Free Museums in Barkston Ash

"Good news: the largest railway museum in the world is also open year-round!. This museums offers tons of free activities as well as a railroad-themed play area for the kids, which makes it a slam dunk for the entire family."

"Set on the site of a major Viking settlement, Jorvik Viking Centre whisks visitors back in time to ninth-century England. Glass floors reveal remnants of the original village uncovered by archaeologists in the 1970s, while a train ride takes passengers past detailed diorama-style displays that recreate typical scenes from Viking life—complete with animatronic figures, a soundtrack, and more."

"Another excellent museum experience that will keep the kids entertained, this interactive Viking experience even includes a theme-park-Esque ride!. Alongside 1,000 year old artifacts, you’ll find displays that aim to show you the sights, sounds and smells of 10th century Viking York in vivid detail. Actors in full period dress help illuminate and add depth to the experience."

"One of the UK’s most popular attractions, Jorvik Viking Centre in York is a favourite with families. At the heart of the museum is an amazing archeological discovery – The Coppergate Dig. Excavations under an old sweet factory between 1979 and 1981 unearthed numerous Viking artefacts and the remains of 10th century Viking buildings preserved within particularly spongy earth."

"In the heart of the city, the Leeds Art Gallery offers a feast for art lovers, its collections covering everything from traditional prints, watercolours, paintings and sculpture to weird and wonderful contemporary works. The gallery is renowned for having the best collection of British art outside of London - a fiercely contested accolade. Adjoining the gallery is the Henry Moore Institute, with its acclaimed sculpture study centre, and a full programme of sculpture exhibitions that run all year round."

"The undisputed home of contemporary art in the region, Leeds Art Gallery is the go-to place for a little artistic stimulation in the North. The building is one of the most recognisable in the city, and its Victorian clock tower remains synonymous with Leeds’ historic skyline. Dubbed a collection of “national importance,” the museum displays work from award-winning artists labelled a stroke of genius, to understated masterpieces from emerging talents with considerably less exposure."

"Situated in the city centre, Leeds Art Gallery offers a fun-filled experience for all age groups. It has been described as “probably the best collection of twentieth century British art outside London”. Its exhibits include:"

"This award-winning museum attempts to bring 400 years of the city’s history together in one place. The interactive style of this museum is full of loyal recreations that accurately imitate how life would have been; a street plucked straight from the Victorian era, a row of iconic shops straight from the 1970s and much more. Children enter for free with a paying adult and there is enough variety to keep all ages happy."

"I didn’t feel this one captured the interest of my two young children as much as some of the other attractions mentioned but I think older children would get more out of it. Neither the less there were bits that my two enjoyed. One area was the play area but I felt this area could be improved compared to the quality of play areas in the other museums."

"The 1930’s art deco, former headquarters of Tetley Brewery is a pioneering centre for contemporary art. Also, a great place to kick back, enjoy a selection of cask ales, wines, spirits and soft drinks, together with a Yorkshire inspired menu showcasing the very best ingredients. Their sun trap of a beer garden is the perfect place to enjoy a pint of Tetley’s, right on the spot it was born more than 200 years ago."

"Founded in 1822, Tetley was once the biggest brewery in the North, and for a while, it was the largest producer of cask ale in the world. Its reign ended when the brewery was taken over by the Carlsberg Group, and the brewery closed in 2011, before being demolished a year later. Thankfully, out of its ashes, a new venue was born."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chemical Engineer used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Just south of the city center in Leeds is where you’ll find The Tetley. This modern art gallery opened in late 2013 and stands on the former Tetley’s Brewery."

"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."

"Authentic wood fired pizza as well as lots of classic Italian dishes, wine and more from owner Francois Strydom (aka The Fat Chef). 51 Wheelgate, Malton YO17 7HT01653 690768fatchefcompany.co.uk/la-pizzeria/"

"The River Ouse is an idyllic place to snap some Insta shots. During the summer months, the riverside is absolutely bustling with tourists and locals enjoying the boat races, devouring ice creams or reading their books. There are many benches situated along the river as well as a number of bridges connecting different sides of the city that provide stunning views of the river."

"Upper River Restaurant has a takeaway option and a delivery service. People who have moved to the UK from Hong Kong have praised the authenticity of the dishes and said that the food reminds them of the flavours from their home country. Customers also say that the portions are generous and that the food is prepared using fresh ingredients."

"How about switch things up and order some Chinese fast food, instead of a regular meal?. Upper Restaurant serves traditional and authentic Chinese cuisine that’s made with fresh ingredients, which is served onto your plate. The chefs here make sure the visual of the dish is a treat for your eyes, taste buds, and the stomach."

"the service was super friendly, it made sure you had a great time and got everything you need, not so expensive and a fair price especially since the food was AMAZING!. the food was great, seriously it was like a dream come true, it was heaven and the food was just the best part. the interior was gorgeous and it had a nice calming aesthetic, the menu had a lot of food and drinks and the day we went they had “no pizza” but it didn’t bug us and we ordered some other delicious food!"

"Zizzi restaurants are passionate about simple Italian cookery. Whether it's pizza or pasta, salads or risotto, or carne and pesce (meat and fish), each dish is prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients - from the popular classics to Zizzi's own…"

"A veggie and vegan paradise, this little deli-restaurant is strictly meat-free. Our personal favourite is the house Goji burger; a mushroom burger loaded with halloumi, salad and sweet potato wedges. There’s a sumptuous selection of cakes and little bits in the deli and even a breakfast menu, should you want to swing by on the way to work."

"Their breakfast/brunch menu is completely unique, with fresh fruit chia puddings, banana, blueberry and almond loaves, rissoles, frittatas and crumpets. Not ideal if you’re after a bit of bacon, but having tried their Tofu Nourish Bowl on their lunch menu, I can vouch for the food here. OPENING HOURS: Breakfast/brunch is served until 12pm"

"It’s just been named as one of the top twenty bars in the world and attracts the best jazz bands from around the globe. Enter through the back of Lord’s Barbers and descend down the stairs into some bygone era. We’re getting major speakeasy vibes from this place – it must be the dark and moody decor."

"With prohibition vibes aplenty, treat your date to a cheeky drink under Leeds’ infamous Grand Arcade barber shop. If you’re lucky enough to catch a band on, they’ll have you tapping your toes or twirling your moustache in no time. £5 entry on Friday & Saturday nights."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Domino Club (@dominoclubleeds) on Jan 28, 2020 at 9:04am PST"

"York Railway Station, Station Rd, York YO24 1AB01904 659009Website. Peerless amongst station bars on the whole UK rail network, The York Tap embodies all the best ingredients of a convivial refuge from a cold platform. It is architecturally satisfying; it serves consistently good ale; it has wide demographic appeal – all types of humanity pass through it; it is eminently accessible and it has a huge choice of draught beer."