At this medieval townhouse in York there are tons of activities for little ones and grownups alike to get stuck into. With the oldest parts dating from around 1360, exploring this house really immerses you into what life was like for the wealthy people that lived here, including the Priors of Nostell and a Lord Mayor of York. This is an excellent place to visit if you’re looking for things to do in North Yorkshire.
Opening Times and Tickets:
Barley Hall is open daily from 10:30 – 15:30, though these times may occasionally differ.
Children under 5 and carers go free, and each ticket purchased is valid for a whole year, so you can return for free at any point in the following 12 months! Other discounts can also be applied, such as Blue Light Card discount and 15% off for English Heritage members. Click here for up to date prices and times.
Parking/ Travelling:
The easiest way to get to York is to use the park and ride service. There are six of these in York and parking here is free. The nearest bus stop to Barley Hall is a five minute walk. Click here to find more information on York’s Park and Ride. The closest car park to Barley Hall is Marygate car park; a ten minute walk away.
Lots of bus services run to York, including the Coastliner, which is a very scenic journey. Click here for more information York’s buses.
Direct trains to York run regularly from London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Liverpool.
Prams/ Accessibility:
Visiting Barley Hall could be a challenge if you’re on wheels or have a pram as there are lots of steps and raised thresholds. There is a temporary ramp into the downstairs room but no lift in the building. There are also no accessible toilets. Because wheelchair visitors can only access part of the museum, you can get free entry.
Things to do with kids at Barley Hall
- Explore the rooms
Explore the Great Hall, where you can pretend to feast upon a fake banquet, as well as the Steward’s Hall, the bedroom, pantry and kitchen. Each room is designed to be as interactive as possible and everything can be touched. This way, you don’t have to worry about your little ones playing with something they shouldn’t.
2. Trace Medieval Patterns
Upstairs there is a row of light boxes at different heights, along with several medieval patterns to trace and lots of coloured pencils. From a silly lion to a grand coat of arms, you have lots of options for creativity!
3. Dress Up
In lots of the rooms you will find an array of clothes that fit both children and adults. Barley Hall has medieval headwear, dresses, tunics and coats for you to have fun with.
4. Play
There are board games here where you can challenge each other to a battle of wits, cuddly toys of the plague and other diseases (that you can also buy in the gift shop), and blocks with which to build your own Barley Hall. Upstairs, there is also a tepee where children can play.
Nearby things for kids to do:
- Clifford’s Tower
This imposing Motte and Bailey Castle is owned by English Heritage and therefore is free to members. It was originally built when William the Conqueror was King and has been burnt down twice. The tower we see today was rebuilt in the 13th century by King Henry III.
2. Jorvik Viking Centre
A very original design, in this museum you sit in ‘time capsule’ carriages and are taken around the museum’s life size dioramas of what life was like back in the Viking times. There are life like mannequins and even more realistic smells!
3. National Railway Museum
Any person, child or adult, who likes trains will find this museum fascinating. They have an extensive collection of all sorts of trains, including the Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive. At different times throughout the year they have exhibits too, such as the Flying Scotsman.
4. Castle Museum
Here you can wonder down a cobblestone street, immersed in Victorian York. You can also see the history of the prison that once operated on the site, and visit the cell of none other than the infamous Dick Turpin. There are also exhibits on the 1960’s.
5. York’s Chocolate Story
Perfect for any chocolate lovers, here you can make your own chocolate lolly and try lots of samples. The tour guides also give lots of information of the history of chocolate in York.
6. York Dungeons
A grisly live action show in ten different rooms; there are jump scares, macabre tales, dark spaces, bad smells and people from York’s history to meet such as Guy Fawkes. Not a place for children who are easily scared!