu, you’ll find lots of vegan and vegetarian snacks which makes Zoo an ideal destination for a lunchtime trip."

"Mlucyjack said: “Sweet and lovely little place with friendly staff and fabulous food at great prices. I am not a vegetarian but could easily eat this food every day for the rest of my life and never miss meat at all."

"Our Italian restaurant serves tasty, authentic dishes from pizza, pasta and risotto to salads and indulgent desserts – all in a uniquely designed restaurant. Our Italian menu also includes Vegan and Vegetarian options and we also offer takeaway on Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats. 2 Lendal, York, YO1 8AA"

"Nationwide Italian chain Zizzi is not exactly the last word in cutting-edge culinary cool, but it’s been quick off the mark to introduce some hot ..." Read our full review"

"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."

"Valhalla is York’s only traditional Viking pub and just being there is an entire experience in itself!. You’ll find people drinking strong, strange ales and mead out of a real Viking drinking horn!. The do also serve regular beers, lagers and spirits as well, but no cocktails unfortunately!"

"Offering freshly prepared English dishes using high-quality Yorkshire produce, Walmgate Ale House & Bistro is a quaint and cosy venue offering a generous range of brunch dishes for those with hearty appetites. With dishes such as bacon and free range egg on toast, stacks of pancakes with berries and syrup, as well as the traditional and well-loved full English breakfasts, Walmgate Ale House & Bistro is sure to satisfy a variety of tastes."

"Adjoined with The Chopping Block upstairs which serves traditional French dishes made with the best locally sourced produce. The downstairs Ale House reflects a similar flare for their love of all things local. A traditional ale bar stocked with Yorkshire produced cask and keg beers; they pride themselves on their huge selection of craft ale."