YORK CASTLE MUSEUM - Read more

Welcome to the award-winning York Castle Museum - come and immerse yourself in over 400 years of York's past.

Come and see hundreds of years of York’s history in one place – from recreated Jacobean dining rooms to the world famous recreated Victorian Street, Kirkgate.

Our interactive and immersive galleries hold thousands of historic objects that really bring the past to life, and our exhibitions promise fascinating displays and innovative new ways of learning about York’s past.

Highlights include:

Kirkgate The Victorian street that brings history to life. Step onto the cobbles and visit the authentic shops to discover the weird and wonderful collections from this bygone era - from luxurious costumes to tasty traditional sweets and the pharmacist's unlikely 'cures'. From the luxury of the rich to a darker world of poverty and disease, see how York's 19th Century residents lived, learned and entertained themselves.

York Castle Prison The museum buildings were once a Georgian Prison, and down in the felons' cells lies a disturbing history - a time of rouges, thieves and murders. Visit our infamous residents and hear their stories of rough conditions, crooked justice and harsh punishments... watch out for the most notorious inmate of all - the legendary highwayman, Dick Turpin 1914:

When the World Changed Forever From the recruiting office to the horrors of the front line, experience the objects and stories of the First World War.

Shaping The Body An iron corset, crotchless pantaloons from the time of Jane Austen, bum rolls and a killer dress are a few of the items featured in our latest permanent exhibition which charts the way fashion, food and fitness have shaped the body over the last 400 years (currently closed).

Toy Stories Take a trip back to childhood and rediscover some of your favourite toys in our popular exhibition (currently closed).

The Sixties The Sixties exhibition aims to recreate the spirit of this exciting decade which saw momentous change in so many areas of public and private life.