A wonderful open air museum, Ryedale Folk Museum is nestled in the quaint village of Hutton-le-Hole in North Yorkshire. There are more than 20 buildings that show how life was lived from the Iron Age to the 20th century and tons of activities to keep the little ones interested. A good few hours could be enjoyed at this museum.
Opening times and tickets:
Ryedale Folk Museum is open Saturdays to Thursday and the opening times are slightly different depending on what time of year it is.
Tickets are purchased once and can be used all year for return visits. Click here for more information on opening times and tickets.
Parking/ Travelling:
There is a large car park behind the Crown Inn pub where a ticket for a small price can be purchased (but cash only) or is free if you buy a meal at the pub. There is also a car park 300m away on Moor Lane which is more expensive.
The Moorsbus service usually services the village Hutton-le-Hole during the Summer. Click here for more information on public transport.
Prams/ accessibility:
Most of the sites in the museum are level accessed and there is plenty of room for a wheelchair but, there are some accessed only by a couple of stairs. The paths between buildings are wide and there is lots of room for prams.
There is an accessible toilet with baby changing facilities in the entrance building and another accessible toilet at the top of the museum.
Things to do at Ryedale Folk Museum:
1. Explore the historical buildings
Step back in time and explore the amazing historical buildings at Ryedale Folk Museum. Kids will love discovering the Iron Age roundhouse, the medieval Manor House, and over 20 fun buildings, including an old-fashioned chemist and a real blacksmith’s forge. If you’re lucky, you might even see the blacksmith in action, hammering and shaping metal just like in the old days!
2. Feed the animals
Meet some friendly farm animals when you visit Ryedale Folk Museum. There are lots of sheep and chickens to see and you can even feed the chickens with special feed from the gift shop for just 50p. Keep an eye out for pigs and explore old-fashioned farm machines like big threshers and vintage tractors too!
3. Visit the art gallery and museum
Don’t miss the museum and art gallery during your visit to Ryedale Folk Museum! The museum is full of fascinating displays about how food is made in Yorkshire, both now and in the past. The cosy art gallery showcases work by one artist at a time, so there’s always something new and creative to see.
4. Play
There are so many opportunities for fun for little explorers in Ryedale Folk Museum. From quoits, mazes, dressing up and bowls, to a whole room of kids activities including Lego and colouring, there is something for all ages. There is also a caravan set up as a play area so there is no shortage of entertainment.
Things to do nearby:
1. Pickering
A wonderfully typical North Yorkshire town, Pickering boasts a castle, a surprisingly large museum (Beck Isle) and lots of excellent places to eat. It is also the most Southerly stop of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway – an excellent way to experience a steam train.
2. Helmsley
This vibrant town has lots to do with kids, such as the castle to visit, the Helmsley Archeology Store and Rievaulx Abbey only a short distance away.
3. Scampston Hall and Walled Gardens
There is lots to explore here, from the beautifully designed walled garden to the extensive parkland, hundreds of years old trees, river and lots of little historical buildings, and that’s all before you even enter the house! A morning or afternoon could be well spent here.
4. Journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Catch a steam or diesel train from the market town of Pickering to the bustling coast of Whitby, or stop at any of the quaint villages on the route including Goathland (site of Hogsmede) and Grosmont. There are so many ways to enjoy a day out hopping on and off these wonderful heritage trains.
