York Castle Museum

Kirkgate – A Victorian Street Like No Other

• Historical Authenticity: Each shop is named after a real business from late Victorian York (1870–1901).
• Restoration: In 2012, the street underwent significant restoration, narrowing its timeframe and enhancing its historical accuracy.
• Costumed Guides: Visitors can learn more about the shops and businesses from knowledgeable, costumed staff.

York Castle Prison

The museum’s Georgian prison buildings house the felons’ cells, offering a chilling glimpse into the brutal lives of prisoners from the past. Stories of rogues, thieves, and the legendary highwayman Dick Turpin bring this dark history to life.

1914: When the World Changed Forever

This exhibition tells the story of the First World War through artefacts, personal stories, and innovative displays. Visitors can explore the lives of Yorkshire people during a war that shaped the modern world.

The Sixties

Experience the spirit of the 1960s, a decade of revolutionary change, through iconic objects like a Lambretta scooter, a Dansette record player, Beatles memorabilia, and Mary Quant fashion.

The Period Rooms

These rooms are furnished with artefacts spanning several centuries, from 17th-century dining rooms to Victorian parlours, showcasing how people lived in different eras.