Fascinating Museums to Visit Across Yorkshire
Go back in time and discover the county's fascinating history
EDEN CAMP
Not your average World War II museum, the award-winning and dog-friendly Eden Camp was built on the site of a real prisoner of war camp and each hut shines a light on different areas of wartime Britain on the home front and the front line. Visitors will hear stories of rationing, propaganda, women at war and The Red Cross, and you can find out what life was like on a German U-boat in Hut 3. Play areas mean you children can let off some steam, and don’t miss the popular Living History Weekend this Easter with re-enactors, displays, talks, and engaging activities.
Malton YO17 6RT
edencamp.co.uk
JORVIK VIKING CENTRE
Some very unique findings led to the creation of Jorvik Viking Centre. From 1976 to 1981, archaeologists from the York Archaeological Trust uncovered the houses and workplaces of the Viking-age city of Jorvik, which was nearly 1,000 years old. Visitors to the museum today travel through reconstructed Viking-age streets in 10th-century York immersed in the sights, sounds and smells, then discover more than 1,000 fascinating artefacts.
19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT
jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
YORK COLD WAR BUNKER
Want to investigate the more unusual side of York’s heritage? Spend a day uncovering the secret history of Britain’s Cold War. The bunker was originally designed to monitor the fallout of a potential nuclear attack. Today, visitors join a guided tour and learn more about the history of the Cold War era, and Britain’s role in it.
Monument Close, York YO24 4HT
english-heritage.org.uk
THE BRÖNTE PARSONAGE MUSEUM
The home of the Bröntes is now a museum dedicated to their work, and it’s one of the most visited and best-preserved literary houses in the country with the largest collection of items once belonging to the Brontë sisters. Literary events, exhibitions, workshops and festivals take place throughout the year. In Parsonage Unwrapped on 25th April, the museum will celebrate the anniversary of Charlotte Brontë’s birth and offer the chance to take a closer look at some more of the treasures in the collection.
Church Street, Haworth BD22 8DR
bronte.org.uk
ROYAL ARMOURIES MUSEUM
Discover a world-famous collection of arms and armour spread over five floors at Leeds’s Royal Armouries Museum. Daily live shows and fight demonstrations keep every visitor entertained and bring history to life as you explore Japanese samurai armour and swords, famous movie props and the armours of Henry VIII. Families will love taking part in the immersive game and escape room experience at weekends (and throughout the week during school holidays!).
Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT
royalarmouries.org
NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM
Fancy yourself the next Francis Bourgeois? Celebrating its 50th birthday this year, it’s the perfect time to visit National Railway Museum (which is also celebrating the 200th anniversary of the modern railway). Throughout the year there’ll be a variety of exhibitions and events as well as the reopening of Station Hall, an historic former goods station, in September. All year round you can explore the past, present and future of the railways with iconic locomotives and collections on display. You can even see the world’s fastest steam locomotive, Mallard. There’s also a dedicated play area where younger visitors can learn more. This spring, celebrate 100 years of the world’s most famous steam locomotive with Flying Scotsman VR.
Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
railwaymuseum.org.uk
