York Museums

(York, North Yorkshire, England, UK)



The rich history of York is very much showcased within its abundance of museums and similar attractions. Quite exceptional is the award-winning National Railway Museum (NRM) on Leeman Road. Standing close to the York Train Station and documenting the story and growth of rail transport in England, this vast complex enjoys around 800,000 visitors per annum and boasts over 100 different locomotives, including a glorious replica of Stephenson's famous Rocket steam train, a fully working Flying Scotsman and a super-sleek Japanese bullet train.

The York Castle Museum is another very good option and is just a short walk away from the Jorvik Viking Centre. The main attractions here include an authentic Victorian parlour, a dining room laid out with traditional Jacobean flair, and prison cells, where infamous English highwayman Dick Turpin was once held.


Yorkshire Museum photograph

Yorkshire Museum

Address: Museum Street, York, YO1 7FR, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 551800
Located in the Bootham area, close to York city centre, the Yorkshire Museum is home to a vast collection of interesting local artefacts. Attractions include numerous ceramics, natural history displays, geology, many historic Roman pieces, a popular gift shop and a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The surrounding botanical gardens are both large and impressive, and stand alongside the River Ouse.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, families and seniors

Richard III Museum

Address: Monk Bar, York, YO1 2LH, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 634191
The Richard III Museum resides in the Monkgate area and is housed within the historic Monk Bar building, which dates back to the 14th century. This is one of the city's original gatehouses and is a part of the medieval wall that surrounds the city centre. The Richard III attraction was founded in 1992 and features three rooms and two prison cells, and concentrates on the legendary murder of the two Princes in the Tower.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for students and seniors, children are free

Bar Convent Museum

Address: 17 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AQ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 464901
The Bar Convent Museum is situated in the heart of the city centre and enjoys high visitor numbers. This important religious attraction is housed within one of the oldest active convents in the United Kingdom, where a large group of nuns still live. Notable onsite attractions include a domed chapel, exhibitions and displays about Christianity, video presentations, guided tours, a café area and a gift shop.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, families and seniors

Image of a train at York's National Railway Museum

National Railway Museum (NRM)

Address: Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 621261
The National Railway Museum celebrates the story of the train and combines fascination and education. With many interesting exhibits and hands-on displays, this leading railway attraction features three enormous galleries and numerous special events each day, including steam winding engines and a locomotive turntable demonstration. There are also Thomas the Tank Engine days, which are particularly popular with young children and are held throughout the year, reliably drawing large crowds.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

York Castle Museum

Address: Tower Street, York, YO1 9RY, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 653611
Located in the Fishergate area of the city, the York Castle Museum celebrates the life and times of Victorian and Edwardian York. With detailed exhibits, recreations of actual 19th-century streets, period features inside authentically furnished rooms, Dick Turpin's prison cell, a café and a gift shop. Just minutes away is the Coppergate Shopping Centre.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Micklegate Bar Museum

Address: Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 634436
The Micklegate Bar Museum, in the Micklegate area, offers many exhibitions and displays about the city's extensive history. Look out for the actual turret cell, the reconstructions of how severed heads were displayed following execution, and the many other interesting exhibits and facts. This is also the perfect spot to begin the popular City Walls Walk.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to dusk
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Stewart Collection Museum

Address: August Cottage, 48 Burnby Lane, Pocklington, YO42 2QE, England
Tel: +44 (0)1759 302068
The Stewart Collection Museum is situated to the east of the city, in the neighbouring market town of Pocklington and close to the Kilnwick Percy Golf Club. Noteworthy highlights include a unique and interesting collection of sports trophies, numerous artefacts from around the world, audio tours, a café area, and outside, a spectacular garden with a large pond.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors