The best museums in york
York is a perfect tourist destination with many attractions, landmarks, and activities. There is also an impressive number of museums in York that cater to the different interests of its visitors. In this article, we will list some of the best museums in Yorkshire that can become a highlight of your trip.
York Castle Museum
What is it?
This museum lets you experience the history of York like never before through carefully recreated locations.
Why should you go?
The York Castle Museum is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in everyday life from different periods throughout York's history. Here, you can explore a painstakingly recreated Victorian street, see the impact of WWI on the people of Britain, and learn more about life inside an 18th-century prison cell. Other exhibitions at the moment of writing include The Sixties, Toy Stories, Mechanical Marvels, Raindale Mill, and Shaping the Body: 400 Years of Fashion, Food, and Life. This museum currently occupies the former Female Prison and Debtor's Prison buildings of York Castle.
Specialization
History
Perfect for
History enthusiasts, families, and children
This museum lets you experience the history of York like never before through carefully recreated locations.
Why should you go?
The York Castle Museum is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in everyday life from different periods throughout York's history. Here, you can explore a painstakingly recreated Victorian street, see the impact of WWI on the people of Britain, and learn more about life inside an 18th-century prison cell. Other exhibitions at the moment of writing include The Sixties, Toy Stories, Mechanical Marvels, Raindale Mill, and Shaping the Body: 400 Years of Fashion, Food, and Life. This museum currently occupies the former Female Prison and Debtor's Prison buildings of York Castle.
Specialization
History
Perfect for
History enthusiasts, families, and children
Castle Howard
What is it?
A beautiful country house in North Yorkshire that has been home to the noble Howard family for more than 300 years.
Why should you go?
Located 15 miles north of York, Castle Howard includes a majestic country house and beautiful gardens on the castle grounds. Castle grounds are a delightful place to take a walk and enjoy the charming ambiance of statues, fountains, and lakes. The house is a mix of different styles added by its owners throughout its construction, with the majority of the house in the Baroque style, while the West Wing belongs to the more strict Palladian style. Once inside, visitors can find an impressive collection of art gathered by the castle's owners over the generations.
Specialization
Architecture, History & Sightseeing
Perfect for
Families, couples, and children
A beautiful country house in North Yorkshire that has been home to the noble Howard family for more than 300 years.
Why should you go?
Located 15 miles north of York, Castle Howard includes a majestic country house and beautiful gardens on the castle grounds. Castle grounds are a delightful place to take a walk and enjoy the charming ambiance of statues, fountains, and lakes. The house is a mix of different styles added by its owners throughout its construction, with the majority of the house in the Baroque style, while the West Wing belongs to the more strict Palladian style. Once inside, visitors can find an impressive collection of art gathered by the castle's owners over the generations.
Specialization
Architecture, History & Sightseeing
Perfect for
Families, couples, and children
JORVIK Viking Centre
What is it?
JORVIK Viking Centre is an attraction and museum in the York city center dedicated to the city's Viking heritage.
Why should you go?
JORVIK Viking Centre is the perfect place if you're interested in York's Viking culture and heritage. It's a fun place to visit for the whole family: there are rich collections of Viking artifacts, an archaeological dig, and a fun ride through the recreation of life in a Viking city from the 10th century. This attraction is built on the famous Coppergate Dig, where most of its Viking artifacts have been found. Currently, JORVIK Viking Centre hosts the Silverdale Hoard Exhibition dedicated to one of the largest Viking treasure hoards discovered in the UK.
Specialization
History & Entertainment
Perfect for
History enthusiasts, families, and children
JORVIK Viking Centre is an attraction and museum in the York city center dedicated to the city's Viking heritage.
Why should you go?
JORVIK Viking Centre is the perfect place if you're interested in York's Viking culture and heritage. It's a fun place to visit for the whole family: there are rich collections of Viking artifacts, an archaeological dig, and a fun ride through the recreation of life in a Viking city from the 10th century. This attraction is built on the famous Coppergate Dig, where most of its Viking artifacts have been found. Currently, JORVIK Viking Centre hosts the Silverdale Hoard Exhibition dedicated to one of the largest Viking treasure hoards discovered in the UK.
