Best History Museum in Heslington

"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)."

"York's National Railway Museum – the biggest in the world, with more than 100 locomotives – is well-presented and crammed with fascinating stuff. It is laid out on a vast scale and is housed in a series of giant railway sheds – allow at least two hours to do it justice. The museum also now includes a high-tech simulator experience of riding on the Mallard (£4), which set the world speed record for a steam locomotive in 1938 (126mph)."

"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."

"Some of the best of England’s Roman and Viking archaeological finds are on show at the Yorkshire Museum in the heart of the city. Exhibits are split thematically into galleries including a Roman and Viking Gallery. Most of the items were found in and around York, and include Roman mosaics, Anglo Saxon treasures and more."

"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."

"Merchant Adventurers’ Hall on Fossgate is one of the finest medieval guild halls in existence. A fascinating museum also available for weddings and events (great vintage fairs take place here), the venue’s centrepiece is the Great Hall where medieval merchants once gathered. A collection on display inside includes a range of fine silver, paintings and furniture."

"The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is a museum, wedding and hospitality venue, regularly hosting vintage and wedding fairs. The museum hosts collections including silver, furniture and paintings and is open during the summer months. 721 metres from the Minster.Fossgate, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9XD, United Kingdom"

"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..."

"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 ."

"The Georgian-style Mansion House in York is the home of the city's Lord Mayors during their term in office. This is the earliest purpose-built house of this sort still in use – it predates the Mansion House in London by at least 20 years. The foundation stone for the building was laid in 1725, and it was completed seven years later, in 1732."

"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."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"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',..."

"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..."

"This ice cream truck is to the rescue – and serving straight from an ambulance window. Located in the beautiful Museum Gardens, this is the perfect pit stop before lounging in the sun. Museum Gardens, Museum St, York, YO1 7FR"

"Situated on the riverbank by Millennium Bridge is this “unique and charming floating ice cream van”. Ideal for a sunny afternoon walk by the riverside."

"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 survivor of Yorkshire’s ancient fenlands, dating back 15,000 years, Askham Bog is considered one of the most ecologically diverse sites in the UK. The bog itself is made of boulder clay and fen peat, while the land around it is home to roe deer, foxes, newts and frogs. Plants include royal ferns, rare gingerbread sedge and whole rivers of water violets."

"King’s Manor is a stately house in York city centre that has played host to some of British history’s most important visitors. In the days before the Reformation, it was the home of the Abbot of St Mary’s, before becoming the headquarters of the Council of the North in Henry VIII’s time. The Tudor king himself stayed there, giving rise to its current name."

"Eat & Drink, Cafés & Tearooms"

"Eat & Drink, Afternoon Tea"

"Bull & Co is a new American style burger and steak restaurant on Walmgate in York. They serve good quality food in good sized portions. Choose from onglet, rib-eye, sirloin or t-bone or from one of their seven signature burgers."

"The Golden Fleece is cited as the most haunted pub in York (and I think in the UK!) and has even been featured on the TV programme ‘Most Haunted’. While I’ve personally never experienced anything spooky while visiting The Golden Fleece, I can vouch for its historic and slightly eerie vibe!. 16 Pavement, York YO1 9UP"