Discover North Yorkshire's Living History
- Stories & Inspiration
- Discover North Yorkshires Living History
If you’re a history lover, North Yorkshire is the perfect place to visit as we have more than 90 castles, abbeys and monasteries including a UNESCO World Heritage site. Every town and village across the county has a unique history which is one of the reasons why these places are so special and worth visiting. Whether you’re interested in discovering ancient settlements, hunting for fossils, or want to feel what it was like to live in Victorian Britain, here’s a roundup of heritage attractions and museums where you can truly immerse yourself in history.
Eden Camp Modern History Museum
An award-winning original Second World War Museum on the outskirts of Malton, Eden Camp Modern History Museum was once a Prisoner of War camp and has been converted into a living museum. Step back in time to 1940s Britain in an immersive experience featuring sights, sounds and smells of life on the Home Front and Front Line. Get up close to military vehicles and equipment and explore the 22 huts which house engaging exhibits.
Ripon Workhouse & Garden Museum
One of the UK’s most complete surviving Victorian workhouses, Ripon Workhouse & Garden Museum offers an eye-opening insight into life in poverty in Victorian Britain. This restored museum allows you to explore the atmospheric historic spaces, experience sensory storytelling, and get involved in hands-on activities. Alongside the Workhouse, there is also a Prison & Police Station and Courthouse, where you can learn more about crime and punishment in the 1800s.
Rotunda Museum
If you’re fascinated by fossils or love learning about the Stone Age then the Rotunda Museum – the Museum of Coastal Heritage and Geology, on the coast in Scarborough is a must-visit. One of the world’s first purpose-built museums, it opened in 1829, and has an extensive collection of fossils, Stone Age artefacts, and fascinating exhibitions. You can see relics from Star Carr, just south of Scarborough, which dates to around 9,000 BC and is world famous due to the rare artefacts buried in the peat. The museum is the starting point for exploring the Dinosaur Coast, where you can hunt for local fossils and dinosaur footprints, and meet expert geologists at the popular Fossil Handling sessions.
Nidderdale Museum
While you’re exploring Pateley Bridge, why not visit the popular Nidderdale Museum and learn more about life in the Dales over the last 200 years. Wander through the 13 immersive themed exhibition spaces and discover over 30,000 artefacts which have been curated to bring local history to life. Don’t miss the ten life-size ‘dioramas’, including a Cobbler’s Shop, Village Store, and Dairy room which give an insight into what it was like to live in the rural landscape.
Ryedale Folk Museum
If you’re visiting Hutton-le-Hole in the North York Moors National Park, you will find Ryedale Folk Museum - Yorkshire’s leading open-air museum, telling the story of life on the North York Moors over 4,000 years. Wander around the 6-acre site and discover more than 20 heritage buildings, including a Medieval crofter’s cottage and atmospheric roundhouse representing an Iron Age dwelling. You can take an Edwardian-style photo, experience what it was like to be a Victorian teacher or pupil, as well as visiting rare-breed animals in the farming area.
Dales Countryside Museum
Located in Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Dales Countryside Museum can be found in a former Victorian railway station. You can discover interesting exhibitions, get involved in interactive activities and explore the area on an outdoor trail. Learn about farming traditions and local crafts, plus view the family-friendly galleries for an engaging and memorable day out.
If you’ve been inspired by the heritage attractions and museums we’ve mentioned, there are plenty more to discover during your visit to North Yorkshire. Explore our History & Heritage page for more inspiration.
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