Yorkshire is home to some of the best museums in the UK, attracting visitors from all over the world. You can learn about the region’s rich history and culture by visiting museums such as the National Railway Museum, or the Yorkshire Museum.
If you or someone in your travel group is disabled, then you’ll be happy to hear that many of Yorkshire’s best museums are accessible to disabled people. Yorkshire’s museums have strived to become accessible and inclusive of those with disabilities and neurodivergence.
In this guide, we cover the best museums and art galleries in Yorkshire that offer visitors a good level of accessibility, and sensory experiences.
Best Museums in Yorkshire
If you’re looking for a cultural experience in Yorkshire, you won’t be disappointed. The region boasts some of the best museums in the country. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at three of the most significant museums in Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Museum
The Yorkshire Museum is located in the heart of York and is one of the most popular museums in the region. It’s home to an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history of the county. The museum has something for everyone, from Roman artifacts to medieval treasures and even dinosaur fossils.
One of the highlights of the museum is the Viking exhibit, which features a range of artifacts from the Viking age. You can see swords, helmets, and even a Viking boat. The museum also has a beautiful botanical garden, which is a great place to relax after exploring the exhibits.
Museum Accessibility
🎟️Jorvik Viking Centre Ticket Price: £15.00 for Adults / £10.50 for Children (£4 online) / Free Entry for York City Pass Holders
National Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum in York is the largest railway museum in the world. It’s home to an impressive collection of locomotives, including the famous Flying Scotsman and Mallard. The museum also has a range of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn more about the history of railways in the UK.
One of the most popular exhibits is the ‘Future Engineers’ gallery, which allows visitors to design and test their own trains. The museum also has a range of events and activities throughout the year, including steam train rides and workshops.
The National Railway Museum Accessibility
- ♿The National Railway Museum is wheelchair accessible
- 🚗Blue Badge parking available in the main car park (and its free)
- 🐕🦺 Assistance Dogs allowed.
- 🦻Hearing loop at the Welcome desk.
- 🌻Sunflower lanyard scheme recognized.
- 🦽 Manual wheelchairs available to borrow.
- 🚽 Accessible toilet + limited accessible changing facilities available.
- 🎧 Ear defenders are available to borrow from the welcome desk. The quietest days are weekdays.
🎟️This museum has free entry. The road train costs £3.50 or is free for York City Pass Holders
Royal Armouries Museum
The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds is home to one of the most extensive collections of arms and armor in the world. The museum has a range of exhibits that showcase the history of warfare, from medieval knights to modern-day soldiers.
One of the highlights of the museum is the ‘Warrior Treasures’ exhibit, which features a range of artifacts from famous warriors throughout history. You can see everything from Samurai swords to suits of armor worn by Henry VIII. The museum also has a range of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to try on armor and learn more about the history of warfare.
The Royal Armouries museum Accessibility
- ♿The Royal Armouries museum is wheelchair accessible, with lifts and level access throughout. Other areas such as the Tiltyard have limited access.
- 🚗Limited Blue Badge parking spaces are available in the coach car park. More blue badge parking is available in the multistory car park.
- 🐕🦺 Assistance Dogs allowed. Water bowl provided in the cafe on request.
- 💺 Seats are available throughout the museum.
- 🦽 Manual wheelchairs available to borrow.
- 🎒 Sensory backpacks available for children and young people with autism.
- 🚽 Changing Places Toilet is available on the ground floor and other accessible toilets are available.
🎟️The Royal Armouries museum has free entry but you should prebook tickets online to guarantee entry. Special events + exhibitions may have a fee.
Overall, these three museums are just a small sample of the fantastic cultural experiences on offer in Yorkshire. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or science, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest in this vibrant region.
Art Museums in Yorkshire
If you’re a fan of art, then Yorkshire has some fantastic museums for you to visit. Here are two of the best:
Leeds Art Gallery
Leeds Art Gallery is home to an impressive collection of 20th-century British art, including works by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and John Atkinson Grimshaw. The gallery also hosts regular exhibitions, showcasing the work of contemporary artists.
One of the highlights of the gallery is the ArtSpace which gives an interactive experience, that’s family-friendly.
Leeds art Gallery Accessibility
- ♿The Leeds Art Gallery is wheelchair accessible except for the education studio which is used by pre-booked groups. An alternative is available for pre-booked groups if necessary.
- 👨🦯Large print labels are available and multi-sensory artworks + interactive spaces are available in parts of the gallery.
