Location: York
Top Things to do in York
The 10 Best Specialty Museums in York, England
Just two hours north of London by rail, the city of York holds 1900 years' worth of history in its ancient walls. The Romans built the city in 71 AD, and the Vikings captured it in 866 AD. Stop by the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens for a look at what the Roman and Vikings left behind (they must have packed light when they left). From there, move on to the York Castle Museum for a not-so-quick overview of the most recent 400 years.
Restaurants in York
1. Elvington and Eythorne Heritage Group
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Our heritage centre opened to the public in 2013, and our volunteers help to research and archive the local heritage for the parish of Eythorne, Waldershare, the former mining community of Elvington, and Tilmanstone Colliery, which was a closed that was part of the Kent Coalfield and closed in 1986.
2. Craven Collection
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Private motorcycle museum. Motorcycles from 1924 to 2010. BSA, Norton, Vincent, Matchless, amongst some on show. Many used in Heartbeat ITV series. As seen on Shed & Buried Open 1st Sunday of the month from Easter until October
3. National Railway Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18,169 reviews
FREE ENTRY Home to iconic locomotives and an unrivalled collection of engineering brilliance, we celebrate the past, present and future of innovation on the railways. Dedicated to igniting our visitors’ curiosity about the people, places and engineering marvels behind the railways, we put our passion for amazing stories into everything we do.
Reviewed By andrewmR3427OB
Excellent museum free entry or you can put a voluntary donation toward the upkeep of the locos and museum lots to do and very informative.There are different talks on various subjects of railwayana.The museum has 3 large halls film of locos and railwayana there are also viewing platforms where you can see staff working on different locos.You can easily spend all day here there is a resteraunt and shops well worth a visit
4. York Castle Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,316 reviews
Famous for its collections of costume, textiles, military and social history, York Castle Museum brings history back to life. Wander through the Victorian streets, venture into the prison cell of notorious highwayman Dick Turpin and discover what life was like on the front line in the First World War. There's something for everyone at York Castle Museum.
Reviewed By RodD185
This is not a straightforward museum all geared around one theme, instead it has a smorgasbord of themes to explore, peppered with historical curios along the way ( such as the face mask for Oliver Cromwell, next to the opening displays of Georgian and Victorian living quarters ). When we went, these including rooms on toys, fashion, victorian living ( the victorian street is very impressive ), the 60s, and the history of an old debtors prison, amidst nods to York's own history. Obviously, what it has in breadth it loses in depth, but if you want to enjoy a little bit of lots of themes, this is a fine place to feel like you've got your money's worth over 90 minutes - 2 hours.
5. Fairfax House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 943 reviews
Unlock the splendour of an eighteenth century townhouse and discover one of the finest examples of rococo decoration in England, including the famous Terry collection of Georgian furniture and clocks. With an exciting programme of special events and changing exhibitions, there is always a reason to visit Fairfax House. We are open 7 days a week between Saturday 5th - Sunday 20th December. Visit our website for more information about our dazzling Christmas exhibition, and a link to pre-book!
Reviewed By RosieT224 - Reading, United Kingdom
A stunning example of a Georgian townhouse filled with a delightful collection of Georgian furniture ( originally belonging to Noel Terry (of the Chocolate family)and passed on in his will to the York Civic Trust) and showcased so beautifully in this renovated house. This is an intimate place with passionate friendly local guides who give you historical information on each floor - you can also just explore alone if you prefer this. The Georgian Edit is a current exhibition of fabulous Georgian clothes which look so at home in the room settings of Fairfax. The only annoying thing is photographing is not allowed however sadly no brochure available on the current clothes exhibition would love to have been able to read more at home about the interesting items on show. A huge collection of shoes from the period were fascinating particularly the men’s shoes with heels and easily if not more ornate then their female counterparts! Catch it if you can has a few children’s trails involving mice but better for older children given you can walk around the rooms without barriers to restrict you.