Specialization
History & Entertainment
Perfect for
History enthusiasts, families, and children
@dot_daleka
Related tours:
National Railway Museum
What is it?
A treasure trove of knowledge about the development of railway transportation with an impressive collection of trains.
Why should you go?
The National Railway Museum is the perfect destination for any visitor, whether an adult or a child. Here are some of the things to do here: examine trains from different periods of railway history, explore the Station Hall and the Great Hall, and take a simulated ride aboard The Mallard, the world's fastest steam train. Additionally, you can listen to the sounds of the engine shed or a goods shed during their glory days. This museum is also home to the only bullet train outside of Japan. The Station Hall is currently closed for renovations.
Specialization
History & Transportation
Perfect for
Railway enthusiasts, families, and children
A treasure trove of knowledge about the development of railway transportation with an impressive collection of trains.
Why should you go?
The National Railway Museum is the perfect destination for any visitor, whether an adult or a child. Here are some of the things to do here: examine trains from different periods of railway history, explore the Station Hall and the Great Hall, and take a simulated ride aboard The Mallard, the world's fastest steam train. Additionally, you can listen to the sounds of the engine shed or a goods shed during their glory days. This museum is also home to the only bullet train outside of Japan. The Station Hall is currently closed for renovations.
Specialization
History & Transportation
Perfect for
Railway enthusiasts, families, and children
Clifford's Tower
What is it?
The largest remaining building of the ancient York Castle, offering a spectacular view of the city.
Why should you go?
Clifford's Tower is an imposing stone bastion in York's city center. This building is one of the most popular York museums, and it's a superb place to uncover more about the history of York. Here, you can listen to thrilling and dark stories from different periods throughout the castle's history. These stories include the 1069 uprising against the Normans, the tower's repairs during the reign of Richard III, and the devastating explosion in the 17th century. The rooftop of Clifford's Tower offers a breathtaking view of the city.
Specialization
History & Sightseeing
Perfect for
History enthusiasts, families, and children
The largest remaining building of the ancient York Castle, offering a spectacular view of the city.
Why should you go?
Clifford's Tower is an imposing stone bastion in York's city center. This building is one of the most popular York museums, and it's a superb place to uncover more about the history of York. Here, you can listen to thrilling and dark stories from different periods throughout the castle's history. These stories include the 1069 uprising against the Normans, the tower's repairs during the reign of Richard III, and the devastating explosion in the 17th century. The rooftop of Clifford's Tower offers a breathtaking view of the city.
Specialization
History & Sightseeing
Perfect for
History enthusiasts, families, and children
Goddards
What is it?
This house and its garden used to be the property of the Terry family, famous chocolate makers.
Why should you go?
The Goddards House and Garden are a great option if you want to get away from the hubbub of the city and enjoy the beauty and tranquility without leaving York. Exploring many beautiful and enchanting gardens is the perfect activity for a calm and quiet afternoon. The grounds around the house include the greenhouse, the kitchen garden, the Garden Rooms, and several ponds. Among other areas of interest are a bowling green, a tennis lawn, a terrace, a fragrant garden, and a rock garden. The area will reopen in the spring of 2023.
Specialization
Nature & Sightseeing
Perfect for
Families and couples
This house and its garden used to be the property of the Terry family, famous chocolate makers.
Why should you go?
The Goddards House and Garden are a great option if you want to get away from the hubbub of the city and enjoy the beauty and tranquility without leaving York. Exploring many beautiful and enchanting gardens is the perfect activity for a calm and quiet afternoon. The grounds around the house include the greenhouse, the kitchen garden, the Garden Rooms, and several ponds. Among other areas of interest are a bowling green, a tennis lawn, a terrace, a fragrant garden, and a rock garden. The area will reopen in the spring of 2023.
Specialization
Nature & Sightseeing
Perfect for
Families and couples
York's Chocolate Story
What is it?
