York is well known for its rich history, so it’s not surprising that there are lots of fantastic museums and galleries in York. If you want to enjoy a great day out with the kids, browse our directory of museums in York.
Many of the museums and galleries have an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions and events, and here at York Mumbler, we are always the first to know about them! You’ll find all the up-to-date information below.
Ampleforth Abbey is home to a community of Benedictine monks who welcome visitors into the Abbey for services, and to explore the extensive and stunning Abbey grounds. Entry is free.
History & Heritage
The Abbey Church and Visitor Centre offer a fascinating insight into a living monastic community. Founded in 1802, the Benedictine community at Ampleforth Abbey is the largest community of monks in the UK.
The Abbey Church is filled with furniture, sculpture, and glass from skilled crafts people, including local oak furniture craftsman Robert ‘Mousey’ Thompson.
Tea Room
Open daily 10.00-17.00, home-made refreshments are available including hot meals and cakes, tea, coffee and cold drinks including our Ampleforth Abbey apple juice and cider.
Outside seating offers stunning views across the Ampleforth valley, and there is baby changing, children’s menu, and plenty of space to park buggies.
💜 Baby Change
💜 Pram Space
💜 High Chairs
💜 Kids Activity
💜 Kids Menu
Explore the Grounds
The Ampleforth estate covers 1,200 acres of lakes and woodland in the Howardian Hills National Landscape, with the North York Moors National Park to the north. We welcome walkers and cyclists throughout the year.
Dogs are very welcome, but please make sure that they remain on a lead. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate dogs indoors, with the exception of assistance dogs.
Ampleforth Abbey, York, YO62 4EN
Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park is home to over 100 species of mammal, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates – many of which are threatened, from otters to goats and parrots to snakes.
Based with a large arboretum tree information trail in the middle the wildlife park is a family trip out with some unique residents.
Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park is open on weekends and during school holidays from 10am until 5pm in the summer, and 10-4 in the winter. Check our website!
The park team offer daily animal talks throughout the day by the education and keeper team. The keepers are always on hand to answer any questions you may also have about the animals.
The park café provides hot drinks and an array of sandwiches and is open 10am-3pm.
The children can burn off those sweet treats in the park’s small Playground at the wildlife park.
There’s Free Car Parking on site.
Under 3’s get in for free!!
As a member of BIAZA, the wildlife park is part of a group of collections that provide vital education, conservation and research working in the UK and around the world. This ensures they maintain high standards, for both their visitors and students (who are working towards industry relevant qualifications).
Barley Hall is a stunning medieval townhouse, once home to the Lord Mayor of York. Until the 1980s the house was hidden under the relatively modern facade of an office block. Only when the building was going to be destroyed was the amazing medieval building discovered and its history revealed. Now lovingly restored to its original splendour. Little ones can make themselves at home, join in dress-up fun and activities in a Tudor School Room and experience what it would have been like to live in medieval England.
Our newest exhibition, Beasts at Barley Hall, tells the stories of animals in medieval life, from domestic pets (and pests) and livestock to lions, bears and even dragons, using artefacts found in and around the city of York. Hands-on activities for children, new accessible interpretation boards, audio stories and much more make Beasts At Barley Hall a must-see if you are in York!
Pre-booking strongly advised. For ticket prices, opening times and information please visit their website https://www.barleyhall.co.uk/
From songmen to squirrels, priests to pork pies, you can discover them all in our hidden medieval hall!
Tucked away behind bustling Goodramgate lies one of York’s true hidden treasures.
Once the dining hall of the medieval Vicars Choral of York Minster, Bedern Hall is now open to share stories from an eclectic mix of over 700 years of history!
Entry to Hall is free, but donations are greatly encouraged!
💜 Baby Change
💜 Pram Space at tables
💜 High Chairs
💜 Kids Activity
❌ Kids Menu
🐶 Dog Friendly (Outside Seating Only)
🕑 Seasonal opening hours apply. Hall and cafe hours from 1st February 2025 are Wed/Thurs/Fri 10.30am – 3.30pm.
📍Find us at Bedern Hall, Bartlegarth, YORK, YO1 7AL
Located in the Yorkshire countryside between York and Harrogate, this National Trust estate is a popular place for families to explore and relax together.
First stop for many is the wilderness play area, all ages can swing from heights with traditional and bucket swings on offer. Test your nerve on the clamber stacks and pick which slide suits your size.
If you prefer creating your own adventures the den zone is prepped to get building and the only limitation is your imagination. Build a den is just one of the ’50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ – tick off many more from the popular play list when you visit.
During the holidays try a nature or play themed trails and other hands-on activities to help fill those days away from school. There’s space on the south lawn for ball games, flying a kite or watching the clouds go by, and don’t forget to check on the fishpond!
Head in the hall to see the latest exhibition with hands-on ways to get involved or wander the hall spotting faces and animals in the carvings and tapestries.
Free entry to National Trust and RHS members and under-fives.
Distance from York: 15 miles
Generations of the Howard family have welcomed visitors to Castle Howard, one of the great palaces of Europe, for over 300 years and today we extend this warm welcome to your family.
There’s acres of fun to get lost in and lots of wildlife to discover. If the kids want to let off some steam, they can escape to Skelf Island, our legendary Adventure Playground named after the historic site Castle Howard sits on, Henderskelfe. Throughout the school holidays, they might encounter the faerie-like creatures that live in the canopies and crooks of Skelf Island. Known as Skelves, they’re a friendly and curious bunch that loves to play!
The whole family can explore history at Castle Howard, whether that’s through the meandering corridors and great halls of the House or outside in the beautiful eighteenth-century Walled Garden, or in the many monuments you’ll uncover on your walks around the Grounds.
Mums, dads, grandparents, and carers can take a breather in our café outlets, with the Boathouse Café situated next to Skelf Island, meaning you can still keep an eye on the kids! Or seat yourself in the Fitzroy or Courtyard Café for a delightful lunch. You’ll also find our Farm and Gift shop and Garden Centre on-site too – there really is something for everyone!
“One of the top 10 buildings you must visit in your lifetime” The Telegraph, 2018
Castle Howard is open every day, please check our website and social media for the latest updates and opening times.
Castle Howard, The Estate Office, Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
Scale the steep steps of Clifford’s Tower’s ancient mound and enjoy stunning panoramic views.
From the wall walk, you’ll experience unrivalled views of the Minster and the city. In the distance you can even see as far as the Yorkshire Wolds and North York Moors.
Clifford’s Tower is the largest remaining part of York Castle. Standing on top of a mighty castle mound raised by William the Conqueror. Once the greatest royal fortress in medieval northern England, inside you’ll find centuries of history.
Tower Street, York, YO1 9SA
From the creators of JORVIK Viking Centre – DIG is a hands-on archaeological adventure where young explorers (recommended for ages 5–12) can become real archaeologists for the day. With help from our friendly team, you’ll uncover some of York’s most fascinating stories, buried underground for nearly 2,000 years!
Pre-booking is advised. For ticket prices and opening times, please visit our website.
Ever been away with the fairies?
We are lucky to have England’s Fairy and Hobgoblin Sanctuary close at hand near Stamford Bridge in delightful woodland.
The Dreamery Gardens (formerly Northwood) is open throughout the year, with seasonal events and festivals, (featuring wonderful grottos) including Gentle Halloween, The Winter Gardens into dusk and night amongst the sparkling lights, and Lady winter and Father Christmas/St Nicholas.
Indulge in organic teas and coffees, cakes, lunch and afternoon tea. In the Dreamery kitchen. We also offer Private dining, Corporates/team meetings, and Kids parties with guided storytelling.
Discover unique artefacts in the Fairy Museum as we restore the work of Victorian Professor Howland, and enjoy the paths through the woodland with dragons nests, giants swords, mushroom ring, thrones and many houses and doors of the creatures residing amongst the trees. Escape, relax and enjoy the magic.
To find out more click on the links below to begin your escape to this world.
Buttercrambe Wood YO41 1AP
Take part in your biggest ever game of hide and seek on your visit to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Hide in all corners of the large abbey ruins before following the river to the water garden. Race around the moon ponds, see the swans swimming and discover the winding dark tunnel. Emerge from the tunnel to find three fun buildings called follies along this woodland path. With acres of space to explore and hidden places to discover, Fountains Abbey is the perfect place to bring your family and four-legged friends. Dogs are welcome in all the outdoor spaces and in the Visitor Centre Restaurant too.
Be sure to have a playground adventure. There are things to wobble along, jump over and climb on…you’ll find a wooden abbey, a woodland house, scramble nets and posts, swings, fireman’s poles, a slide, a roundabout, a gigantic rope bridge and a huge zip wire for the most daring adventurers of all.
Enjoy a seasonal meal in the Visitor Centre Restaurant, tuck into tea and cake with a lakeside view at Studley Tea Room or a sweet treat at Mill Café.
