1. National Railway Museum
First up is York’s National Railway Museum, where you can learn all about centuries worth of British railway history. Boasting the world’s largest railway exhibition, you can get right up close to some of the most iconic locomotives in the world, including the world's fastest steam engine!
The museum also features fascinating photograph collections of the railway through time and over one million train and railway related objects and artefacts to view. Find out the important figures throughout the history of the railway, the role of it played in the wars and view all its amazing posters and models as you make your way through its collections.
Open daily and free to enter, the museum makes a brilliant stop on your weekend break in York. Check out what’s on here before your stay!
2. Jorvik Viking Centre
Our next pick of unmissable museums is the city’s incredible Jorvik Viking Centre. An archeological dig on the very spot that the museum now stands lead to the amazing discovery of York’s Viking history, which you can learn all about on your visit.
As well as showcasing over 1,000-year-old Viking artefacts and discoveries they found in the dig, the museum offers an immersive experience back in time into the world of 10th century Viking York, with actors, reenactments, sights and even smells that bring the period back to life! It’s an amazing experience for all the family to enjoy and a must-see attraction on your UK weekend break. Ticket and opening hours vary, so check them both out here before your visit.
3. York Art Gallery
York Art Gallery is situated in the very centre of the city. Featuring over 1,000 historical and contemporary paintings, 17,000 drawings, watercolours and prints and a large decorative art collection, there are so many stunning pieces to see inside.
The gallery is also home to the Centre of Ceramic Art, which boasts the world’s biggest collection of 20th century British Studio Ceramics for you to view. Whether you’re an art lover or just want to explore some fascinating displays through history, the gallery has something for everyone and is a great day out in the city. Check out upcoming exhibitions here and plan your visit!
Whether you take a trip through Britain’s railway history, travelling back in time to Viking England or viewing some of the world’s biggest collections of artwork, you’re guaranteed to have a fun and fascinating weekend break in York. Looking for hotels to stay in? Our ibis York Centre Hotel is perfectly located for exploring the museums and everything else the city has to offer.
Want to know more?
