One of the highlights of most visits to York is this museum of everyday life.

Housed in a former prison, the collection was originally started by a local vet who accepted gifts from farmers in payment for his services. Those artefacts became the basis for a social history exhibition which grew to today's museum.

Apart from displays, it features recreated rooms from different periods. A whole Victorian cobbled street with shops rebuilt in it is a special, and popular feature. (Great for lifelike historic photos – and selfies!)

A special exhibition recalling life in the 1960s is a more recent addition, and their are lots of hands-on activities throughout. Don't miss their other changing and seasonal exhibitions, too. (Check their website for current information.)

Some of the old prison cells, including the one where York's infamous 18th century highwayman, Dick Turpin, spent his last days before being hanged, are a chilling reminder of the building's past.