The Yorkshire Museum of Farming, at Murton, near York, is a great museum for anyone interested in the history of farming, or for people with young families.

The White Rose of Yorkshire on a City of York roundel

Kids love the variety of farm animals on display, including goats, pigs, lambs (depending on season), Shetland ponies and cows. There’s also a wide range of vintage tractors on display, and a potted history of farming in the region is enhanced by the many farming tools and implements that the museum has shown since it opened in 1982.

The Yorkshire Museum of Farming has expanded beyond its original remit, and now includes a replica Viking village, a Roman fort, a Tudor farmhouse and a Celtic settlement. These provide practical ways to teach and learn about the development of York itself, and are often used by school field trips.

The museum also hosts the Derwent Light Valley Railway, a volunteer-run stretch of track featuring old locos (including steam engines) and rolling stock operating between Easter and September each year. Additional Santa Specials run in December are very popular.

There are regular additional events – see the properyork.com blog for more details.

How much is entry to the Yorkshire Museum of Farming?
2010 admission prices are:

• Adults £5.50
• Concessions £4.50
• Children £3.50
• Under 3s free
• Family ticket £15 (2 x adults + 2 x children)

What are the Yorkshire Museum of Farming’s opening hours?