Best Museums in Barkston Ash

"Good news: the largest railway museum in the world is also open year-round!. This museums offers tons of free activities as well as a railroad-themed play area for the kids, which makes it a slam dunk for the entire family."

"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."

"One of the UK’s most popular attractions, Jorvik Viking Centre in York is a favourite with families. At the heart of the museum is an amazing archeological discovery – The Coppergate Dig. Excavations under an old sweet factory between 1979 and 1981 unearthed numerous Viking artefacts and the remains of 10th century Viking buildings preserved within particularly spongy earth."

"Another excellent museum experience that will keep the kids entertained, this interactive Viking experience even includes a theme-park-Esque ride!. Alongside 1,000 year old artifacts, you’ll find displays that aim to show you the sights, sounds and smells of 10th century Viking York in vivid detail. Actors in full period dress help illuminate and add depth to the experience."

"In the heart of the city, the Leeds Art Gallery offers a feast for art lovers, its collections covering everything from traditional prints, watercolours, paintings and sculpture to weird and wonderful contemporary works. The gallery is renowned for having the best collection of British art outside of London - a fiercely contested accolade. Adjoining the gallery is the Henry Moore Institute, with its acclaimed sculpture study centre, and a full programme of sculpture exhibitions that run all year round."

"The undisputed home of contemporary art in the region, Leeds Art Gallery is the go-to place for a little artistic stimulation in the North. The building is one of the most recognisable in the city, and its Victorian clock tower remains synonymous with Leeds’ historic skyline. Dubbed a collection of “national importance,” the museum displays work from award-winning artists labelled a stroke of genius, to understated masterpieces from emerging talents with considerably less exposure."

"Situated in the city centre, Leeds Art Gallery offers a fun-filled experience for all age groups. It has been described as “probably the best collection of twentieth century British art outside London”. Its exhibits include:"

"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."

"I didn’t feel this one captured the interest of my two young children as much as some of the other attractions mentioned but I think older children would get more out of it. Neither the less there were bits that my two enjoyed. One area was the play area but I felt this area could be improved compared to the quality of play areas in the other museums."

"The 1930’s art deco, former headquarters of Tetley Brewery is a pioneering centre for contemporary art. Also, a great place to kick back, enjoy a selection of cask ales, wines, spirits and soft drinks, together with a Yorkshire inspired menu showcasing the very best ingredients. Their sun trap of a beer garden is the perfect place to enjoy a pint of Tetley’s, right on the spot it was born more than 200 years ago."

"Founded in 1822, Tetley was once the biggest brewery in the North, and for a while, it was the largest producer of cask ale in the world. Its reign ended when the brewery was taken over by the Carlsberg Group, and the brewery closed in 2011, before being demolished a year later. Thankfully, out of its ashes, a new venue was born."

"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."

"In a city with the biggest student population outside of London, it would be absurd for the prevailing university culture not to have some influence on the art scene. Housed within the University of Leeds campus in the Grade II listed Art Deco Parkinson Building, The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery showcases a mix of contemporary art as well as works from the university’s special collections department spanning over 200 years. The gallery expectedly supports and promotes its students’ and its graduates’ work, in addition to displays from local artists and those from further afield."

"You don’t have to be a student to enjoy the art of The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery at the University of Leeds. Since 1970, it’s been home to the University Art Collection, which features ceramics, photographs and sculpture. That’s not all – you can see an incredible selection of British and European paintings, drawings and prints from 17th century to the present day."

"Fairfax house is a grand, immaculately presented Georgian townhouse. Visitors can explore the elaborate dining room, elegant drawing room and the richly decorated bedrooms, though I think the museum’s highlight is the excellent basement kitchen. An adult ticket costs £7.50 with £3.00 for children."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"At DIG, you get to discover only the most exciting archaeological artefacts from the 2000 years of history hidden under the streets of York. Our four excavation pits are filled with Roman, Viking, Medieval and Victorian finds, so you can grab a trowel and dig up the clues that show how people lived in these times. DIG, St Saviour's Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN"

"A post shared by coffeeandchimneycakes (@coffeeandchimneycakes) on Nov 10, 2016 at 11:15am PST. Specialising in chimney cakes – a sweet pastry specific to Central and Eastern European regions such as Hungary and Romania – this cosy spot isn’t your run of the mill bakery. Their chimney cakes are available in a range of flavours (including vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa and walnut and are served with a choice of ice cream, whipped cream or fresh fruits."

"When: Headrow house is open every day till late evening but times for the restaurant do vary, so why not check out their website?. Located in a formal textile mill, Headrow House houses two roof-terraces which offer views over the Victorian Quarter, a grill restaurant, a beer hall and a live venue."

"This charming restaurant housed in a former textile mill serves quality dishes in an adorable setting. It’s the kind of place you can visit with friends, on a date or with your parents at the weekend."

"Home to a hefty selection of draught brews, IPAs, ales and ciders, the Central Square spot is also delivering on the looks front with cosy nooks, fun lighting and an expansive outdoor space."

"The Manahatta bar is ‘a glamorous New York inspired cocktail bar with an exciting party vibe.’ The price includes one item from the brunch menu and unlimited Prosecco, bloody marys, Aperol Spritz and pints of Coors. This bottomless brunch offering is available for 90 minutes. Brunch options include a full English, buttermilk pancakes and fried chicken and mushroom hirata buns."

"Brilliant place to go out dancing and grooving to the music. This place is always busy and the atmosphere is electric."