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Merchant Adventurers' Hall

The Merchant Adventurers' Hall is one of York's Medieval marvels.

Set in beautiful gardens in the heart of the city, it is open for public use as a fully functioning museum, wedding and hospitality venue and meeting place some 650 years after construction began in 1357.

This stunning timber framed building dates back to 1357 and was constructed by a fraternity made up of York citizens to provide a base for charity, worship and business in the centre of the City on the banks of the River Foss. The fraternity became a guild, 'The Mistery of Mercers' in 1430 before changing its name in 1581 to the 'Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York'. A Merchant Adventurer was someone who risked or 'adventured' his or her own money in overseas trade.

There are three main rooms in the Hall. The Great Hall is where the medieval merchants first gathered to conduct their business and to socialise. The Undercroft used as an almshouse to help the sick and poor until as late as 1900. The chapel offering spiritual care to the merchants and to the inmates of the almshouse.

The Merchant Adventurers' Hall is home to many remarkable collections including silver, furniture and paintings which provide a glimpse into the rich history of the Hall and the people associated with it.

DIG

At DIG you get to discover only the most exciting archaeological artefacts from 2000 years of history hidden under the streets of York. Our four excavation pits are filled with Roman, Viking, Medieval and Victorian finds, so you can grab a trowel and dig up the clues that show how people lived in these times. Look out for our costumed staff during holiday periods - you may even meet a Roman warrior or a Viking-lady!

Visitors then go on to examine real archaeological finds and work out what they were used for. Look out for the 1000 year old skulls and the Viking-Age Poo!

Our three discovery rooms offer the chance to try out archaeological techniques. The science lab, library and field tent are all manned with our holographic guides who will help you out with the different activities. At the end of your experience the story of York and what you have found out is brought together in our 3D cinema - York Revealed.

Because your visit is accompanied by a real archaeologist our tours are timed. You can just turn up and join a tour or, especially during busy periods, we would suggest that you pre-book to make sure that are guaranteed to join in the fun.

Barley Hall

Barley Hall is a stunning medieval townhouse, once home to the Priors of Nostell and the Mayor of York. Until the 1980s the house was hidden under the relatively modern facade of a derelict office block. Only when the building was going to be destroyed was the amazing medieval building discovered and its history revealed.

The building has now been lovingly restored to its original splendour with stunning high ceilings, beautiful exposed timber frames, and possibly the only horn window in England. It has been decorated to replicate what it would have looked like as the Snawsell home around 1483 and boasts a magnificent Great Hall. Visitors to Barley Hall can make themselves at home, sit on the chairs, handle the objects and experience what it would have been like to live in medieval England.

New Exhibition: Plague, Poverty and Prayer explores everyday life for the citizens of York from the Norman invasion to Tudor times, by examining unique archaeological evidence from the period. Visitors can explore interactive displays, new research, and recently excavated skeletal material to find out some of the intriguing details about illnesses and diseases from the period; who and what may have treated them; and the importance of folk medicine, prayer, astrology, spells, mysticism to everyone living in Britain at the time.

National Railway Museum

Get up close to over 300 years of fascinating history in York's only National Museum. Explore our giant halls full of trains and railway legends including the majestic Duchess of Hamilton and a replica of Stephenson's groundbreaking Rocket or marvel...

York Minster

York Minster is Northern Europe's largest Gothic cathedral, and a place of worship for over 1,000 years. The present York Minster dates from the 13th century.

In the North Transept the stained glass window known as 'The Five Sisters Window' is the...

Creepy Crawlies Adventure Park

Creepy Crawlies is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon with the children and, unlike the weather, the fun is guaranteed. York's premier children's adventure play park boasts almost 2 acres of challenging, imaginative and exciting indoor and outdoor activity areas for children of all ages, and a great licensed restaurant. Great exercise! - all the benefits of a kids workout with the addition of fun!

Creepy Crawlies offers a fantastic opportunity for children to develop other skills needed in life: social, risk taking, judgement, creative and educational. Grown-ups are actively encouraged to join in, so we often find Grandparents whizzing down the slides! Come dressed appropriately, and bring waterproofs if the weather looks grim - playing in the rain just adds to the fun! Remember sun hats and cream if it's sunny!

Indoor Play Centre
Inside we have one of the biggest four lane Astra slides in the country. Separate Play Zones incorporating baby and toddler areas, Sports Arena, Interactive Disco area, and huge play frame for over fives with Spooky Caves and Mirror Maze. A variety of Role-play and dressing up, construction, musical instruments, craft, puppets and messy play offered term time for little ones. Plus a full activities programme arranged daily for different ages and stages at other times!

Adventure Park
Over an acre of secure outdoor fun includes a huge sand and water play area, netted climbing forest, ride-ons for little ones, den building construction zone, landscaped gardens, jungle bridge, wacky swings, toddler puppet cabin, amphitheatre and role play area, go-kart pedal track and brand new electric Quad bikes racetrack (both at a small extra charge).

Animal Tales
Animal Tales has lots of cute animals! Chipmunks, ponies, goats, guinea pigs, chickens, rabbits and giant rabbits and more joining us depending upon the season! Here children can get to know more about the animals, have the opportunity to pet some of them and parents and guardians are encouraged to tell corresponding animal tales

Why a trip to Creepy Crawlies is good for your child!
Recent studies with Sports Scientists in Creepy Crawlies, have proved that children have the equivalent of 'Interval Training' whilst playing on the equipment. Their heart rates have been measured to increase by 80 beats per minute, so whilst they are having a great time you are providing them with the one of the best exercises they can get...but don't tell them that! We call it 'Exercise in Disguise!'. They also have a fantastic opportunity to develop other skills needed in life: social, risk taking, judgement, creative and educational.

Remember, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!

Stillingfleet Lodge Garden and Nurseries

A hidden gem consisting of interlocking gardens each with a different feel; from a modern rill garden, wildlife pond, meadow and cottage garden to long double herbaceous borders.

The emphasis is in interesting foliage for ease of maintenance and planting to encourage birds, butterflies and bees. Rare breeds of poultry meander through the garden keeping slugs at bay.

There are many rare trees, some flowering in the spring, others planted for berries or autumn colour.

Many of the plants seen growing in the garden can be bought in the nursery.

Action Karts

Action Karts - the place for fun and excitement.

Open daily, we can provide something for every one from 4 to 84. You can come as an individual or as a group. No licence is needed to get the enjoyment of driving when you come karting.

Karts to give the karting experience from 4 to 8 year olds. Fast 120cc Honda powered karts for 8 to 12 years. 200cc Honda powered karts for adult and intermediate sessions.

The track has been designed to be fast and safe with a good straights and overtaking areas. Everyone who drives gets a time sheet with their name on it to take away.

Arrive and drive sessions, sprint races, grand prix and endurances for the team events. We provide the equipment you need and give you training to ensure you enjoy your sessions.

Forget about speed cameras - come and enjoy the speed and adrenalin rush or just see what its like to drive a race kart. See if you can beat our lap records.

Members of the National Karting Association.