Free Museums in RSPCA Leeds Wakefield & District

"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)."

"The National Railway Museum is a world class museum dedicated to the glory days of Britain's railways. Opened in 1975 the museum is housed in a former steam locomotive depot within walking distance of York Station. The free museum displays over 100 locomotives and nearly 200 other items of rolling stock and presents the history of the railway from the early 19th century to the present day."

"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."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"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."

"This major gallery is packed with 19th- and 20th-century British heavyweights – Turner, Constable, Stanley Spencer, Wyndham Lewis et al – along with contemporary pieces by more recent arrivals such as Antony..."

"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."

"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."

"Kirkgate, at York Castle Museum, is the oldest, most famous Victorian Street experience in Britain. Since 1938 it has been visited by more than 30 million people. Now a massive makeover means that you can discover even more about Victorian Life."

"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."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chemical Engineer used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Just south of the city center in Leeds is where you’ll find The Tetley. This modern art gallery opened in late 2013 and stands on the former Tetley’s Brewery."

"Tetley Brewery's defunct 1930s offices have been converted into a contemporary-arts venue with a restaurant and pub on the ground floor, spilling out onto an outdoor terrace. Upstairs the old meeting rooms have..."

"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 ."

"Did you know that Leeds is one of just three cities in the UK with its own ballet and opera companies?. The former is Northern Ballet, a critically acclaimed company that’s widely considered to be one of the best in the world. Led by David Nixon OBE, they offer up unique reinterpretations of classics like Swan Lake alongside new ballets like Casanova, The Little Mermaid and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas."

"The Northern Ballet is a touring dance company which performs locally, nationally and internationally, with its home in Leeds. They are well-known for transforming popular stories into Dance, such as The Little Mermaid and The Great Gatsby. You should definitely take up the opportunity to watch one of their mesmerising ballets if you have the chance."

"Kala Sangam, St. Peter’s House, 1 Forster Square, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 4TY - Visit now. Kala Sangam is an intercultural arts hub based in the heart of Bradford city centre which reflects the diversity of contemporary Britain through the work it presents, the artists it supports and the communities it engages."

"If Chinese food is what you want, there’s one restaurant to try – Crown Buffet. The name is perhaps a little deceiving because it’s not a buffet – it is one of Leeds’ best all you can eat restaurants though. They’ve got a huge menu, loaded with classic dishes like chow mein, beef in black bean and spring rolls – just order, eat and repeat until you’re full."

"Yes, I’m aware it’s a chain but Byron burgers are too elite not to mention. Consistency is key from chains and I can confirm that ordering Byron to your uni house does just that. There is the odd occasion where the chips aren’t awfully crispy upon arrival, but just pop them back in the oven and complain to Deliveroo and you’ve got yourself a fiver."

"9A Lands Lane, Leeds LS1 6AWOn the corner of Land’s Lane & Albion Place, Byron Burger offera tasty vegan burger option."

"Set in 9 acres of wooded grounds, the 4-star Weetwood Hall Estate is a 17th-century manor house with an award-winning pub, The Stables, which shows Sky Sports and features a cobbled courtyard. The hotel is just outside Leeds centre, a 10-minute drive from Leeds Airport with complimentary car parking on-site. The contemporary bedrooms feature Yorkshire biscuits, a flat-screen TV with Sky Sports and Video Cast, a work desk and Wi-Fi access, toiletries and tea/coffee making facilities."

"This hotel and venue occupies a 17th-century manor house and more modern buildings, set in extensive wooded grounds. It truly wows with its Mediterranean dining and offers guests a mixture of contemporary and more traditional rooms, some with four-poster beds."