Date: 19 January 2026 

What’s On at York Castle Museum, York Art Gallery, and the Yorkshire Museum this February half term. 

York Museums Trust is set to have an amazing February half term across York Castle Museum, York Art Gallery, and the Yorkshire Museum. Each of the sites boasts a unique offer linking to the amazing collections and rich history. Throughout half term there will be different activities and workshops available across the three venues for all ages to share together. 

Opening in the final week of January, York Castle Museum, in collaboration with Novo Theatre, will revitalise visitors’ entry into Kirkgate, the famous Victorian street. Experience Kirkgate like never before with a brand-new installation, The Last Stop Before Kirkgate, immersing you into the sounds and stories of Victorian York within a recreated coaching inn.  

Throughout the week there will be regular demonstrations and tasting sessions in the Castle Kitchen, showcasing traditional food from coaching inns during the nineteenth century. Experience what school life would have been like for Victorian children in fun, interactive lesson taster sessions in the Victorian classroom on Kirkgate. The Creative Studio will also be open daily for you to sketch out your dream Victorian outfit using the fabrics, hats, shoes and dresses for inspiration. Discover more in daily cells talks with our Visitor Experience Team and learn more about the history of York Castle Prison. 

All February half term activities and experiences at York Castle Museum are included in your general admission ticket, as well as access to the incredible Period Rooms, World War One, Sixties Street and admission to York Castle Prison cells, where famous highwayman Dick Turpin was once held. 

If you’re looking for more chances to get hands-on during the half-term break, York Art Gallery is hosting a range of craft activities inspired by the horse sculptures and works on paper in the Harold Gosney exhibition. Enjoy a relaxing space and a range of materials to help you get creative. Everyone is welcome to take part and be inspired by the collections on display throughout the Gallery. For younger artists, Storycraft Theatre will be taking you on a Wicked Wednesday journey, with storytelling adventures perfect for little ones. 

The Yorkshire Museum’s star exhibition, Viking North, celebrates all things Norse throughout February half term. Join immersive performances from History Riot on Tuesday 17 and Friday 20 February as Vikings tell tales from their winter camp and spotlight star objects in the exhibition. Artist led creative family workshops will take place on Wednesday 18 and Saturday 21 February, making your own Viking inspired crafts. Sessions are open for all to enjoy and take inspiration from the Jorvik Viking festival happening throughout the city.  

A full list of activities, general admission tickets and tickets for special workshops can be found on the York Museums Trust website. Please head to www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk for links to York Castle Museum, York Art Gallery and Yorkshire Museum websites. 

Tickets for York Castle Museum and Yorkshire Museum are annual, with unlimited return visits for 12 months, experience a memorable half term and return again for all the school holidays and months in between!  

Coming soon at York Art Gallery, Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print, opens 27 February 2026. Tickets on sale now, book now to see incredible Japanese art including Katsushika Hokusai’s ‘The Great Wave’ generously on loan from Maidstone Museum. 

As a charity, all general admission and workshop tickets help York Museums Trust to care for its significant and varied collections and buildings.