Free Museums in Dishforth Airfield Community Primary School

"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)."

"This part of the UK often conjures up thoughts of the great age of the railway. York’s National Railway Museum does the train-era serious justice, and you’ll get some cracking old-school photos when here. View this post on Instagram"

"As we detailed above the National Railway is a free display of Rail history for both England and the world. * While it is a free exhibition you are encouraged to make a donation towards the upkeep of the museum"

"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."

"Return of the Vikings ~ JORVIK Viking CentreThe year is AD960 and the last Viking King in Jorvik, Eric Bloodaxe, has been banished. The city is thriving with a flourishing manufacturing centre and wide trading links. There are new buildings, new peoples and new stories to be told..."

"Leeds Art Gallery is one of the city’s finest attractions with a grand architectural presence punctuated by Henry Moore’s Reclining Woman. Head inside to see one of the best collections of twentieth-century British art in the UK, with everything from paintings to sculptures and photography from the likes of Henry Moore, Francis Bacon and Jacob Kramer, to name but a few. They will also have a brand new piece of art – Arena (2000) is a major work by Alison Wilding and will be showcased under the newly restored barrel vaulted glazed roof."

"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."

"Free to visit and in the city centre, Leeds’ premier Art Gallery is the perfect location for a relaxing afternoon trip or an escape from the rain. A collection of 19th century works and 20th century British Art, the government declared the site ‘of national importance’ in 1997, and it’s easy to see why. On top of its permanent displays, a regular cycle of temporary exhibitions brings world-class displays of surrealism, woodwork, and anything imaginable to the city."

"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."

"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."

"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 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."

"Tetley Brewery's defunct 1930s offices have been converted into a contemporary-arts venue with a restaurant and pub on the ground floor, spilling out onto an outdoor terrace. Upstairs the old meeting rooms have..."

"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."

"The elegant property dates from the mid-18th century and over the ages has been a Gentleman's Club, a Building Society and even a cinema. Exhibits include original clocks, clothing, furniture and paintings. The museum also hosts frequent temporary exhibitions."

"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 >>"

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

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"This pink facade building on St. Helen’s Square (near Betty’s Tea Rooms) is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York and has only recently opened to the public. The grand, 800 year old house showcases collections of silverware and ceramics, ceremonial items used by the Lord Mayor as well as recreated 18th century bedrooms and dining rooms. The downstairs kitchen has interactive exhibits and equipment to learn about Georgian cooking ."

"The Georgian-style Mansion House in York is the home of the city's Lord Mayors during their term in office. This is the earliest purpose-built house of this sort still in use – it predates the Mansion House in London by at least 20 years. The foundation stone for the building was laid in 1725, and it was completed seven years later, in 1732."

"A shabby chic decor is combined with distinctive Victorian architecture at Corner House Coffee Bar, so it’s the perfect place to get your brunch fix. They serve up a host of classics, from a Full English to Eggs Benedict and Smashed Avocado on Toast, but you can also try something different. Take the Natural Smoked Haddock Kedgeree for example – it’s a classic Indian dish which brings together rice, flaked fish, eggs and veggies, brought to life with a kick of curry powder."

"Corner House is a coffee shop which serves breakfast, lunch and small plates in an evening. It also has a selection of coffees from around the world and serves alcoholic drinks. There is a specific menu for kids which also includes breakfast options."

"What: Also known as The Clock Café, LS6 has a long history to it and is in fact one of the longest running independent businesses in Leeds to this day. It might not have served a brunch menu when it first opened but it certainly does now, and mighty fine one at that. The menu, which is split into sections like 'eggs' and 'muffins' covers everything from toast and jam to a full Yorkshire breakfast, as well as offering a selection of sandwiches and wraps too.Where:14-16A Headingley Lane, LS6 2AS"

"What:It might be easy to get lost in LS6’s quirky interiors, but we would recommend paying at least some attention to the menu. We’re big fans of the extensive breakfast menu on the weekends, which includes everything from porridge to burgers, alongside a build-your-own option and a drunken cheese toastie made with beer sauteed onions.Where: 14-16A Headingley Lane, LS6 2AS"

"LS6 Café, named after the postcode it’s found in, is actually a close neighbour of La Cafetiere. One of the oldest independent businesses in Leeds, this café places ethics and good food at the centre of everything it does. Their dedicated brunch menu contains all sorts of treats, including the “LS6 Mammoth Breakfast”, plus vegan and vegetarian options."

"Marigold Café and Boating is situated in Knaresborough on the banks of the River Nidd, one of Yorkshire’s most picturesque settings. Marigold in Knaresborough enjoys an enviable riverside location at the bottom of the Nidd Gorge. And here’s a thought: how often is it the case that, after travelling far and wide, we realise that true happiness is to be found in our own backyard?"

"This much-beloved watering hole is the sister bar to one of Leeds’ oldest pub, Whitelocks. Whilst the former is the place to head for the more classic ales, Turks Head is the more modern choice, with a plethora of interesting craft ales, gins, and cocktails. The beer garden which sits in the alleyway just off Briggate is lively and atmospheric all year round, with plenty of seating, and canopies with heaters for those unpredictable British summer days."