PLUS: If there’s still oodles of energy left, visit the deer park!
Discover the Vikings! Travel around 10th century York, experiencing what it was like living in the city. The sights, sounds and even the smells of the Viking Age are brought vividly back to life as you journey back 1,000 years.
At JORVIK Viking Centre you are standing on the site which revealed some of the most astounding discoveries in modern archaeology. Get up-close with some of the most beautiful and rare Viking artefacts in the world, from delicate earrings and socks to frying pans and padlocks and even a fossilised Viking poo! Dig deeper into the Viking story of York using the latest in cutting-edge technology located throughout the centre and the opportunity to handle real artefacts whilst talking to our friendly Viking hosts.
All customers must pre-book their tickets to JORVIK Viking Centre. Visitors who haven’t pre-booked will be asked to do so for the next available slot. Tickets can be booked at www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk or by calling 01904 615505.
For ticket prices & opening times please visit our website.
Murton Park is a must-experience, one-stop Living Museum for those who love to create memories that can span the eons of time. Perfect for all generations and crafted to especially engage the young. Murton park is not only a remarkable open-air museum experience like no other, it is much more and also plays home, and host, to some of the best known and most accomplished historical re-enactment Societies in the North of England. Look out for the special events held throughout the year when groups like the cowboy Trail Blazers Western Re-enactment society, Jorvik Viking Re-enactment society or Jorfor’s Hall Early Medieval Re-enactment and Living History Group, take up residence at Murton Park. With our own museum, railway, animals, playground and Living History sites – we have something for everyone. Murton Park is now also Makaton Friendly!
Our award winning, family, visitor and schools attraction is situated only 4.5 miles from the centre of the beautiful and historic city of York.
Murton Lane, Murton YO19 5UF
With free entry, and an enormous hall filled with awe inspiring locomotives, the National Railway Museum is one of York’s top family attractions. Get up close to legends of the rails including Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive. Climb on board a Japanese bullet train, and see a cross section of Channel Tunnel as you explore the past, present and future of railway innovation.
For unmissable hands-on fun, Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery is filled with fully interactive experiences and experiments. Step into the human wind tunnel, launch a rocket and build structures to withstand an earthquake. Plus fuel your kids’ curiosity with explosive live science shows!
An immersive Flying Scotsman Virtual Reality Experience (perfect for ages 8+), celebrates 100 years of the famous locomotive. You’ll feel the wind in your hair and the heat of the firebox as you race to 100mph!
There is a train themed play area for younger children, and top your day off by hopping aboard the Road Train which runs between the Museum and the Minster.
Opening Hours: The museum is open seven days a week, 10.00 – 17.00, except 24 – 26 December.
Wonderlab is open 10.00–16.30, with last admission at 15.30. Flying Scotsman VR has timed tickets throughout the day.
Tickets: Entry to the main museum is free. Charges apply for tickets to Wonderlab, Flying Scotsman and the Road Train. Visit railwaymuseum.org.uk/whats-on for ticket prices and booking information.
The Georgian house hiding a big secret…
Since 1686, the goings on at 17 Blossom Street have been York’s best kept secret. A secret that remained hidden for hundreds of years, until its residents felt safe enough to reveal it.
To the outside world, this house was York’s first school for girls. To those in the know, it was hiding an illegal convent.
The English Reformation saw Catholicism banned, but this group of brave and determined women built a Convent, including an entire Chapel, under the watchful eyes of all of their suspicious neighbours. Today, more than 300 years later, it is the oldest active Convent in England.
Discover this remarkable story of survival through stunning artefacts and engaging interactives in our fascinating exhibition.
With special activities for our younger visitors, a café and garden, the Bar Convent is a unique experience for the whole family to enjoy.
No need to book.
Dive into an interactive underwater world of discovery and wonder at The Deep, Hull’s iconic aquarium. As a fully accessible attraction, experience awe-inspiring marine life up close like never before, including sawfish, turtles, stingrays, penguins and much more!
Marvel as sharks soar over your head in the impressive underwater tunnel, or soak in the ambiance in their tranquil jellyfish space. Catch the daily talks and artefact handling sessions on offer as part of your visit, to enjoy an additional immersive learning experience. There is something for all ages to enjoy!
Stop by ‘The Plaice’ for delicious hot breakfasts, meals, sandwiches, cakes and snacks. Or, bring along a picnic and recharge your batteries at ‘Picnic Plaice’, halfway around the aquarium. Pop to the Deep-Artment store at the end of your visit for beautiful marine souvenirs to take home!
