About York Castle Museum
Step into centuries past at this fascinating museum where reconstructed Victorian streets, period room settings and original jail cells bring history vividly to life for all ages.
What's nearby
- York Crown Court next door
- Clifford's Tower, York next door
- The Postern Gate next door
- Coppergate Shopping Centre 200m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
Payment
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
I was pleasantly suprised with the museum. The staff were very helpful to start with and the experience was very engaging. The prison section was a place where I wouldn't want to stay and these were left untouched apart from information videos of period dressed people in most cells. It wasvery well done. Dick turpins cell was a must to see and to listen to the image projected on the wall. The Victorian Street was much better than I imagined. It was dimly lit and felt a bit spooky to me. I could imagine Jack the ripper being there. I would say it was excellent and so well done. So worth the entrance fee. The photos don't do it justice. To be honest,I enjoyed it more than the Jorvik centre and that was really good. There was a World War section too which was great. I'm so glad that I went. I highly recommend a visit.
· via Google
A very enjoyable museum that surprised me in a good way. It has historical costume displays, a collection of vintage arcade machines, and several other interesting exhibitions. The only thing I missed was more information about the arcade machines. You can clearly see that they're old, but it would have been nice to know when they were made and why they were significant. The highlight of the museum is the recreated streets of 18th and 19th century York. You can walk through them, step into shops and workshops, and get a real sense of what everyday life looked like hundreds of years ago. Definitely worth a visit if you're in York.
· via Google
York Castle Museum was a really enjoyable visit and much more interesting than I expected. The recreated Victorian street was the highlight, it genuinely feels like you've stepped back in time. There are also fascinating exhibits about everyday life, old-fashioned shops, toys, and even prison cells. It's well laid out, easy to explore, and definitely worth a couple of hours if you're visiting York.
· via Google
Good fun - highly recommended. It is a bit of a 'journey through time' and is a totally immersive series of exhibits and experiences. Kirkgate (the Victorian street) was terrific. Itis a full-scale representation which you literally walk through - with shops, activities etc from the dark ages. The Prison section was a little creepy - but really a bit of fun to explore. We spent about 2–3 hours. Well done.
· via Google
People say this museum offers a wide variety of engaging and immersive exhibits, with the recreated Victorian street, Kirkgate, being a particular highlight. Visitors also appreciate the excellent value, as tickets are valid for unlimited re-entry for 12 months. They also highlight the friendly, knowledgeable staff and the museum's suitability for all ages.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Tower Street, York, YO1 9RY Get directions
- Category
- Museums & Galleries
- Guest rating
- 4.6 / 5 (7,465 reviews)
- Suitable for
- Ages 4+
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- York