York Army Museum

York Army Museum is a military museum in the heart of York, northern England, housed in a former drill hall on Tower Street. It tells the story of two regiments tied to Yorkshire and shows what soldiers' lives looked like across many eras.

What is York Army Museum?

The museum occupies the building known as the Tower Street drill hall, constructed in 1885 for the War Office. The hall still serves as the regimental headquarters of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment, with part of the building given over to the museum. A military museum has operated here since 1984, and it now carries the name York Army Museum.

What collections can you see?

The holdings come from two main sources: The Royal Dragoon Guards and The Yorkshire Regiment. The museum also inherited the collection of the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire and continues to build its displays on behalf of the Yorkshire Regiment.

Cases hold uniforms, regimental badges, silver, firearms, swords and sabres, trophies, paintings and photographs. Decorations take pride of place: the collection includes five Victoria Crosses, Britain's highest award for gallantry, plus upwards of 3,500 other medals. Alongside them sit soldiers' personal belongings, which let you see conflict through the eyes of ordinary people rather than commanders alone. A common thread runs through it all: the regiments' close connection to Yorkshire.

Why visit?

• It is a compact display that you can see in under an hour, easy to fit into an unhurried day in York.
• It presents British military history through local communities and specific regiments.
• The medal collection, including the Victoria Crosses, is among the highlights.
• The museum has wheelchair access and a gift shop.

Getting there and what is nearby

The museum stands at 3 Tower Street, directly opposite Clifford's Tower, the medieval keep on its mound and one of York's best-known landmarks. That makes it simple to combine a visit with other sights of the old city: the city walls, the castle area and the narrow streets around the Minster.

Frequently asked questions

Where is York Army Museum? On Tower Street in central York, right by Clifford's Tower.

Which regiments does it cover? The Royal Dragoon Guards and The Yorkshire Regiment, along with the heritage of the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire.

Can I see gallantry awards? Yes. The collection includes five Victoria Crosses and more than 3,500 other medals.

Is the building accessible? Yes, the museum offers wheelchair access.

Should I check opening hours first? Yes. Opening days and ticket prices change with the season, so confirm current details on the museum's official website or the Art Fund listing before you go.

In short

York Army Museum suits anyone interested in military history, medals and uniforms, and anyone who wants to see Yorkshire from a less obvious angle. Set in a Victorian drill hall in the middle of the city, it slots neatly into a full day of walking around York.