The best museums in York in September 2025

These are the top 20 best museums in York, England, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in York, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in York.

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Looking for the best museums in York? These are the best ones:

  1. The York Dungeon1

    The York Dungeon

     York
    York Dungeon, located in York, England, is a unique tourist attraction that was opened in 1986. The dungeon offers a vivid depiction of its history through actor-led shows, special effects, and a variety of displays featuring models and objects. This immersive experience allows visitors to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the dungeon's past.
  2. National Railway Museum2

    National Railway Museum

     York
    The National Railway Museum (NRM) is devoted to telling the story of rail transport in Britain and its impact on society. The museum holds the national collection of historically significant railway vehicles and collections of other artefacts and written and pictorial records, of social, technical,
  3. York Castle Museum3

    York Castle Museum

     York
    The York Castle Museum is located on the site of York Castle, housed in prison buildings, built in the 18th century. The castle itself was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068. In the York Castle Museum interactive galleries hold thousands of historic objects that bring the past to life
  4. Castle Howard4

    Castle Howard

     York
    Castle Howard, a grand English country house, is situated 24 km north of York, in the county of North Yorkshire. This magnificent residence was constructed between the years 1699 and 1712 under the patronage of Charles Howard, the 3rd Earl of Carlisle. The architectural design of the house was entrusted to the renowned architect John Vanbrugh.
  5. 5

    York's Chocolate Story

     York
    York's Chocolate Story is a unique visitor attraction and chocolate museum located in the heart of York, on King's Square. The museum, which opened its doors to the public in March 2012, offers a fascinating insight into the rich history of chocolate making in the city. It's an ideal destination for those interested in learning more about the origins and evolution of chocolate.
  6. Treasurer's House, York6

    Treasurer's House, York

     York
    The Treasurer's House in York is a Grade I listed historic house, owned and maintained by the National Trust. This includes the upkeep of its garden. The house is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore the house and its garden, immersing themselves in the rich history of the property.
  7. JORVIK Viking Centre7

    JORVIK Viking Centre

     York
    The JORVIK Viking Centre is a unique museum and tourist attraction located in York, United Kingdom. It is renowned for its realistic mannequins and full-size dioramas that vividly narrate the city's Viking history. Visitors are transported through the dioramas in motorized cabins equipped with speakers, becoming part of the scene as they progress.
  8. Fairfax House8

    Fairfax House

     York
    Fairfax House is a Georgian townhouse situated at No. 27, Castlegate, York, England. It is conveniently located near notable landmarks such as Clifford's Tower and York Castle Museum. This makes it an ideal stop for tourists who are exploring the historical city of York.
  9. Clifford's Tower9

    Clifford's Tower

     York
    Clifford's Tower played a crucial role in the control of northern England. The tower has a turbulent history, surviving 1,000 years of flood, fire and siege. Its origins were violent: William the Conqueror built the castle for his northern campaign of terror in 1069. At various points in its history
  10. York Cold War Bunker10

    York Cold War Bunker

     York
    The York Cold War Bunker, located in the Holgate area of York, England, is a two-storey, semi-subterranean structure. It was constructed in 1961 with the purpose of monitoring nuclear explosions and fallout in Yorkshire in the event of a nuclear war. This historical site provides a unique insight into the Cold War era and the measures taken for potential nuclear threats.
  11. Nunnington Hall11

    Nunnington Hall

     York
    Nunnington Hall is a historic country house located in the scenic county of North Yorkshire, England. The house is situated near the river Rye, which flows past the property, creating a natural boundary between the house and the nearby village of Nunnington. This location offers visitors a unique blend of architectural history and natural beauty.
  12. Merchant Adventurers' Hall12

    Merchant Adventurers' Hall

     York
    The Merchant Adventurers' Hall, located in the city of York, England, is a medieval guildhall that holds significant historical value. It is recognized as a Grade I listed building and a scheduled ancient monument, indicating its importance in the country's architectural and historical heritage. The hall's medieval architecture and its status as an ancient monument make it a fascinating destination for those interested in history and architecture.
  13. Yorkshire Museum and Gardens13

    Yorkshire Museum and Gardens

     York
    York Art Gallery is an art museum situated in the city of York, North Yorkshire, England. It is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of art collections.
  14. Goddards14

    Goddards

     York
    Goddards House and Garden is a significant Arts and Crafts house located in Dringhouses, York, England. It was constructed in 1927 for Noel and Kathleen Terry, members of the renowned Terry's chocolate-manufacturing family. The house's design was the work of local architect Walter Brierley, while the garden was designed by George Dillistone.
  15. DIG15

    DIG

     York
    The Quilters' Guild Museum Collection was a unique institution in York, being the first museum in Britain dedicated to the history of British quilt making and textile arts. It was located in St Anthony's Hall and was operational from 7 June 2008 to 31 October 2015. Despite its closure, it remains a significant part of York's cultural history.
  16. Barley Hall16

    Barley Hall

     York
    Barley Hall, located in the city of York, England, is a reconstructed medieval townhouse. It was originally built around 1360 by the monks of Nostell Priory and was later extended in the 15th century. This historical building offers a glimpse into the medieval period and the lives of those who resided there.
  17. York Art Gallery17

    York Art Gallery

     York
    York Art Gallery is an art museum situated in the historic city of York in North Yorkshire, England. This gallery is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of art collections.
  18. York Army Museum18

    York Army Museum

     York
    York Army Museum was completely refurbished in 2015 thanks to a Heritage Lottery Grant. The museum tells the story of two regiments: the Royal Dragoon Guards and the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire. One cavalry, one infantry. It is home to important regimental collections spanning over 3
  19. The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre19

    The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre

     York
    The Bar Convent, also known as the Convent of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin, holds a significant place in England's religious history. Founded in 1686, it is the oldest Catholic convent in the country. This historical establishment offers a unique glimpse into the past, providing an opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of Catholicism in England.
  20. Yorkshire Museum of Farming20

    Yorkshire Museum of Farming

     York
    The Yorkshire Museum of Farming is situated in the scenic Murton Park, close to the city of York in England. The museum spans an impressive 14 acres (5.7 ha), providing ample space for its extensive collection and various activities. It's an ideal destination for those interested in the history of farming and rural life.

All museums in York