Free Museums in Birkin

"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 world’s largest railway museum, see the full history of trains including The Rocket, The Mallard, Queen Victoria’s favourite carriage and the Japanese Bullet."

"Escape the day-to-day and join National Railway Museum for a journey through time. Get up close to icons of the rails i…"

"The Jorvik Viking centre is built on the site of the Coppergate dig (1976-1981) which revealed 1000 year old houses, workshops and backyards from the Viking age. The exhibit starts with a glass floor over the Coppergate dig so you can see what is left of the site for yourself. After this, you can go on a ride through a replica Viking village made using the information they found from the Coppergate dig site."

"A visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre will send you on a trip back in time to the days of York under Danish rule. Way back in 866, York was invaded by the Danes. The Jorvik Viking Centre gives visitors a snapshot of what Viking life would have been like."

"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."

"Leeds Art Gallery offers you the chance to see work by some of the most important national and international artists all for free. It is home to one of the most signi¬ficant collections of 20th century British art in the country and offers a changing programme of exhibitions and displays throughout the year. Only 5 minutes walk from the arena"

"Part of the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle, tie in a visit to the Henry Moore Institute with a walk around Leeds Art Gallery. The gallery is currently undergoing repairs to the roof and will reopen in October this year, when visitors will be treated to a series of interesting exhibits."

"Lots of things to do, including learning about the history of the building, which was once a prison – hear what crimes some of its inmates had committed. The best part (in our opinion) is the recreated Victorian Street, Kirkgate – a cobbled street with traditional shops to visit. VISIT THEIR WEBSITE >>"

"This excellent museum has displays of everyday life through the centuries, with reconstructed domestic interiors, a Victorian street and a prison cell where you can try out a condemned man's bed – and it could be..."

"The Tetley is a gallery like no other as a former brewery that’s now become three floors of art and workshops. They showcase emerging artists and show their work to a wider audience, from cool prints to boundary-pushing, immersive installations. Over the years, they’ve presented work by the likes of Jonathan Trayte, Joseph Buckley and Dora García, as well as big shows that sees local artists come together to collaborate."

"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."

"A unique experience is discovering the contemporary art offered in the former Tetley Brewery. Explore the latest collections, participate in a workshop or if that’s not your thing, enjoy a pint of Tetley’s or something to eat from their kitchen. If you choose to eat here, 100% of the profit goes to support their artistic programme."

"Just a minute or two walk from the hotel (turn left out of our front door and walk until you get to King’s Square). Hear about York’s chocolate history, get lots of samples to try, and make a chocolate lolly to take home – really good fun for adults and children. VISIT THEIR WEBSITE >>"

"Chocolate making has been a major industry in York for over 300 years. At its peak over 14,000 people worked in the town's chocolate factories. Opened in 212, York's Chocolate Story relates the history of chocolate in the city and UK as a whole."

"Enjoy chocolate samples, learn how its made and explore three floors of interactive exploration. Book Tickets: York’s Chocolate Story >>>"

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Finally, this indoor attraction is home to one of the largest collections of tropical plants anywhere in the UK, and a whole host of exotic creatures including crocodiles, butterflies, piranhas, and meerkats. The different areas will take you on a thrilling journey through mangroves, desert and rainforest, exploring the habitats of some amazing animals. The rainforest canopy and waterfall areas are a particular highlight."

"The Tropical World at Roundhay Park has become one of the most coveted family attractions in Leeds. Situated just three miles from the city centre, this terrain is great to take a trek through the rainforest, relax in the simulated environs of Australia and to take a quick excursion through the desert. This is one of the best ways to learn the tropical habitat...Read more"

"Nestled inside Roundhay Park, Tropical World offers the UK’s largest collection of tropical plants outside of London. Expect a large collection of tropical plants, lush indoor exotic gardens and an impressive array of wildlife including giant catfish, colourful butterflies and even baby meerkats. Tropical World | © Rept0n1x / Wikimedia"

"Rodley Nature Reserve is a nature reserve dedicated to bringing wetland wildlife back in the area of Leeds. With regular sightings of different birds like owls, kingfishers, kestrels, lapwings and many others, you would certainly enjoy traversing the different paths that they have and be closer to nature through the amazing sights that they offer. A hidden gem, this wetland reserve can be considered a haven that offers a relaxing tour and walks around the area."

"Perfect for a nice walk to escape the city’s frenzy for a few hours.Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP"

"There are so many beers and ciders at The Beer House that I struggled to decide what to order. For the first round, I went for something that I was familiar with, a Strongbow. Later on, I tried another fruity cider called Rekorderlig, which I recommend if you like sugary drinks."

"The rooftop terrace isn’t always open, but when it is, you’re in for a treat, as it’s a wonderful little spot. They offer amazing beers, wines, and cocktails for you to enjoy. The tucked-away sun trap takes you a world away from the busy city centre, so it’s a great spot for a chilled drink."

"This sleek Spanish tapas bar occupies a prime waterfront spot in the Calls Lane area. Sharing tasty morsels in the sun sounds about as Mediterranean as it can get, and there’s a relaxed attitude to dogs, too, with all well-behaved dogs welcomed in the bar area. It goes without saying that their ears will have pricked up on hearing the word “sharing”, and the food itself does little to deter interest."

"The Man Behind The Curtain|Courtesy The Man Behind The Curtain. Ambiente Tapas Restaurant & Sherry Bar is an authentic tapas restaurant overlooking the river Aire. Situated in the historic Calls Landing building, the décor of the former warehouse retains the industrial steelwork, bare floors, and exposed brick work."

"Head to Impossible Wonderbar & Tearooms situated in the iconic St Helens Square, within a stunning Grade ll listed building. Usual suspects the full English and pancakes are here, mixed with more unusual options such as breakfast shakshuka with pancetta, sausage and red pepper, or toasted bagels topped with halloumi, smoked salmon or nduja. Guests may choose one small plate and a side, accompanied by 90 minutes of bottomless prosecco, mimosas, gin cocktails, wine, beer or Bloody Marys for £35."