Choose from 322 Fun Things to Do in England
ShowingFilter 301-320 of 322 listings.
U-Boat Story
Take a trip back in time and across the river from Liverpool to see the U-Boat Story. As you explore an authentic WWII German submarine recovered in 1993"”now a museum boasting interactive displays, accessible viewing windows, and wartime artifacts, including an Enigma machine"”gain insight into onboard life and discover the crew's fate.
The Basics
Peruse the cross-sections of a wartime U-Boat to uncover the mysteries of the sunken German submarine. This unique museum includes original film archives and an up-close encounter with sections of the U-534. Opt to combine your visit with a ferry across the River Mersey and save on admission prices with some cruise tours. If you have limited time, choose an all-inclusive package to see the museum along with other Liverpool highlights all in one day. You can also take advantage of hop-on hop-off services that allow a customizable itinerary and personalized pace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The U-Boat Story is a must-do for history buffs.
- The family-friendly museum has something of interest for all generations. Guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- The Birkenhead waterfront can be windy, so it's a good idea to wear layers.
- The U-boat exhibition is accessible to wheelchair users, with designated parking, accessible toilets, and a ramped entrance to the outdoor displays.
How to Get There
The U-Boat Story is located at Woodside Ferry Terminal in Birkenhead, on the Wirral. Situated opposite Liverpool Pier Head, the sight is best accessed by water, with many ferry cruises stopping at the port. You can also take the Merseyrail from Lime Street to Hamilton Square and walk five minutes to the museum, or drive via the Queensway Tunnel.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily, except December 25, December 26 and January 1. The outdoor section is exposed to strong winds, so visiting during the warmer months may be preferable. The sight is popular with school groups; on weekdays arrive early or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Why Is the U-Boat Cut Up?
The U-534 was kept complete as part of the Warship Preservation Trust until 2006. When the collection closed, the vessel was dismantled in order to move it safely. Previously it had been difficult for everyone to access the submarine due to its tight passages and stepped access, so it was decided to display it in four sections to allow all visitors the opportunity to see inside the historic craft.
Address: Woodside Ferry Terminal, Birkenhead, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 13
York's Chocolate Story
Some cities are built on industry, but few have the sweet distinction of being built on chocolate. York's Chocolate Story, a three-story interactive museum, details the city's 300-year relationship with the confection. Regularly-scheduled guided tours highlight the three major chocolate companies that got their start in York: Terry's, Rowntree's, and Craven's, as well as some of the most popular creations to come out of York including the Chocolate Orange and Kit-Kat. The city's industry sparked a love for the chocolate that ultimately enveloped the globe: a tin of Rowntree's even traveled with Shackleton on his Antarctic voyage in 1908.
In addition to York's history as a chocolate town, museum displays detail its origins in the far-flung jungles of Central America. Interactive exhibits illustrate the process of turning cacao beans into bars, candies, powders, and more. Sampling stations at the end of each section allow all visitors to taste freshly formed sweets, and onsite confectioners hold lessons in professional chocolate tasting, and even guide visitors in creating their own treat at the end of the tour. The museum also has a chocolate-themed cafe and gift shop.
York's Chocolate Story is the culmination of York's Chocolate Trail, a self-guided walking tour in York's historic downtown that includes chocolate attractions "” Terry's Shop & Tea Room, Terry's Mansion House, Rowntree Park, Goddards House and Gardens "” and several chocolate-y dining locations.
Practical Info
York's Chocolate Story is in King's Square in the heart of York's historic center. Car access is limited, but it's a short walk from York Railway Station, and city buses stop outside the square. The museum is open daily from 9:15am "˜til 6pm. Tours run from 10am to 5pm, and advance online booking is recommended to ensure the tour departure time of your choosing. Most visitors spend at least an hour and a half exploring the museum. General admission is £11.50 ($14.35) adults and £9.50 ($11.85) for children aged 4-15. Discounts are available for senior citizens, students, and families visiting the museum together; children under age four are free.
Address: 3-4 Kings Square, York, Yorkshire, England
Hours: The museum is open daily from 9:15am-6pm. Tours run from 10am-5pm.
Admission: General admission is £11.50 ($14.35) adults and £9.50 ($11.85) for children aged 4-15.
