Best Museums in East Cowick

"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."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Jorvik Viking Centre – Travel back 1,000 years to a traditional Viking village and learn about how Vikings lived in this time period. The displays even create the traditional sounds and smells of the time further immersing you into the Viking way of life."

"The world famous JORVIK Viking Centre is a ‘Must See’ attraction for visitors to the City of York. It is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK. Learn everything there is to know about Viking life in York."

"Situated in the shadow of Clifford’s Tower, York Castle Museum is home to a wealth of exhibits surrounding the rich history of York and wider Great Britain, where historical sights from Georgian gowns to Dick Turpin’s prison cell may be found. Its standout exhibit however is a fully-recreated Victorian street, dubbed Kirkgate after the museum’s founder, complete with horse and cart, costumed guides and cobblestones. Though opening as a museum in 1938, the site on which it stands holds an important place in York’s history."

"Step back in time with York Castle Museum, an informative, interactive destination that will charm history-buffs and families alike. Unique in its depictions of everyday life, both past and present, York Castle Museum is best-known for period reconstructions of historic streets—like the Victorian Kirkgate—and costumed actors who help bring the past to life."

"Just a minute or two walk from the hotel (turn left out of our front door and walk until you get to King’s Square). Hear about York’s chocolate history, get lots of samples to try, and make a chocolate lolly to take home – really good fun for adults and children. VISIT THEIR WEBSITE >>"

"While the York’s Chocolate story itself isn’t an Instagrammable spot, if you take a tour, you’ll have a chance to create your own chocolate lollypop as well as decorate it as you’d like and then take a photo of it in front of some famous landmark."

"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."

"Fairfax House is one of the finest 18th century houses in the North of England. It was designed by John Carr of York, and has the best 18th century rococo decoration. Fairfax House is owned by York Civic Trust who have restored the house to its former glory."

"A living history museum, Ashworth Barracks marks the memories of those awarded the Victoria Cross, with battle re-enactments and an impressive array of hardware. With ex-soldiers on guiding duties, you get a real sense of engagement on the tour, while there’s also a soft air rifle range to test out your aim."

"Set inside a large and elegant building, an £8 million development back in 2015 has seen York Art Gallery rise to one of the best regional galleries in the country. Boasting 7 exhibition spaces across 2 floors and an outdoor Artist’s garden, there’s plenty to see for the art lovers visiting York, including an internationally significant collection of ceramics spreading across 2 galleries and temporary exhibitions that mean there is always something fresh to see. Keep your eyes out for works by hugely famous artists such as Turner and Hockney."

"York Art Gallery boasts the largest collection of British Studio Ceramics in the country in its Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA). The 19th century building (restored 2013-2015) contains works from the 14th century to the present day including altarpieces, drawings, paintings, prints and sculpture. Highlights include works by Pablo Picasso, L S Lowry and David Hockney."

"As well as an impressive collection of Old Masters, York Art Gallery possesses works by LS Lowry, Pablo Picasso, Grayson Perry, David Hockney, and the controversial York artist William Etty who, in the 1820s, was..."

"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."

"If you want to take a photo wearing a traditional medieval cape in some beautiful surroundings (as well as learn more about the relationship of science, religion and chemistry in the Middle ages in York), head to the Barley Hall, where you can do all that."

"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..."

"Located off Newland Avenue resides Zoo Cafe, possibly one Hull’s best kept secrets. Zoo Cafe was one of my favourite eateries even before I became a vegetarian. Zoo Cafe’s menu is colossal and has food perfect for any meal of the day."

"25/04/2021: LOVE Zoo, eaten almost every option on the breakfast menu. All options available as either veggie or vegan, and always fresh and really tasty. Staff are lovely, as are the surroundings!"

"Goji Vegetarian Café and Deli on Goodramgate serve up vegetarian, nutritious and wholesome food, lovingly prepared in-house. They definitely have a passion for good food, which can be seen in the quality of the dishes and they work with local suppliers and organic produce, just ask which dishes are vegan when ordering and you are sure to enjoy a delicious meal!. The deli offers a choice of sweet and savoury snacks, vegan wines and gifts too, and you can take away food too."

"Their breakfast/brunch menu is completely unique, with fresh fruit chia puddings, banana, blueberry and almond loaves, rissoles, frittatas and crumpets. Not ideal if you’re after a bit of bacon, but having tried their Tofu Nourish Bowl on their lunch menu, I can vouch for the food here. OPENING HOURS: Breakfast/brunch is served until 12pm"

"Goji Cafe’s food is vegetarian, wholesome, nutritious and lovingly prepared from start to finish with many vegan options. We are passionate about the quality of our dishes. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm."

"Okay, so it’s debatable whether a huge, novelty donut is an essential element of a picnic but when they’re this good (and this fun), why not?. Rainbow, cream-filled, seasonal, chocolatey, fruity, vegan and veggie, Doe has an array of homemade donuts to choose from right in the heart of the city. Prepare to queue at peak times, but it’s worth the wait."

"No matter where you’re staying in York, you won’t go far without tripping over a historical landmark or three, from Roman ruins to a whole street full of well-preserved medieval buildings.York Minster is a spectacle to behold. So big it even has its own police force, it’s spectacular from the outside, but inside its sheer size and scale are jaw-dropping - in fact the Leaning Tower of Pisa would fit inside the central tower. Go on one of the guided tours to get an insight into this iconic building or simply take stock of the stained glass."