Things to Do in Europe

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.

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.

Chronicling the history of Yorkshire from its founding, through the Roman and Viking invasions to the Middle Ages, the Yorkshire Museum is one of York's top museums, renowned for housing some of Britain's finest archeological finds. Since opening its doors in 1830, the museum has amassed an impressive permanent collection of almost 1 million objects, with everything from prehistoric artifacts to fine medieval sculptures.

Highlights include the exquisite Middleham Jewel, a gold and sapphire pendant dating back to the mid 15th century; a reconstructed Roman mosaic floor and a statue of the Roman god Mars; a fascinating collection of Viking clothing and weaponry; and over 200,000 biological specimens, including extinct species like the Great Auk and the Moa.

Built around the ruins of St Mary's Abbey on the banks of the River Ouse, the museum is also set in 10 acres of botanical gardens, laid out by Sir John Murray Naysmith in 1830 and including exotic specimens like an Indian chestnut and a Monkey Puzzle tree.