Finding fossils, embracing nature and getting creative. Everything you need to know for the Easter break at the Yorkshire Museum!

Saturday 28 March – Sunday 12 April

The Yorkshire Museum is drawing on the natural world for its Easter programme with a focus on the famous fossil hunter, Mary Anning, creative activities inspired by botany, springtime trails in York Museum Gardens and daily talks that delve deeper into the historic collections from Roman to Viking and Prehistoric to Medieval.

This Easter break, take part in interactive short stories and object handling in the Mary Anning Rocks! exhibition. Meet Mary Anning, an interactive performance delivered by theatre company History Riot, tells visitors of the palaeontologist’s amazing fossil discoveries from Victorian Lyme Regis. Make and Play offers daily self-led creative activities also taking inspiration from the Yorkshire Museum’s extensive biology collection. Make and Play is a drop-in activity available daily for all ages to explore at their leisure.

The celebration of women in science continues in Creative Families sessions on Wednesday 1 and Wednesday 8 April, focused on Catherine ‘Kit’ Rob’s fascinating collection of botanical specimens. A special exhibit dedicated to her pioneering work is currently on display in the foyer of the Yorkshire Museum, pause here to learn more about her research and collection before heading to the artist-led session to get crafting.

Uncover Nordic traditions, legends and powers in amazing exhibition, Viking North. Join ceramicist Emily Stubbs on Saturday 28 March for a specialist guided workshop to create stunning Viking-inspired vessels from clay. Designed for adults, the workshop will provide a relaxed, creative space to unwind and make. All materials are provided and no experience is necessary; the last few tickets are available on the Yorkshire Museum website.

Join daily talks on some of the Visitor Experience Team’s favourite objects and look out some special Easter-themed talks on selected days. It is the final chance to see

incredible exhibition, Star Carr: Life After the Ice, exploring life in Mesolithic Yorkshire over 11,000 years ago, which comes to the end of its run on 19 April 2026. Wander along through ancient history, discover more about the Romans and their empire here in Eboracum. Visit the Medieval Treasury to see stellar discoveries such as the Middleham Jewel and the Fulford Ring.

All Easter activities inside the Yorkshire Museum are included in the general admission ticket which lasts for 12 months of revisits! Visit now and enjoy free return visits to the brand-new exhibition Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard, opening 15 May 2026. This once in a lifetime discovery is not to be missed!

For nature lovers, take time to explore York Museum Gardens. The Gardens are bursting into life and are the perfect place to stop and relax in the heart of the city. Check out the Japanese-inspired garden, part of Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print exhibition situated behind York Art Gallery, a calming spot where the blossom trees will be at their peak over Easter.

Pick up a Spring Trail from the Yorkshire Museum and explore the wildlife and plants around the whole Garden. Trails are £2 per sheet and do not require an admission ticket to take part, once you’re done, head back to the Yorkshire Museum to claim your small chocolate prize!

“We are thrilled to offer families a chance to explore the natural world in so many ways this Easter,” said Megan McGowan, Creative Learning Producer at York Museums Trust. “From stepping into the story of Mary Anning, to getting creative and enjoying our gardens as they spring into colour, there is something for every curious mind.

Images courtesy of: Anthony Chapel-Ross, History Riot and York Museums Trust