From $ 15
York Maze
With over 1.5 million maize plants stretching over an area the size of 15 Wembley football pitches, the York Maize Maze is one of the world's biggest living mazes, replanted to a new design each year. The maze opens throughout the summer holidays, as well as hosting a special Halloween festival and Bonfire Night fireworks display before the crops are harvested. One of York's most popular family attractions, navigating the labyrinth of towering maize crops is a challenge for all ages, but don't worry, you can't get too lost "“ a series of talking statues offer clues to help you find your way, or else you can climb one of the strategically placed viewing towers to plot your escape from above.
It's not only the Maze itself that provides the entertainment; the award-winning attraction is also crammed with amusement rides and fun activities. There's a petting zoo and feeding area, including a pig racing arena; a tractor trailer ride; a maze of illusions; a mini golf court; and even an arts area where children can join in painting a giant corn mural. If the kids still aren't tired, there's a vast range of play areas to choose from including an adventure climb, an inflatable maze, a sand and water play zone, quad bikes and a huge inflatable trampoline.
It's not only the Maze itself that provides the entertainment; the award-winning attraction is also crammed with amusement rides and fun activities. There's a petting zoo and feeding area, including a pig racing arena; a tractor trailer ride; a maze of illusions; a mini golf court; and even an arts area where children can join in painting a giant corn mural. If the kids still aren't tired, there's a vast range of play areas to choose from including an adventure climb, an inflatable maze, a sand and water play zone, quad bikes and a huge inflatable trampoline.
Address: Elvington Ln, York, North Yorkshire YO19 5LT, England
Admission: Adult: £11.50; Senior: £11.00; Child: £10.50
From $ 52
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir London
Is this India or England? Shri Swaminarayan Mandir would have anyone believe they've travelled halfway across the world in the blink of an eye thanks to its distinct architecture. The pristine white Hindu temple was built using entirely traditional methods and materials and up until 2000 it held the Guinness World Record of biggest Hindu temple outside India.
The construction posed two major challenges: the temple had to be built in accordance with the steel-free Vastu Shastras, India's ancient architectural texts, all while respecting Britain's strict building code in order to withstand the occasionally harsh weather. 3,000 tons of Bulgarian limestone and 1,200 tons of Italian Carrara marble were shipped to India to be carved and coded by professionals, returning to North London two years later as one gigantic, 26,300 pieces 3D jigsaw puzzle.
The temple is dedicated to reverence, adoration and gratitude and consists of a traditional Hindu mandir (which acts as the focal point of the complex and place of worship), the "˜Understanding Hinduism' permanent exhibition and the richly-carved Gujarati Haveli, a cultural and multi-functional center carved from Burmese teak wood.
Practical Info
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is located in the north London Borough of Brent. It is accessible by public transit via Stonebridge Park (Tube: Bakerloo line and Overground: Watford DC Line) and Neasden, although it is a bit of a walk to get there from the station. It is serviced by bus routes 224, 206, 112611, 232 and 18. Alternatively, it is accessible by car via M1 and M4 ((exit at Junction 1) or M40 (exit at Hanger Lane Gyratory).
Address: 105-119 Brentfield Road, Neasden, London, England
Hours: Mon-Sun 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
From $ 90
York Cold War Bunker
Like a moment frozen in time, York's Cold War bunker takes visitors back to an era where the threat of nuclear explosions prompted the construction of this space. The partially-underground bunker is a glimpse into the recent history of the British Cold War, built in 1961 to monitor fallout. It was decommissioned in the 1990s, but remains a reminder of what it is like to live under the threat of nuclear war. Today it is an English Heritage Scheduled Monument and the only ROC control building that can still be seen in operational condition.
With protected rooms across three levels, the air and water filter rooms and decontamination facility are particularly interesting. There are living quarters, a kitchen, and bathrooms, as well as a communication and control room and radiation detectors. Designed to fit up to 60 people and to operate completely separate from the outside world, it's a fascinating look at an often overlooked period in British history. It's a worthwhile addition to any tour of the city of York.
Practical Info
Open on weekends and by guided tour only, it's best to plan your visit to the bunker in advance. Get there on foot in about thirty minutes from York, or take the 1 or 412 buses from the train station to Acomb Road.
Address: Monument Cl, York YO24 4HT, England
Hours: Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
Admission: Adults: £7.00; Children: £4.20
From $ 52
York Brewery
From grain to glass, see how traditional ale is created at York Brewery. Located just inside the city walls on Toft Green, York Brewery has been handcrafting real ales since 1996.
