What’s On

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 revisit this page as we are adding new events and activities all the time.

Making a Meal of it

 

OPEN NOW until 29 November 2026 (open Saturday to Thursday, closed on Fridays)

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. 

 

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Simon Crawford - Shining Lights of the North

 

Saturday 12 September – Sunday 29 November (extended from the original end date of 1 November)

Open Saturday to Thursday, 10am – 5pm, 4pm in October and November. Closed on Fridays.

The Shining Lights of the North Way is a walking route that connects the Cistercian abbeys of Rievaulx, Byland and Fountains, following in the footsteps of the monks who once travelled between these significant religious sites. Over the last 12 months, Knaresborough-based artist, Simon Crawford, made his own ‘artistic pilgrimage’, sketching and painting each of the abbeys through the seasons. Inspired not only by the abbeys themselves, Simon revisited the same scenes captured by artists such as JMW Turner, John Sell Cotman and Thomas Girtin.

“This exhibition is an exploration of the landscape in front of me, and my own feelings about a place, whilst being very aware of the ghosts of the artists who came before me.” Simon Crawford, 2026

Free to visit (not within the paid area of the Museum). 

Private view, Friday 11 September, 6.00pm – 7.30pm – all welcome

 

 

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A Haunting at the Museum

Now ended…

Thank you to all the ‘ghost hunters’ who counted ghosts haunting the Museum over the last two weeks of October. 

There were 56 ghosts altogether!

Did you spot them all?

 

Christmas Shopping

 
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November
 
During the last two days of the Museum’s 2026 season, don’t forget to stop by our lovely Museum gift shop for a spot of festive shopping. From local ceramics, to gardening gifts to children’s toys and stocking fillers, we’re sure to have things to help you fulfill your Christmas shopping needs.
 
The Museum and the gift shop are open 10.00am – 4.00pm each day.
 
Shoppers will receive a complimentary wassail punch (non-alchoholic) or mulled wine and those who spend over £30* will receive a free festive bag!
 
Our shop is filled with lovely gifts including:
 
  • Beauty and home products by Yorkshire Lavendar
  • Handmade ceramics by Carr House Studio’s Alison Bradley
  • Gin by Whitby Distillery and Beeble Honey Liquors
  • Local interest and history books, including several by local author Sally Coulthard (many copies signed by Sally)
  • Heather honey from the North York Moors
  • Soft toy rabbits, owls, badgers and more
  • Quirky stockfillers for kids including magic springs, marbles and wooden toys

* Admission entry to the Museum not included within the £30 spend