What’s On

What's on at the Museum

We are currently open Saturday to Thursday, from 10am until 5pm (closed on Fridays). 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.

Believe it or not?

Saturday 23 March until Sunday 17 November (closed on Fridays)

Prepare to be bewitched by this season’s exhibition for all the family, telling the story of magic and beliefs from the North York Moors and beyond. 

Be dazzled by rare witch posts and enchanting spell tokens. 
 
Discover:
 
A world of magical house protection,
The Ryedale women accused of witchcraft,
Mysteries of the Lyke Wake Walk,
Ancient wisdom, medicine and charms,
Ritual folk dance and corn dolly customs,
and
Elphi, the cheeky household sprite. 
 
What will you believe?
 
Entry to this exhibition is included within your entry ticket to the Museum or on presentation of a valid annual pass.

 

Celebrating 60 Years

Monday 11 March until Sunday 17 November (closed on Fridays)

To mark the Museum’s 60th birthday this year, we’ve put together a  special exhibition, on display in the Art Gallery.

Explore stories from the Museum’s past, discover the volunteers who worked tirelessly to found this special place, and find out how you can be a part of its future.

From moving the Museum’s very first building through to our more recent activities creating and caring for a cornfield, discover the work that has gone into this special site in the heart of the North York Moors National Park

This exhibition is free to visit. (It is not in the paid part of the Museum.)

Hallowmas at the Museum

From Saturday 12 October 

The museum is all decked out for autumn, possibly our favourite season, and to top it all, the hobs are back! Follow our trick or treat trail, count the hobs, and get in the Hallowmas spirit. Perfect for all the family. 

Hallowmas was the time of year for marking the end of summer and to celebrate the start of the Celtic year on the first of November. It was a time of divination and magic, darkness and mystery, ritual and light.

Don’t miss this lovely seasonal event, drawing heavily on a wealth of traditions from this time of year. 

Plus, on Thursday 31 October, we’ll be wand-making in the Pavilion. Drop in throughout the day, from 11.30 am – 3.30 pm.

 

The Countryside in 100 Objects, with Sally Coulthard

Saturday 26 October, 2.00pm – 3.30pm. Tickets: £5 (reimbursed if you buy one of Sally’s books on the day)

Join local author Sally Coulthard for a light-hearted talk and in discussion event with Museum Director Jen Smith.

Sally’s most recently published book A History of the Countryside in 100 objects connects the reader to ancient artefacts, nostalgic memorabilia and curious objects all with something to say about our rural past. In this event, we’ll hear most about the objects that have magical or superstitious connections… so expect to listen to chat about dried cats, knitting sheaths and lots more!
 
Sally Coulthard studied archaeology and anthropology at Oxford. After a brief stint working in TV, Sally moved back to Yorkshire and set up a smallholding, which she writes about in a monthly Country Living magazine feature. Sally’s written more than 25 non-fiction books and the countryside is a constant source of inspiration for her work, from native bees to barn owls, hedgehogs and folklore. 
 
The ticket price will be reimbursed against the purchase of any of Sally’s books, bought on the day from Ryedale Folk Museum’s shop. This includes A History of the Countryside in 100 objects, The Barn and others. There will also be complimentary tea and coffee on arrival.
 

 

 

 

Trick or Treat Experience

 
A brand new event at Ryedale Folk Museum!
 
 
Thursday 31 October – £12.00 per person
Timed entry slots at 5.30pm, 5.45pm, 6.00pm, 6.15pm, 6.30pm, 6.45pm.
The museum is all decked out for All Hallows’ Eve and we’ve got a special event not to be missed this year. Visit the museum’s historic homes, knock on the doors and enter if you dare.
 
With treats for everyone, plus the odd little trick along the way, there’s plenty of fun to be had this Halloween.
 
The Trick or Treat Experience lasts approximately 45 minutes and is suitable for families with children aged 4 to 11. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
 
Children under age 4 are welcome to attend. There is no admittance charge but if they would like to receive the ‘treats’ a charge of £4.00 will be required on the night, payable at the Museum on arrival.
 
Included in your ticket:

Entry to the Museum (for the event only)

Mask making in the Manor House

A hot drink (tea, coffee or hot chocolate) and cupcake

Extra treats for participating children 

 

Event ends at 7.30pm.
 
Adult and child (4-11) tickets are £12.00 each. Pre-booking via the website is essential to guarantee event attendance. As this is a special event it is not possible to use an already purchased Museum Annual Pass for the event.
 
 

  

 

Historic Dancing with Arbeau

Saturday 2 November

We’re delighted to be joined by the wonderfully-talented historic dancers from Arbeau. 

They’ll be performing a selection of medieval dances in our Manor House throughout the afternoon. Not to be missed.

Catch them during the following times throughout the afternoon:

12.00 – 12.30,

1.15 – 1.45 and

2.30 – 3.00

These performances are included within normal admission to the Museum. 

 

A Visit from Whitby Krampus Run

 
Sunday 10 November, 11am til 3pm
 
Meet Whitby Krampus Run at Ryedale Folk Museum as they make a visit as part of their 10th celebratory year. They’ll be appearing in masks and costumes for friendly chats with visitors about the origins of the Krampus and their own unique interpretation.  Based on the Alpine festive tradition, Whitby Krampus Run also include our own local and comparative folklore and history in their representation of this tradition. 
 
Join them to try on traditional carved wooden masks and learn how the group make props and headdresses out of household items and recycled material.

Christmas Shopping Weekend

Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December, 10am – 4pm

Join us for a spot of festive shopping in our lovely gift shop. They’ll be a free glass of mulled wine and wassail punch (non alcoholic and made from the Museum’s own apples) for every shopper – and 10% off if you spend more than £45.00*

So why not pop along and browse our gifts and treats, including:

  • Rarebird Distillery and Daisy Distillery gins
  • Books covering history, countryside and local interest
  • Lottie Shaw’s sweet treats including Yorkshire Parkin Cake and biscuit selection tins
  • Kids’ toys and books – lots of perfectly sized and priced stocking fillers
  • Angie Lewin advent calendars (while stocks last)
  • Yorkshire Lavender slumber gel, muscle rub, room spray and hand wash
  • Homeware gifts from vases to locally made artisan ceramics
  • Gardening gifts from watering cans, pot presses, twines and snippers

Please note that the Museum is not open during the weekend.

 

 

Hutton-To-Do

Available now

There’s a bit of a To Do around Hutton-le-Hole. We’ve created an exciting family-friendly game for you to play around the village. Pick up your free ‘Bingo’ cards from the Museum, then have fun exploring. Just as a member of our friendly museum team at reception for ‘Hutton-to-do’.

Can you hug a walnut tree, find a house with a date or say ‘Now then!’ to a shopkeeper?

Who will get the first row? Or all four corners?

Although you can take part around our site if you’d like to, there’s no requirement to visit the Museum as you can complete this free activity around the village too. (Please note, the Museum is closed on Fridays.)