The brewery site was built in the late 16th century, and has seen many uses over its history, but now it is home to a 20-barrel brew plant, with six traditional open top fermenters and five conditioning tanks. You can see it all in action, and enjoy four tastes, when you visit.
Groups meet in the brewery taproom, giving you an opportunity to have a taste before heading out on a guided tour. There are plenty of stops along the way to get a good view of the hard work of the Master Brewer. By the time the tour is over you'll understand how the entire brewing process works.
Practical Info
Guided tours take place four times a day, Monday through Saturday and last approximately 40 minutes.
Address: 12 Toft Green, York, United Kingdom YO1 6JT, England
Hours: Tours Mon thru Sat 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm and 5pm
Admission: Adult £8, Student £6, Child & Member £4
From $ 52
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
There are few more fitting locations to watch one of Shakespeare's plays than Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of the iconic playwright, and the most prestigious venue in town is the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Built in 1932, the historic theater is the official home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, whose performances of Shakespeare's works are renowned around the world.
Built to replace the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, which stood on the site since 1879, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre was the design of Elisabeth Scott (one of Britain's first notable female architects) and underwent extensive renovations in 2010. Today, the theater hosts regular performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company in its 1,000-seat auditorium, but it's also a popular destination for tourists.
A range of tours allow visitors to explore the Front of House, peek behind-the-scenes, visit the grounds and gardens, or even get a backstage look at the nearby rehearsal rooms and costume store. Alternatively, the theater's 32-meter-high Tower offers far-reaching views over Stratford-upon-Avon, while the Rooftop Restaurant and Riverside cafe serve up everything from afternoon tea to cocktails, and a range of free temporary exhibitions are hosted on-site.
Practical Info
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is located along the waterfront of the River Avon in central Stratford-upon-Avon and is open daily from 10am "“ late. Access to the public areas and restaurants of the theater is free, but admission to the tower costs £2.50 and guided tours start from £6.50.
Address: Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6BB, England
Hours: Daily 10am-late, tours by booking only
Admission: Public areas: free, Tower: £2.50, Tours from £6.50.
From $ 19
Spaceport
Escape the city and journey into space on a visit to Liverpool's Spaceport science center. Explore the universe via interactive displays, take a ride on Explorer 1, and marvel at the mysteries of the cosmos in the planetarium on a family-friendly day out.
The Basics
Spaceport offers an immersive experience for children and adults, with attractions including a panoramic dome theater, computer-generated observatory, space ride, and Star Wars exhibition. You can visit Spaceport independently or take advantage of the flexible hop-on hop-off riverboat services that offer a visit combined with a cruise along the Mersey.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Spaceport is ideal for kids and big kids alike.
- Family-friendly dining is nearby at the Seacombe Ferry Terminal.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible with the exception of the Explorer 1 ride.
How to Get There
Spaceport is located next to the Seacombe Ferry Terminal in Wallasey, across the River Mersey from Liverpool. Regular public ferries travel from Liverpool Waterfront. Visitors can also catch the train from Lime Street to Hamilton Square Station in Birkenhead, then take the 409 bus, or drive via the Queensway or Kingsway tunnel. Parking is free at Seacombe Ferry Terminal.
When to Get There
Spaceport is open every day except Monday, with extended weekend opening hours. The museum is popular with school groups, so arrive early in the day or later in the afternoon on weekends for your best chance to avoid the rush.
Planetarium at the World Museum
Across the river from Spaceport, Liverpool's World Museum also has a planetarium, with a number of different daily showings for all ages. With extensive collections from ancient Greece, ancient Egypt, and the natural and physical sciences, the museum is another family-friendly option worth exploring.
Address: Seacombe Ferry Terminal, Birkenhead, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 13
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
With its castle-like façade perched on the East Cliff and idyllic leafy gardens sloping down to the seafront, it's impossible to miss the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. The Grade II-listed heritage building was built in 1901 for Sir Merton and Lady Russell-Cotes to house their growing private collection of art and artifacts. The remarkably preserved Art Nouveau mansion, along with its contents, was gifted to the city of Bournemouth in 1908 and formally opened as the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in 1922.
