York Castle Museum

Overview

York Castle Museum is a fascinating museum that brings the past to life, with recreations of Victorian streets, and exhibits showcasing the history of York and its people.

It offers a unique glimpse into the social and cultural history of York, making it a key attraction for history enthusiasts.

History Interactive

Location

Address

Tower Street, York, Yorkshire

Neighborhood: York City Centre

Coordinates

53.958900, -1.085000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

£17.50

Children

£10.50

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-June

Best Time of Day

Morning

Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

4-5 hours

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild

• Spring exhibits
• Victoria Garden blooming

summer

Warm to hot

• Extended opening hours
• Outdoor exhibitions

autumn

Cool

• Historical reenactments
• Halloween events

winter

Cold

• Holiday decorations
• Christmas market

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets online in advance
Check for special exhibits
Plan for at least 2 hours

What to Bring

essential

Printed tickets ID Comfortable shoes

seasonal

Jacket in cooler months Sunscreen in summer

not allowed

Large bags Professional camera equipment without permit

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (some walking and standing)

• Some areas have narrow passages and steps

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Credit cards, Debit cards, Cash

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Typical Costs

entry £17.50

parking £5

food £10-15

souvenirs £5-20

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable clothing and walking shoes, Walking shoes, Inappropriate or revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• At least 1 week in advance for peak season
• Official museum website
• 24 hours in advance for full refund
• Available for online bookings

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

York Castle Museum App

Size: 45 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Tickets and events, Exhibit details

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Café, Main exhibition areas

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Café

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Leeds Bradford Airport

Distance: 60 km

Travel Time: 1 hour

taxi

£60-70 1 hour

public_transport

£15-20 1 hour 30 minutes

From City Center

Distance: 1 km

walking

Free 15-20 min

bus

£2.50 10 min

taxi

£5-7 5 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: It’s a unique way to experience York’s rich history in an interactive and engaging way

Historical Significance: The museum is built on the site of York Castle, which was founded by William the Conqueror in 1068

Insider Tips

The museum is less crowded on weekdays
The café offers great local snacks and drinks
Check for seasonal events and exhibits that might require extra time

Local Recommendations

• Visit the nearby York Minster
• Try the local York chocolate
• Explore The Shambles for unique shopping

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, French, German, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Victorian Street

Best Time: Morning

Tips: Capture the recreations of old shops and houses

Result: Vibrant and historical photos

#YorkCastleMuseum #VictorianStreet #History

The Castle Yard

Best Time: Afternoon

Tips: Wide shots of the open space and surrounding buildings

Result: Great architectural shots

#YorkCastleMuseum #CastleYard #Architecture

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Public spaces

prohibited areas Special exhibits without permission

flash photography Not allowed in certain areas

commercial photography Permit needed for professional use

drone policy Prohibited without special permission

tripod policy Restricted in certain areas

selfie sticks Allowed but please be respectful to other visitors

Nearby Attractions

York Minster

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Cathedral

The Shambles

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Historic street

York City Walls

Distance: 400m

Walking: 6 min

Type: Historic walls

Reviews

4.5

Based on 8,500 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book tickets online to avoid queues"
"Visit on a weekday for a less crowded experience"
"Don’t miss the Victorian Street exhibit"

Contact Information

+44 1904 687687

info@yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

Social Media

Related Tours & Activities (12)