Best History Museum in Bilton-in-Ainsty with Bickerton

"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 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."

"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."

"There are so many play spaces for kids scattered throughout. My two loved the Dinosaur area where they put on these cute little dinosaur backpacks which had a few bits in like magnifying glasses. They loved hunting for fossils in the fake soil, dressing up as knights, walking on the original medieval mosaic floor and playing with the wooden knight’s castle."

"As the name implies, York’s Merchant Adventurers were merchants. They traded along the English coast, northern Europe and sometimes as far as the Baltic and Iceland, bringing back an assortment of desired goods to York. The city was an important river port and the wealthiest city in Northern England, second only to London for most of the Middle Ages, allowing the merchants to make enough money to build the Hall between 1357 and 1361."

"York's most impressive semi-timbered building is still owned by the fraternity that built it almost 650 years ago and it is the oldest surviving guildhall of its kind in Britain. The owner was originally a..."

"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."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"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..."

"Leeds' most interesting museum was originally built in 1996 to house armour and weapons from the Tower of London, but subsequently expanded to cover 3000 years of combat and self-defence, becoming home to the national collections. The exhibits are as varied as they are fascinating, covering subjects such as jousting, fencing and Indian elephant armour. To get here, walk east along the river from Centenary Footbridge (approx 10 minutes), or take the free boat from Granary Wharf outside Leeds train station's southern entrance."

"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..."

"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',..."

"They’re so popular in fact that there have two restaurants in York. Although the foods not as sophisticated as others in the roundup, they serve honest, great quality food that’s great for casual dining. Specialising in French cuisine at affordable prices, they have an ever-popular two-course set menu which starts at £14.95."

"Established in 2004 in the former Francois Restaurant Bistro on Castlegate in York. It specialises in rustic French cooking in a busy, vibrant upbeat Bistro atmosphere, offering a large and varied selection of meat and fish dishes cooked traditionally, using local products. 28 Castlegate, YO1 9RP YorkT: 01904 612744"

"Just around the corner from The Shambles on Castlegate, Rustique is the York’s finest French restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner every day, this heaving spot makes for the perfect mid-sightseeing break. Expect everything from crêpes to steak frites."

"The bistro in the Hotel du Vin “With contemporary yet traditional finishes, our Bistro has a sense of sophistication and pays a perfect complement to our ethos, which is all about serving heart-warming, traditional French food and regionally sourced quality ingredients. We encourage you to come and relax, dine and soak up the buzz of the Bistro.”. Also look at our round up of some of the Best Restaurants in York."

"If you’re after cool-toned colours, roll-top baths and an enviable wine cellar, you’ll feel right at home at Hotel du Vin. The hotel is described as “the epitome of northern splendour” – thanks to the fine-dining menu of steak haché and moules frites, the decadent dining spaces, and the stunning rooms located inside a magnificent Grade II listed building."

"Brasserie Blanc, based in a beautiful converted mill building on the banks of the River Aire, is a great place to eat with kids in Leeds. While the grown-ups admire the industrial-vibe dining room and munch on French classics, the children will have a great choice on the colourful ‘Henri le Worm’ kids’ menu. The likes of crispy chicken and veggie samosas are up for grabs, followed by sundaes, mousse or lollies for pud."

"If you’re in the mood for something a little different at lunchtime, why not stop in at the Brasserie Blanc?. Converted from an old Victorian mill, this restaurant not only offers a great lunch deal, but it also has a unique and comforting atmosphere. Take a seat by the water and try some classic French cooking, get two courses for £11.95 or add a third for £3.50 until 6:30 PM, Monday-Saturday."

"Another repurposed building, The Judge’s Lodging is a Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse which in its former life was, well - it’s all in the name, isn’t it?. The imposing red brick exterior of this former home now gives way to an eccentrically stylish high-end hotel. Where The Grand does classical five-star grandeur, the Judge’s Lodging offers a kind of quirky, opulent, nudge-wink decor - as you can see in the bar’s judge-themed wallpaper."

"Always a popular place – The Judge’s Lodging on Lendal has a beautiful courtyard for al fresco dining. They now also have cosy summer chalets on the back terrace, complete with lanterns and blankets. Whether you’re looking for delicious food or cocktails with friends or simply a glass of wine or beer, The Judge’s Lodging should be on your list to visit."

"Just a short stroll to all the shopping districts, popular bars and restaurants, Jurys Inn Leeds is a budget friendly overnight stay for those who don’t want to break the bank. This hotel in Leeds town centre has a total of 248 rooms, all spacious with flat screen tv’s, air-con, refreshment facilities, bathrooms with compli­men­tary toiletries, selection of pillows and even more!. Upgrade your room to an executive and bag yourself a super king sized bed, costa coffee drinks and even a daily newspaper at this cheap hotel in Leeds city centre."

"This comfortable, mid-range hotel with its 24-hour restaurant is situated in the riverside Brewery Wharf area. Its restaurants, facilities and loft apartments make it appealing to everyone and it's location makes it ideal for travellers looking to explore some of the main attractions Leeds has to offer."

"In Leeds city centre, this hotel offers budget accommodation along with a modern bar and restaurant. Leeds Rail Station and the city’s main shops are a 10-minute walk away. Jurys Inn Leeds is located on Brewery Wharf by the banks of the River Aire."