Today, the striking Art Nouveau building is as celebrated for its unique architecture and attractive gardens, as it is for its lavish interiors and sizable art collection. The gallery's permanent exhibitions include a significant collection of European and Japanese works, dating mostly from the 19th- and early 20th-century, while the museum hosts a magnificent array of souvenirs collected by the Russell-Cotes on their world travels. As well as visiting the galleries and museum, visitors can explore the beautiful grounds and gardens, or take in the views from the on-site cafe.
Practical Info
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is located on the East Cliff Promenade on Bournemouth's waterfront and is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. Adult admission is £6.
Address: East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth BH1 3AA, England
Hours: Tues-Sun: 10am-5pm
Admission: Adult £6, Child £4
From $ 16
Royal Opera House
The third theater to have stood on this Covent Garden site, the Victorian-era Royal Opera House (ROH) was given a major facelift at the turn of the 21st century. The landmark venue now hosts performances by two of the United Kingdom's most prestigious companies: the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera.
The Basics
Anyone wandering Covent Garden can admire the classical-style pillared facade of the opera house. The exterior can also be seen in passing on sightseeing tours of central London, both on bike and on foot.
To explore the interior of the ROH, travelers have two options. Book a ticket to a performance in the 2,256-seat auditorium or join a guided tour. Backstage tours last 75 minutes and showcase front of house as well as behind the scenes; participants may even get to see Royal Ballet dancers in class. The 45-minute Velvet, Gilt, and Glamour tour focuses on the architecture and history of the theater.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The ROH is a must-see for culture vultures.
- No dress code is enforced, so wear whatever is comfortable.
- Avoid bringing large bags to the venue as security restrictions apply.
- The opera house has two bars and three restaurants, including a champagne bar and restaurant in the spectacular glass-vaulted Paul Hamlyn Hall (formerly Floral Hall).
- The ROH is wheelchair accessible, and 19 spaces are available for wheelchair users in the main auditorium.
How to Get There
The ROH is situated on Bow Street in central London and is best accessed by public transport. Take the Piccadilly tube line to Covent Garden station, or one of many city buses that stop at the nearby Aldwych Theatre.
When to Get There
Tours are very popular so book well in advance to ensure a spot. Performance ticket holders should arrive about 30 minutes before curtain; latecomers are not permitted to enter until a suitable break in the performance.
The History of London's Royal Opera House
Fires destroyed the original ROH and its replacement in the 19th century. Though today's facade, foyer, and auditorium date from 1858, much of the rest of the complex is the result of an extensive reconstruction project that took place in the late 1990s. A claim to fame of the opera house: In 1839, it became the first indoor theater in the world to use limelight, a kind of spotlight created by adding lime to a flame produced by an oxyhydrogen blowpipe, creating a very bright white light.
Address: Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Science Museum
From steam locomotives to space travel, to cutting-edge science experiments, London's Science Museum is one of the city's most engaging and interactive museums, offering a fun introduction to science for all ages. With over 300,000 items on display and 7 floors of exhibitions, there are endless learning opportunities, including children's discovery zones, hands-on experiments and multi-media displays.
Star exhibits of the Science Museum include Stephenson's Rocket, James Watson's DNA model, the "˜Puffing Billy' steam locomotive, the world's first jet engine and the Apollo 10 command capsule. Additional highlights include a fascinating collection of medical artifacts and instruments; the world's oldest display of clocks and watches; a Spacelab 2 X-ray telescope; and an I-MAX 3D cinema.
Pratical Info
The Science Museum is located on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, next door to the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum. The museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm and general admission is free. The closest tube station is South Kensington.
Address: Exhibition Road, London, United Kingdom SW7 2DD, England
Hours: Daily: 10am-6pm
From $ 13
Trinity College
As the largest of all the Cambridge University colleges, Trinity College is also one of the most prestigious, boasting an impressive list of former students. Alumni include 6 British Prime Ministers, 32 Nobel Prize winners and two members of the British royal family, along with luminaries like Isaac Newton and Lord Byron.
Today, the famous college also makes a popular destination for visitors to Cambridge and many parts of the college are open to the public. Highlights of the college, which was founded by Henry VIII in 1546, include the central Great Court, laid out by Thoman Nevile in the early 17th-century; the Grade I listed Trinity College Chapel; the Great Gate; and the enormous Trinity Hall. The masterful Wren Library is another must-see, designed by Christopher Wren in 1676 and home to busts of many notable writers, as well as a full-size statue of Lord Byron.
Admiring the college's architectural highlights isn't the only draw for visitors - Trinity College also hosts a series of public lectures; services and concerts in the Trinity college chapel are open to the public; and the college offers punt hire along the River Cam.
