Best Museums in Upper Dunsforth

"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."

"The National Railway Museum is a world class museum dedicated to the glory days of Britain's railways. Opened in 1975 the museum is housed in a former steam locomotive depot within walking distance of York Station. The free museum displays over 100 locomotives and nearly 200 other items of rolling stock and presents the history of the railway from the early 19th century to the present day."

"Good news: the largest railway museum in the world is also open year-round!. This museums offers tons of free activities as well as a railroad-themed play area for the kids, which makes it a slam dunk for the entire family."

"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!"

"York Archaeological Trust conducted several excavations in Central York and found objects and remains over thousand years old. The dig had lasted 5 long years and managed to unearth around 40,000 well preserved remains of wooden structures from the Viking City of Jorvik. These included animal pens, workshops, fences and wells."

"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."

"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."

"This major gallery is packed with 19th- and 20th-century British heavyweights – Turner, Constable, Stanley Spencer, Wyndham Lewis et al – along with contemporary pieces by more recent arrivals such as Antony..."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Barley Hall is a timber framed medieval townhouse lying behind Stonegate, accessed by a narrow snicket. The 14th century house was concealed under the framework of a more modern building and was only discovered during renovation work in the 1980’s. Barley Hall, particularly its recreated banqueting hall, will provide visitors with an accurate experience of what life was like in medieval York."

"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."

"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."

"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"

"Under the same management as Jorvik and housed in an atmospheric old church, Dig gives you the chance to be an 'archaeological detective', unearthing the secrets of York's distant past as well as learning..."

"In a city with the biggest student population outside of London, it would be absurd for the prevailing university culture not to have some influence on the art scene. Housed within the University of Leeds campus in the Grade II listed Art Deco Parkinson Building, The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery showcases a mix of contemporary art as well as works from the university’s special collections department spanning over 200 years. The gallery expectedly supports and promotes its students’ and its graduates’ work, in addition to displays from local artists and those from further afield."

"You don’t have to be a student to enjoy the art of The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery at the University of Leeds. Since 1970, it’s been home to the University Art Collection, which features ceramics, photographs and sculpture. That’s not all – you can see an incredible selection of British and European paintings, drawings and prints from 17th century to the present day."

"Meanwood Park is a 29-hectares area consisted of woodland, mown grass, stream and meadows. They have different attractions and facilities like Meanwood Valley Trail, nature reserve, playground, tennis courts, basketball courts and picnic areas. A perfect place for the family to have their quality time, kids would love to play on their children’s playground while their parents can do different sports activities like tennis or basketball."

"Four miles north of Leeds city centre, Meanwood Park’s 29-hectares span meadows, woodland, lawns, and a stream. That’s a checklist of most dogs’ outdoor needs, which also happens to be pretty darn beautiful to boot. For the energetic, Meanwood is part of a seven-mile walk called the Meanwood Valley Trail, which takes you from Woodhouse Moor to Meanwood Park and then onto Seven Arches (Leeds’ first aqueduct) and Golden Acre Park."

"Take in the refreshing air of the forest while you follow the paths that. will lead you to cliffs from where you’ll have the best view of the Wharf Valley."

"Another set of magnificent gardens in Harrogate are these towards the western edge of town, which reflect the Yorkshire landscape with a selection of trails, a log maze and tea rooms. There's also a range of boutique shops and tours on offer at the 17 acre site which, as is the case with many parts of Harrogate, was formerly the location for a bath house and a spa. Harlow Carr Gardens are at Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB. The gardens are open from 9.30am throughout the year and close at 6pm from March to October and 4pm for the rest of the year."

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

"Founded by David Bennett (former chef of Marco Pierre White) Sunshine Bakery offers a tempting selection of pastries, handmade chocolates, biscuits and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate brownies, along with fresh homemade breads and sandwiches."