A museum dedicated to the history of chocolate making, including the stories of three major chocolate factories in York.
Why should you go?
York's Chocolate Story is a museum in the heart of York that lets you learn more about the history of one of the world's favorite confectioneries — chocolate. Apart from the general history of chocolate, you will also learn about the three most prominent chocolate-making factories in York — Craven's, Rowntree's, and Terry's (the former owners of the Goddards House we've mentioned earlier). It's a perfect destination for visitors with a sweet tooth since you can buy and try the sweets displayed here.
Specialization
Food & History
Perfect for
Families, couples, and children
A museum dedicated to the history of chocolate making, including the stories of three major chocolate factories in York.
Why should you go?
York's Chocolate Story is a museum in the heart of York that lets you learn more about the history of one of the world's favorite confectioneries — chocolate. Apart from the general history of chocolate, you will also learn about the three most prominent chocolate-making factories in York — Craven's, Rowntree's, and Terry's (the former owners of the Goddards House we've mentioned earlier). It's a perfect destination for visitors with a sweet tooth since you can buy and try the sweets displayed here.
Specialization
Food & History
Perfect for
Families, couples, and children
@yorkschocstory
York Museum Gardens
What is it?
These gardens are a delightful sight in the York city center and are famous for a dazzling variety of flowers and trees growing there.
Why should you go?
The York Museum Gardens are a haven of tranquility and beauty in the otherwise bustling and energetic York city center. Here, you can marvel at plants and flowers in different sections called borders. Among key points of interest are the Prairie Border, the Fern Garden, the Observatory Border, the Bulb Bank, the Rock Garden, and the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey. Additionally, the York Museum Gardens are home to the Yorkshire Museum, which houses an impressive collection of exhibits about archaeology, geology, paleontology, and natural history.
Specialization
Nature & Sightseeing
Perfect for
Families and couples
These gardens are a delightful sight in the York city center and are famous for a dazzling variety of flowers and trees growing there.
Why should you go?
The York Museum Gardens are a haven of tranquility and beauty in the otherwise bustling and energetic York city center. Here, you can marvel at plants and flowers in different sections called borders. Among key points of interest are the Prairie Border, the Fern Garden, the Observatory Border, the Bulb Bank, the Rock Garden, and the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey. Additionally, the York Museum Gardens are home to the Yorkshire Museum, which houses an impressive collection of exhibits about archaeology, geology, paleontology, and natural history.
Specialization
Nature & Sightseeing
Perfect for
Families and couples
Related tours:
Yorkshire Museum
What is it?
This museum is a great place to learn more about the history of Yorkshire and the city of York itself.
Why should you go?
The Yorkshire Museum is a repository of knowledge for many fields of science: from history and geology to archeology and paleontology. There are several permanent exhibitions, including Yorkshire's Jurassic World, Medieval York: Capital of the North, Ritual or Disguise: The Star Carr Headdresses, and After the Ice: Yorkshire's Prehistoric People. The newest exhibition at the museum is The Ryedale Hoard: A Roman Mystery. The museum hosts temporary events like online talks, workshops, and wedding fairs.
Specialization
Archeology, History, & Paleontology
Perfect for
History enthusiasts, families, and children
This museum is a great place to learn more about the history of Yorkshire and the city of York itself.
Why should you go?
The Yorkshire Museum is a repository of knowledge for many fields of science: from history and geology to archeology and paleontology. There are several permanent exhibitions, including Yorkshire's Jurassic World, Medieval York: Capital of the North, Ritual or Disguise: The Star Carr Headdresses, and After the Ice: Yorkshire's Prehistoric People. The newest exhibition at the museum is The Ryedale Hoard: A Roman Mystery. The museum hosts temporary events like online talks, workshops, and wedding fairs.
Specialization
Archeology, History, & Paleontology
Perfect for
History enthusiasts, families, and children
@hatton_newcastle
Yorkshire Air Museum
What is it?
A former airfield turned aviation museum in Elvington, located southeast of York.
Why should you go?
