Free Museums in Wheldrake

"When I said Jorvik was York’s best-known attraction I should probably have said its equal best-known attraction because the National Railway Museum is also very famous. And, because it’s just a five-minute walk from the train station, it’s an obvious first port of call for many people. Tracing the history of rail travel around the world, this museum holds over a million different exhibits and if your kids are train buffs they will absolutely LOVE it here."

"Located just a short stroll from the city center is the National Railway Museum, which tells the story of rail transport in Britain. Home to more than a million artifacts, as well as over a hundred shiny steam trains, locomotives, and wagonway vehicles, it is remarkably the world’s largest railway museum. Established in 1975, the museum now occupies a series of gigantic railway sheds that were once the North York locomotive depot."

"The National Railway Museum in York is home to some of the country’s greatest feats of engineering, and tells the story of Britain’s railway innovation. The museum was founded in 1975 on the site of the former North York locomotive depot, where it still stands today. In the early days of locomotive transport, York was revered as the heart of the rail networks of the north."

"Another excellent museum experience that will keep the kids entertained, this interactive Viking experience even includes a theme-park-Esque ride!. Alongside 1,000 year old artifacts, you’ll find displays that aim to show you the sights, sounds and smells of 10th century Viking York in vivid detail. Actors in full period dress help illuminate and add depth to the experience."

"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."

"Situated in the shadow of Clifford’s Tower, York Castle Museum is home to a wealth of exhibits surrounding the rich history of York and wider Great Britain, where historical sights from Georgian gowns to Dick Turpin’s prison cell may be found. Its standout exhibit however is a fully-recreated Victorian street, dubbed Kirkgate after the museum’s founder, complete with horse and cart, costumed guides and cobblestones. Though opening as a museum in 1938, the site on which it stands holds an important place in York’s history."

"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."

"Kitkat, Yorkie, Quality Street, Smarties, Chocolate Orange, Black Magic, All Gold.. the list goes on, all originating from York. York is famous for its Chocolate, with names like Rowntree's and Terry's now known all over the world."

"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."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"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 ."

"Located in the center of the city, the Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York. But along with being a home, this historic house is popular with visitors. The Mansion House exhibits an impressive collection of paintings, silver and furniture."

"This historic site was discovered by accident, when it was scheduled to be destroyed. The oldest parts of Barley Hall date from about 1360, but until the 1980s the house was hidden under a more modern brick façade. The medieval house was once home to the Priors of Nostell and the Mayor of York."

"This restored medieval townhouse, tucked down an alleyway, includes a permanent exhibition of life in the times of Henry VIII. It was once the home of York’s Lord Mayor. The centrepiece is a double-height banquet..."

"A post shared by Kristal Ireland (@kristalsmile) on Dec 24, 2016 at 5:13am PST. Established in 1998, this patisserie and chocolaterie has carved itself a well-deserved reputation across Yorkshire. A chocolate sweet lover’s heaven, you’ll find a vast selection of hand crafted chocolates, dainty pastries and elegant French patisseries at the counter, along with freshly baked artisan breads."

"One of my favourite spots in Hull’s Trinity Market, Only offers a great range of vegan goodies, perfect for a quick & satisfying lunch. My personal favourite is the pesto mac ‘n’ cheese, but they also offer sandwiches, pizza, tacos, and sweet treats – all under £5. https://www.facebook.com/onlyhull/posts/172676407614087"

"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!"

"The Botanist is a great place to both eat and drink in York as it has such an extensive cocktail menu, as well as great foodie options, too. I’ve been to The Botanist on several different occasions, both with Matt, my friends and old work colleagues for our Christmas party last year and it’s delivered beyond my expectations every single time. I’d recommend: lamb kofta or chicken hanging kebabs (SO good) or the crispy chicken burger."

"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."