Best Museums in Ripon Canal

"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)."

"York's National Railway Museum – the biggest in the world, with more than 100 locomotives – is well-presented and crammed with fascinating stuff. It is laid out on a vast scale and is housed in a series of giant railway sheds – allow at least two hours to do it justice. The museum also now includes a high-tech simulator experience of riding on the Mallard (£4), which set the world speed record for a steam locomotive in 1938 (126mph)."

"The National Railway Museum is a fantastic free museum, especially for kids. It’s a huge museum that you could easily spend most of the day at. There are over 100 trains on display from 19th-century trains to the present day."

"Interactive multimedia exhibits aimed at bringing history to life often achieve exactly the opposite, but the much-hyped Jorvik manages to pull it off with aplomb. It's a smells-and-all reconstruction of the Viking settlement unearthed here during excavations in the late 1970s, experienced via a 'time-car' monorail that transports you through 9th-century Jorvik (the Viking name for York). You can reduce time waiting in line by booking timed-entry tickets online; there is almost always a queue to get in."

"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."

"Return of the Vikings ~ JORVIK Viking CentreThe year is AD960 and the last Viking King in Jorvik, Eric Bloodaxe, has been banished. The city is thriving with a flourishing manufacturing centre and wide trading links. There are new buildings, new peoples and new stories to be told..."

"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."

"Leeds Art Gallery boasts a stunning glass roof, one of the most impressive collections of 20th Century British art and a colourful new wall painting commission for the Victorian staircase by Lothar Götz – the perfect selfie backdrop. The Headrow, LS1 3AA"

"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."

"Lots of things to do, including learning about the history of the building, which was once a prison – hear what crimes some of its inmates had committed. The best part (in our opinion) is the recreated Victorian Street, Kirkgate – a cobbled street with traditional shops to visit. VISIT THEIR WEBSITE >>"

"Take the family to the former Tetley brewery in Leeds, which is now home to an art gallery, a whole heap of children’s events and a very family-friendly restaurant. You can stop off for a quick drink after your culture vulture-ing or take your time with a proper sit-down. Their dedicated children’s menu, which doubles as a colouring sheet, offers brunch options like brioche eggy bread until midday, and thereafter it’s all about mains like cheese sarnies or crispy chicken with coleslaw."

"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 20th century Art Deco building is the quintessential location to house an art space; high ceilings and streaming light make for the perfect exhibiting set-up. Formerly the Tetley Ale headquarters and now a protected heritage building, The Tetley opened its newly-renovated doors in late 2013. The venue is curated by Project Space Leeds, a charity which facilitates the space to couple the appreciation of the contemporary arts with learning."

"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."

"Just off City Park, this free photography gallery aims to show contemporary photography that gets you looking, thinking and talking. There’s also a diverse education and events programme. Visit the Impressions Gallery website"

"Perfect for a nice walk to escape the city’s frenzy for a few hours.Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP"

"Fancy Hanks is a new and welcome addition to York serving American deep South good mood food. They serve classics such as a Double Cheese Burger, Blackened Cajun Chicken as well as a Vegan Corn Burger. They also do some excellent buttermilk fried chicken!"

"Absolutely phenomenal American restaurant for a cozy food experience. It has delicious cocktails, burgers, bbq as well as a wonderful selection of drinks. Don't forget to try the cocktails, famous Chicken, and Waffles, you won't be disappointed."

"Try their delicious ice cream and soda fountain set in a 50's diner. With an outdoor play area and play barns come rain or shine this is a fantastic day out for the whole family."

"One of the city's more unusual puddings, the Wowbun at Almost Famous pays homage to the restaurant's typical fare of burgers. The cinnamon dusted brioche bun houses a chocolate truffle cereal crunch patty (think sugar puffs – sorry, Honey Monster Puffs – cemented together with a whole load of tooth melting chocolate) covered in whipped cream and drizzled with a salted caramel sauce. Not quite as heavy as some of the other offerings, it's still a taste sensation and something to be experienced."

"For those times you’re in need of a no-holds-barred Friday night treat for all the family, consider Almost Famous. It’s by no means the healthiest or cheapest family restaurant in Leeds, but it will certainly ramp the excitement level up to near-hysteria. Burgers are the plat du jour and your young ones can choose between a classic cheeseburger, chicken burger or a brain-boggling burger topped with frazzles, mac and cheese and a strawberry pop tart!"

"12/06/2021: dropped in for a quick bite after having some drinks across the road, should have had seconds. My partner really enjoyed her meal too so we really will make the effort to come here again, dont know why its taken us so long. Also thanks to the team who were so understanding with respect to allergies"

"Opened in York some 18 years ago, it features in all the prominent food guides, including the Good Food Guide. The service is fantastic, and their passion for food is evident through the carefully crafted dishes that the talented head chef has created. Since it was founded, it’s been one of York’s most popular foodie destinations, and those that have visited before will understand why."

"When to go: When you want good quality, classic ingredients, cooked to perfection. What to have: The east coast cod, with Jerusalem artichokes, truffle and hazelnut pesto and coastal herbs is light, fresh and decadent all at once. Open for over 30 years, Melton’s is somewhat of a York institution."

"This large 4-bedroomed property in the Upper Village can cater for up to 8 people. There are two luxury bathrooms, two lounges, space to park 2 cars as well as a private garden. It is fully centrally heated with fuel provided, as are the linen and towels."