Free Museums in Ripon Canal

"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)."

"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)."

"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."

"Interactive multimedia exhibits aimed at bringing history to life often achieve exactly the opposite, but the much-hyped Jorvik manages to pull it off with aplomb. It's a smells-and-all reconstruction of the Viking settlement unearthed here during excavations in the late 1970s, experienced via a 'time-car' monorail that transports you through 9th-century Jorvik (the Viking name for York). You can reduce time waiting in line by booking timed-entry tickets online; there is almost always a queue to get in."

"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."

"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..."

"The undisputed home of contemporary art in the region, Leeds Art Gallery is the go-to place for a little artistic stimulation in the North. The building is one of the most recognisable in the city, and its Victorian clock tower remains synonymous with Leeds’ historic skyline. Dubbed a collection of “national importance,” the museum displays work from award-winning artists labelled a stroke of genius, to understated masterpieces from emerging talents with considerably less exposure."

"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"

"Leeds Art Gallery is free to visit and this summer has two current temporary exhibitions from artists Zadie Xa and Georgina Starr. Families can download learning and activity packs from home including Mindful Creatives fact sheets and colouring-in."

"Lots of things to do, including learning about the history of the building, which was once a prison – hear what crimes some of its inmates had committed. The best part (in our opinion) is the recreated Victorian Street, Kirkgate – a cobbled street with traditional shops to visit. VISIT THEIR WEBSITE >>"

"Take the family to the former Tetley brewery in Leeds, which is now home to an art gallery, a whole heap of children’s events and a very family-friendly restaurant. You can stop off for a quick drink after your culture vulture-ing or take your time with a proper sit-down. Their dedicated children’s menu, which doubles as a colouring sheet, offers brunch options like brioche eggy bread until midday, and thereafter it’s all about mains like cheese sarnies or crispy chicken with coleslaw."

"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."

"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"

"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."

"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."

"04/06/2021: Easy to book a table online , Great warm Wellcome and great service , food was good too and good choice on menu thanks you .. 02/06/2021: We were greeted really friendly and our waiter was lovely. It wasn’t very busy and our food came very fast and was delicious."

"The development was completed in 2016 as part of the restoration of the historic shopping district around Vicar Lane and the Victoria Quarter. Spanning 53,400m2, it’s the largest premium retail and leisure venue in Northern England and houses a flagship John Lewis along with over 30 other stores. The project was designed by ACME alongside commercial property developer Hammerson and won the Best Shopping Centre at the prestigious MIPIM awards at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, beating off competition from Japan, Hong Kong, and China."

"Victoria Gate shopping centre, one of Leeds’ newest additions, is a fascinating building inspired by Leeds' Victorian heritage and its historic shopping arcades. From the outside, the latticed concrete design is noticeable from miles around. Inside, there’s zigzag patterned stonework, shiny glass and plenty of beautiful natural light."

"Victoria Gate is a modern take on a traditional shopping arcade and a go-to destination for designer shopping in Leeds. You’ll find a range of well-known brands on here. Visit Tommy Hilfiger for preppy mens and womenswear, pop into Peloton for premium sportswear or shop at Calvin Klein for designer underwear."

"A trendy hipster hangout offering unique indie brews which are developed in house and brewed upstairs from the bar. Neighbouring the Brewhouse is the Clubhouse, an event space great for larger parties. On weekends, join in on the fun as Cold Bath host street food vendors, pop-ups and more."

"Of course, Scottish craft brew purveyors BrewDog have earned their title as one of Leeds' best spots for a craft brew. With a dazzling array of creations on tap alongside a fridge full of bottles to explore, they're a top choice for refeshing beer and juicy burgers."