Practical Info
Trinity College is located just north of King's College on the banks of the River Cam in central Cambridge. The Great Court is open to visitors daily from 10am "“ 4.30pm; the Wren Library daily 10.30am-12.30pm. Opening times may vary outside of term times. Admission to the college public areas is £2 for adults, £1 for children, but access to the Wren Library only is free. Punts are available from April-October and rental costs £16/hr.
Address: Trinity College, University Of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TJ, England
Hours: Great Court: daily 10am"“4.30pm, Wren Library: daily 10.30am-12.30pm. Opening times may vary outside of term times.
Admission: Adult £2, Children £1. Access to the Wren Library only is free.
From $ 14
South Bank
Packed with cultural hot spots and boasting a uniquely laid-back atmosphere, the South Bank district is a must for anyone curious about London life. Locals and visitors alike stroll the riverbank for striking views of Westminster and beyond, or pop into any of the museums, galleries, theaters, or pubs for which the area is famous.
The Basics
South Bank boasts many of London's top landmarks, and a number of city sightseeing tours offer the opportunity to explore by foot or boat. The London Eye and the London Dungeon are popular family-friendly attractions, while art enthusiasts flock to the Tate Modern and Tate Britain. Southbank Centre hosts many cultural events across its venues, and the National Theatre, Young Vic, and Old Vic offer affordable and trendy West End alternatives.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Popular with hip locals, culture vultures, and families, the vibrant district offers something for everyone.
- London's national museums and galleries are free to visit, but shows and special exhibitions charge an entry fee.
- South Bank's brutalist architecture can lead to big puddles in the rainy months, so it's a good idea to pack an umbrella and water-repellent shoes.
- The wide, paved riverside paths are wheelchair-friendly and most attractions offer access, though some do have restrictions.
How to Get There
Waterloo Station, nestled in the heart of South Bank, is served by the Jubilee, Bakerloo, and Northern lines, as well as direct National Rail links to Clapham Junction. Westminster, Blackfriars, and Embankment stations are also located nearby. South Bank is easily accessed by river bus and city cruiser, with London Eye and Festival piers serving the area.
When to Get There
As throughout the rest of London, there is always something happening along the South Bank, making it well worth a visit at any time of year. Winter brings Christmas markets and festive decorations, while funfairs and festivals arrive between April and August.
South Bank Through the Ages
Though South Bank as it exists today is a relatively new district, the south bank of the Thames has been an entertainment hub since the Middle Ages. Even in Elizabethan England, it provided a popular escape from heavy regulation in the city, with draws including Shakespeare's own Globe Theatre. Today, a reconstructed Globe sits farther along the bank, and visitors can catch a show from the traditional standing yard.
Address: London, England
From $ 16
York Army Museum
The York Army Museum takes visitors on a journey through history, following Yorkshire's historic cavalry and infantry regiments"”The Royal Dragoon Guards and The Yorkshire Regiment"”from 1685 to the present day. Recently reopened after a £1 million renovation, the small museum is a fitting tribute to the British Army, and now ranks among the most impressive military museums in the UK.
Visitors can learn more about the regiments and their soldiers through a series of interactive exhibits, audio-visual displays, and a collection of artifacts dating back more than 300 years. Highlights include a sizable display of army memorabilia, including weaponry, uniforms, medals, and photographs; personal accounts from serving soldiers and army personnel; and a dress up area for kids to try on the army uniforms.
Insider Tip: The best time to visit the museum is during school holiday periods, when expert guides are on-hand to demonstrate the different weapons, uniforms, and combat gear.
Practical Info
The York Army Museum is located opposite Clifford's Tower in central York. It is open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30am to 4;30pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Adult admission is £5, and child admission is £2.50.
Address: 3A Tower St, York, England
Hours: Tues"“Fri: 9:30am"“4:30pm; Sat"“Sun: 10am"“4pm
Admission: Adult: £5, Child: £2.50
From $ 52
National Railway Museum York
The expansive collections of the National Railway Museum fill galleries, halls and brick warehouses "” designed to look like train depots "” on two sides of Leeman Road in York. Over a million artifacts bring the nostalgia and necessity of 300 years of rail travel to life: giant clocks, postcards, piles of vintage luggage, tickets, toys and models, as well as 300 carefully restored rail vehicles.
