The Yorkshire Museum chronicles millions of years of Yorkshire history, from the Jurassic period through to Viking and medieval times. Highlights of the eclectic collection include a 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite that came crashing to Earth in 1881, the hair bun of a Roman teenager, and a Viking sword.
Nestled in the historic center of the United Kingdom’s chocolate capital, York’s Chocolate Story is an interactive museum with a tasty twist. Sweet-toothed travelers can uncover the rich history of York’s confectionery industry, take a chocolate-making masterclass, or try traditional treats in the gift shop and café.
Fans of the Yorkshire author and vet of All Creatures Great and Small fame won’t want to miss the World of James Herriot. Now an award-winning, interactive museum, Herriot’s former veterinary office—a fully restored 1940s home—displays a huge collection of Herriot memorabilia.
Housed inside one of York’s main medieval gateways, the Henry VII Experience documents the rise and reign of England’s first Tudor king. Exhibits cover Henry VII’s ascension, from snatching the throne from Richard III on the battlefield to quieting the Yorkist rebellion, as well as information on York at the time of his reign.
With one of the country’s most important regimental collections, York Army Museum offers visitors an immersive insight into 300+ years of Yorkshire military history. Learn about the Royal Dragoon Guards and Yorkshire Regiment through interactive exhibits, centuries-old artifacts, and audiovisual displays.
The largest and most northerly white horse geoglyph in Britain, the Kilburn White Horse stands in artificially chalky contrast to the lush greenery of the surrounding Sutton Bank hills. Admire it from a distance or hike alongside the vast equine figure, which was originally designed and completed in the mid-19th century.
A lively market town within the North York Moors National Park, Helmsley is a popular day-trip from nearby York. The cobblestone streets of the town center—as well as quaint teahouses, ivy-covered traditional pubs, and an imposing 12th-century castle—add to the appeal of this traditional Yorkshire destination.
Set on the site of a World War II bomber command station, this aviation museum showcases the work and machinery of Britain’s Royal Air Force and its allies. As well as housing a collection of more than 60 historic aircraft and vehicles, it also holds more than 250,000 additional artifacts, including uniforms, photographs, and documents.
Housed inside the 15th-century church of St. Saviour, Jorvik Dig illuminates the work of local archaeologists as well as the history of the York area. Visitors can get their hands dirty at four replica excavation pits, each based on real-life digs. Uncover revealing replica objects from Roman, Viking, medieval, and Victorian times.
Beningbrough Hall, an 18th-century former family home occupied by the Royal Air Force during World War II, is one of York’s most important historical highlights. Linger in front of the 100+ portraits that hang inside, courtesy of a partnership with the National Portrait Gallery. Then stroll through the gardens, where staff sometimes offer growing tips to interested visitors.
Built in 1961 and in service for 30 years, this English Heritage property represents a chilling reminder of the UK’s Cold War history. Today, visitors can go inside the semi-subterranean structure to learn more about the living quarters and control rooms that were designed to keep around 60 people alive in the event of a nuclear tragedy.
A giant outdoor maze made from more than one million maize plants is the star attraction at this family-friendly adventure park. As well as smaller themed mazes, York Maze is home to slides, a climbing zone, inflatables, tractor rides, crazy golf, and remote-controlled boats.
Few places offer such intimate insight into the York chocolate industry as Goddards House and Garden, once home to the family behind the Terry’s confectionery company. Nowadays, Goddards pays homage to York’s chocolate past, as well as life in the 1930s. Don’t forget to stop by the on-site café for some chocolate orange cake and coffee.
From cereal to cattle and potatoes to pigs, Yorkshire is a big food producer, and the Yorkshire Museum of Farming celebrates the county’s agricultural heritage. Spread over about 16 acres (6.5 hectares), the museum features farm animals, vintage farm equipment, the Danelaw Centre for Living History, and a heritage railway.
With an atmospheric setting in Monk Bar, one of the four main medieval gateways to York, the Richard III Experience looks back at the turbulent 2-year reign of the last Plantagenet king. Exhibits document his rise to power, including the mysterious disappearance of his two preteen nephews, as well as his role in the Wars of the Roses.
Family fun comes thick and fast at the Lightwater Valley Family Adventure near Ripon in Yorkshire. Home to more than 40 rides and attractions, this landscaped park is ideal for younger children—while still great for families with older kids—and serves up everything from coasters and carousels to live shows, a boating lake, and more.
