Things to Do, Attractions, Family Friendly, Museums
York Castle Museum
About Us
YORK CASTLE MUSEUM
A Victorian street, a Georgian prison and hundreds of years of York’s history are waiting to be discovered at York Castle Museum.
Highlights include:
Kirkgate
Step onto the cobbles of the famous recreated Victorian street and visit real shops from Victorian York. You’ll encounter weird and wonderful objects from this bygone era -luxurious costumes, 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
Explore the authentic prison building dating back to the Georgian period. Hear stories of the inmates, staff, crime and punishment, including infamous prisoners the highway man, Dick Turpin, and Mary Bateman, known as ‘The Yorkshire Witch’. Follow clues, explore the cells and complete tasks to reveal the facts of true escape stories dating back almost 200 years with the new Prison Escape Stories trails, new for 2026.
Sixties Street
Experience the spirit of this pivotal decade through nostalgic objects and an iconic soundtrack.
Other not-to-be-missed experiences include 1914: When the World Changed Forever, Secrets of Dress and the Period Rooms.
Fascinating objects, immersive displays and special exhibitions show how people lived, worked and played through the generations, and interactives, talks and trails bring York’s past to life.
General admission tickets include entry to the permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions, the ever-popular summer and Christmas displays, plus school holiday activities throughout the year. Pay once, visit free all year! Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the admissions desk on the day. Pre-booking is recommended during busy periods.
Plan your day out at yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk
Opening Times
Monday 11am*-5pm
Tuesday - Sunday 10am-5pm
*10am during North Yorkshire school holidays.
Seasonal opening hours may apply, check the York Castle Museum website for the most up to date information.
Facilities
- Disabled toilets
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
- On-site light refreshments
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
- Education/study area
- Facilities for corporate hospitality
- Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
- Gift shop
- Public toilets
- Smoking not allowed
- Regional Tourist Board Member
- Groups welcome
- Coach parties accepted
Accessible Services
- Accessible Toilets
- Clear Signage Throughout Venue
- Lift Access
- Audible Alarm System
- Accessible Equipment Available For Use Or Hire
Location
Events at York Castle Museum
Sugar, Skill and Shiftwork: York’s Confectionery …
York Castle Museum
Sugar, Skill and Shiftwork: York's Confectionery WorkersExtended until 28 March 2027!York Castle Museum is delighted to…
Christmas at York Castle Museum 2026
York Castle Museum
Christmas at York Castle Museum14 November 2026 – 3 January 2027Experience the magic of Christmas at York Castle Museum…
Victorian Carol Singers
York Castle Museum
Victorian Carol SingersSaturday 14 November 2026 | Performances throughout the dayIncluded in general admission | Book …
Green Father Christmas
York Castle Museum
Green Father ChristmasSunday 15 November 2026 | Throughout the dayIncluded in general admission | Book TicketsSuitable …
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol
York Castle Museum
Scrooge: A Christmas CarolFriday 20 November 2026 | Performances throughout the dayIncluded in general admission | Book…
Festive Wreath Making Workshop
York Castle Museum
Festive Wreath Making WorkshopSaturday 28 November 2026 | 10.30am – 1pmTickets £35 pp* | Buy TicketsSuitable for ages 1…
Festive Wreath Making Workshop
York Castle Museum
Festive Wreath Making WorkshopMonday 30 November 2026 | 10.30am – 1pmTickets £35 pp* | Buy TicketsSuitable for ages 16+…
Relaxed Christmas Visits
York Castle Museum
Relaxed Christmas VisitsTuesday 1 December 2026 | 9am–11am* Included in general admission | Book TicketsSuitable for al…
Letterpress Festive Greeting Cards
York Castle Museum
Letterpress Festive Greeting CardsWednesday 2 December 2026 | 10.30am – 1.30pmTickets £35 pp* | Buy TicketsSuitable for…
Relaxed Christmas Visits
York Castle Museum
Relaxed Christmas VisitsSaturday 5 December 2026 | 9am–11am* Included in general admission | Book TicketsSuitable for a…
Letterpress Festive Greeting Cards
York Castle Museum
Letterpress Festive Greeting CardsSaturday 5 December 2026 | 10.30am – 1.30pmTickets £35 pp* | Buy TicketsSuitable for …
Back to Blighty: Disability in Post WWI Britain
York Castle Museum
Back to Blighty: Disability in Post WWI BritainSaturday 5 December | 2-3.30 pmKirkgate Learning Studio | York Castle Mu…
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