The Yorkshire Air Museum used to be RAF Elvington, a Royal Air Forces station that was a temporary home to 77 RAF, 346 Guyenne, and 347 squadrons during WWII. The museum opened its doors in 1985 and has remained in operation ever since. The majority of the exhibits are on display in the Main Hangar; other places of interest include the Control Tower and the Allied Air Forces Memorial. The museum's collection features an impressive array of aircraft made before, during, and after WWII, along with aircraft built during the Cold War.
Specialization
Aviation & History
Perfect for
Aviation fans, families, and children
A former airfield turned aviation museum in Elvington, located southeast of York.
Why should you go?
The Yorkshire Air Museum used to be RAF Elvington, a Royal Air Forces station that was a temporary home to 77 RAF, 346 Guyenne, and 347 squadrons during WWII. The museum opened its doors in 1985 and has remained in operation ever since. The majority of the exhibits are on display in the Main Hangar; other places of interest include the Control Tower and the Allied Air Forces Memorial. The museum's collection features an impressive array of aircraft made before, during, and after WWII, along with aircraft built during the Cold War.
Specialization
Aviation & History
Perfect for
Aviation fans, families, and children
@sta64canonman
Merchant Adventurers' Hall
What is it?
A medieval guild hall found within the historic district of York.
Why should you go?
This ancient building originates from the 14th century and remains one of York's most well-preserved historic buildings. There are three distinct areas that you can visit in the Merchant Adventurers' Hall: the Great Hall, the Undercroft, and the Chapel. The Great Hall was a place of business for medieval merchants, the Undercroft served as an almshouse for sick and poor people, and the Chapel served as a source of spiritual guidance to the visitors. Nowadays, the Merchant Adventurers' Hall hosts a collection of art, furniture, and silverware accumulated throughout its history.
Specialization
History & Architecture
Perfect for
History enthusiasts and families
A medieval guild hall found within the historic district of York.
Why should you go?
This ancient building originates from the 14th century and remains one of York's most well-preserved historic buildings. There are three distinct areas that you can visit in the Merchant Adventurers' Hall: the Great Hall, the Undercroft, and the Chapel. The Great Hall was a place of business for medieval merchants, the Undercroft served as an almshouse for sick and poor people, and the Chapel served as a source of spiritual guidance to the visitors. Nowadays, the Merchant Adventurers' Hall hosts a collection of art, furniture, and silverware accumulated throughout its history.
Specialization
History & Architecture
Perfect for
History enthusiasts and families
York Art Gallery
What is it?
An art museum that is home to a sizable and varied collection of art from the 14th to 20th centuries.
Why should you go?
York Art Gallery is an art museum in York that is an amazing choice for a quiet afternoon or morning in the company of fine art. The art on display at the York Art Gallery ranges from the paintings of 14th-century Italian artists to 20th-century ceramics by British Studio Ceramics. There are three permanent sections within this gallery: the Burton Gallery, the Centre of Ceramic Art, and the Project Gallery. Admission to the permanent collection of this museum is free, but there is an entry fee for temporary exhibitions.
Specialization
Art
Perfect for
Art enthusiasts
An art museum that is home to a sizable and varied collection of art from the 14th to 20th centuries.
Why should you go?
York Art Gallery is an art museum in York that is an amazing choice for a quiet afternoon or morning in the company of fine art. The art on display at the York Art Gallery ranges from the paintings of 14th-century Italian artists to 20th-century ceramics by British Studio Ceramics. There are three permanent sections within this gallery: the Burton Gallery, the Centre of Ceramic Art, and the Project Gallery. Admission to the permanent collection of this museum is free, but there is an entry fee for temporary exhibitions.
Specialization
Art
Perfect for
Art enthusiasts
DIG
What is it?
An archaeology-themed attraction for the whole family from the creators of JORVIK Viking Centre.
Why should you go?
DIG is an archaeology-themed hands-on experience and museum that lets you experience the thrill of archaeological discoveries first-hand. Here, you can dig up the artifacts (their replicas, to be precise) from 2000 years of York's history. This attraction features four excavation pits dedicated to different periods of York, like Ancient Rome, the Viking Era, the Middle Ages, and the Victorian Era. DIG regularly hosts temporary events like Ancient Dust Busters that give you insight into archaeology and its connection to everyday life.
