We are now closed for the winter.
We’ll be reopening in March 2026. As well as a six-acre site and over 20 heritage buildings to explore, we have a varied and creative programme of events and activities throughout the year, so do check back for updates.
Apple and Pear Pruning Workshop
- why we prune fruit trees
- when to prune
- how to prune for general maintenance and to encourage fruiting
- how much wood to take off
- managing an overgrown fruit tree
Apple Tree Grafting Workshop
Saturday 28 February 2026, 9.30am – 1.00pm
Apples don’t ‘come true’ from seed or root cuttings. Grafting allows for the propagation of known, desired apple varieties, ensuring the fruit will be the same as the parent tree. The technique involves joining a scion (a cutting from a desired apple variety) to a selected rootstock, determining the height and vigour of the new tree.
In this workshop, delivered by Chris Simmonds (Northern Fruit Group), you will learn how to graft – mastering the technique by watching demonstrations and having a go.
Scions will be taken from a selection of the Museum’s heritage apple trees and joined to rootstock (provided), suitable for producing cordon, espalier, step-over or freestanding apple trees so your new tree will fit into even the smallest garden. Full aftercare instructions will be given.
Please dress in warm clothes and good shoes as some of the workshop will be outside in the Museum’s orchard. Demonstrations and hands-on aspects will be inside. All tools will be provided.
Includes coffee and cake, and one grafted rootstock to take home.
Course participants limited to 10. £30.00pp.
No dogs.
Making a Meal of it
Closed for winter, re-opening in March 2026
From the humblest cottage bakers, to the farmers and growers, how our ancestors fed themselves is a story of hard graft. Join us on a tantalising journey through the resilience, innovation and culinary creativity of the people of the past. Behind every bite and morsel, there is a story.
Discover… the story of the Sonley bakers from Kirkbymoorside, baking recipes of Museum founder Hannah Crosland, old beer brewers and bottlers of Ryedale, pig, poultry and beekeeping of the past and ways to cook and eat your Yorkshire Pudding – plus more!
This exhibition is included with admission to the Museum.
May Day at the Museum
Monday 4 May 2026
Marking the arrival of summer, May Day has traditionally been an important day in the folk calendar. With origins in the ancient Roman festival of Flora – Floralis – and the Beltane Celtic fire festival, it is a time to for revelling in the abundance of the natural world.
Maypole Dancing
We will be celebrating with traditional maypole dancing. We’re delighted to welcome the Cod Beck Ceilidh Band to lead us with live music. Join us to take part in performances – or just watch the fun – throughout the day. Dancing will take place at the museum’s maypole at the following times:
- 11.30 am
- 1.00 pm
- 2.00 pm
In the event of inclement weather, dancing will move into the Manor House.
A previous May Day at the Museum in the 1970s
Bee Skep Making Demonstrations – 10.30am – 3.00pm
Museum volunteer, Jim Wood, will be showing visitors the craft of bee skep making. Bee skeps are baskets woven from straw and used to keep bees in, before modern hives. This traditional craft is endangered and very few people across the U.K. can make skeps.
Jim was recently featured on BBC Two’s Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes where he showed Robson and friend, Chris Kamara how to make a bee skep at Ryedale Folk Museum. You can watch the programme on iPlayer, using the link above.
Watch a short video of Jim demonstrating bee skep making at the Museum in 2025 here.
Filming at the Museum with Robson Green and Chris Kamara
Midsummer Celebrations
The Ryelarks Perform
Saturday 20 June – 1 pm and 2 pm
We’re delighted to welcome Pickering-based choir The Ryelarks to the museum to join us for this special celebration of Midsummer. They’ll be performing a selection of songs, perfectly chosen for the season, accompanied by their very brilliant choir leader, Alison Davis.
Performances at 1pm and 2pm.
Check back later for full details – coming soon
Summer Solstice Yoga
Sunday 21 June – 9.15 am and 11 am
Start the Summer Solstice with a very special Yoga session. This relaxing and invigorating class will take place within the museum grounds (or inside the Manor House in the eventuality of inclement weather).
Join us for a Yoga session from an experienced practitioner, interspersed with time for reflection and meditation as we take inspiration from our Celtic forebears on this very special day of the year.
We have two sessions, beginning at 9.15 am and 11 am. Book via the link – coming soon.
Midsummer Music with Celtic Folk Musician Olivia Graham
Sunday 21 June – Performances at 2pm and 5pm
We’re delighted to welcome Olivia to the museum this Midsummer, for what promises to be a truly magical performance.
Olivia is well known for her entrancing storytelling and multi-instrumental performances, drawing inspiration from the rich history of folklore of Britain and Ireland. She’ll perform an array of songs, selected especially for the solstice.
You’ll be able to see and listen to Olivia during your visit, included within the normal museum admission ticket or upon production of a valid annual pass. There is no extra charge.
Handfasting Ceremonies – throughout Sunday 21 June
Ryedale Folk Museum’s Iron Age Roundhouse offers the perfect backdrop for a traditional handfasting ceremony – an ancient ritual symbolising unity, commitment and shared intention.
Whether you are marking an engagement, renewing vows, or simply honouring your bond, this special ceremony invites couples to take part in an authentic, meaningful celebration guided by a celebrant.
We are offering six handfasting ceremony slots on Sunday 21 June, starting at just £150.
Please read all the information about having a handfasting at the Museum using the link here.
