Free Museums in Markington

"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)."

"We ended our day in York at the National Railway Museum. Despite the small size of the city, York has one of the most important railway stations on the British railway network. This might sound surprising but York plays an important role as a key railway junction approximately halfway between London and Edinburgh."

"For fun-filled free attractions you’re on the right track with the National Railway Museum. This is the largest railway museum in the world and is open year round. There are lots of free activities as well as a railroad-themed play area to keep kids entertained so it is a good choice for the whole family."

"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..."

"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."

"Leeds Art Gallery offers you the chance to see work by some of the most important national and international artists all for free. It is home to one of the most signi¬ficant collections of 20th century British art in the country and offers a changing programme of exhibitions and displays throughout the year. Only 5 minutes walk from the arena"

"Part of the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle, tie in a visit to the Henry Moore Institute with a walk around Leeds Art Gallery. The gallery is currently undergoing repairs to the roof and will reopen in October this year, when visitors will be treated to a series of interesting exhibits."

"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."

"Art And Culture, Historical Site, Architecture , Specialty Museum. York Castle Museum isn’t just going to show you the past - it’s going to let you be a part of it. The museum stands on the site of York Castle, built in 1068 by William the Conqueror."

"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."

"The Mercer Art Gallery is home to Harrogate district's art collection which consists of some 2,000 works of art, mainly from the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection includes works by William Powell Frith, Atkinson Grimshaw, Sir Edward Burne-Jones, Dame Laura Knight and Alan Davie. A changing exhibition programme for the main and North galleries ranges from national touring exhibitions of painting, photography, sculpture and crafts to exhibitions from the permanent collections to displays by local artists."

"The Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate has a collection of over 2000 19th and 20th-century fine art pieces, along with temporary exhibitions running throughout the year. There are paintings, photography, sculptures and crafts on exhibit, including displays from local artists. Open 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday, 2pm to 5pm Sunday, open on Bank Holidays, closes 4pm November to March."

"In a city with the biggest student population outside of London, it would be absurd for the prevailing university culture not to have some influence on the art scene. Housed within the University of Leeds campus in the Grade II listed Art Deco Parkinson Building, The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery showcases a mix of contemporary art as well as works from the university’s special collections department spanning over 200 years. The gallery expectedly supports and promotes its students’ and its graduates’ work, in addition to displays from local artists and those from further afield."

"You don’t have to be a student to enjoy the art of The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery at the University of Leeds. Since 1970, it’s been home to the University Art Collection, which features ceramics, photographs and sculpture. That’s not all – you can see an incredible selection of British and European paintings, drawings and prints from 17th century to the present day."

"Just off City Park, this free photography gallery aims to show contemporary photography that gets you looking, thinking and talking. There’s also a diverse education and events programme. Visit the Impressions Gallery website"

"Under the same management as Jorvik and housed in an atmospheric old church, Dig gives you the chance to be an 'archaeological detective', unearthing the secrets of York's distant past as well as learning..."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"This well-established favourite in the heart of Leeds continues to pull the crowds and hardly surprisingly, since it goes on providing what people want at…"

"If you’re in the mood for something a little different at lunchtime, why not stop in at the Brasserie Blanc?. Converted from an old Victorian mill, this restaurant not only offers a great lunch deal, but it also has a unique and comforting atmosphere. Take a seat by the water and try some classic French cooking, get two courses for £11.95 or add a third for £3.50 until 6:30 PM, Monday-Saturday."

"A survivor of Yorkshire’s ancient fenlands, dating back 15,000 years, Askham Bog is considered one of the most ecologically diverse sites in the UK. The bog itself is made of boulder clay and fen peat, while the land around it is home to roe deer, foxes, newts and frogs. Plants include royal ferns, rare gingerbread sedge and whole rivers of water violets."

"Here’s one of the best farms in Leeds for kids, but with a difference. Hope Pastures is all about rescuing and rehabilitating horses, ponies and donkeys. After they’ve managed to do that, they let people come and visit the animals seven days a week, learning all about them and how tp look after them as you go."

"Roots and Fruits is a plant-based café, located in the stunning Grand Arcade in Leeds city centre. Their menu is mainly vegan but does have some vegetarian options, with fairtrade coffee accompanying their tasty food, the vast majority of which is made completely from scratch. Order a vegan or vegetarian breakfast and get a complimentary coffee or pot of tea with it."

"This versatile veggie restaurant serves up tempting vegan dishes including nachos with chilli and vegan cheese and a full-on cooked breakfast with scrambled tofu and vegan sausages."

"The Botanist is an absolutely beautiful venue, so if you’re looking for somewhere to have a luxurious bottomless brunch, then this is the one for you. Their bottomless brunch offer lets you choose whatever brunch dish you fancy, and then you can add bottomless drinks for ninety minutes for just £15 per person!. When you see this beautiful restaurant, you’ll be amazed that you’re getting such a fab deal on your bottomless brunch, trust me!"

"Located in the city centre, The Botanist is a popular bar and restaurant in York which holds gin masterclasses. The gin masterclass gives you the chance to learn more about gin including the origins, history and tasting notes. You will get to sample a range of hand-selected gins and find out about their unique flavours, botanicals and the best pairings for each gin."

"From The Botanist website: “Discover the origins and history of our botanists’ favourite tipple, as our experts guide you through our gin tasting masterclass. Enjoy a range of expertly selected gins, as you learn to identify the unique flavours and botanicals in every bottle.”. £25 each, minimum of six per party, maximum of twelve."

"the service was super friendly, it made sure you had a great time and got everything you need, not so expensive and a fair price especially since the food was AMAZING!. the food was great, seriously it was like a dream come true, it was heaven and the food was just the best part. the interior was gorgeous and it had a nice calming aesthetic, the menu had a lot of food and drinks and the day we went they had “no pizza” but it didn’t bug us and we ordered some other delicious food!"

"Zizzi restaurants are passionate about simple Italian cookery. Whether it's pizza or pasta, salads or risotto, or carne and pesce (meat and fish), each dish is prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients - from the popular classics to Zizzi's own…"