Tucked in a country lane amidst hedgerows and fields just outside the city of York, the Yorkshire Museum of Farming offers adults and children alike an educational and amusing day spent in the countryside.
About the Museum
The museum is located in the village of Murton, just on the outskirts of the city of York. The 14-acre property is a living history centre and is the only exhibit site in Yorkshire devoted to the county’s history of agriculture. The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council granted the museum status as a fully accredited entity in 2010.
The museum first opened in 1982 as a showcase for historical examples of agricultural machinery used in the 19th and 20th centuries. Advances in technology during the Industrial Revolution figure heavily into the museum’s focus on agriculture as the foundation of civilization.
Exhibits and Features
Paying tribute to Yorkshire’s long agricultural history, the museum centres many of its exhibits on mechanised farm equipment from the last two centuries. The museum also hosts many events throughout the calendar year, such as a teddy bear picnic, an exhibit on beekeeping and interpreters dressed in period costume during the summer months.
The museum’s Livestock Gallery has a selection of surgical implements from famous Yorkshire veterinarian James Herriot on display, as well as many examples of live rare farm animal breeds that children find especially delightful. Children also have the opportunity to meet a goat from the exhibit who was recently made an RAF mascot.
The Four Seasons Gallery showcases the seasonal rhythms of the agricultural year and also features a rotating schedule of selected exhibits in its upstairs space. There is also a large collection of historical documents relating to farming methods and agricultural practices of prior centuries, although visitors can access this area by appointment only.
Outside, a bespoke play area for children recalls the charm of yesteryear while also paying tribute to iconic reminders of the county’s agricultural roots. The centerpiece of the play area is a child-sized reproduction Tudor farmhouse for children to explore.
Chicken-themed spring rides, basket-shaped swings and a tractor for the children to climb on make up this adventure playground designed and built by a local company, Image Playgrounds, provide a delightful way for them to frolic outside in the fresh country air.
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How to get there
From London, travelers can take trains departing regularly from Euston and Kings Cross stations for York. For visitors choosing car hire, Murton is best accessed via the M1 Motorway to the A64 towards York.
Continuing on the A64 past York will lead to the Stamford Bridge Road turning. After a quarter of a mile, Murton Lane will be on the left. The Yorkshire Museum of Farming will be in the Murton Park entrance one quarter of a mile down Murton Lane on the left.
There is an East Yorkshire Motor Services, or EYMS, coach from York that services the village of Murton. There is also car hire available in the city of York.
This has been a guest post from Skedaddle Car Hire, if you’d like to know more about other worthwhile destinations, check out their site.
