Free Museums in Brotherton

"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)."

"We love the railway museum not least because Rebecca’s dad is a train enthusiast and could spend hours in here reading every tiny detail on every sign next to every exhibition!. Great for kids with live shows and hands-on activities. Entry is free, but if you can afford it, it’s nice to make a small donation to keep this attraction thriving in York for years to come."

"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... Top ChoiceMuseum in York"

"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."

"The Yorvik Viking Center was inspired by the Coppergate dig of 1978 which lasted 5 years and revealed York's Viking heritage. The 2017 reopening introduced a new multilingual ride experience featuring animatronic Viking era residents replete with authentic smells. Moreover, all new galleries feature the collection of 1000 year old Viking artifacts."

"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."

"Opened in 1888, Leeds Art Gallery is a museum that houses an extensive collection of British art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Beautiful sculptures and paintings presented here often reflect the prominent characters and significant events of British history. The modern and spacious gallery also organizes exhibitions, learning program activities, themed displays and other events for all ages."

"Step back in time with York Castle Museum, an informative, interactive destination that will charm history-buffs and families alike. Unique in its depictions of everyday life, both past and present, York Castle Museum is best-known for period reconstructions of historic streets—like the Victorian Kirkgate—and costumed actors who help bring the past to life."

"Art And Culture, Historical Site, Architecture , Specialty Museum. York Castle Museum isn’t just going to show you the past - it’s going to let you be a part of it. The museum stands on the site of York Castle, built in 1068 by William the Conqueror."

"A 20th century Art Deco building is the quintessential location to house an art space; high ceilings and streaming light make for the perfect exhibiting set-up. Formerly the Tetley Ale headquarters and now a protected heritage building, The Tetley opened its newly-renovated doors in late 2013. The venue is curated by Project Space Leeds, a charity which facilitates the space to couple the appreciation of the contemporary arts with learning."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Two words that you might not have heard put together before are ‘chocolate’ and ‘museum’, but it’s happened in York and all our dreams have come true. You’ll find it fairly tough to drag yourself out of here…. View this post on Instagram"

"Sunny Bank Mills was once a key part of the city’s industrial past, but since being restored by the Gaunt family, it’s been turned into a multi-purpose creative space with a 3,000-square-foot art gallery at its heart. It’s one of the best galleries in Leeds to find exhibitions by local artists, as it gives them a platform to show their work, from Mel Davies’ colourful landscapes to Kate Kenney’s oil paintings of Yorkshire. It’s also home to Spinning Mill Studios, where local artists and makers create and display their work."

"In a city with the biggest student population outside of London, it would be absurd for the prevailing university culture not to have some influence on the art scene. Housed within the University of Leeds campus in the Grade II listed Art Deco Parkinson Building, The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery showcases a mix of contemporary art as well as works from the university’s special collections department spanning over 200 years. The gallery expectedly supports and promotes its students’ and its graduates’ work, in addition to displays from local artists and those from further afield."

"You don’t have to be a student to enjoy the art of The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery at the University of Leeds. Since 1970, it’s been home to the University Art Collection, which features ceramics, photographs and sculpture. That’s not all – you can see an incredible selection of British and European paintings, drawings and prints from 17th century to the present day."

"York Art Gallery boasts the largest collection of British Studio Ceramics in the country in its Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA). The 19th century building (restored 2013-2015) contains works from the 14th century to the present day including altarpieces, drawings, paintings, prints and sculpture. Highlights include works by Pablo Picasso, L S Lowry and David Hockney."

"As well as an impressive collection of Old Masters, York Art Gallery possesses works by LS Lowry, Pablo Picasso, Grayson Perry, David Hockney, and the controversial York artist William Etty who, in the 1820s, was..."

"Côte Brasserie is a name the whole country knows – they’re famed for their delicious French fare. The venue is inspired by Parisian bistros, and they’ve got a menu to match. You can pop in for breakfast, lunch or supper – start the day with French Toast, fruit salad and maple syrup, head back at lunch to sample their Steak Frites with garlic butter or nip in for a hearty dinner of Roasted Pork Belly."

"This pop-up French restaurant that takes over Le Chalet’s tearoom every Friday and Saturday night. It specialises in two very specific French delicacies. You can melt raclette over potatoes, charcuterie and cornichons or dip French bread into a molten pot of Emmental, Brie and Gruyère fondue."

"The Hotel du Vin and Bistro is an impressive Grade II listed building which has been transformed from its darker days as a 19th century orphanage, to a modern luxurious 44 bed boutique hotel. Situated on the edge of the city, it is close enough for a short trip to the racecourse or city centre, yet far enough away to provide that relaxing end to a busy day. With hand-sprung mattresses, sumptuous linen and beautiful bathrooms the suites have a cosy, relaxing appeal."