Best History Museum in Altofts

"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."

"Blending natural history with archaeology and more, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by how much there is to see and take in. Everything from Roman artefacts and detailed descriptions of the history of the region, to Iron Age jewellery, extinct species, fossils, and star pieces including the Viking sword and York Helmet reside here. Take a stroll through the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey in the Museum Gardens, and don’t miss the oldest working observatory in Yorkshire, hidden by trees in front of the museum, with an engaging astrology exhibition of its own."

"Offering a variety of both local and historical artefacts originating from the Roman and Viking period, Yorkshire Museum is comprised of four insightful collections which include biology, geology, archaeology and astronomy. Situated in the beautiful area of the York Museum Gardens, the Yorkshire Museum was one of the first purpose-built museums in the country. Hosting a variety of community projects for adults and workshop programmes for children, Yorkshire Museum provides a vast array of history and knowledge."

"Displaying four separate exhibitions focusing on York throughout history, including York in the Jurassic world, you’ll learn so much about the city that’s been at the heart of UK life for centuries."

"The Merchant Adventurers' Hall is a restored medieval guildhall dating from the 14th century. The Great Hall is Britain's largest timber-framed building still used for its original purpose. The hall is still used by the Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York, now a charitable organization."

"Another excellent photography spot and Instagrammable place in York is the Merchant’s Hall. The Merchant’s Hall has one of the most impressive guildhalls in the world, and sometimes you can get it empty – it’s incredible for photos."

"Barley Hall is a timber framed medieval townhouse lying behind Stonegate, accessed by a narrow snicket. The 14th century house was concealed under the framework of a more modern building and was only discovered during renovation work in the 1980’s. Barley Hall, particularly its recreated banqueting hall, will provide visitors with an accurate experience of what life was like in medieval York."

"If you want to take a photo wearing a traditional medieval cape in some beautiful surroundings (as well as learn more about the relationship of science, religion and chemistry in the Middle ages in York), head to the Barley Hall, where you can do all that."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"This exhibition, housed inside York's most impressive city gate, explores the reign of Henry VII (r 1485–1509), the first Tudor king of England, who defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field, the..."

"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."

"The Wars of the Roses, the Plantagenets, and Richard III are events and characters embedded in the history of York, so what better place to get to grips with one of the main players than inside the city walls?. Located in Monk Bar gatehouse, where the top floor was commissioned by Richard himself, the Richard III Experience takes you on a journey through the king’s short-lived reign, including what life was like in York during the late 15th century, and a selection of changing exhibitions. While there, don’t miss the chance to walk around the city walls, arguably York’s greatest monument, and make for the sister Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar, easily reached in around route that even includes a few pubs along the way."

"The best-preserved of York's medieval city gates houses this museum which explores the life and reign of Richard III (r 1483–85) and his impact on York, and sets out the case of the 'Princes in the Tower',..."

"Explore one of the original National Trust properties at York’s Treasurer’s House, an opulent and eclectic 2-story mansion set amid landscaped gardens that has a fascinating history spanning 2,000 years. Highlights include the period rooms replete with historical artifacts, including a Queen Anne bedspread and a blown-glass chandelier, as well as the allegedly haunted cellars."

"The Treasurer's House is more than just a museum but also includes a beautiful garden and pleasant cafe. Now owned by the National Trust the Grade I listed property was once the home of the treasurer of York Minister. What we see today is mostly a 17th century house built over a supposedly haunted Roman cellar."

"Treasurer’s House is located a few metres from the York Minster and has a history spanning 2,000 years. The house features a collection of antiques including furniture, ceramics, textiles and paintings. 445 metres from the Minster.Minster Yard, York, York YO1 7JL, United Kingdom"

"This is an art gallery that features both modern and ancient art. Located in the picturesque Lister Park, this is a gallery you would not want to miss out on, especially when it is free entry. Order a warm drink at the café and wind down in the peaceful ambience here after you get tired from strolling around the park."

"Just a few minutes from the Shipley Glen tramway lies a stunning country pub on Baildon Moor. The classic Yorkshire bricks, wood-burning stoves and huge beer garden with amazing views make The Old Glen House well worth a trip out of the city – especially if you have the pooch with you as it’s super dog-friendly. You can look forward to delicious pub grub and a mean Sunday roast, which you can pair with ales, wine and spirits."

" This handsome, solid stone building has appeared in a number of guises down the years, including a temperance inn and a tearoom for local mill worke ..." Read our full review"

"Fancy Hanks is a new and welcome addition to York serving American deep South good mood food. They serve classics such as a Double Cheese Burger, Blackened Cajun Chicken as well as a Vegan Corn Burger. They also do some excellent buttermilk fried chicken!"

"Absolutely phenomenal American restaurant for a cozy food experience. It has delicious cocktails, burgers, bbq as well as a wonderful selection of drinks. Don't forget to try the cocktails, famous Chicken, and Waffles, you won't be disappointed."

"Situated in the heart of the bustling city, The Cafe 68 Gillygate has much to offer visitors with its varied selection of Yorkshire brunches, including vegetarian alternatives, homemade cakes, and house-blend coffee. Offering generous portions of full English breakfasts, poached eggs on an English muffin, and bacon or sausage sandwiches, The Cafe 68 Gillygate is the ideal place to experience lovingly made, traditional English food."

"Plenty of vegan/vegan options and all dishes on main menu can be made GF on request. ‘Osborne’s @68 on Gillygate – lovely people, great coffee, and the cakes are delicious and enormous!!"

"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."

"Fairfax House is a Georgian town house open to the public between February and December. The house displays a collection of eighteenth-century furniture and shows how Georgians lived in their day. 901 metres from the Minster.Castlegate, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9RN, United Kingdom"