Specialization
Archaeology & History
Perfect for
Families and children
An archaeology-themed attraction for the whole family from the creators of JORVIK Viking Centre.
Why should you go?
DIG is an archaeology-themed hands-on experience and museum that lets you experience the thrill of archaeological discoveries first-hand. Here, you can dig up the artifacts (their replicas, to be precise) from 2000 years of York's history. This attraction features four excavation pits dedicated to different periods of York, like Ancient Rome, the Viking Era, the Middle Ages, and the Victorian Era. DIG regularly hosts temporary events like Ancient Dust Busters that give you insight into archaeology and its connection to everyday life.
Specialization
Archaeology & History
Perfect for
Families and children
@jorvikdig
Treasurer's House
What is it?
It's an unusual historic building in the heart of York with a selection of art on display.
Why should you go?
A former residence of the Treasurers of York Minster, this house is a historic landmark and art museum in the York city center. The Treasurer's House went through many changes during its history but is in its current form thanks to Frank Green, a wealthy industrialist. Green rebuilt the house by removing numerous additions made by previous owners. Today, the Treasurer's House is an exciting mixture of various architectural styles with a beautiful garden and a nice collection of art and antiques on display.
Specialization
History & Art
Perfect for
History enthusiasts
It's an unusual historic building in the heart of York with a selection of art on display.
Why should you go?
A former residence of the Treasurers of York Minster, this house is a historic landmark and art museum in the York city center. The Treasurer's House went through many changes during its history but is in its current form thanks to Frank Green, a wealthy industrialist. Green rebuilt the house by removing numerous additions made by previous owners. Today, the Treasurer's House is an exciting mixture of various architectural styles with a beautiful garden and a nice collection of art and antiques on display.
Specialization
History & Art
Perfect for
History enthusiasts
@claudflyingsolo
The York Dungeon
What is it?
This walkthrough tourist attraction lets you experience some of the darkest periods in York's history.
Why should you go?
Last but not least, the York Dungeon is not a museum in the typical sense. Instead of exhibitions and brightly lit rooms full of artifacts and art, this tourist attraction brings you to a dark and grim dungeon and guides you through its somber history brought to life by actors and special effects. The York Dungeon is certainly not for the faint of heart, but it is a unique experience nonetheless. Among the events in the dungeon are Vengeance of the Vikings, York Plague House, Curse of the Witch, the Torture Chamber, and several others.
Specialization
History & Entertainment
Perfect for
Horror fans, history enthusiasts, and groups of friends
This walkthrough tourist attraction lets you experience some of the darkest periods in York's history.
Why should you go?
Last but not least, the York Dungeon is not a museum in the typical sense. Instead of exhibitions and brightly lit rooms full of artifacts and art, this tourist attraction brings you to a dark and grim dungeon and guides you through its somber history brought to life by actors and special effects. The York Dungeon is certainly not for the faint of heart, but it is a unique experience nonetheless. Among the events in the dungeon are Vengeance of the Vikings, York Plague House, Curse of the Witch, the Torture Chamber, and several others.
Specialization
History & Entertainment
Perfect for
Horror fans, history enthusiasts, and groups of friends
@gaelic_wizard
FAQ
- 1What are the most popular museums in York?
- National Railway Museum
- York Castle Museum
- Clifford’s Tower
- JORVIK Viking Centre
- Yorkshire Museum
- 2What are the best museums in York for groups?
- York Castle Museum
- Yorkshire Air Museum
- The York Dungeon
- York's Chocolate Story
- National Railway Museum
- 3What are the best family-friendly museums in York?
- York's Chocolate Story
- JORVIK Viking Centre
- DIG
- National Railway Museum
- Yorkshire Museum
- 4What are the best free museums in York?
- National Railway Museum
- York Art Gallery
- York Museum Gardens
Related tours:
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