6. The York Dungeon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,156 reviews
2000 Years of York's Dark and Grizzly History! The York Dungeon is a must-see, uniquely thrilling attraction that will take you back to the city's darkest history. See, hear, smell and feel York's stories come to life before your eyes as frighteningly funny characters transport you through time. Surprises await you at The Dungeon... Fear the Vikings as they invade and conquer York. Discover Guy Fawkes' Gunpowder Plot and what really happened that November night. Step inside the carriage to the York Knavesmire, where one of the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin has returned. Visit our website for more information on opening times. Book your tickets online to save money and guarantee entry!
Reviewed By jesspreston95 - Ivybridge, United Kingdom
Actors and actresses are amazing, the experience is so fun and really immersive, I was genuinely scared at some points haha! Worth every penny :)
7. Yorkshire Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,720 reviews
The Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial is located on the outskirts of the City of York within easy reach of the City centre. The Museum welcomes family visitors, with lots of things to keep everyone in the family entertained. We are also pet friendly, so you won't need to leave your four legged part of the family home alone. Authentically based on an original World War II Bomber Command Station, this unique history museum is filled with a great combination of original buildings to explore, including the restored Control Tower and more than forty aircraft exhibits, from early aviation biplanes to our unique Halifax Bomber "Friday The 13th" all the way to modern Cold War military jets such as the Victor, Nimrod and Tornado jet fighters. Our regular Thunder Days are always popular as a great family day out and our NAAFI cafe has a range of snacks, drinks and meals for everyone. Our guides are on hand to help you explore the museum. They are all volunteers and love to read your reviews!
Reviewed By O7889YImarcelp - Bolsover, United Kingdom
Fantastic museum It’s a Hidden gem Ram packed full of aviation abs military history Some amazing planes , helicopters , Engines , Everything from uniforms to rations in the blitz on display Personally I loved to see the nose and cockpit of the of the Vulcan bomber XL388 Lot of history in that plane There’s harrier, electric lightening Tornados Hawker , helicopters , Staff are really friendly And it’s got a sit down inside area to eat , not a sure if there’s cafe or not Went on wet windy Day But didn’t spoil a thing 80 % indoors in hanger buildings 2nd visit for me And will be definitely going again Most staff are volunteers and are doing an amazing job of keeping our aviation history alive There’s huge section on the Falklands war Large , gift / memorabilia / model shop which is all priced about the average price for items Can’t say a bad thing Also Very proactive COVID aware
8. York's Chocolate Story
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,828 reviews
York's Chocolate Story is an entertaining and informative guided tour through the history of York's most famous chocolate-making families and their finest creations. You'll discover chocolate's origins, how to make it, how to taste it like an expert and even the sustainable future of chocolate. You'll also uncover a host of surprising secrets and fascinating facts behind York's greatest chocolate products, from the Chocolate Orange to the globally famous KitKat. Once you've explored chocolate making and its history, you can even shop for and indulge in chocolate to your heart's content. There's so much for you to enjoy and discover!
Reviewed By andre888_89
It was an amazing experience and Katy was a really good tour guide she explained the fascinating history of chocolate in detail and made it really fun to learn especially with the free samples. Give her a raise
9. Pandora's Box Antiques and Oddities
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
A curiosity shop in York. We specialise in vintage and ethical taxidermy, oddities, medical antiques, curiosities, wet specimens, all manner of unusual antiques, natural history and strange and unusual gifts relating to this. We cover dark history, animal skulls, and all things weird and wonderful. Come visit our museum curated collection cleverly disguised as a brick and mortar shop.
10. Jorvik Viking Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7,370 reviews
The 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... What’s New? •A New Ride experience with the sights, sounds and of course, smells, of the Viking-Age •Updated historical interpretation, showcasing the cultural ‘melting pot’ of 10th-century York •The latest cutting edge technology bringing the Viking period to life! Hop aboard our improved ride experience and be transported back in time over 1,000 years!
Reviewed By juleslovesnyc - Harlow, United Kingdom
We had a wonderful time visiting this attraction & it’s worth the queues! If you can pre-book I would recommend it as it’s very busy, the actual ride attraction is brilliant as it takes you through the villages made how it used to be I couldn’t believe how fantastic it was i would highly recommend this to see
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