Best Museums in Horsforth

"National Railway Museum – Get up close to over 300 years of fascinating railway history at the National Railway Museum. Explore giant halls full of trains including the majestic Duchess of Hamilton, step on to the futuristic, Japanese Bullet Train simulation or marvel at the stunning opulence of the Royal Trains."

"The world’s largest railway museum, see the full history of trains including The Rocket, The Mallard, Queen Victoria’s favourite carriage and the Japanese Bullet."

"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 built on the site of the Coppergate dig (1976-1981) which revealed 1000 year old houses, workshops and backyards from the Viking age. The exhibit starts with a glass floor over the Coppergate dig so you can see what is left of the site for yourself. After this, you can go on a ride through a replica Viking village made using the information they found from the Coppergate dig site."

"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."

"Focused on modern and contemporary art, there’s still plenty which makes the Leeds Art Gallery family-friendly – this summer, for example, there were creative activity bags to take away, ideal for inspiring your kids. Another of the string of free places to visit in Leeds with kids, you’ll find exhibits to get everyone thinking – a Damien Hirst sculpture, as well as works by Anthony Gormley, between bright contemporary art and Victorian paintings. There are also regular temporary exhibitions, and don’t miss Artspace, a creative space in the heart of the gallery, which is designed to be family-friendly."

"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."

"Part of the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle, tie in a visit to the Henry Moore Institute with a walk around Leeds Art Gallery. The gallery is currently undergoing repairs to the roof and will reopen in October this year, when visitors will be treated to a series of interesting exhibits."

"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."

"It is housed in 18th century prison buildings, built over the original Norman castle. The diverse collection of exhibits includes cells from the original prison, a recreated Victorian street (Kirkgate) and a children's toy collection. There's also a homage to the Sixties with exhibits covering counterculture, fashion, music, sport, and women's liberation."

"The former headquarters of the Tetley Brewery at Leeds’ South Bank is now a creative space for art, events and workshops, and also houses a bar serving Yorkshire fare. The art gallery, open daily, offers regularly changing exhibitions, while live music, yoga, guest speakers and family art workshops are also on the calendar. The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds LS10 1JQ, gallery open faily 10am-5pm and Wednesdays 10am-8pm, admission free."

"A unique experience is discovering the contemporary art offered in the former Tetley Brewery. Explore the latest collections, participate in a workshop or if that’s not your thing, enjoy a pint of Tetley’s or something to eat from their kitchen. If you choose to eat here, 100% of the profit goes to support their artistic programme."

"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."

"Sunny Bank Mills was once a key part of the city’s industrial past, but since being restored by the Gaunt family, it’s been turned into a multi-purpose creative space with a 3,000-square-foot art gallery at its heart. It’s one of the best galleries in Leeds to find exhibitions by local artists, as it gives them a platform to show their work, from Mel Davies’ colourful landscapes to Kate Kenney’s oil paintings of Yorkshire. It’s also home to Spinning Mill Studios, where local artists and makers create and display their work."

"If you’re a chocolate addict, York’s Chocolate Story is the place for you. Discover the history of the city’s rich, chocolatey past and even learn how to make chocolate yourself. There’s also plenty of chocolate to choose from in the museum’s shop."

"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"

"Part of the Jorvik group, this attraction is an introduction to archaeology for kids. It’s suitable for all ages. My toddler enjoyed the under 5’s play area on the second floor whilst my 5 year old did some stained glass painting."

"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."

"Here’s one of the best farms in Leeds for kids, but with a difference. Hope Pastures is all about rescuing and rehabilitating horses, ponies and donkeys. After they’ve managed to do that, they let people come and visit the animals seven days a week, learning all about them and how tp look after them as you go."

"As one of Leeds’ great underrated bars, The Social is a top choice for a date due to its friendly staff and fab drinks menu. Hosting regular music, games, and crafty meet ups, it’s open seven days a week, well situated en route to the Northern Quarter. You can cosy up under the twinkling fairy lights, or hit the courtyard for an afternoon in good company."

"Decked out with benches and fairy lights, there are awnings for when it rains and plenty of heaters for when it gets cold. You can enjoy an ever-changing selection of local cask ales from the bar, as well as even more on keg. They also have packed fridges full of rare and one-off brews, but if beer’s not your thing, you won’t go thirsty."

"It is a pleasant Sunday afternoon at Quirky Ales and Monkey is starting his afternoon off with a Hip Hop. Is that wise Monkey?"