Plus, each standard admission ticket to The Deep is an Annual Pass. Pay once and enjoy unlimited FREE returns for 12 months! The Deep is open all year round from 10am-6pm (last entry 5pm), excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
As a conservation and education charity, your valued visit helps to support The Deep’s mission to protect the world’s ocean.
‘Sea’ you soon!
Tower Street, Hull, HU9 1TU.
Spot the Turner, Warhol and Grayson Perry and surround yourself with some of the best ceramic art in the world at York Art Gallery. With a programme of changing exhibitions and events for all ages, there is always something new to see and do.
Visit our Families page of our website for further information on the “Explore, Play and Create” areas of the gallery specifically designed with families in mind, as well as other useful information if visiting with children.
Entry to York Art Gallery is free for York Resident children aged 16 and under, Museum Gardens free to all.
Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7EW
Visit the award-winning York Castle Museum and immerse yourself in over 400 years of York’s past! Discover hundreds of years of York’s social history in one place. You can marvel at period room sets and experience the sights and sounds of a Victorian street recreated from original Yorkshire buildings, including shops, workshops and a school room.
You can also discover more about the Museum’s darker history as a former prison, where the infamous highwayman, Dick Turpin, was once held. Step back in time into the prison cells and find out what life would have been like for those who spent time here.
Our galleries hold thousands of historic objects that bring the past to life through fascinating displays and immersive experiences.
Entry is free to York resident children aged 16 and under.
Unwrap the history of chocolate at York’s Chocolate Story! This award-winning attraction is located in the heart of the city, offering an interactive guided tour through 4000 years of chocolate history.
Our Tour guides will take you on a journey of York’s confectionery past and present where you’ll discover the stories of those who pioneered the chocolate industry, from its exotic origins in the rainforests of central America to the cobbled streets of Yorkshire. Discover interesting facts about iconic brands such as Kit Kat and Aero and learn how to taste chocolate like a true Chocolatier, indulging in numerous chocolate samples hand-crafted by our on-site chocolatiers.
Get hands-on chocolate experience and craft a chocolate lolly, personalising your design with a selection of chocolate toppings. You can even upgrade your tour to include a hands-on Truffle Rolling experience where you’ll learn how to roll, dip and decorate four delicious chocolate Truffles! Experience a live demonstration from one of our Chocolatiers before venturing down to our café and giftshop where you can shop a range of delectable chocolate treats and delicious drinks.
Save 20% on Guided Tours when you pre-book online (24 hour advance bookings).
– Adult: £16
– Child (aged 4-15): £14.80
– Family of 4 package: £85 (2 adults, 2 children, photos, hot chocolates)
– Family of 5 package: £105 (2 adults, 3 children, photos, hot chocolates)
– Free under 4’s
30% off for York Residents on Sundays
On walk-in tickets for Guided Tours only (proof of residence must be shown).
💜 FREE ENTRY for York Residents* (see qualifying postcodes below – it’s wider than you think!) 💜
York’s iconic Minster has several indoor trails for children of all ages, so a perfect rainy-day option for the family!
Look for shapes, patterns and colours as you journey around York Minster with our STEM trails: Maths Quest, Light Quest and Nature Quest. Perfect to keep little brains busy! Or follow the Dragon Quest Trail to help legendary knight St George to find all the dragons in York Minster. The Minster Detectives and Minster Navigators trails are also great for KS2 and KS3 children respectively.
Trails can be collected from the Welcome Desks or downloaded from the Learning Resources section of our website here.
Don’t forget to borrow a Little Explorer Backpack to help you on your quest! More information on the backpack contents and on visiting York Minster with families can be found here.
Cost: Free Entry for York Residents*, just take proof of address. *As at January 2025, the definition of “York Residents” includes the following postcodes: YO1, YO10, YO19, YO23, YO24, YO26, YO30, YO31, YO32, YO41, YO60 and YO90. Free entry for up to four children aged 17 and under with each adult.
Deangate, York YO1 7HH
The Yorkshire Air Museum is the home of aviation in Yorkshire.
Flying was invented in Yorkshire and we have a Cayley Glider to prove it! This amazing flying machine was invented more than 54 years before the Wright Brothers’ first flight and lives in our main hangar, conveniently with our replica Wright Flyer.
