Best Museums in Kirkhamgate

"We love the railway museum not least because Rebecca’s dad is a train enthusiast and could spend hours in here reading every tiny detail on every sign next to every exhibition!. Great for kids with live shows and hands-on activities. Entry is free, but if you can afford it, it’s nice to make a small donation to keep this attraction thriving in York for years to come."

"We ended our day in York at the National Railway Museum. Despite the small size of the city, York has one of the most important railway stations on the British railway network. This might sound surprising but York plays an important role as a key railway junction approximately halfway between London and Edinburgh."

"As we detailed above the National Railway is a free display of Rail history for both England and the world. * While it is a free exhibition you are encouraged to make a donation towards the upkeep of the museum"

"Learn about the history of Vikings in York on the very site where the excavations had taken place. Different to most historical exhibitions or museums, at the Jorvik Viking Centre you are transported abound in what they call a “ride experience” (a bit like a very slow cable car, but only inches off the ground – nothing to be scared of!) – really good fun!. This attraction got a big thumbs up by an excited 4 year old (Rebecca’s friend’s son) – it was his second favourite thing that we did in York when he visited – and we did a lot!"

"First stop was probably the best-known attraction in York, the Jorvik Viking Centre. York was ruled by the Vikings for around a century, between the Roman and Norman periods, and evidence of their civilization is still being dug up to this day. A visit to the Jorvik Centre and memories of its authentically smelly mock-up village have been a rite of passage for British schoolchildren for years."

"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!"

"Leeds Art Gallery reopened in October 2017 following an extensive refurbishment, including works on its original Victorian roof and renovation of the Central Court - meaning visitors can now see the stunning glass ceiling as part of the gallery. As well as the gallery’s main collection, artist room feature regular exhibitions. The Headrow, Leeds,LS1 3AA, open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sundays 11am-3pm, closed Mondays."

"Leeds Art Gallery showcases modern and contemporary art with its permanent collection and temporary exhibits. It hosts a range of events, such as art spaces for children, lunchtime talks and special exhibitions. It is also home to the Tiled Hall Cafe, a Victorian Hall with magnificent architecture, full of columns and a beautiful ceiling design."

"Leeds Art Gallery is free to visit and this summer has two current temporary exhibitions from artists Zadie Xa and Georgina Starr. Families can download learning and activity packs from home including Mindful Creatives fact sheets and colouring-in."

"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."

"Kirkgate, at York Castle Museum, is the oldest, most famous Victorian Street experience in Britain. Since 1938 it has been visited by more than 30 million people. Now a massive makeover means that you can discover even more about Victorian Life."

"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."

"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."

"Tetley Brewery's defunct 1930s offices have been converted into a contemporary-arts venue with a restaurant and pub on the ground floor, spilling out onto an outdoor terrace. Upstairs the old meeting rooms have..."

"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."

"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."

"Join us in a mouth-watering journey through York’s newest visitor attraction. Celebrate the city’s special chocolate and confectionery story; from chocolate’s roots in the Central American rainforests to our present love affair with all things sweet. Meet chocolate’s founding families; discover the stories of the people of York who made, packed, labelled and shipped chocolate to every corner of the globe."

"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."

"Craft beer connoisseurs BrewDog are combining their hoppy sips with old-school games at their North Street bar. As well as boasting 36 draught lines and a delicious menu of pizza, salad and sharing platters, the quirky restaurant also has a number of shuffleboards for those of you looking for a little friendly competition."

"The northern daddies of beer, BrewDog have set up shop in the city with a cool aesthetic and 36 draft beer lines. Perfect for craft beer in Leeds, you're bound to find something on their taps or in the bottles, while you munch on pizzas and play a game of shuffleboard or two."

"A 15-minute walk from the train station, in a former industrial zone where the warehouses are being repurposed as offices and studio spaces, this site is home to the Northern Monk Brewery Co and, on the first floor, a ruggedly handsome tap room. Naturally, Northern Monk’s beers feature prominently (long on flavour, the zesty, citrussy Eternal Session IPA was in great form) but some 20 lines include plenty of space for potent (in all senses of the word) guest beers, most of them also served in thirds. On this visit these included Kernel’s Export Stout, Cromarty Brewing’s fantastic AKA IPA and Magic Rock’s famous, if not notorious, Human Cannonball – dangerously drinkable at 9.2%."

"The Old Flax Store, Marshalls Mill, Holbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 9YJ. Located on the first floor of the Old Flax Store, this brewery-based refectory hosts regular takeovers from local food vendors, though the focus on the varied styles of beer the ‘monks’ brew."

"So successful has this craft brewery become that its beers are now stocked in UK supermarkets. But it's best drunk at the source, in the brewery's Grade II–listed taproom just south of Leeds city centre in the... Top ChoiceBar in Leeds"

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

"The ideal place to enjoy anything from a cup of tea to a full meal. 13-17 Coney St, York YO1 9QLT: 0871 902 5747"