Best Museums in Birstwith

"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)."

"Step inside the only bullet train outside of Japan, peer into royal carriages, and watch model trains chug around a small-scale landscape at the National Railway Museum. With over one million pieces of railway memorabilia—including steam locomotives and vintage posters—the museum provides an immersive insight into the British rail industry."

"An absolute must for anyone interested in history, the fantastic Jorvik Viking Centre sheds a light on what life was like in the city during Viking times. Located in the city center, the state-of-the-art museum has a reconstruction of a Viking settlement to explore and is built atop archaeological excavations. Opened in 1984, the center is one of York’s most popular attractions as it does succeed in transporting you back over a thousand years into the past."

"The Jorvik Viking Centre is one of the most popular museums in York, so much so that you’ll often find a long queue out the door!. The Viking Centre provides visitors with an immersive experience of 10th century York, where you’ll get to know the sounds, sights and even smells of Viking England. It really is an incredible experience, just make sure you book in advance to avoid the queues!"

"York Archaeological Trust conducted several excavations in Central York and found objects and remains over thousand years old. The dig had lasted 5 long years and managed to unearth around 40,000 well preserved remains of wooden structures from the Viking City of Jorvik. These included animal pens, workshops, fences and wells."

"Leeds Art Gallery is one of the city’s finest attractions with a grand architectural presence punctuated by Henry Moore’s Reclining Woman. Head inside to see one of the best collections of twentieth-century British art in the UK, with everything from paintings to sculptures and photography from the likes of Henry Moore, Francis Bacon and Jacob Kramer, to name but a few. They will also have a brand new piece of art – Arena (2000) is a major work by Alison Wilding and will be showcased under the newly restored barrel vaulted glazed roof."

"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."

"Modern and contemporary British art is on the menu as the excellent gallery in the centre of Leeds, one big homage to the work of men and women from the 20th …"

"This excellent museum has displays of everyday life through the centuries, with reconstructed domestic interiors, a Victorian street and a prison cell where you can try out a condemned man's bed – and it could be..."

"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."

"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."

"The elegant property dates from the mid-18th century and over the ages has been a Gentleman's Club, a Building Society and even a cinema. Exhibits include original clocks, clothing, furniture and paintings. The museum also hosts frequent temporary exhibitions."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"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."

"The patty slingers are whipping up all things comfort food, with an extensive and quirky selection of chicken, beef and vegan chows, alongside boozy slushies and shakes."

"Our Italian restaurant serves tasty, authentic dishes from pizza, pasta and risotto to salads and indulgent desserts – all in a uniquely designed restaurant. Our Italian menu also includes Vegan and Vegetarian options and we also offer takeaway on Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats. 2 Lendal, York, YO1 8AA"

"Nationwide Italian chain Zizzi is not exactly the last word in cutting-edge culinary cool, but it’s been quick off the mark to introduce some hot ..." Read our full review"

"The York Assembly Rooms is a listed historical building and one of the most influential pieces of architecture of the early 18th century. Perhaps the earliest example of neoclassical design in Europe, the Rooms emerged as part of the city’s new wave in design replacing the dark Gothic style. The building was masterminded by Richard Boyle, Lord Burlington, as an establishment of leisure for the upper class after a group of York’s gentry approached him with a request to create a place to accommodate dance parties, card games and other social activities."

"The Strawberry mojito was the best cocktail I had all weekend also. 28/05/2021: Really impressed with this place. The Assembly Room is a fantastic building and the staff were excellent going over and beyond to advise re a food allergy."

"Modern Italian restaurant chain serving long, stone-baked pizzas and antipasto on wooden boards and much more. You can eat-in or take-away. Ask Italian, Grand Assembly Rooms, Blake Street, YorkT: 01904637254"

"You can get a classic macchiato, flat white or mocha, made using local Maude beans, or try one of their special pour overs from Echelon. If you want to expand your horizons, they’ve teamed up with Blendsmith’s to offer a selection of flavoured lattes, like beetroot and turmeric, all of which are vegan-friendly, gluten-free and dairy-free. Whatever you go for, it’ll pair perfectly with one of their freshly made pastries or breakfast sandwiches."

"Archive Leeds, 94 Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS3 1HD - Visit now. Archive Leeds makes a great place for coffee, brunch, Sunday breakfast or for a quick lunch during your working day. The venue is only small but has lovely modern décor and is the perfect spot to unwind."

"I loved Tiffin Coffee before it even opened, peering through the door as the renovations were taking place. I love the decor, the coffee and the huge windows make it a great place to watch the world go by."

"The staff are always well turned out and friendly plus the seating is comfy and in keeping with the style of the building"

"Bolton Abbey and its acres of surrounding greenery is one of the best country days out you can have near Leeds, and you can treat yourself to a bit of luxury while you’re at it thanks to The Devonshire Arms. Pop in for a drink, or even better, stay to eat – their dining menus have been created by renowned chefs Nick Sharpe and Paul Evans, so you know you’re in for a treat that’s just as good as the views. The Devonshire Arms, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, West Yorkshire, BD23 6AJ."

"The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa sits in 33,000 acres of prime Yorkshire Dales countryside on the Bolton Abbey Estate belonging to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. It's popular with country folk and people who come to use the spa."

"Eating out at Art’s is a little like eating at the smallest gastropub you’ve ever seen. The rustic charm and dark wood panelled bar are the first thing to hit you upon entry, but take a seat and you’ll soon be charmed by the intimate space and international menu. It makes for an exciting browse, with everything from confit duck to curried cauliflower on a menu that changes every month."

"Local art on the walls and a bohemian vibe make this a popular place for quiet reflection and a really good cup of coffee. The dinner menu is a cut above your average fare, with inventive dishes such as rib-eye... Modern British in Leeds"