In the gallery attached to the glass-topped Station Hall, the former main goods station in York, exhibits showcase train art. Rotating exhibits at the museum detail how rail lines were installed, and videos alongside stalled salon cars bring passenger travel to life.
In the Great Hall, step inside the Shinkansen "” the world's first bullet train, reaching speeds of up to 130 miles per hour, and built in Japan in the 1960s "” and peer in on the ornate interior detailing of the art deco-styled Dutchess of Hamilton, built in the 1930s. The hall is also home to the power car of a Eurostar, a black and blue shiny laquer Mallard steam locomotive popular in the mid 1900s, and a second class carriage from an early 1800s passenger train. Most afternoons after 3pm, museum staff conduct tours and share stories from inside several of its most popular vehicles.
Practical Info
The National Railway Museum in York is the larger of two UK museums dedicated to rail travel "” the other is 60 miles north in Shildon and both are free to the public. This location, a half-mile west of downtown York on Leeman Road, is open daily from 10am until 6pm year-round (closed Dec. 24-26).
A footbridge connects present day York station to the museum and the Rawcliffe Park & Ride bus stops in front of the museum. The museum has a gift shop and restaurant/cafe serving sandwiches and hot drinks. A regular roster of new events, exhibitions, talks, and tours populate the museum calendar, so check to see what's happening before arriving.
Address: Leeman Road, York, Yorkshire, England
Hours: Open daily from 10am-6pm year-round (closed Dec. 24-26)
From $ 52
York Castle Museum
Founded in 1938 to display the personal collections of Dr John L. Kirk, the York Castle Museum is situated close to Clifford's Tower on the grounds of the former York Castle. Celebrated as one of the UK's most unique museums of everyday life, the vast exhibitions center around a series of period reconstructions, designed to evoke the feeling of stepping back in time.
There's an 1850s-style cottage and a 1940s kitchen; Jacobean and Georgian dining rooms laid out with china tea sets; and a Sixties gallery crammed with music, fashion and design from the era. There's even a prison cell, fashioned like the one where notorious highwayman Dick Turpin was kept prisoner; an early 19th century flourmill; a military exhibition; and a collection of Jane Austen costumes.
Most renowned is the reconstructed Victorian street of Kirkgate, which was renovated in 2012 and is now kitted out with sound and light effects to offer an interactive experience of Victorian Britain. Strolling down the cobbles of Kirkgate and you can peek into family home; call in at the police station; hail a horse-drawn Hansom cab; and enter the shops like George Britton's Grocers and Terry's sweet shop, based on real-life York shops, stocked with genuine Victorian goods and run by costumed actors.
There's an 1850s-style cottage and a 1940s kitchen; Jacobean and Georgian dining rooms laid out with china tea sets; and a Sixties gallery crammed with music, fashion and design from the era. There's even a prison cell, fashioned like the one where notorious highwayman Dick Turpin was kept prisoner; an early 19th century flourmill; a military exhibition; and a collection of Jane Austen costumes.
Most renowned is the reconstructed Victorian street of Kirkgate, which was renovated in 2012 and is now kitted out with sound and light effects to offer an interactive experience of Victorian Britain. Strolling down the cobbles of Kirkgate and you can peek into family home; call in at the police station; hail a horse-drawn Hansom cab; and enter the shops like George Britton's Grocers and Terry's sweet shop, based on real-life York shops, stocked with genuine Victorian goods and run by costumed actors.
Address: Eye of York, York YO1 9RY, England
Hours: Open 9:30am - 5pm; closed Holidays
Admission: Adult: £8.50; Concession: £7.50; Children under 16: Free
From $ 52
Treasurer's House York
Prepare to be whisked into a glamorous past at the Treasurer's House York. The two story, washed brick mansion set amid landscaped gardens was the first home to be donated to England's National Trust and came complete with opulent furnishings handpicked by its final resident, wealthy industrialist collector Frank Green. Green originally purchased three buildings that comprise the present day manor in the late 1800s. Its rooms are a reimagining of history with fancy wallpapers, fine woods, ceramics, ivory works, and textiles. Artifacts span a 300-year period leading up to the late 1900s, a setting fitting enough to entertain royalty; King Edward VII visited prior to his reign.
