Best History Museum in Thorpe Willoughby

"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)."

"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."

"The Yorkshire Museum is located in the Museum Gardens and next door to the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey. The museum has a large permanent exhibition and also changing temporary exhibitions. Please visit the museum website below to see what's on and get more information."

"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."

"Barley Hall is a (somewhat controversial) restored medieval townhouse and hospice dating from 1386. The building was built by the monks of Nostell Priory and was once home to the Lord Mayor of York. The house is decorated to recall the late 15th century home of William Snawsell."

"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..."

"York has been an important military base since the IX Legion was here in Roman times. York Army Museum displays a large and diverse collection dedicated to The Royal Dragoon Guards, The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire and The Yorkshire Regiment. All have a long connection to the city."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"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."

"The pretty suburb of Horsforth has a lot of history behind it. It was once the most populous village in the United Kingdom, in the latter part of the 19 century. On top of that, the village was personally thanked by US President Bill Clinton in 2000 for raising funds to build HMS Aubretia during WWII."

"Designed by Cuthbert Brodrick, Leeds Corn Exchange is without a doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Completed in 1864, the beautiful building is still a centre for trade and has become known as an independent shopping haven. You’ll find a mix of vintage clothing shops, jewellers and gift stores inside, as well as cafés, hairdressers and even a tattoo parlour."

"Unlike most modern day shopping centres, this one is situated in one of the finest Victorian buildings standing in the north of England. Proving itself to be an architectural masterpiece and one of the cultural icons that makes Leeds the city that it is today. If you prefer independent retail enterprises to large chain shops, this is where you belong."

"Leeds Corn Exchange is one of the city’s most recognisable and most impressive Victorian buildings. This Grade I building houses a wide range of independent retailers and tasty eateries with an iconic domed roof."

"For those who live in Horsforth, it's no secret that this place becomes swamped in the summer months and it's got a bit of everything. If you fancy burning off a few calories then the Trim Trail is one of the best around and it's also plenty big enough for a quick game of cricket or football, but the highlight is undoubtedly the stunning Japanese Garden."

"Just north of Rodley Nature Reserve is this park with a Japanese garden, trails and plenty more. The main entrance is off Hall Lane, Horsforth"

"With five galleries showcasing a range of archaeological treasures as well as displays of rare animals, birds and fossils, the Yorkshire Museum also boasts fabulous greenery, making it the perfect place for tourists to enjoy a relaxing, scenic walk. Established during the 1830s, the historical gardens are famous for their wonderful selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs. With botanical gardens comprised of 10 acres, Yorkshire Museum Gardens is the ideal place to visit for a relaxing retreat."

"The Museum Gardens are potentially my favourite place in the whole of York. Regardless of the time of year, the Museum Gardens always look in pristine condition and there are ample places for you to get a good pic for the ‘gram. From St. Mary’s Abbey that provides an idyllic historic backdrop, to the plethora of trees, plants and flowers that are scattered all over the gardens, as well as the Yorkshire Museum, the Museum Gardens are an incredible place for taking pictures."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Offers a variety of sandwiches, paninis and jacket potatoes as well as serving breakfast and cakes. Still taking walk-ins where possible but calling and booking advised. 1 Peter Lane, York, York, YO1 8SWT: 01904 863822"

"This little gem is tucked away down Peter Lane, next to Superdrug. But venture down and you’ll discover a friendly and warm cafe, with lots of tasty treats to try. Choose from sandwiches, paninis, breakfasts and more!"

"The Yorkshire Wrap Company will give you one of their giant Yorkshire puddings and stuff it with goodies, before you chow down on it like a burrito. You can have roast beef, red cabbage, onion and horseradish or roast pork, sage and onion stuffing with apple & mustard sauce. If you get there early doors, they’ve even got a full English one for you to try."

"You can gorge on the ultimate Yorkshire pudding at the Yorkshire Wrap Co. They’ve transformed the humble pud into a deliciously filling roast dinner wrap. Load yours with slow cooked beef, red cabbage and horseradish or roast pork, stuffing and apple sauce, before it’s finished with lashings of gravy and wrapped up in a freshly made Yorkshire."