Best Museums in Rothwell

"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)."

"For fun-filled free attractions you’re on the right track with the National Railway Museum. This is the largest railway museum in the world and is open year round. There are lots of free activities as well as a railroad-themed play area to keep kids entertained so it is a good choice for the whole family."

"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."

"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."

"It’s home to a sensational collection of art, including one of the biggest collections of 20th-century British art in the UK, starting with Henry Moore’s sculpture of the Reclining Woman outside and Lothar Götz’s Xanadu in the entrance hall. Inside, you can head to the Lower Galleries to discover important works by the likes of Francis Bacon, Barbara Hepworth and Damien Hirst or visit the Upper Galleries to explore works from their modern artworks and temporary exhibitions. Leeds Art Gallery, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AA."

"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."

"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."

"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 >>"

"Art And Culture, Historical Site, Architecture , Specialty Museum. York Castle Museum isn’t just going to show you the past - it’s going to let you be a part of it. The museum stands on the site of York Castle, built in 1068 by William the Conqueror."

"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."

"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."

"The Tetley is a gallery like no other as a former brewery that’s now become three floors of art and workshops. They showcase emerging artists and show their work to a wider audience, from cool prints to boundary-pushing, immersive installations. Over the years, they’ve presented work by the likes of Jonathan Trayte, Joseph Buckley and Dora García, as well as big shows that sees local artists come together to collaborate."

"York’s Chocolate story is a great family attraction in the centre of York. Here you’ll learn all about the history of chocolate and in particular York’s chocolate history. The attraction is really interactive and there are plenty of chocolate samples to try."

"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"

"Enjoy chocolate samples, learn how its made and explore three floors of interactive exploration. Book Tickets: York’s Chocolate Story >>>"

"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..."

"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."

"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)."

"Walk through this Ossett Brewery craft beer bar and it opens out into a rather ugly barn of a room: all exposed, new red brick under a glass atrium, the walls incongruously decorated with huge, historic portraits of local dignitaries. The room does have one key eye-catching feature though, a wood-fired oven which gives the Hop an edge over many of York’s pizzerias. The pizzas are paper thin in the middle, boast reasonable char and the dough easily digestible."

"The Hop York is a unique real ale house and an exciting drinking establishment located at the heart of York on Fossgate, serving up delicious wood-fired pizza and Ossett Brewery ales, as well as hosting weekly music. Everyday our kitchen is serving up the tastiest pizza in town, freshly wood-fired to create the perfect taste sensation."