Best Museums in York

"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."

"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."

"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"

"The Jorvik Viking Centre is a historical visitor attraction in York displaying a reconstructed Viking city as it would have looked in approximately 975 AD. It features a selection of 40,000 well-preserved Viking items found by archaeologists between 1979 and 1981, and the remains of their city, once known as Jorvik. Excavations were undertaken by the York Archaeological Trust across the area now occupied by the Viking centre, and uncovered a wealth of information about the settlement that used to be there."

"Set on the site of a major Viking settlement, Jorvik Viking Centre whisks visitors back in time to ninth-century England. Glass floors reveal remnants of the original village uncovered by archaeologists in the 1970s, while a train ride takes passengers past detailed diorama-style displays that recreate typical scenes from Viking life—complete with animatronic figures, a soundtrack, and more."

"Free to visit and in the city centre, Leeds’ premier Art Gallery is the perfect location for a relaxing afternoon trip or an escape from the rain. A collection of 19th century works and 20th century British Art, the government declared the site ‘of national importance’ in 1997, and it’s easy to see why. On top of its permanent displays, a regular cycle of temporary exhibitions brings world-class displays of surrealism, woodwork, and anything imaginable to the city."

"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."

"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..."

"This award-winning museum attempts to bring 400 years of the city’s history together in one place. The interactive style of this museum is full of loyal recreations that accurately imitate how life would have been; a street plucked straight from the Victorian era, a row of iconic shops straight from the 1970s and much more. Children enter for free with a paying adult and there is enough variety to keep all ages happy."

"One of the best York photography spots is the Victorian street recreated in the York Castle Museum. Head there towards the end of the day, maybe 30-40 minutes before the closing time, so you can get the street empty and take some stunning photos there. York Castle Museum is one of my favourite Instagrammable spots in York."

"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 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."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chemical Engineer used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Just south of the city center in Leeds is where you’ll find The Tetley. This modern art gallery opened in late 2013 and stands on the former Tetley’s Brewery."

"The Hepworth Wakefield is also an amazing place to visit, with free entry, you can look at the works of many contemporary artists. The Hepworth Wakefield was built in honor of Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975), one of the few female artists to reach international fame in the early to mid 20th-century. By coming here you can view some of Hepworths rarely seen works."

"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."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Dean’s Park offers fantastic views, a great place to stretch out and enjoy a break during a busy day, as well as soft drink and ice cream refreshments available during summer. You may also want to view nearby York Minster. There is an admission charge for entering this cathedral but it doesn’t cost anything to take in the magnificent exterior!"

"Located on the North side of the Minster, Dean’s Park is a quiet, green oasis offering incredible views of the Gothic Cathedral and the Minster Library. Some ruins of a 12th-century cloister – probably from the Old Palace – are still standing. While it originally was accessible only to members of the church, today it’s open to the public."

"A beautiful place to soak in the sun and enjoy an ice cream cone, Dean’s Park offers beautiful views and plenty of green, open space. Spread out a blanket and enjoy stunning views of the Minster and its Chapter House."

"Côte Brasserie is a name the whole country knows – they’re famed for their delicious French fare. The venue is inspired by Parisian bistros, and they’ve got a menu to match. You can pop in for breakfast, lunch or supper – start the day with French Toast, fruit salad and maple syrup, head back at lunch to sample their Steak Frites with garlic butter or nip in for a hearty dinner of Roasted Pork Belly."

"Chop Suey House is a takeaway only establishment, as there is no restaurant and they do not have a delivery service. However, customers say that the quality of the food makes it worth making the trip to collect your takeaway. The portions are a good size, and customers praise the friendly service."