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.
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
Autumn
Saturday 26 September – Sunday 1 November
The change of seasons from the end of summer and harvest and the beginning of winter was marked by the Celtic festival Samhain, which evolved into Hallowe’en.
Join us as we mark the start of autumn with seasonal displays around the museum and explore the folklore and traditions surrounding Hallowe’en
- discover ‘apotropaic’ or protective markings that were used to protect the home against evil
- learn about the importance of orchards and apples
- explore the traditions of trick or treat
A Haunting at the Museum
Saturday 17 October – Sunday 1 November
The Museum’s haunted! Are you brave enough to go ghost hunting?
Hallowe’en is the time of year when the veil between the world and dead is at its thinnest. Ghosts have appeared all around the museum in all shapes and sizes. Can you count them all?
A little Trick or Treat
Make a Willow Wand
Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 October
Pop into the Museum’s magical Manor House and make a willow wand, ready for casting your spells at halloween.
11.00am – 12.30pm and 1.00pm – 3.00pm (no booking required, just drop-in between the stated times).
Christmas Shopping
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Beauty and home products by Yorkshire Lavendar
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Handmade ceramics by Carr House Studio’s Alison Bradley
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Gin by Whitby Distillery and Beeble Honey Liquors
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Local interest and history books, including several by local author Sally Coulthard (many copies signed by Sally)
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Heather honey from the North York Moors
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Soft toy rabbits, owls, badgers and more
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Quirky stockfillers for kids including magic springs, marbles and wooden toys
* Admission entry to the Museum not included within the £30 spend
