Yorkshire Museum

Established by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society in 1830, the Yorkshire Museum is housed in an impressive Greek Revival building set in picturesque botanical gardens in York. Lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of the famous Museum Ghost, who allegedly throws books on to the floor from time to time.

The Yorkshire’s Jurassic World exhibition is a multimedia piece incorporating traditional fossil displays and state of the art virtual reality headsets. Children and the braver sort of adult can meet an Ichthyosaur, a Sauropod and a Megalosaur along with examples of smaller prehistoric animals and plants. While rival dinosaur exhibits can be set anywhere, this one focuses on the fauna of Yorkshire itself and promises a much more immersive experience as 3D imagery adds layers of muscle and skin to the fossils.

And you’ll meet early humans in the Star Carr headdress exhibition, based around some culturally-significant prehistoric deer-skull headdresses that were unearthed in a Mesolithic peat bog in North Yorkshire – widely regarded as one of the best sites of its kind. This exhibition explores the possible purpose of the artefacts in prehistoric society and encourages participants to make their own suggestions.

Other exhibitions cover York’s Roman and Medieval history, with ancient helmets and brooches aplenty, vividly invoking York’s status as England’s Second City, a site of royal and ecclesiastical power. The famous York Helmet, Gilling Sword and Ormside Bowl can be marvelled at, along with exquisite pieces of stained glass and statuary.

Yorkshire Museum provides a fantastic day out for all families, regardless of age. The museum is located next to the River Ouse, close to pubs and cafés such as Bennet’s and Bean & Gone, so you can enjoy a scenic walk after your trip through Yorkshire’s history.