Free Museums in York

"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."

"We love the railway museum not least because Rebecca’s dad is a train enthusiast and could spend hours in here reading every tiny detail on every sign next to every exhibition!. Great for kids with live shows and hands-on activities. Entry is free, but if you can afford it, it’s nice to make a small donation to keep this attraction thriving in York for years to come."

"As we detailed above the National Railway is a free display of Rail history for both England and the world. * While it is a free exhibition you are encouraged to make a donation towards the upkeep of the museum"

"The Jorvik Viking Centre is a historical visitor attraction in York displaying a reconstructed Viking city as it would have looked in approximately 975 AD. It features a selection of 40,000 well-preserved Viking items found by archaeologists between 1979 and 1981, and the remains of their city, once known as Jorvik. Excavations were undertaken by the York Archaeological Trust across the area now occupied by the Viking centre, and uncovered a wealth of information about the settlement that used to be there."

"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."

"Free to visit and in the city centre, Leeds’ premier Art Gallery is the perfect location for a relaxing afternoon trip or an escape from the rain. A collection of 19th century works and 20th century British Art, the government declared the site ‘of national importance’ in 1997, and it’s easy to see why. On top of its permanent displays, a regular cycle of temporary exhibitions brings world-class displays of surrealism, woodwork, and anything imaginable to the city."

"Leeds Art Gallery reopened in October 2017 following an extensive refurbishment, including works on its original Victorian roof and renovation of the Central Court - meaning visitors can now see the stunning glass ceiling as part of the gallery. As well as the gallery’s main collection, artist room feature regular exhibitions. The Headrow, Leeds,LS1 3AA, open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sundays 11am-3pm, closed Mondays."

"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..."

"This award-winning museum attempts to bring 400 years of the city’s history together in one place. The interactive style of this museum is full of loyal recreations that accurately imitate how life would have been; a street plucked straight from the Victorian era, a row of iconic shops straight from the 1970s and much more. Children enter for free with a paying adult and there is enough variety to keep all ages happy."

"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."

"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."

"A unique experience is discovering the contemporary art offered in the former Tetley Brewery. Explore the latest collections, participate in a workshop or if that’s not your thing, enjoy a pint of Tetley’s or something to eat from their kitchen. If you choose to eat here, 100% of the profit goes to support their artistic programme."

"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."

"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"

"The Hepworth Wakefield is also an amazing place to visit, with free entry, you can look at the works of many contemporary artists. The Hepworth Wakefield was built in honor of Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975), one of the few female artists to reach international fame in the early to mid 20th-century. By coming here you can view some of Hepworths rarely seen works."

"One of the UK’s finest Georgian townhouses, Fairfax House on Castlegate was designed by John Carr. Originally the winter retreat of Viscount Fairfax, the house was converted into a dance hall and cinema in the 20th Century. The York Civic Trust however restored it to its former Georgian glory, and today it’s open to the public with the Noel Terry collection of furnishings, ornaments, decorative arts and paintings on display inside."

"Fairfax House is one of the finest 18th century houses in the North of England. It was designed by John Carr of York, and has the best 18th century rococo decoration. Fairfax House is owned by York Civic Trust who have restored the house to its former glory."

"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."

"Tapas pleases all and the Andalusian inspired La Feria is sure to tickle your fancy. Choose from rotisserie chicken, freshly made salsa scooped up with home-made chips, Spanish cheeses, chorizo and some delicious Jamon Iberico. Sip the finest Spanish wines to complement the flavourful food."

"Authentic rustic Spanish food infused with the heady flavours of the Iberian peninsula. PAELLA PAELLA PAELLA 🥘 #birthdaymeal #prawns #seafood #foodporn #tapas. A post shared by Ellie Brown (@elliemegan18) on Jun 4, 2018 at 11:56am PDT"

"Serving classic, home smoked American food, diners can enjoy burgers, grilled meat sanwiches salads and the signature dry rubbed, Applewood smoked ribs, which are glazed in a flavoursome BBQ sauce. There's also a tempting selection of desserts on offer too, if you've got room to spare. Visit: Trinity Leeds, Albion Street LS1 5AT - thechicagoribshack.co.uk"

"In 1982, when the Chicago Rib Shack was launched, most people said that we were nuts to open a BBQ restaurant. But since we opened, dozens if not scores of r... Trinity Kitchen, Trinity LeedsTelephone."

"What: It may be best known for its fantastically priced evening set menus but Fettle's brunch offering is just as impressive as the rest of its food. Head to this intimate café and restaurant for brunch on both on weekdays and weekends to enjoy the likes of chai spiced red rice porridge, mushrooms on pumpernickel rye toast, and salt beef Benedict.Where:73 Great George Street, LS1 3BR"

"Fine dining from morning until night, Fettle has come a long way since its days as a Scandi cafe. They serve beautifully crafted dishes using handpicked and always sustainable produce. By day, they’ll introduce you to new brunch favourites, like their Bokkeumbap, a delicious mix of pork belly and kimchi fried rice with an oh-so-oozy fried egg."

"This Scandinavian-inspired little cafe is a little off the beaten path, but Fettle is well worth seeking out. It’s a bright airy space with long wooden benches and cool light fittings. Grab a cup of Limini coffee, a special Ippuku Japanese tea or one of the special brew teas from Jeeves and Jericho, before poring over their food menu."

"Whether looking for a cosy table for two, or celebrating with friends and family, Bill’s has something for everyone. Open all day and into the night, we’re well-known for our legendary breakfasts, veg-centric lunches, and a la carte dinners. Families are warmly welcomed with plenty of space for pushchairs."

"Located right in the city centre, Bill’s York restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. Full of character, this light ..."

"Kerala Restaurant is highly reputed for the tasty and authentic South Indian cuisine that they serve to all their customers and guests. Welcoming all individuals and groups even people with special dietary requirements, they serve a wide variety of dishes that would certainly whet your appetite and fit the needs and preferences that you have. They have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes so better check their menu and order the one that is tempting your palate."

"Regrann from @theveganmcr – Texas jack hotdog @fat_annies @grubmcr #veganmanchester #vegan #vegans #plantpower #plantpowered #veganfood #veganfoodie #veganlunch #veganpower #veganlife #veganism #vegangirl #veganbreakfast #veganeats #veganlove #plantbased #plantbaseddiet. A post shared by Fat Annie's (@fat_annies) on Jul 31, 2018 at 11:34am PDT. Fat Annie’s lives in the Food Hall of the wholesome Kirkgate Market."

"When it comes to hot dogs, there’s only one place you need to visit – Fat Annie’s. They’ve been cooking up brilliant bangers since 2014 and they’re really ruddy good at it. The Classic is a locally made pork and beef dog, but if you fancy mixing it up a little you’ve got options, like The Cheese One, which is a Big Melt sausage, with pork, beef, bacon, garlic and cheese."