Enjoy a visit of our grounds – former WW2 RAF Elvington airfield. Our nature reserve is coupled with the large outdoor areas on which sit our Dassault nuclear bomber and many other spectacular aircraft to pose with; and in our airy hangar – our Mk3 Halifax Bomber, a tribute to those who flew from this airfield back in WW2.
Yorkshire Air Museum, Halifax Way, Elvington, York YO41 4AU
From prehistory to Romans, Vikings and the city’s medieval splendour; see some of the finest collections of archaeological and geological finds in Europe.
Don’t miss our exhibition Star Carr: After The Ice (opened 22 March 2024). Take an epic journey back through 11.000 years of Yorkshire’s history to a time when Britain was joined to Europe. Discover more about the earliest homes in Britain and the families who settled there and help us to name the Star Carr dog.
Visit our Jurassic Gallery to explore fossils from Yorkshire’s Jurassic Coast and find out about the lost giants and the changing worlds they inhabited 150 million years ago. Meet ‘Alan’ the dinosaur and get to know more about Dorset’s famous fossil hunter Mary Anning.
The Museum is home to many amazing finds such as the Middleham Jewel, the York Helmet and a Roman mosaic floor you can walk on. There is much to discover about Yorkshire’s past inhabitants!
Entry free to York resident children aged 16 and under.
Museum Gardens, York YO1 7FR
If you don’t mind travelling that little bit further then don’t forget the Out of York page for Day’s out ideas that little bit further afield.
Situated on the eastern outskirts of York, some 5 miles from the city centre, Breezy Knees features award winning gardens, a specialist perennial nursery and cafe.
Gardens – Open every day May 1st to September 30th
10.30am – 5.00pm
Breezy Knees Gardens, Common Lane, Warthill, YO19 5XS
T: 01904 488800
Distance from York: 20 miles
Explore the sights, sounds and smells of WW2 at Eden Camp! Located within an original POW Camp built in 1942, the Museum appeals to all ages, including groups and schools, and the dog! Enjoy a fully immersive experience throughout the museum including the Blitz Experience, tank demonstrations, and activity workshops!
Open 7 days a week, 10am until 5pm, from April to October.
Pre-book online for lower prices, walk-ins welcome. Visit website for further details.
T: 01653 697777
Fairfax House transports you to the world of 1760s townhouse living, revealing the domestic interiors in which the Georgians would have walked, and the tastes and fashions of the day for architecture, interior design, food and entertainments. The house boasts a beautiful collection of eighteenth-century furniture and is famed for its stunning plasterwork ceilings.
Open Monday- Thursday: 10am-5pm, Friday: Guided tours only at 11am, 12pm and 2pm, Saturday: 10am-5pm, Sunday: 11am-4pm.
Last admission is 4:15pm Monday – Saturday (except Friday) and 3:15pm Sunday.
Prices: £8 adults, £7.50 concessions, FREE for children (aged 16 and under)
Pre-booking is recommended via the website however walk-ins are welcome.
T: 01904 655543
Explore five acres of garden rooms which surround the former home of the Terry family (think Chocolate Orange). Discover fragrant borders, wildlife areas and glasshouse, alongside a more formal pond and lawn. York’s chocolate heritage is never far with views over the orchard to the old factory tower beyond the racecourse. Grab a takeaway on the terrace to add to your picnic or enjoy as you wander or play in the grounds. Please check the website for further information plus the latest opening times.
27 Tadcaster Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO24 1GG
National Trust
Explore the beautiful grounds, gardens, historic museum, and Wildlife World zoo. Perfect for a family day out all year round with a packed calendar of events, exhibitions, and activities for everyone to enjoy. A great value membership package is available and includes entry to most events.
Distance from York: 15 miles
Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB
T: 0113 378 2959
Make It York have been working alongside THOR’S tipi to introduce a new temporary outdoor space on Parliament Street.
Covered by two giant tipi’s, the bright and bold benches allow people to safely see their friends and family and will support nearby cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Home to York’s entrepreneurs for 660 years – and counting. Half price admission for York residents and free for under 16’s, come and explore its fascinating tales and awe-inspiring architecture. Also enjoy a tasty drink, freshly baked cakes & snacks at the coffee house. We now offer children’s activities and children’s lunchboxes during school holidays.
