Free Museums in Hawksworth

"The UK’s National Railway Museum in York is one of the world’s largest and free to enter!. A mecca for railway enthusiasts and a superb family attraction, the museum doesn’t just trace the history of Britain’s railways from the early 19th century through to the present, it also digs deep into the international history of rail. Historic British steam locomotives on display in the Great Hall include the Mallard and an exact replica of Stephenson’s Rocket (from which all locomotives can trace their roots)."

"National Railway Museum – Get up close to over 300 years of fascinating railway history at the National Railway Museum. Explore giant halls full of trains including the majestic Duchess of Hamilton, step on to the futuristic, Japanese Bullet Train simulation or marvel at the stunning opulence of the Royal Trains."

"An absolute must for anyone interested in history, the fantastic Jorvik Viking Centre sheds a light on what life was like in the city during Viking times. Located in the city center, the state-of-the-art museum has a reconstruction of a Viking settlement to explore and is built atop archaeological excavations. Opened in 1984, the center is one of York’s most popular attractions as it does succeed in transporting you back over a thousand years into the past."

"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."

"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."

"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"

"It is housed in 18th century prison buildings, built over the original Norman castle. The diverse collection of exhibits includes cells from the original prison, a recreated Victorian street (Kirkgate) and a children's toy collection. There's also a homage to the Sixties with exhibits covering counterculture, fashion, music, sport, and women's liberation."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"The Tetley is a contemporary art gallery in what was the headquarters of the former Tetley Brewery. The art deco building is in central Leeds features a gallery space, function, rooms, a public bar, and carefully preserved rooms from the old Tetley offices. We hope you enjoyed seeing some of our most treasured buildings from our home city."

"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 ."

"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."

"Featuring New York inspired interiors, comfortable seating and a large charcoal grill to cook steaks, chicken, burgers and fish, there's a delectable array of dishes to enjoy at this stylish eatery, along with a well stocked bar to quench your thirst. Visit: 6 Wellington Place, LS1 4AP - thegoodluckclub.co.uk"

"Pizza and children go together just like, well, cheese and dough. Simpatico is a great family restaurant serving Roman-style pizza by the slice. There’s no dedicated children’s menu here, in fact, there’s no official menu at all, but don’t let that stop you."

"Pizzas are Rome style and are fully loaded with taste and ingredients. The cannolis are amazing and they serve a really mean coffee."

"Yet another restaurant in York that opened within the last 5 years. It’s the brainchild of passionate chef Neil Bentinck who chose a spectacular Grade II listed building as the venue back in 2016. Just beyond Micklegate Bar, it’s in a great location if you’re wanting to stay central and what’s more, the food is great so you won’t be disappointed."

"When to go: With your ‘I’ll eat anything’ friends, as a group. Order one of everything on the menu. What to have: The ‘Hen’s Egg’ – dale end cheddar, mushroom & PX sherry."

"Recently opened this restaurant is going down a storm in York and with this Guardian review you should book well in advance!. Read the review hereskoshyork.co.uk/"

"This is one of the more traditional all you can eat buffets in Leeds, with an absolutely massive selection of food from every corner of the globe. It’s not fine dining by any stretch, but if you’re after a cheap and cheerful dinner with oodles of choice, you’re definitely onto something. Prowl around their buffet and you’ll find yourself moving from traditional British Sunday roasts to Indian curries, Italian pizza and Chinese chicken wings, all in one go."

"We are located in bustling retail centre 'The Light' at Leeds City Centre only few minutes walk from the Arena. Leeds Red Hot is 'all you can eat' buffet with exciting live stations starting from £9.99 per person. Our talented 5-star chefs make absolutely everything fresh every single day so whether you're in the mood for a bit of Tex Mex, Chinese, Indian, Grill, Carvery or Italian."

"Start with a gin cocktail on arrival, along with a few nibbles throughout your gin masterclass experience. The Chapter House Bar’s friendly team will explain the history of gin, its origins and types. Expect local Yorkshire gin favourites to feature such as York Gin, Slingsby and Slingsby Rhubarb, discussing their differences and story."

"This subterranean drinking establishment that has a touch of speakeasy in its Spanish DNA has become a local favourite. Regulars value its excellent selection of artisan drinks and also its slightly clandestine credentials with its blink and you’ll miss it single door entrance on Little Stonegate. Its big next door brother Kennedy’s bar is the extrovert whilst Sotano plies its trade in the shadows."

"For a night of creative cocktails and great sharing dishes, Sotano is the place. The food here is Meditteranean served tapas style with a selection of grilled fish, meats, veggies, olives, croquettes, and tortillas. All the ingredients are 100% Spainish, providing guests with authentic flavours."