Free Museums in East Cowick

"Located just a short stroll from the city center is the National Railway Museum, which tells the story of rail transport in Britain. Home to more than a million artifacts, as well as over a hundred shiny steam trains, locomotives, and wagonway vehicles, it is remarkably the world’s largest railway museum. Established in 1975, the museum now occupies a series of gigantic railway sheds that were once the North York locomotive depot."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Jorvik Viking Centre – Travel back 1,000 years to a traditional Viking village and learn about how Vikings lived in this time period. The displays even create the traditional sounds and smells of the time further immersing you into the Viking way of life."

"The world famous JORVIK Viking Centre is a ‘Must See’ attraction for visitors to the City of York. It is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK. Learn everything there is to know about Viking life in York."

"Situated in the shadow of Clifford’s Tower, York Castle Museum is home to a wealth of exhibits surrounding the rich history of York and wider Great Britain, where historical sights from Georgian gowns to Dick Turpin’s prison cell may be found. Its standout exhibit however is a fully-recreated Victorian street, dubbed Kirkgate after the museum’s founder, complete with horse and cart, costumed guides and cobblestones. Though opening as a museum in 1938, the site on which it stands holds an important place in York’s history."

"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."

"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 >>"

"While the York’s Chocolate story itself isn’t an Instagrammable spot, if you take a tour, you’ll have a chance to create your own chocolate lollypop as well as decorate it as you’d like and then take a photo of it in front of some famous landmark."

"Fairfax house is a grand, immaculately presented Georgian townhouse. Visitors can explore the elaborate dining room, elegant drawing room and the richly decorated bedrooms, though I think the museum’s highlight is the excellent basement kitchen. An adult ticket costs £7.50 with £3.00 for children."

"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."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Barley Hall is a (somewhat controversial) restored medieval townhouse and hospice dating from 1386. The building was built by the monks of Nostell Priory and was once home to the Lord Mayor of York. The house is decorated to recall the late 15th century home of William Snawsell."

"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."

"This restored medieval townhouse, tucked down an alleyway, includes a permanent exhibition of life in the times of Henry VIII. It was once the home of York’s Lord Mayor. The centrepiece is a double-height banquet..."

"Set inside a large and elegant building, an £8 million development back in 2015 has seen York Art Gallery rise to one of the best regional galleries in the country. Boasting 7 exhibition spaces across 2 floors and an outdoor Artist’s garden, there’s plenty to see for the art lovers visiting York, including an internationally significant collection of ceramics spreading across 2 galleries and temporary exhibitions that mean there is always something fresh to see. Keep your eyes out for works by hugely famous artists such as Turner and Hockney."

"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..."

"Our chefs prepare over 150 authentic dishes from around the world every day and the Live Cooking Stations provide fabulous taste and entertainment. We provide a casual dining experience like no other, offering a balanced choice of delicious food, giving our guests added value at a fixed price, all within luxurious surroundings. 19 Bridge St, York YO1 6DAT: 01904 633800"

"Panda Mami is an all-you-can-eat restaurant tucked away just off Ouse Bridge. They have all sorts of food stations, including a sushi bar. They have other sections, like a traditional carvery, Japanese food, Chinese food, Indian Food and a huge dessert selection, including a chocolate fountain."

"Panda Mami is an all-you-can-eat restaurant tucked away just off Ouse Bridge. They have all sorts of food stations, including a sushi bar. They have other sections, like a traditional carvery, Chinese food, Indian Food and a huge dessert selection, including a chocolate fountain."

"Sushi are a slick chain sushi restaurant with dine in and takeaway options. You can choose from classic sushi dishes like a Dragon Roll, Dynamite Roll or Salmon Maki or Sashimi. You could also go for Takoyaki or a Yasai Roll."

"Shiitakeya are a small Japanese restaurant on Walmgate that also do takeaway. They have a lunchtime special from Monday-Friday, and otherwise serve dishes like Buta Shogayaki (sliced pork loin in sweet ginger sauce with rice, salad and miso soup on the side) or Chicken Teryaki Don (pan fried chicken glazed in soy sauce, mirin and sugar rice bowl with salad and miso soup on the side)."

"The ideal place to enjoy anything from a cup of tea to a full meal. 13-17 Coney St, York YO1 9QLT: 0871 902 5747"

"If you’re looking for a proper nightclub where you can dance and rave all night long, then Kuda is the place to be. It has a sizeable dancefloor, DJ and even VIP party booths upstairs (this is where I had my surprise 18th birthday but I had horrific tonsillitis at the time!). 12 Clifford St, York YO1 9RD"

"Kuda nightclub is your one-stop-shop for anything and everything that is nightlife. This monster venue is one of the best nightclubs in York for the sheer diversity of music and atmospheres inside. Once you’re past the queues, explore 3 totally different rooms that will shape your night out."

"Holiday Inn Garforth is a spa hotel near Leeds which is fantastic for those who want to stay on the outskirts of the busy city. Book one of the lovely rooms here for your stay and you will receive compli­men­tary access to this Leeds spa’s You Fit Health Club!. Make the most of the swimming pool, sauna, and steam room to relax, or reach your health goals in the fitness suite, fully equipped gym and even some fitness classes."

"Shopping, Independent"

"Shopping, Independent"

"Established in 2011, Blue Tree is an independent contemporary art gallery on 23 Bootham – unmissable with its striking blue front and tall, glass windows. With a welcoming and informal atmosphere and attracting first time buyers and collectors alike, Blue Tree showcases a wide range of original paintings, original prints, ceramics & jewellery from established artists both local and international. They are also Art Council approved with the ‘Own Art’ scheme – an easy and affordable way to collect art with interest free installments, making the buying process simple for a variety of budges and hold six exhibitions a year."