- 🐕🦺 Assistance Dogs allowed. Water bowl provided in the cafe on request.
- 💺 Seats can be requested from staff in the gallery
- 🦽 A Manual wheelchair is available to borrow.
- 🦻 Induction loops in the shop and Henry Moore conference space.
- 🎧 Ear defenders and torches available to borrow.
- 🚽 Changing Places Toilet is available on the lower floor, the key can be requested from the shop. Other accessible toilets on the RADAR key scheme are available.
🎟️Leeds Art Gallery has free entry.
York Art Gallery
York Art Gallery is a must-visit for anyone interested in art and culture. The gallery has a wide-ranging collection of paintings, ceramics, and sculptures, with works dating from the 14th century to the present day.
One of the highlights of the gallery is its collection of British Studio Ceramics, which includes works by some of the most important ceramic artists of the 20th century.
The gallery also hosts regular exhibitions, showcasing the work of contemporary artists. Recent exhibitions have included works by David Hockney and Grayson Perry.
York Art Gallery Accessibility
- ♿The York Art Gallery is wheelchair accessible, but some doors are not automatic. Staff can help with opening the doors.
- 🦽 A Manual wheelchair is available to borrow.
- 💺 Seats are available in the gallery and folding seats can be requested
- 👨🦯Large print formats are available for the exhibitions.
- 📚 Easy read guides for admission information available plus colour overlays for those with dyslexia.
- 🐕🦺 Assistance Dogs allowed. Water can be provided on request.
- 🌻 Access lanyards available on request.
- 🎧 Ear defenders are available to borrow.
- 🚽 Accessible & gender neutral toilets availble.
🎟️ York Art Gallery has free entry.
Specialty Museums in Yorkshire
If you’re looking for a unique museum experience in Yorkshire, you won’t be disappointed. Yorkshire is home to some of the best specialty museums in the country, offering visitors a chance to learn about everything from chocolate making to child development. Here are two must-visit specialty museums in Yorkshire:
York’s Chocolate Story
If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss York’s Chocolate Story. This museum is dedicated to the history of chocolate making in York and the UK. You’ll learn about the origins of chocolate, the different types of chocolate, and how chocolate is made. You’ll also get to see demonstrations of chocolate making and even get to make your own chocolate treat to take home.
York’s Chocolate Story is a great museum for families with children, as there are plenty of interactive exhibits and activities for kids. The museum is open seven days a week, and tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
York’s Chocolate Story Accessibility
- ♿York’s Chocolate Story guided tour is wheelchair accessible. But there is a limit of 2 wheelchair users per floor. If you need wheelchair access, you have to contact the museum before booking.
- 💺 Some seating is available but you nee to let the guide know if you’ll need them at the start of the tour.
- 🐕🦺 Assistance Dogs are allowed but you need to prearrange this.
- 🦻 Tour Transcripts available for those who need it.
- 🚽 Accessible toilet available.
🎟️ Guided tour price: £15.75 for Adults / £13.50 for children / Free entry for carer’s / Free enter for childre under 4. Free entry with the York City Pass.
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum is a must-visit museum for families with young children. The museum is located in Halifax, about 1 hour drive from York. The museum is dedicated to child development and learning through play. There are over 400 interactive exhibits and activities for children to enjoy, including a giant human-sized hamster wheel, a rocket ship, and a town square where kids can play and explore.
Eureka! is open seven days a week, and tickets can be purchased online or at the door. There are also plenty of family-friendly events and workshops throughout the year, so be sure to check the museum’s website for the latest information.
Each ticket to the museum includes an annual pass so you can come back again and again, for up to 12 months.
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum Accessibility
- ♿Eureka is wheelchair accessible.
- 🚗Blue badge parking available
- 🦽 Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow.
- 🌻 Recgonises the Sunflower Lanyard scheme and has free lanyards or wristbands available.
- 🔵 Recognises BlueAssist cards and app.
- 👃 Sensory Guide available online and the museum has tons of sensory exhibits
- 🐕🦺 Assistance Dogs are allowed and you can request water if needed.
- 🚽 Changing places toilet and an accessible toilet are available.
🎟️ Ticket price: £15.95 for Adults and children age 3+ / £6.95 for children aged 1-2 years / Free entry for carer’s / Free enter for children under 1 / Free entry with the MAX Card
Visiting Yorkshire Museums
When planning your visit to a museum in Yorkshire, it’s important to know the ticket information, operating hours, and accessibility. Here’s what you need to know:
