Best Museums in Castleford

"When I said Jorvik was York’s best-known attraction I should probably have said its equal best-known attraction because the National Railway Museum is also very famous. And, because it’s just a five-minute walk from the train station, it’s an obvious first port of call for many people. Tracing the history of rail travel around the world, this museum holds over a million different exhibits and if your kids are train buffs they will absolutely LOVE it here."

"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."

"The Jorvik Viking Centre is a historical visitor attraction in York displaying a reconstructed Viking city as it would have looked in approximately 975 AD. It features a selection of 40,000 well-preserved Viking items found by archaeologists between 1979 and 1981, and the remains of their city, once known as Jorvik. Excavations were undertaken by the York Archaeological Trust across the area now occupied by the Viking centre, and uncovered a wealth of information about the settlement that used to be there."

"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."

"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."

"Opened in 1888, Leeds Art Gallery is a museum that houses an extensive collection of British art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Beautiful sculptures and paintings presented here often reflect the prominent characters and significant events of British history. The modern and spacious gallery also organizes exhibitions, learning program activities, themed displays and other events for all ages."

"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 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."

"Situated in the former headquarters of the Tetley Brewery, The Tetley is a transformative contemporary art exhibition space which focuses on education and community engagement for people of all ages and backgrounds. There is always opportunity for discussions about the high standard of art on display, with the hope that it can inspire future artistic talents. The bar and kitchen downstairs is a great place to kick off the discussions over brunch."

"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."

"Located about 10 miles from Sheffield, the Elsecar Heritage Railway is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and expansion of one of the area's oldest railway lines. Highlights include an impressive collection of historic locomotives and rolling stock that once belonged to the South Yorkshire Railway. Budding engineers can even learn to drive a steam train through one of the railway's "footplate" courses (they also offer a number of fun themed excursions)."

"Two words that you might not have heard put together before are ‘chocolate’ and ‘museum’, but it’s happened in York and all our dreams have come true. You’ll find it fairly tough to drag yourself out of here…. View this post on Instagram"

"Kitkat, Yorkie, Quality Street, Smarties, Chocolate Orange, Black Magic, All Gold.. the list goes on, all originating from York. York is famous for its Chocolate, with names like Rowntree's and Terry's now known all over the world."

"One of the most impressive exhibition spaces outside of London, The Hepworth’s architecture is just as spectacular as the collections housed inside. View rare pieces by famed local sculptor Barbara Hepworth, alongside a series of visiting exhibitions."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Whether looking for a cosy table for two, or celebrating with friends and family, Bill’s has something for everyone. Open all day and into the night, we’re well-known for our legendary breakfasts, veg-centric lunches, and a la carte dinners. Families are warmly welcomed with plenty of space for pushchairs."

"Bill’s has a lovely eclectic, home from home, comfortable feel to it. Breakfast includes the ‘Bill’s Brunch’, two fried free range eggs, smoked streaky bacon, Cumberland sausage, roasted plum tomatoes, mushrooms, potato rösti, baked beans, black pudding and toast. Eggs Benedict or Eggs Avocado Florentine."

"If anyone is in need of a curry fix, the first place in mind to visit Fo’Sho would be Bradford!. It has been named the curry capital of the UK. Who would think of going for an afternoon tea with jam n’ cream scones in the heart of Bradford!"

"Cosy Club is actually my favourite place to eat in the whole of York and for that reason alone, I think it deserves a place on this list. The outside seating area that resides on Fossgate is a beautiful place to people watch while sipping a delicious fruity cocktail during the summer months. When the temperatures become cooler however, Cosy Club opens itself up to the most gorgeous, cosy retreat."

"The inside of this bar and restaurant is full of grandeur and eccentricities – and the food tastes as good as it looks!. Serving brunch until 5pm every day, here you can just keep going, and going, and going."

"Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as having dedicated kids, vegan and gluten free menus. 19-22 Fossgate, York YO1 9TAT: 01904 395056"