Baby Changing
Pram Space (limited)
High Chairs
Kids Activities (trails and dress up in school hols)
Kids Menu (lunchbox offer in summer, child portions available)
Dog Friendly (in courtyard)
Open Sun-Fri 10-4.30pm Sat 10-1.30pm
Fossgate, York YO1 9XD
T:01904 654818
Distance from York: 24 miles
The sound of children’s joyful laughter rings out as they swing, play, ride, splash, and run in Newby’s legendary Adventure Gardens. A perfect place to meet up with friends; eat, discover, relax, shop and smile all in the stunning setting of Newby Hall. A day with us is a rare thing…truly a day that the whole family will enjoy.
Newby Hall, Skelton-on-Ure, Ripon HG4 5AE
T: 01423 322583
Distance from York: 22 miles
Picturesque Yorkshire manor house with organic garden and exciting exhibitions.
Nunnington, York YO62 5UY
T: 01439 748283
Distance from York: 24 miles
Families are very welcome here at Scampston, and there is plenty on offer to keep the little ones learning about the natural world and the little creatures that live in it.Children of all ages love searching for Scamp the Mole hiding around the garden and spotting the butterflies and bees that are attracted to many of the flowers. The Garden Café is also well equipped for children.
Back Lane, Malton YO17 8NG
T: 01944 759111
Distance from York: 8 miles
The Gardens are the Visit York Small Visitor Attraction for 2016 and have been shortlisted for the White Rose Awards. We open from 1st April to 30th September on Wednesdays, Fridays and the first and third Saturdays and Sundays of the month from 1pm to 5pm.
Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens & Nurseries, Stewart Lane, Stillingfleet, York, YO19 6HP
T: 01904 728506
SOL AST is THOR’S tipi’s summer offer, in Principal Hotel’s gardens.
The beautiful SPERRY tent, brings a super stylish feel to summer in York.
With outdoor fire pits, festoon lit terraces and so much more to help you have a summer of fun.
They’re a ‘rock up’ kind of place and bookings are not necessary.
Free parking on weekends and evenings. Lots of wildlife to look at across both East and West campus.
University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD
T: 01904 430000
A 16-acre park in the middle of Holgate, about 30 minutes walk west from the centre of York (woodland walk and tree trails, meadow picnic area, rose terraces and pergola walk, two bowling greens, basketball court, toilets, two children’s play areas – for under 11 years and over 11 years old).
There is a car park for park users off James Backhouse Place, behind the park. On-street parking is available on New Lane or Hamilton Drive.
West Bank Park, Holgate, York.YO24 4NS
There will be staff to assist you and there is a one-way route around the museum. Come and explore what your York Army Museum has to offer. There are high-quality educational activities for learners of all ages.
3 Tower Street, York, YO1 9SB
T: 01904 461010
Distance from York: 10 miles
There’s a range of animals like eagles, owls, hawks and falcons. Come join us for a fun & educational day out!
Facilities: Cafe, toilets and baby change.
Burn Hall (round the back), Tollerton Road, Huby YO61 1JB
T: 01347 833214
Step back in time to the 18th Century and explore four floors of Civic, Georgian and living history. Discover the grandeur of the State Room, marvel at our gold and silver collection, and head below stairs for our authentic Georgian kitchen to help cook up a feast!
T: 01904 553663
Local Residents can qualify for discounted or free entry to a number of local places if they have a York Card. You can get them from the libraries for a small fee (or free for under 18’s)
Every member of the family needs a card but they get you discounts in lots of attractions such as the Yorkshire Museum, York Castle Museum, York Chocolate Story and York Sport swimming. You also get free entry to the Minster.
Find out more HERE
Distance from York: 15 miles
A stunning landscape of parkland, lakes and ponds is the backdrop for a collection of more than 6,000 trees from around the world. Wander off to explore peaceful hidden glades and wildflower meadows, let the children go wild in the woodland playground and enjoy the very best in seasonal, home-cooked food in the café.
The Yorkshire Arboretum, Castle Howard, York, YO60 7BY
T: 01653 648598
Distance from York: 13 miles
Walk amongst the lavender flowers, with their stunning array of different colours, a truly wonderful experience.
Come and see our unique Lavender Maze, wander in the Parkland, sit and admire the fabulous views.
We have lavender and herbs for sale, EJ’s Tea Room, Gift Shop, award-winning lavender gardens and sculpture park. Our panoramic view over the Vale of York is said to be one of the best in Yorkshire!
Yorkshire Lavender now also offers Alpaca walks and workshops on the farm, including lavender wreath making, cocktail masterclasses and dried flower crafts! These need to be pre booked!
Yorkshire Lavender, Terrington, York, YO60 6PB
T: 01653 648008