Today one of the few remaining great houses in York, visitors can wander through 13 period rooms with a guide. Highlights include a scale model of a Napoleonic gunship, and ebony an ivory checkerboard from India, and a Queen Anne period bedspread. A second floor room has been transformed into a theater, which shows a looped film highlighting York's iconic buildings and homes, many lost to time.
In the cellars, which can be toured separately from the house, learn about area archeology and the land's 2,000-year history of occupation. Some claim to have seen Roman ghosts walking through its walls. Complete your tour on a garden path past the still-maintained apiary, or in the Below Stairs Cafe housed in the former servants' quarters.
Practical Info
Treasurer's House York is adjacent to Dean's Park and near York Minister and the Old Palace library. The attraction is open from 11am "˜til 4:30pm (final entry 30 minutes prior to closing) daily from March through October and keeps the same hours with limited open days in November and December. The gardens and cafe are free to enter, but there is an admission charge to enter the house: £7.70 adults ($9.60), £3.85 children ($4.80), and £19.25 ($23.95) for families of two adults and up to three children. Group discounts for parties of 15 or more are available, and during Heritage Days in September, admission is free for everyone. Cellar tours incur a small fee if you are not a member of the National Trust UK.
Address: Dean's Park, York, Yorkshire, England
Hours: Vary by season
Admission: House: £7.70 adults, £3.85 children, and £19.25 for families of two adults and up to three children.
From $ 52
Richard III Experience at Monk Bar
Located at Monk Bar, one of the four principal gateways of York's medieval city walls, the Richard III Experience transports visitors back to medieval era York, following the fascinating story of Richard III. Housed in the 14th-century gatehouse, the museum features exhibits on the legacy of Richard III, the last of the Plantagenet Kings, chronicling his short rule from 1483-1485, and his defeat by Henry Tudor.
Highlights of the experience include an impressive collection of medieval arms and armor; multi-media presentations on the War of the Roses and the Battle of Bosworth; and a children's area complete with costumes, props, and narration by Horrible Histories author Terry Deary.
Practical Info
The Richard III Experience is located at Monk Bar in central York, just a short walk from York Minster, and is open daily from 10am-5pm (summer) or 4pm (winter). Adult admission is £5.
Address: 6 Goodramgate, York, England
Hours: Daily: April-Oct: 10am-5pm, Nov-March 10am-4pm
Admission: Adult £5, Child £3
From $ 52
Poole Harbour
A large natural harbor along the coast of Dorset, Poole Harbour is the centerpiece of its namesake town, flowing into Poole Quay and Upton Lake. With miles of rugged coastline and beaches, the harbor is a hotspot for water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding, while Poole Quay is home to an atmospheric promenade, lined with shops, cafes and restaurants.
Poole Harbour is also the starting point for ferries to nearby Brownsea Island, as well as boat cruises along England's UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, affording spectacular views of natural wonders such as Old Harry Rocks, Studland Bay and Swanage bay along the way. For the full experience, you can even combine a cruise to Swanage Bay, with a ride on the Swanage Railway heritage steam train and explore the dramatic Dorset coastline from both land and sea.
Practical Info
Poole Harbour is located on the south coast of Poole on England's south coast.
Address: Poole, England
From $ 13
Yorkshire Air Museum
With its impressive collection of aircrafts and Allied Air Forces Memorial, the Yorkshire Air Museum is a must for aviation enthusiasts, located on the old RAF base and WWII bomber command station of Elvington. More than 40 aircrafts are on display at the museum, including highlights like a rare 'Friday the 13th' Halifax bomber, the UK's only Dassault Mirage Mk.III, an early Avro Anson, and others including a Lightning F6, a Victor K2 and a Nimrod MR2.
As well as housing some of Britain's most impressive historic aircrafts, the Yorkshire Air Museum features a series of exhibitions chronicling the history of aviation and the role of the RAF during the Second World War. Visitors can learn about life on a wartime bomber station, and admire the collection of RAF uniforms, weapons, and memorabilia, while kids can peek into the wartime control tower, hide out in camouflaged huts, and climb up into the cockpits of Canberra and Jet Provost airplanes.
Practical Info
The Yorkshire Air Museum is located around 6 miles southeast of York city center, and is open daily from 10am-5pm in summer, and 4pm in winter. Adult admission is £10.
Address: Halifax Way, Elvington, York YO41 4AU, England
Hours: April-Oct: daily 10am-5pm; Nov-March: daily 10am-4pm
Admission: Adults: £10; Children: £5
From $ 52