Yorkshire Museum: A Journey Through York’s Ancient Heritage
Explore Yorkshire’s rich history and natural heritage in a stunning Greek Revival museum set within tranquil historic gardens.
Located in the heart of York within the historic Museum Gardens, the Yorkshire Museum offers a rich exploration of the region’s archaeology, geology, and natural history. Housed in a striking Greek Revival building, it showcases treasures from prehistoric times through the Viking Age, including fossils, Roman mosaics, and medieval artifacts. Open Tuesday to Sunday, it invites visitors to immerse themselves in York’s deep past through engaging exhibitions and beautiful surroundings.
A brief summary to Yorkshire Museum
- Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York, YO1 7FR, GB
- +441904687687
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance to avoid queues, especially during weekends and holidays.
- Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum and its special exhibitions.
- Visit the Museum Gardens for a peaceful stroll before or after your museum visit.
- Check for temporary exhibitions like Viking North or Star Carr for unique insights.
- Accessibility ramps and lifts make most areas wheelchair friendly; contact staff for assistance with restricted areas.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and Walk
From York Railway Station, it takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to walk to the Yorkshire Museum through city streets and across Lendal Bridge. The route is mostly flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Bus
Several local buses serve stops near Museum Gardens, including routes 1, 6, and 11. Travel times from central York range from 5 to 15 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day, but check schedules for evening service.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi ride from York city center or the railway station to the museum takes about 5 minutes, depending on traffic. This option is convenient for those with mobility needs or carrying luggage. Typical fare ranges from £5 to £10.
Yorkshire Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Yorkshire Museum
Architectural Grandeur Rooted in History
The Yorkshire Museum stands as one of the earliest purpose-built museums in England, opening its doors in 1830. Designed by William Wilkins in the elegant Greek Revival style, its neo-classical columns and temple-like façade symbolize a shrine to science and learning. The museum is uniquely situated on the grounds of the former St Mary’s Abbey, with remnants of the Abbey’s stonework visible in the museum’s basement, connecting visitors directly to York’s medieval ecclesiastical past. The Tempest Anderson Hall, a pioneering reinforced concrete structure added in 1912, complements the historic fabric of the museum.Exceptional Collections Spanning Millennia
Inside, the museum houses an extensive range of collections that narrate Yorkshire’s story from the Mesolithic era to the medieval period. Noteworthy exhibits include the Mesolithic artefacts from Star Carr, one of Britain’s most important prehistoric sites, spectacular dinosaur fossils like the oldest UK sauropod remains, and Roman mosaics that reveal the city's ancient urban life. Medieval treasures such as the Middleham Jewel and decorated stones from St Mary’s Abbey enrich the experience, offering insights into the region’s cultural and archaeological heritage.Immersive Exhibitions and New Discoveries
The museum continuously updates its displays to engage visitors with fresh perspectives on history and science. Recent exhibitions celebrate pioneering figures like Mary Anning, renowned for her Jurassic fossil discoveries, and highlight Viking artifacts that tell the story of the Viking Age in northern England. Interactive and family-friendly exhibits bring to life the landscapes and people of Yorkshire’s distant past, making the museum a dynamic destination for all ages.Setting Within the Tranquil Museum Gardens
The Yorkshire Museum is nestled within the serene Museum Gardens, a lush green space that enhances the visitor experience with its scenic beauty and historic ambiance. The gardens themselves are a destination, offering peaceful walks amid botanical collections and the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey. This setting provides a tranquil contrast to the museum’s rich, sometimes dramatic, historical narratives.Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
The museum is committed to accessibility, featuring ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets to accommodate all visitors. While the lower and ground floors are fully wheelchair accessible, some areas such as the historic library have limited access but staff are available to assist. The museum provides clear signage and accessible equipment, ensuring an inclusive experience. Nearby amenities include seating areas, information boards, and refreshments available within the Museum Gardens.Engaging for Diverse Audiences and Extended Visits
Ideal for history enthusiasts, families, and cultural explorers, the Yorkshire Museum offers a visit duration of about 1 to 2 hours, with opportunities to extend time exploring the gardens and special exhibitions. Its location near York’s city center makes it a perfect cultural stop on any York itinerary, combining educational depth with a relaxing environment.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Anglian Tower
0.1 km
Discover York’s rare Anglo-Saxon watchtower, a unique stone relic woven into ancient Roman walls and shrouded in centuries of history.
St. Leonard's Hospital
0.1 km
Explore the evocative ruins of York’s largest medieval hospital, where healing met faith in a grand historic sanctuary.
Bootham Bar
0.2 km
Explore Bootham Bar, York’s medieval gateway with Roman roots, historic portcullis, and stunning views of the city’s ancient walls and Minster.
York Gifts and Souvenirs
0.2 km
Explore York Gifts and Souvenirs for locally crafted treasures and unique gifts that capture the essence of York's rich history and culture.
Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
0.2 km
Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Yorkshire with personalized tours from Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours.
The Norman House
0.3 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York
0.4 km
A soaring Gothic masterpiece in the heart of York, where 1,400 years of faith, history, and light-filled architecture converge in one of England’s greatest cathedrals.
Roman Column
0.4 km
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
Historic England - York Office
0.4 km
Explore the Historic England - York Office, a hub for heritage preservation in the heart of York, where history meets contemporary conservation efforts.
Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate
0.5 km
Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Holy Trinity Church in York, a captivating Anglican landmark and must-visit tourist attraction.
The Bloody Tour of York
0.5 km
Discover the haunted tales of York on The Bloody Tour, where history and ghostly legends intertwine for an unforgettable experience.
Sundial Column
0.5 km
An elegant 18th-century sundial column on stone lions, quietly marking time just east of York Minster in a peaceful corner of the cathedral precincts.
Medieval Walls
0.5 km
Walk England’s longest medieval walls, tracing 2,000 years of York’s history with stunning city views and iconic fortified gateways.
Robin Hood Tower
0.5 km
Explore York’s Victorian Robin Hood Tower, a striking city wall sentinel with historic charm and captivating views of medieval defenses and York Minster.
York's Chocolate Story
0.5 km
Explore the rich history of chocolate at York's Chocolate Story, where sweet indulgence meets captivating storytelling.
Unmissable attractions to see
Museum Gardens
0.0 km
Discover York Museum Gardens: a historic botanical oasis blending medieval ruins, lush greenery, and vibrant community life in the city centre.
York Observatory
0.1 km
Explore Yorkshire’s oldest working observatory nestled in York’s scenic Museum Gardens, home to historic telescopes and star clocks.
Multangular Tower
0.1 km
Explore York’s iconic ten-sided Roman tower blending ancient military might with medieval defense, nestled in serene Museum Gardens.
York Explore Library and Archive
0.1 km
York’s central library and city archives in a striking 1920s building, with books, study spaces, a café and regular free community events.
King's Manor - University of York
0.1 km
A historic Tudor and Stuart manor in York city centre, blending royal heritage with academic excellence since the 15th century.
St Olave's Church York
0.1 km
Discover York’s medieval St Olave’s Church, a tranquil sanctuary rich in Viking heritage, stunning stained glass, and centuries of history.
Dame Judi Dench Walk
0.1 km
A peaceful riverside stroll in York honoring Dame Judi Dench, blending historic views with tranquil urban nature.
Black window cat
0.1 km
Explore Black Window Cat in York, a vibrant tourist attraction blending art, culture, and community in a historic setting.
Invisible Cities - Walking Tours York
0.2 km
Alternative walking tours of York led by local guides with lived experience of homelessness, blending history, personal stories, and social impact.
Exhibition Square
0.2 km
A bustling cultural hub in York’s historic heart, Exhibition Square connects art, history, and vibrant city life.
Locked in Games York
0.2 km
Solve puzzles, beat the clock and escape in York’s clever escape room centre near the museum gardens.
York Theatre Royal
0.2 km
Discover York Theatre Royal, a historic gem blending medieval roots with Victorian Gothic and modernist design, alive with over 270 years of theatrical heritage.
Association Of Voluntary Guides Meeting Place
0.2 km
Starting point for free, expert-led walking tours revealing York’s rich history and vibrant culture every day except Christmas.
William Etty
0.2 km
A dignified granite statue in Exhibition Square honoring York-born William Etty, a pioneering painter of nudes and historical scenes.
Huntfun York
0.2 km
Explore York’s historic heart through a captivating, family-friendly treasure hunt filled with cryptic clues and hidden gems.
Essential places to dine
The Star Inn The City
0.1 km
Elegant riverside dining in York offering seasonal British cuisine with a rustic countryside charm and stunning views of the River Ouse.
Brew & Brownie
0.2 km
Cozy family-run café in York serving locally inspired breakfasts, artisan coffee, and indulgent brownies in a rustic, welcoming setting.
Roots York
0.2 km
Discover Roots York, a Michelin-starred gem offering seasonal farm-to-table tasting menus in a historic 19th-century setting with warm, refined ambiance.
Tomahawk Steakhouse York
0.2 km
Savor Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks and vibrant cocktails in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Tomahawk Steakhouse.
The Ivy St Helen's Square York
0.3 km
Elegant British brasserie in York’s historic heart, offering modern classics, vibrant interiors, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.
The Botanist York
0.3 km
A vibrant botanical bar and restaurant on York’s historic Stonegate, blending fresh seasonal cuisine with live music and lush, nature-inspired interiors.
Guy Fawkes Inn
0.3 km
Historic inn with cozy period rooms, lively pub, and unbeatable central location near York Minster.
Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
A vibrant York hotspot blending modern British cuisine, live music, and expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Forage Kitchen & Bar
0.3 km
Refined fire-cooked dishes and inventive Yorkshire cocktails in a lush, intimate setting on York’s historic Little Stonegate.
House Of The Trembling Madness // Stonegate (No table bookings)
0.3 km
A medieval ale house with a vast craft beer collection, quirky charm, and hearty Yorkshire fare in the heart of historic York.
Bill's York Restaurant
0.3 km
Colourful British comfort food in a historic York building, perfect for brunch, burgers and cocktails in the city centre.
The Rise
0.3 km
Modern British dining with a Yorkshire twist in York’s only five-star hotel, featuring an open kitchen, terrace views, and award-winning afternoon tea.
Turtle Bay York
0.3 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors and vibrant island vibes in the heart of historic York at Turtle Bay.
Los Moros
0.4 km
Experience authentic North African cuisine with vibrant flavors and a rustic charm in the heart of historic York.
Côte York
0.4 km
Experience authentic Parisian brasserie dining with classic French dishes and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Imaginarium
0.2 km
Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
0.2 km
A fragrant, playful haven of handmade soaps and scented treats in the heart of York – perfect for gifts and a little indulgence.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
0.3 km
Experience authentic German Christmas magic year-round in York’s historic Tudor townhouse on Stonegate.
Rookscroft
0.3 km
Discover handcrafted treasures and local charm at Rookscroft, York’s cozy gift shop on historic Stonegate.
Shared Earth
0.3 km
Discover ethically sourced treasures and handcrafted fair trade gifts in the heart of historic York.
York Minster Shop
0.3 km
Discover authentic souvenirs and specialist books celebrating York Minster's medieval heritage.
Snowhome
0.3 km
Discover Snowhome, York’s premier independent lifestyle store blending exquisite stationery, niche perfumes, and sustainable home accessories since 2001.
The Cat Gallery
0.4 km
York's iconic independent gift shop celebrating all things feline since 2001.
SOCTOPUS
0.4 km
Discover York’s playful sock boutique blending British humour, culture, and quirky style in every colourful pair.
Paper Doll
0.4 km
Discover unique, colourful fashion and artisan jewellery in York’s charming Paper Doll boutique, a hidden gem for stylish and distinctive finds.
Hidden Treasures
0.4 km
Discover unique crystals and spiritual tools in a tranquil metaphysical shop at York’s George Hudson Street.
York Souvenirs and Gifts
0.4 km
Authentic Yorkshire souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic York’s medieval streets.
Cello by Collectables
0.5 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
Fairer World
0.5 km
Discover unique fair trade treasures and support global artisans at York’s dedicated ethical gift shop on historic Gillygate.
Pandora
0.5 km
Discover elegant, hand-finished jewellery crafted with care and inspired by timeless style at Pandora on Low Petergate, York.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
House Of Trembling Madness // Lendal (No table bookings)
0.2 km
Step into York’s medieval gem where historic ambiance meets an extraordinary craft beer selection in a quirky, lively setting.
Eagle & Child
0.2 km
Historic 17th-century timber-framed pub in York offering craft ales, good food, and a charming beer garden in a quaint, lively setting.
Lendal Cellars
0.3 km
Historic underground pub with a quirky atmosphere, diverse menu, and a rare city-center beer garden in York.
The Maltings
0.3 km
A quirky, friendly pub in York offering a wide beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Tanner's Moat.
Ye Olde Starre Inne
0.3 km
Historic and welcoming pub on York’s Stonegate, serving hearty British classics in a charming medieval setting.
The Punch Bowl
0.3 km
A historic York pub blending traditional charm, eclectic ales, and hearty British fare in a cozy, welcoming setting on Stonegate.
Evil Eye
0.3 km
Quirky cocktails and lively entertainment blend seamlessly in York’s vibrant Evil Eye Lounge on historic Stonegate.
Revolution York
0.3 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
Bobos Cocktail Bar York
0.3 km
York’s vibrant two-floor cocktail bar with tropical drinks, heated shisha terrace, lively DJs, and unbeatable drink deals in the historic Quarter.
Dusk
0.4 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Slug & Lettuce - Swinegate York
0.4 km
A lively cocktail bar and casual dining spot in York’s historic centre, perfect for social drinks, events, and weekend late nights.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.4 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Oscar's Wine Bar & Bistro
0.4 km
A lively and welcoming wine bar in York offering quality food, diverse wines, and a charming atmosphere for all occasions.
Victor J's
0.4 km
Eclectic art-inspired bar and restaurant in York’s heart, offering cozy seating, creative vibes, and lively weekend nights.
Vudu Lounge
0.4 km
York’s eclectic after-hours lounge blending quality cocktails with a lively, quirky nightlife vibe until the early morning.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
