Free Museums in Great Preston

"The National Railway Museum in York is home to some of the country’s greatest feats of engineering, and tells the story of Britain’s railway innovation. The museum was founded in 1975 on the site of the former North York locomotive depot, where it still stands today. In the early days of locomotive transport, York was revered as the heart of the rail networks of the north."

"The National Railway Museum is a fantastic free museum, especially for kids. It’s a huge museum that you could easily spend most of the day at. There are over 100 trains on display from 19th-century trains to the present day."

"The world’s largest railway museum, from the Japanese Bullet Train to Queen Victoria’s favourite carriage, The Rocket and The Mallard. This is one giant museum with free entry!"

"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."

"First stop was probably the best-known attraction in York, the Jorvik Viking Centre. York was ruled by the Vikings for around a century, between the Roman and Norman periods, and evidence of their civilization is still being dug up to this day. A visit to the Jorvik Centre and memories of its authentically smelly mock-up village have been a rite of passage for British schoolchildren for years."

"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."

"Leeds Art Gallery boasts a stunning glass roof, one of the most impressive collections of 20th Century British art and a colourful new wall painting commission for the Victorian staircase by Lothar Götz – the perfect selfie backdrop. The Headrow, LS1 3AA"

"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."

"Situated in the former headquarters of the Tetley Brewery, The Tetley is a transformative contemporary art exhibition space which focuses on education and community engagement for people of all ages and backgrounds. There is always opportunity for discussions about the high standard of art on display, with the hope that it can inspire future artistic talents. The bar and kitchen downstairs is a great place to kick off the discussions over brunch."

"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 former headquarters of the Tetley Brewery at Leeds’ South Bank is now a creative space for art, events and workshops, and also houses a bar serving Yorkshire fare. The art gallery, open daily, offers regularly changing exhibitions, while live music, yoga, guest speakers and family art workshops are also on the calendar. The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds LS10 1JQ, gallery open faily 10am-5pm and Wednesdays 10am-8pm, admission free."

"Located in the center of the city, the Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York. But along with being a home, this historic house is popular with visitors. The Mansion House exhibits an impressive collection of paintings, silver and furniture."

"Located about 10 miles from Sheffield, the Elsecar Heritage Railway is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and expansion of one of the area's oldest railway lines. Highlights include an impressive collection of historic locomotives and rolling stock that once belonged to the South Yorkshire Railway. Budding engineers can even learn to drive a steam train through one of the railway's "footplate" courses (they also offer a number of fun themed excursions)."

"St George’s Hall, Bradford, Bridge Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1JT - Visit now. Bradfords flagship music venue, St Georges Hall has been bring the best touring talent to Bradford since the 19th Century."

"One of England's most impressive collections of sculpture is scattered across the formidable 18th-century estate of Bretton Park, 200-odd hectares of lawns, fields and trees. A bit like the art world's equivalent of a safari park, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park showcases the work of dozens of sculptors both national and international. The park is partly a homage to local heroes Barbara Hepworth (1903−75), who was born in Wakefield, and Henry Moore (1898−1986), though more of their works are on display at the Hepworth Wakefield."

"This outdoor gallery near Wakefield is in a former 18th-century estate encompassing more than 500 acres of fields, lakes, exotic trees,…"

"Monk Bretton Priory, circa 1154 (12th century) was built by Adam Fitz Swain. It was built as a daughter house of St Johns Priory for Cluniac Monks, founded by IIbert de Laci close to his base at Pontefract Castle. Cluniacs at Monk Bretton Priory controlled agriculture and natural resources on many sites between Wakefield and Rotherham."

"If they are, then a visit to this 12th-century Cluniac monastery is not to be missed. The outlines of the church, kitchens, and cloister are said to be the clearest example of a Cluniac monastery in Europe. You can also see a fantastically well-preserved drainage system here."

"Based in Horsforth, the kids will have a great time meeting the animals in the fields, including rheas, donkeys, geese, alpacas, prairie dogs, hens, goats and even a peacock. The grown ups, on the other hand, will enjoy browsing their shop where you can pick up fresh cuts of beef, chicken, pork, lamb and even their own handmade burgers. If you’re into fishing, make the most of their well stocked ponds which are open 7 days a week for you to grab a catch."

"Just a 20 minute drive from Leeds city centre is St Aidan’s Nature Reserve. A huge country park with abundant wildlife and over 12 kilometres of trails to walk or cycle along. Admire lakes, woodland and plenty of fresh air, as you spot roe deer, skylarks and owls."

"This wetland on the fringes of Leeds is a birdwatcher's paradise and also a top place for a gentle walk. It's off Astley Lane, Swillington."

"Pop over to RSPB St. Aidan's and see what you can spot through your binocs ( also known as binoculars!)"