England
Yorkshire

York Castle Museum

One of the most popular visitor attractions in York is the York Castle Museum, which recreates daily life in England through the past 400 years. The museum is housed in Grade 1 listed 18th century prison buildings.

The museum centres around two life-sized reconstructions of authentic street scenes. The first is the Victorian Kirkgate (so named after the originator of the museum, the Edwardian doctor, John Kirk). You can wander into shops, see a family at home, and call at the police station.

The second life-sized street is Half Moon Court, depicting daily life in Edwardian York. The "street" is built in the former debtor's prison, and you can visit the old prison cells, some of which house displays of authentic Yorkshire crafts and rural skills. Don't miss the cell where the famous highwayman Dick Turpin spent his last night before execution.

The museum is also home to the Jane Austen costume collection, and extensive social history, and military exhibits (and the children will love the giant dolls houses).

Open: Apr-Oct 9.30am-5pm, Nov-Mar 9.30am-4.30pm. Disabled acces.Phone : +44 (01904) 653611. website: www.york.gov.uk

Note: Admission details are correct at time of publishing, but are subject to change.

More York Attractions

See also: Attractions near York

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