Free Museums in Castle Howard

"For fun-filled free attractions you’re on the right track with the National Railway Museum. This is the largest railway museum in the world and is open year round. There are lots of free activities as well as a railroad-themed play area to keep kids entertained so it is a good choice for the whole family."

"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."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"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."

"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 >>"

"York Castle Museum is a museum located in York, North Yorkshire, England, on the site of York Castle, which was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068."

"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 >>"

"If you’re a chocolate addict, York’s Chocolate Story is the place for you. Discover the history of the city’s rich, chocolatey past and even learn how to make chocolate yourself. There’s also plenty of chocolate to choose from in the museum’s shop."

"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."

"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."

"Fairfax House is one of the finest 18th century houses in the North of England. It was designed by John Carr of York, and has the best 18th century rococo decoration. Fairfax House is owned by York Civic Trust who have restored the house to its former glory."

"Under the same management as Jorvik and housed in an atmospheric old church, Dig gives you the chance to be an 'archaeological detective', unearthing the secrets of York's distant past as well as learning..."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"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."

"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"

"The Botanist is a great place to both eat and drink in York as it has such an extensive cocktail menu, as well as great foodie options, too. I’ve been to The Botanist on several different occasions, both with Matt, my friends and old work colleagues for our Christmas party last year and it’s delivered beyond my expectations every single time. I’d recommend: lamb kofta or chicken hanging kebabs (SO good) or the crispy chicken burger."

"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."

"The Botanist have a fresh new offering for brunch that you can upgrade to bottomless brunch if you would like (and what’s not to like?). You choose a dish from six different sections of the menu – each section has three options."