The National Railway Museum celebrates York’s importance in the UK railway network, its engineering legacy, and the history of British rail as a whole. The legendary Mallard lives here, as does a replica of Stephenson’s rocket and a real Japanese shinkansen, or bullet train. The National Railway Museum houses some of the finest railway collections in the world, and is also home to temporary exhibitions on a railway theme. It is open 7 days a week, except for the three days around Christmas, from 10am until 4pm. The Museum is free to enter, though there may be a charge for some of the temporary exhibitions.

Great for: Day Trips

York Minster is the biggest, grandest and most famous Gothic cathedral in the world – a vast block of a building that has towered over central York since the Middle Ages. It features an extraordinary Chapter House, a monumental pair of windows (including the famous “Yorkshire Heart”, and a series of Gothic carvings thought to be some of the most intricate and impressive in Europe. There are guided tours, and you can climb the enormous central tower to experience breathtaking views of the city below. The Minster charges for admission, and is open Monday to Saturday, 9 to 5. It’s also open on Sunday afternoons. During religious festivals and worship times, the Minster may be closed for sightseeing.

Great for: History

The Yorkshire Museum is home to a huge collection of treasures, from archaeological finds to the flora and fauna of the British Isles. A combination natural history, local history and world history museum, it’s recently been refurbished and now offers a five-gallery interactive tour through some of the most awe-inspiring wonders of the world. Yorkshire Museum was originally opened in 1830 by the Philosophical Society, and was then one of the only purpose built museums in the UK. It opens every day between 10 and 5, and charges for admission. However, tickets are valid for one whole year from the date of purchase and may be used again and again.

Great for: Day Trips