Free Museums in Langthorpe

"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"

"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."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Learn about the history of Vikings in York on the very site where the excavations had taken place. Different to most historical exhibitions or museums, at the Jorvik Viking Centre you are transported abound in what they call a “ride experience” (a bit like a very slow cable car, but only inches off the ground – nothing to be scared of!) – really good fun!. This attraction got a big thumbs up by an excited 4 year old (Rebecca’s friend’s son) – it was his second favourite thing that we did in York when he visited – and we did a lot!"

"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."

"Set on the site of a major Viking settlement, Jorvik Viking Centre whisks visitors back in time to ninth-century England. Glass floors reveal remnants of the original village uncovered by archaeologists in the 1970s, while a train ride takes passengers past detailed diorama-style displays that recreate typical scenes from Viking life—complete with animatronic figures, a soundtrack, and more."

"Leeds Art Gallery showcases modern and contemporary art with its permanent collection and temporary exhibits. It hosts a range of events, such as art spaces for children, lunchtime talks and special exhibitions. It is also home to the Tiled Hall Cafe, a Victorian Hall with magnificent architecture, full of columns and a beautiful ceiling design."

"Situated in the city centre, Leeds Art Gallery offers a fun-filled experience for all age groups. It has been described as “probably the best collection of twentieth century British art outside London”. Its exhibits include:"

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"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..."

"Sunny Bank Mills was once a key part of the city’s industrial past, but since being restored by the Gaunt family, it’s been turned into a multi-purpose creative space with a 3,000-square-foot art gallery at its heart. It’s one of the best galleries in Leeds to find exhibitions by local artists, as it gives them a platform to show their work, from Mel Davies’ colourful landscapes to Kate Kenney’s oil paintings of Yorkshire. It’s also home to Spinning Mill Studios, where local artists and makers create and display their work."

"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."

"This 18th-century townhouse offers a glimpse into the tastes, fashions, and daily life of Georgian-era nobility. It began as the home of Viscount Charles Gregory Fairfax and then enjoyed brief stints as a gentlemen’s club, cinema, and dancehall before being restored to its Georgian-era glory."

"The River Ouse is an idyllic place to snap some Insta shots. During the summer months, the riverside is absolutely bustling with tourists and locals enjoying the boat races, devouring ice creams or reading their books. There are many benches situated along the river as well as a number of bridges connecting different sides of the city that provide stunning views of the river."

"Upper River Restaurant has a takeaway option and a delivery service. People who have moved to the UK from Hong Kong have praised the authenticity of the dishes and said that the food reminds them of the flavours from their home country. Customers also say that the portions are generous and that the food is prepared using fresh ingredients."

"How about switch things up and order some Chinese fast food, instead of a regular meal?. Upper Restaurant serves traditional and authentic Chinese cuisine that’s made with fresh ingredients, which is served onto your plate. The chefs here make sure the visual of the dish is a treat for your eyes, taste buds, and the stomach."

"Savour the best cuisine of both France and Yorkshire at the elegant Le Bistro De Amis. Pop in for a coffee and sweet treat, relish a freshly prepared salad or sandwich or treat a loved one to a meal from their A La Carte offering. Menu specialities include chargrilled venison, pan roasted chicken breast and twice-cooked pork belly."

"House of Koko is a cool, family-run cafe on the southern edge of Chapel Allerton and it’s a must-visit. You can get a cracking cup of North Star coffee or try one of their loose leaf teas, but don’t just come for the drinks – they have a creative food menu that’s worth checking out. Start with the classic buttermilk and berries pancakes for breakfast or come later in the day for eclectic dishes like their chicken & avocado salad or homemade baked beans on sourdough."

"House of Koko, 62 Harrogate Rd, Leeds, LS7 4LA - Visit now. As well as great Northstar coffee, House of Koko offers a variety of real teas, sourced from around the world, and some very rare indeed. A place where you will always be met with a smile."

"House of Koko is an independent coffee and tea house in Chapel Allerton. Offer hand-pulled Northstar coffee and a wide range of loose teas. Have an ever changing seasonal menu curated by head chef that focuses on healthy, locally sourced produce."

"This cosy intimate bar has built an enviable reputation as a music venue with an eclectic roster of performers packing the place most nights of the week. The diminutive bar area where more people stand to listen to music than sit is supplemented by significantly more seating in the upstairs lounge which leads to a compact roof terrace with one of the best views of York Minster of any pub in the city. Like most café bars in York, daytimes see the Habit more popular for their home-made burgers and coffees whilst the evening clientele take advantage of a decent selection of beers, wines and spirits."

"The Habit is a no-fuss bar and eatery, known locally for its relaxed atmosphere and regularly hosting live music. Serving a classic range of beers, ales, and whiskies from Scotland to Japan you can’t go wrong with this one. They’ve got the cutest roof terrace, and the views of York Minster is what really pushes this into being one of the best beer gardens in York."

"With a stunning backdrop of the Minster on their terrace, this gem on Goodramgate is a must-visit for a pint with a view. Whether beer, wine or spirits is your style there’ll be something for you to enjoy here. Relax and chat with loved ones while taking in this breath-taking view of York’s most iconic building."